Earlier this year, QS visited five cities to hold events for high school students, allowing them to meet representatives from top universities around the world.

In total, 22 different schools in Brussels, Paris, Lyon, Beirut and Geneva hosted mini fairs, at which universities delivered brief presentations about their institution and the programs available for study there. Universities in attendance included BI Norwegian, EDHEC, ESSEC, University of Warwick, EU Business School, IE University, Rennes School of Business, Sciences Po and ESCP Europe.

With so many study options available, these school visits provided a fantastic opportunity for students to learn more about institutions they may have not otherwise considered, and also get answers to any questions they may have had about studying abroad at undergraduate level. Parents were also able to attend and get useful information on the universities their sons and daughters were considering.

Below are some of our favorite photos from this year’s events, be sure to keep an eye out for more high school visits from QS in the future!

Sponsored by the University of Eastern Finland

Offering a warm welcome to more than 20,000 international students every year, Finland is fast-becoming a popular study destination for students all across the globe.

From its outstanding quality of life, attractive Nordic culture, and political freedom, to unspoiled natural beauty landscapes and a highly innovative higher education system, experiencing the unique and simple lifestyle that Finland offers is something which ought to definitely be at the top of your to-do list.

You’ll get to experience world-class education

Finland is a country renowned for innovation and it’s a trait which is central to its higher education system, along with the state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology found at most major institutions.

One university that’s leading the way in innovative teaching and research is the University of Eastern Finland which is ranked seventh highest in the country, and features in the top 500 in the QS World University Rankings® 2019. It also offers 25 English-taught international master’s programs, so no matter what you study, whether it’s a Master's Degree in Linguistic Data Sciences, a Master’s Degree in Biomedicine, or a Master's Degree in Environmental Policy and Law, at the University of Eastern Finland, you’ll always be a part of dynamic and personalized education environment. Applications for the international master’s programs at the University of Eastern Finland close on January 31^st 2019.

The unique Nordic lifestyle and culture

Image: Student studying at the University of Finland, Kuopio campus 

Live like a local and tickle your taste-buds with some classic, locally sourced Nordic cuisine. You’ll find fresh fish, vegetables and berries all play a dominant role in the best local dishes. If you’re a big fan of coffee, then you’re definitely in the right place; Finns love their coffee so much that the country is top of the table for the most coffee drank per person in the world!

Arts and festivals are also things which Finland knows to do well. In the summer, the city of Joensuu in eastern Finland is home to the Ilosaarirock Festival, while in the autumn the Rokumentti Rock Film Festival comes to town. Otherwise, the Kuopio Wine Festival or Kuopio Dance Festival, both also in eastern Finland, may be more to your liking.

Sport is a popular pastime in Finland, and it’s one of the “big seven” ice hockey nations. So, whether you’d like to take to the ice yourself or simply watch from the sidelines, it’s something that’s guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. Or, if that all sounds much too stressful, simply turn up the temperature and bask in one of Finland’s two million saunas instead. Yes, two million saunas.

It’s a real-life winter wonderland

Image: Student at the University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu campus 

It’s time to get off the beaten track and pack your hiking boots as you explore Finland’s most prized asset – its vast and unspoiled natural landscape. An exotic backdrop to the country’s towns and cities, you’ll be truly spoilt for choice as you discover Finland’s idyllic islands, 188,000 glittering lakes and 40 national parks.

You’ll have to get used to the extreme seasons though. Finland becomes the land of the Midnight Sun in the summer, so why not give night hiking a go in the forested hills of Lapland? For the other six months of the year, the country turns into a winter wonderland, which means you’ll be jumping on your snowmobile, hitting the slopes for some cross-country skiing and witnessing the magical spectacle of the Northern Lights.

It’s a financial haven for students

Even though living costs in the Nordic countries are known to be higher than elsewhere in Europe, Finland is committed to ensuring higher education fees are as little as possible, and in some cases, attending university is even free. This is because Finland doesn’t charge tuition fees for students coming from EU or EEA countries. However, since 2017, students from non-EU/EEA countries who study English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs have to pay tuition fees.

Many universities across the country offer scholarships to international students, including government incentives and university-specific awards – the University of Eastern Finland being one example. For students who are required to pay tuition fees, the University of Finland offers a number of scholarships to help lighten the financial load.

What’s more, is that all bachelor’s and master’s degree students, as well as exchange students are entitled to receive free preventative healthcare, medical care, mental health care and dental treatment as part of the Finnish Student Health Service. All you need to do is make sure you’ve paid the Student Union membership fee.

Finland’s been voted the happiest country in the world

Image: Students at the University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu campus

It should come as no surprise that Finland is officially the happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report 2018. In fact, Finland scores highly almost all across the board. The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017 voted it the safest country in the world and fifth most environmentally sustainable country, while it topped the tables for having the cleanest air in the world according to the World Health Organization. And for those looking to start their own business, Finland is also ranked the third best country in Europe to do just that. 

If you’re jetting off to Australia, Byron Bay in New South Wales is one place that should be on the top of your list. Everyone who visits this beach town will tell you how lively yet chilled the town’s vibe is and how amazing the locals are. It’s the best place to embrace being a beach bum for a few days, with your only worry being which beach you want to visit that day or how good the surf break is. I promise that once you visit Byron, it will be one of your favorite (or if you’re like me, your ABSOLUTE favorite) spots in Australia.

1. The amazing feel-good vibes

As soon as you step foot into Byron Bay you will instantly feel the good vibes that the town has to offer. Everyone seems generally chilled out, no one is in a hurry, and everyone is walking down the street in beach attire. It’s the definition of a chilled out beach town, and I guarantee you will never want to leave.

2. The picturesque beaches

Byron is home to some of the most amazing beaches in all of Australia, with so many different spots to discover. The best thing to do in Byron is to do the coastal walk and stop at all of the beaches along the way—I promise you won’t be able to find a bad one.

3. The stunning coastal walks

Speaking of the coastal walk… Byron has the most beautiful coastal views I have ever laid eyes on. Even if you don’t stop for a swim at one of the many beaches, just taking in the views is enough. You can also walk all the way to the lighthouse, the most easterly point in Australia where you can catch both the sunrise and sunset.

4. The trendy food spots

The cuisine options in Byron are out of this world. The town is all about using local produce and ingredients to create the freshest, yummiest dishes. And not to mention, every restaurant is beautiful with trendy décor for the best photo ops. If you’re into acai bowls and vegan dishes, Byron will be paradise for you.

5. The world-renowned surf spots

Pro-surfers travel from all over the world to experience the amazing surf that Byron has to offer. If you’re itching to learn, this is the perfect place to do it.

6. The live music atmosphere

You will pretty much always find a musician busking in the streets or along the beach in Byron, adding to the magic of this sleepy town. The musicians you come across are some of the most amazing local artists I have ever heard—you’d think they have a record deal. You can also find live music at the local bars pretty much every night of the week as well as annual festivals.

7. The dolphin spotting

It’s not hard to spot dolphins whilst exploring the waters of Byron, especially if you’re an early bird, as these creatures commonly visit early morning surfers. A popular activity in the area is to do a kayaking excursion where dolphins will swim right up to the side of the kayak.

8. The vibrant underwater life

So this town has amazing beaches, live music, epic surfing, and the chilliest vibes in the world…SURELY there can’t be more? Well, there is. Byron is a great place to grab a snorkel and explore the depths of the underwater world, with Julian Rocks Reserve being a great spot only a short boat ride away.

9. The many ways to relax

Yoga on the beach? Yes please! Byron is one of the best places to grab a mat and get into some downward dog. There are a ton of yoga, Pilates, and fitness spots to visit. There are also a ton of spas and salons where you can relax on a rainy day.

10. The dreamy clothing shops

When planning a trip to Byron, you should definitely leave some room in the budget for a spot of shopping. The town’s local clothes shops are simply amazing, with so many dreamy summer clothing, vintage shops, hippie clothing shops, and bathing suits galore.

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If you’ve recently graduated, and are looking to take your first steps into the world of work, you’re probably looking for advice on how to get started. The same is true if you’re already working, but you want to make a change to get somewhere closer to your dream job.

And while there is a whole wealth of advice out there on the internet about the job search process, it all tends to be in blog format. You’re getting great advice, but it’s been trimmed down to a few thousand words at best, usually far less.

So, to really dig deep into the ideas behind advancing your career, the best place to look is on the shelves of your local book store. Here’s our recommendation for some of the best books for job seekers in the market today.

What Color is your Parachute? 2019 by Richard Bolles

When you find a title that has sold over 10 million copies and is updated on an annual basis, then you know that you’ve selected a winner. In this book, Bolles will give you sound and up to the minute advice on how to land your dream job, including using social media.

Described as ‘the bible of career advice’, the original version of this book was one of the first titles to deal with recruitment advice. By keeping it updated, Bolles has ensured it remains relevant. Working through it, including the infamous flower exercise, will help clarify the job-hunting process.

Resume Magic by Susan Britton Whitcomb

Even in this digital age, your CV or resume remains a vital component of any job hunt. This book, written by a professional resume writer, is packed full of hints and tips about how to turn your CV from a dry list of facts into an interesting and engaging document.

At almost 600 pages, this is a hefty volume but if you’re serious about whipping your CV into its most eye-catching shape, it’s worth the read. You’ll even see some before and after examples, to show the techniques in action. One reviewer on Amazon claims the techniques helped triple her husband’s salary!

The Ultimate Guide to Job Interview Answers by Peggy McKee

This is actually a set of four books which will thoroughly prepare you for even the toughest interview. Starting with two volumes of interview questions, this book explains what the interviewer is looking for in your answer, and then gives example answers. Alongside this are hints and tips on interview techniques.

Volume three turns the tables and gives you advice on which questions you should ask your interviewer. The final section is the telephone interview, something that is becoming increasingly common and translates well to voice chat or video interviews.

Never Eat Alone: and Other Secrets to Success by Keith Ferrazzi

Interpersonal relationships are vital to a vibrant career, whether it’s knowing how to socialize with your peers, or your superiors, or negotiating deals with clients. In this book, Ferrazzi explains strategies gleaned from influencers such as Bill Clinton and the Dalai Lama, so you can use them for yourself.

Particularly useful for any career where it’s necessary to build a network, or to gain influence, the advice given is down to earth and easy to follow. And if you’re an introvert who hates making social connections? This title will help you make the process far less painful, when it’s necessary to reach out.

The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self Assurance – What Women Should Know by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman

The authors of Womenonics move on to the subject of confidence. In this book they explain why it’s such a valuable commodity, and what you can do to get more of it. The writers have a theory; the only edge that allows men to dominate the corporate work is their confidence.

The authors have read up on genetics, gender, behavior and cognition before putting together their call to action. Confidence isn’t coded into your DNA, you can learn it and the authors will show you how.

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen

Lifehack hailed this as ‘the Bible of business and personal productivity.’ That’s high praise indeed from a site that focuses on improving your effectiveness in all areas of your life. There’s no doubt that productivity is vital in this competitive working market.

Originally published over 15 years ago, Allen has completely rewritten this title to bring it bang up to date. If you lack personal organization skills, or feel overwhelmed in your personal or business life, then this book will show you how to get things under control.

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There are so many great titles out there for job seekers and picking just this list was a tough job. Whether it’s old favorites like ‘Getting to Yes’ or new concepts such as ‘Remote: Office Not Required’ there’s plenty to help you get that dream job. Just don’t forget to put the books down occasionally, and put your new skills into action!

Sarah Dixon wrote this article from Inspiring Interns & Graduates.

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Sponsored by Curtin University

In the US, high-performing organizations successfully complete 89 percent of their projects, while low performers complete only 36 percent, according to the US Project Management Institute. Clearly, successful organisations understand the huge value a project manager adds.

In a fast and competitive world, industries of all kinds are heavily focusing on efficiency, accountability and quality. Whether it’s construction, IT, oil and gas, law, healthcare or management, the world’s sustainable growth relies, more and more, on successful development.

So, whatever the project, wherever in the world, an emphasis on keeping things on track and performing efficiently and on budget is paramount. For that, a well-qualified, smart and versatile project manager is worth their weight in gold.

Who was fired and why?

If one thing is learned from reality television shows, such as, ‘The Apprentice’, it’s that a great project manager equals a successful project outcome.

Sadly, project management is often seen as an unnecessary overhead, or simply a paperwork headache that gets in the way of progress. Sadder still, it’s one of those things that looks easy – until you try it.

The thing about good project management though, is that it’s only apparent when it’s missing, because project managers are the people who brilliantly organize the enormous chaos of a project into seamless, smooth and streamlined order.

What’s your superpower?

Both the Australian and global demand for project management qualifications and skills is growing rapidly across all industries. Pursuing specific postgraduate studies, such as Curtin University’s courses, puts you firmly in command as you master a wide range of practical organizational, leadership, analysis and time management skills among many others.

Here are just some of the superpowers you’ll need to take into the world to be a successful project manager:

• Saving time. Meeting deadlines and achieving objectives, often for several stakeholders, delivering a domino effect of positive outcomes.
• Saving money. Maximizing available resources and working within budgets gives projects a distinct advantage. For every $1 billion invested in the US, $122 million is wasted due to lack of project performance (PMI).
• Managing risk. Understanding a raft of risks on a project and planning for them is key to minimizing everything, from failure to accidents and injuries.
• Managing quality. Every smart organization pursues excellence. Great project managers have the ability to understand that it’s reliability which drives real improvement, leading to greater success.
• Managing change. Preventing negative organizational stress matters. Projects involve people, so Curtin’s courses cover not only organizational structure, but also elements of project management such as dealing with human perceptions, understanding personality traits, motivation and leadership abilities, utilising group processes and conducting performance appraisals.
• Managing integration. Projects don’t happen in a vacuum, so a great project manager has the power to successfully pull many competing and often disparate processes and systems together to achieve common goals and success.
• Amassing and using knowledge. Projects are exceptionally varied, so having to manage them calls for the unique ability to take in vast amounts of knowledge that can be innovatively applied to drive improvement in all business areas.

Want to find out more?

The good news about project management superpowers is that an internationally regarded postgraduate qualification from Curtin University places them all within your reach. Learn more about Project Management at Curtin University, and discover how you can gain globally portable skills and practical knowledge to help you master project management, and forge a successful career across many industries.

Master of Project Management

This two-year course is ideal for applicants looking to start a new career in project management, as well as those who have recently graduated and not yet gained experience in the field.

Master of Science (Project Management)

Applicants with significant professional experience in project management should consider the one-and-a-half-year Master of Science (Project Management) which only includes the more advanced units, shortening the course duration.

The days are getting colder, winter festivities are fast approaching, everybody is buying Christmas presents and preparing for this most wonderful time of the year. However, the long-winded hours spent cooped up indoors studying and working on assignments can, unfortunately, make it all far too easy to forget to enjoy the Christmas spirit to the fullest – bah humbug.

Nonetheless, wherever you are in Europe, know that there is plenty to see and do around this gloriously festive time of year.

Read on to discover how you could be spending Christmas in this year’s top five student cities in Europe, as ranked in the QS Best Student Cities 2018.

5. Zurich

Ranked eighth in the QS Best Student Cities ranking, Zurich in Switzerland is undoubtedly one of the most enigmatically beautiful cities in the world. Of course, since it’s a Swiss city, it goes without saying that Christmas spent here would be an absolute joy, with freezing winter temperatures dropping way under zero Celsius, and possibly the most festive snowy weather you’ve ever dreamt of.

Of course, taking long strolls in the snow around the city center and admiring the very attractive medieval buildings will probably be a more-than-satisfying way to spend Christmas day. But if you’re looking to do something that’s a little more traditional to Swiss culture (and if you’re looking to spend some cash), there are plenty of Christmas markets you’ll be sure to enjoy, while you should also visit a cozy fondue restaurant for some divine, traditional Swiss cheese fondue.

The city also hosts several exhilarating concerts, circus performances and magical Christmas events, such as the Lichterschwimmen candle-floating event, and the Illuminarium, which sees the inner court of the already-spectacular National Museum transform into a winter wonderland bursting with colorful lights and enchanting illusions of mythical creatures, as well as music, delicious food stands, restaurants, and a cocktail bar.

4. Berlin

The German capital of Berlin is the seventh best student city this year, and as Germany’s largest city, it boasts some of Europe’s most striking tourist attractions, as well as things to see and do.

Around Christmas time in particular, the city offers a fantastic plethora of festive activities, including both indoor and outdoor Christmas markets (such as the colorful Spandau’s Christmas market in the Old Town of Spandau), a winter art exhibition run by the Alte Münze, and beautiful Botanical Gardens, where you can enjoy a magical night-time stroll, admire fancy Christmas lights and decorations, and have some winter fun at the ice-skating rink.

Plenty of other things to see and enjoy here around Christmas time include the Unter den Linden (where you can take a romantic walk underneath the Christmas-lit trees), and the Alexanderplatz funfair for thrilling rides, lots of guilty-pleasure funfair foods, and – if you’re anything like me – a spooky haunted house. Nice.        

3. Munich

The German capital of Munich is the most populous city of the second most populous German federal state of Bavaria, and is home to centuries-old buildings and several museums.

With its traditional Christmas markets alone, Munich is undeniably one of the best places to spend Christmas, with the largest and oldest Christmas market located in the city’s Marienplatz. Nearby, you’ll also find the Christmas Village, situated in the courtyard of the Munich Residenz, where you’ll taste some of the most delicious culinary delights while watching a singing moose – yes, a singing moose.

If you’re a bit of a time-traveler, you’ll be very excited to discover the Middle Ages Christmas Market in Wittelsbacherplatz, where you’ll feel like a 13^th century peasant walking around a medieval town market on Christmas, literally. For a more romantic Christmas market, be sure to explore the Chinese Tower Christmas Market in the English Garden, or maybe the Schwabing Christmas Market for unique handicrafts.

Also, don’t forget to head over to the Tollwood Winter Festival for its glittering Christmas market, a vast range of food from around the globe, more handicrafts, concerts and performances – I mean, what more could anyone ask Santa for on Christmas?

2. Paris

Aaah, Paris – the romantic City of Lights, or, as the French like to say, las Villes des Lumières. This name is especially true around Christmas time, when every corner is glowing with alluring Christmas lights.

Paris previously enjoyed the privilege of being the world’s top student city for four consecutive years in the QS Best Student Cities ranking – and for very good reason. Now ranked fifth, the city is renowned for its student-friendly reputation and multicultural atmosphere.

From spectacular dinners consisting of the finest French cuisine at the Eiffel Tower, to romantic cruises along the Seine River, and a spectacular day trip to the Loire Valley to explore magnificent Renaissance castles – the list of things to do here is pretty endless, and you can expect to be a little lost for choice if you decide to visit around Christmastime.  

Paris’s main Christmas market is normally found on Champs-Élysées, the same street as Arc de Triomphe, but this year it’s moved to the Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Gardens), a few minutes’ walk from the Louvre. There are 100 chalets offering mostly French-produced food, wine and gifts, plus fairground rides and an ice rink.  

1. London

London is currently ranked as the top best student city this year and is a well-loved travel destination for tourists around the globe, famed for its many historical intrigues and sites. As the UK capital, there is no shortness of things to see and do, and if you happen to be a student here – Christmas can’t get any merrier.

Aside from the dazzling Christmas lights along Oxford Street, you can expect to fill up your Christmas to-do list with a wide range of fantastically festive activities and events to attend.

As is the case in most European countries, traditional Christmas markets are scattered pretty much everywhere during this time of year. There are also several magical ice-skating rinks you can enjoy, plus an array of festive theatrical performances and pantomimes, museums and attractions, utopian Christmas winter rooftop pop-ups, Christmas carol concerts, pop-up cinemas, zoos, an endless selection of food and drink, and more!

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