Europe is a romantic mélange of past and present. Every pocket and corner boasts its own distinct culture. You would think it would be a region that we are all at least peripherally familiar with, given our historical ‘ties’. However, much of European education remains an undiscovered domain for many of us. You may be familiar with some of the top institutions. These have an excellent quality.
The problem is that many Indians feel daunted by several uncertainties that surround the possibility of studying in Europe. More often than not, most of these uncertainties tend to be only partially true. Here are some common myths that you should be aware of :
You have to know multiple languages: A little knowledge about other languages will definitely prove beneficial. A lack of working knowledge of these, however, will not prove to be an impediment. English is widely spoken in many European countries and this is the language you need.
Getting Work Permits is difficult: This is not true for those who are educated and qualified. Usually, educated and qualified labor will find it as easy to obtain a work permit.
Cost of Living is pricey: This is true of the metropolises, but then, it is an important characteristic of any metro city in the world. However, in certain countries in Europe there are high taxes. It is a fact that day-to-day expenditure can be more expensive in these than in any other part of the world. You should be aware of these facts and make your decision accordingly.
Finding Employment is tough: The savvy, enterprising professional who is one step ahead will usually find what he’s looking for. Someone who waits for an opportunity to knock at the door might lose the race. This holds true for a person in any part of the world. Employment opportunities do tend to vary from sector to sector and you should make yourself aware of the facts.
The Bologna Accord
One of the traditional and substantive difficulties for international students in Europe was the lack of uniformity in its education. Undergraduate education and post-graduate education varied in duration depending on the country. As a result they varied in recognition as well. This proved to be a big problem for international students. The Bologna Accord was signed in 1999. It has set standards for uniformity across European education to mirror the Bachelors-Masters system. The Bologna Accord seeks to:
Create a system of comparable and understandable degrees throughout the European Union
Establish a clear and standard division between undergraduate and graduate studies
Promote student mobility among different fields of study, institutions, and nations
Develop a quality-assurance process and governing body to ensure standard qualifications and quality throughout participating countries
Define a European focus for higher education
So now don’t limit yourself. If you want to be educated in Europe go for it. You can ward off your worries and attend any course, undergraduate or post-graduate in any part of Europe . It is important to research on the destination that you are interested in before you make your decision.