Sponsored by Università degli Studi di Roma "Tor Vergata"

Dual degrees – also known as double degrees or combined degrees – allow you to gain a more comprehensive knowledge of a specific subject as you’re able to study in two different countries. And given that having more of something is nearly always a good thing, you’re probably thinking: “That sounds great!”

Yes, it does, but hold on. Although a dual degree is a worthwhile endeavor and can be very beneficial, it does demand a little more commitment and self-discipline, while requiring excellent time management skills as you adapt to alternative teaching styles and overcome language barriers.

Dual degrees can be a real advantage to those who want to pursue a degree where international experience is key, such as business, political science, economics, finance or sciences. This is something which students who study a dual degree at University of Rome Tor Vergata do, as they split their academic studies between a partner university in Europe, the US or China.

Read on to find out what else you’ll gain and experience if you choose to study a dual degree.

Strengthen your employability prospects

You’ll get a head-start and a competitive edge over others as a dual degree offers an added value to your CV. A dual degree helps develop your interdisciplinary field of knowledge, as well as improves your well-rounded skillset which can be applied to an abundance of various industries and sectors.

Taking into consideration a job market that’s constantly evolving and increasingly tough, especially for graduates, a dual degree can help you stand out among the crowd.

Your networking abilities and connections will flourish

Studying at two universities in two countries means your connections will double, and your networking skills will flourish. Meeting new course colleagues, professors and lecturers from around the world is not only an advantage during your studies, but it can also be a huge benefit to you after you graduate.

You’ll gain a valuable and highly transferable skillset

Although studying a dual degree does demand more time and focus depending on what you choose to study, it certainly doesn’t double the workload despite some common misconceptions. It does reinforce a strong work ethos though, with the ability to adapt quickly and handle demanding tasks.

For example, one day you could be sitting a finance exam, and the next you’ll be writing a 5,000-word assignment on Pavlov. For some, this may be refreshing, whereas others will need to quickly learn how to switch up learning styles in order to keep up with the workload.

Demonstrates your commitment and international outlook

You’ll be an attractive hire for potential employers with a dual degree, and not just because of your extensive interdisciplinary academic experience. It will also showcase your ability to immerse yourself in a new culture, commitment to your studies, as well as the ability to adapt to alternative teaching styles.

You can learn a new language

… which only adds to your already stand-out CV! Many dual degrees around the world are taught in English – University of Rome Tor Vergata included. However, living in Italy also means you’ll get to grips with the local language, and you may even get the chance to learn an additional language while studying at one of the university’s many partner institutions, such as Swedish, German, French or Chinese Mandarin.

Just a two hour drive north of Cairns, Australia lies the oldest tropical rainforest in the world, the Daintree Rainforest. This World Heritage-listed spot is known for its ancient ferns, lush surroundings, and popping colors. It’s so beautiful that it actually inspired the setting for the movie Avatar…enough said.

There’s so much to discover as you trek through the jungle, zipline through the trees, sit and relax on the coastline, and cruise down the Daintree River. Here are some spots you won’t want to miss…

Visit the Discovery Centre

Before you head out to explore all that this region has to offer, stop by the Daintree Discovery Centre to learn all about the history of the forest and a guide to the number of walking trails in order to make the most of your experience here. 

Take a dip in Mossman Gorge

The Mossman Gorge is a magical place with clear waters that allow for freshwater swimming pools (without worrying about crocs lurking underneath). Go for a dip followed by a stroll along the boardwalk to take in the stunning views of the gorge.

Head to the coast at Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation is probably one of the more popular spots in the Daintree Rainforest, and its easy to see why. It’s the only spot where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef, where you will be met with gorgeous scenery and stunning beaches. You will feel like you’re stepping right into the movie Madagascar.

Zip-line through the forest

One of the best ways to experience the Daintree Rainforest is through zip-tour, where you’ll glide through the variety of flora and fauna via different levels of canopies. You’ll feel like an eagle flying through the air with a bird’s eye view of the rainforest, all the way to the coast of the Great Barrier Reef.

Get to know the locals at Daintree Village

Daintree Village is a great place to pick up some local art including handmade pottery, textiles, and tropical clothing (who doesn’t love a good tropical shirt). You can even take an art lesson and take your work home as a souvenir!

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Sponsored by the City of Buenos Aires

A thriving hub for internship opportunities, from film and photography, to sports management to law, Buenos Aires is one of the most popular destinations in Latin America for young people to study and work.

Although most internships are generally unpaid, their worth isn’t any less than a regular, everyday paid job. In fact, an internship can give you some of the best opportunities to gain that all important, first-hand experience needed to get your foot in the job door.

An internship allows you to develop your unique skill set, network and create professional relationships and make your CV stand out amongst the crowd. Interning abroad also offers a little extra pizzazz; you can learn a new language, immerse yourself in a new culture, and see the world all at the same time.

Most internships usually last at least four weeks, with a minimum age requirement depending on the internship. It’s also important to note that, although Spanish is the most dominant language in Buenos Aires, there are English-speaking internship opportunities available, leaving you to spruce up your Spanish speaking skills at your own pace.

If you’re liking the sound of boosting your career prospects whilst seeing the world, read on to find out about some of the best internships in Buenos Aires right now.

EBAI (Experiencia Buenos Aires Internacional)

This professional internship offered by the Government of the City of Buenos Aires is the ideal opportunity for those with a proactive nature and an aptitude for public policy with strong leadership skills. Although it’s unpaid, for two months, you’ll work within the Buenos Aires’ City Government and have the chance to see and understand its dynamics and how it works.

As part of the EBAI internship, you’ll also have an assigned tutor who will help you along the way and make your internship experience in Buenos Aires the best it can be. To find out more about the EBAI internship, visit the Study Buenos Aires website.

Film and Photography Internship

Turn your film and photography hobby into a career, and gain professional experience by joining a dynamic film and photography internship with Connect-123 in Buenos Aires, the cinema capital of Latin America.

Connect-123 have great connections with several local production companies and documentary filmmakers. You’ll get hands-on experience in assisting film production, getting involved with marketing and public relations for local or private companies, as well as taking part in a number of other tasks, including:

• Editing,
• Camera and film shooting assistance,
• Creating and editing trailers,
• Working on documentaries.

You can find out more information about Connect-123’s Film and Photography internship here.

Business Internship

Get your foot in the business door and immerse yourself in the Argentine way of life and business with the Global Nomadic Business Internship.

Working for an upmarket shopping website which specializes in fashion, accessories and home retail goods, you’ll expand your business talent and expertise as you assist various departments dealing with business development. This internship is the ideal opportunity for those studying business development, finance or engineering who want to gain practical experience in internet retailing.

You can find out more information about the Global Nomadic Business Internship here, including fees, what’s included, and extra support you can receive from the very beginning of your application, all the way to your journey back home again.

Education and Teaching Internship

Undertaking an education and teaching internship in Buenos Aires can be both an enriching and fun experience.

Connect-123 have strong relations with local schools and non-profit organizations, meaning their Education and Teaching Internship has a variety of opportunities that can be tailored to your own interests and background experience, such as:

• Teaching English,
• Providing after-school classes to children living in under-privileged neighborhoods,
• Teaching a subject that you’ve specialized in to high school students,
• Teaching adult literacy skills,
• Improving education policies.

For more information about the Education and Teaching Internship in Buenos Aires by Connect-123, click here.

Medical and Health Care Internship

Connect-123’s Medical and Health Care Internship offers a wide variety of clinical opportunities, and is customized with you and your career goals in mind.

As a medical and health care intern, you could be placed in a hospital, public health facility or clinic, and may find yourself getting involved with tasks, such as:

• Investigating x-rays, patient symptoms and biological processes,
• Collaborating in public health campaigns,
• Assisting and interacting with patients,
• Supporting medical staff, including liaising with doctors and nurses,

Interns have also found themselves observing surgeries, helping patients with physical and occupational therapy, as well as conducting clinical and public health research.

Undertaking a medical and health care internship can be the vital stepping stone to your future career in the medical field. You can find out more information about Connect-123’s Medical and Health Care internship by visiting their website.

NGO Management Internship

Have a passion for helping others? Like the idea of working as part of a team to get a job done? Enjoy fundraising for a worthy cause? If so, you can get involved in every aspect of running an NGO with Global Nomadic’s Global Management Internship, based in Palermo, Buenos Aires.

In this robust and dynamic internship, you’ll have the chance to undertake a variety of roles and responsibilities including:

• Helping with the development of projects in different areas of NGO,
• Assisting with events and workshops,
• Helping organize awareness, policy advocacy and education campaigns,
• Help with fundraising, social media outreach, digital marketing and recruiting volunteers.

You’ll also have a weekly or monthly plan to monitor and evaluate your progress, with mentoring and coaching sessions in liaison with your organization.

Work in Buenos Aires

To find out more about living in the City of Buenos Aires, and how you can get discounts on airport transfers, a free SIM card and a free travel card, as well as special rates for your first few nights’ accommodation in the city, click here!

If you’re studying – or plan to study – a degree in English Language and Literature, you’re presumably a very keen bookworm and anything from Shakespeare to fascinating modern-day novels are likely to take your fancy.

If you grew up watching Disney movies or you’ve had cozy bedtime stories read to you, then you’re probably allowed to discover the dark and disturbing truths behind all of your favorite childhood folktales – not that I’m here to ruin your childhood or anything.

And before we delve straight into them, be sure to check out the latest ranking for English Language and Literature, and keep your eyes peeled for the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019.

1. Snow White & the Seven Dwarves

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In Walt Disney’s 1937 animated version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, I think it would be safe to say that the wicked witch pretty much occupied all our nightmares growing up – actually, the storyline wasn’t far from the original 17^th and 19^th century versions by Giambattista Basile and the Brothers Grimm.   

What many of us probably don’t know is that in earlier adaptations of the story, the wicked Queen is in fact Snow White’s biological mother – making the woman’s actions that much creepier. Luckily, the animated Disney film, like in most other versions of the story, portrays her as a stepmother – though it doesn’t censor the horrific attempted murder at the beginning, when the wicked Queen orders her huntsman to take Snow White into the woods, kill her, and bring back her heart as proof of his deed.

In the original story by the Brothers Grimm, the Queen summons the huntsman to the woods, not to kill Snow White and bring back her heart in a pretty little box; but to bring back her lungs and liver so that she may cook them with salt and devour them…nice. But there’s more: when the Queen attends Snow White’s wedding in the end, the young bride decides to get her own back by heating a pair of iron shoes and giving them to the Queen to dance in. Of course, her feet were horribly burned, and she essentially ended up dancing herself to death – now that’s unsettling.

2. Cinderella

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This was my all-time favorite fairy tale when I was a child, and probably still is. All classic versions of the story pretty much revolve around the beautiful and kind-hearted Cinderella, her evil stepmother, her ugly stepsisters, a fairy godmother, a handsome prince, and a few mice and a pumpkin. When Cinderella is met with her stepsisters’ ill-treatments, she runs off into the garden to sob, after which a fairy appears and works all sorts of her magic to transform Cinderella’s misery into a fanciful dream-come-true.

Whether we’re discussing the very first ‘Cinderella story’ in ancient China, or the 17^th century (very watered-down) adaptation by French storyteller Charles Perrault, the main point of focus in this widely-loved fable has undoubtedly always been one: That shiny slipper, which ultimately becomes Cinderella’s ticket to her happily-ever-after.

In Giambattista Basile’s edition, Cinderella is a cold-blooded killer who snaps her stepmother’s neck with the lid of a dressing trunk, at the orders of her scheming governess. The governess then gets to marry Cinderella’s father, and banishes his daughter to the kitchen. All the main elements to the story (i.e. the grand ball and a handsome prince) are left intact, except that the lost slipper is patent and fur, not glass.

In the Grimm Brothers’ 19^th century version, Cinderella’s jealous stepsisters mutilate their own feet to fit the slipper, and their eyes are pecked out by birds. Lovely.

3. Sleeping Beauty

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Like most other fairy tales, Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty is a tale of good versus evil, love and fate. Its music is inspired by Russian classical composer, Tchaikovsky, and is as lovely and as innocent as can be.

However, you can bet that the original 17^th century adaptation of the story is anything but innocent – and of course, it was created by none other than the man himself: Giambattista Basile.

The story, then titled Sun, Moon, Talia, begins the way we know it today: Princess Talia is condemned upon birth to have her finger pricked by a splinter, which will send her into an eternal slumber. Her devastated father lays his beloved daughter to rest in a velvet chair, and vows to leave the castle and never return. The story goes pear-shaped from then…

No, the princess isn’t awoken by true love’s first kiss; instead, a king from a nearby kingdom happens to stumble upon the abandoned castle, where he lay eyes on the sleeping beauty for the first time and is so seduced by her good-looks, he rapes and impregnates her. While still asleep, the princess gives birth to twins, Sun and Moon – one of which, searching for breast milk, sucks the splinter out of his mother’s finger and breaks the evil spell. Of course, the king returns to see Talia, and is subsequently thrilled at what he had accomplished.

You know, it’s a really good thing most people haven’t heard of these original fairy tale adaptations…

4. Peter Pan

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We all know Peter Pan as the mischievous boy who never wants to grow up – but how far was the boy willing to go to preserve youthfulness?

In a novel titled The Little White Bird, written for adults by J.M. Barrie in 1902, Peter Pan appeared as an infant. Readers fell in love with the character, which prompted Barrie to write a separate play in 1904, titled Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up.  It featured much of today’s well-known characters, including Captain Hook and Tinkerbell, and was later adapted into the book as we know and love today.

However, there’s a very dark side to Pan that we haven’t seen (until now, of course). The Peter Pan adaptation we grew up adoring luckily failed to mention the scope of the boy’s obsession with not wanting to grow up. In Neverland, growing up is literally against the rules, and when Peter Pan discovers that the Lost Boys had begun to show signs of growth – he unremorsefully kills them.  At some point later in the story, Pan is left to drown, and Hook is scoffed by a crocodile.   

And that, my friends, is the real story of Peter Pan. It’s believed that Barrie’s own childhood trauma of losing his brother was reflected in his writing, and in one of Peter Pan’s most famous quotes in the novel: To die, would be an awfully big adventure.  

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