London has such international stardom that it is quite often used interchangeably to refer to England. Over 30 million people visit London every year, hoping to soak up some quintessentially British culture, and often by-pass many of the country’s fantastic cities. If you’re looking for a piece of the action but are someone who enjoys getting away from the crowds, have a read of these underrated cities filled with culture which rival London for beautiful sights.

Chester

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Rich in Roman history and surrounded by picturesque countryside, there is no better place to learn about England’s rich heritage than in Chester. Unfortunately, as it’s located just south of lively Liverpool, this fascinating city seldom registers on a traveller’s itinerary. The city itself is over 2,000 years old, home to a Roman amphitheatre, a historic old quarter and the grand Chester Cathedral. Even if you’re not particularly interested in history, it makes for a beautiful spot to enjoy a cream tea at one of the boutique bakeries that line the River Dee.  

Hereford

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An 11th-century cathedral stands proudly at the centre of Hereford, the main reason why this former agricultural town was upgraded to city status in the new millennium. Along with the spectacular cathedral on the banks of the River Wye, Hereford has an abundance of pre-industrialisation traditional black and white houses and unique Norman churches. Setting Hereford apart is its reputation for brewing world-class cider and beer and rearing top-notch cattle. No visit to Hereford would be complete without a visit to the famous Scrumpy Jack Cider Mill and a sample of the city’s best beef!

Sheffield 

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Although one of the better-known cities on this list, Sheffield is often considered more of a university city rather than a tourist destination. Sitting on the cusp of the Peak District National Park, Sheffield found its place on the map during the industrial revolution when it became a big player in the steelworks industry.

Nowadays, much of this industrial architecture remains and has been carefully woven into everyday living: old factories have been made into stunning apartment blocks and co-working spaces and chic cafes sit in old industrial units. Once you’ve grabbed a perfectly brewed flat white, head over to the Winter Garden, Anglican Cathedral or one of the city’s many museums.

Wells

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Often overlooked as a holiday destination due to its popular neighbours, The Cotswolds and Glastonbury, Wells is a southeastern gem not to be missed. Wells is the smallest city in England, meaning that everything can be seen in an afternoon. After exploring the stunning cathedral that dominates the skyline, visitors will have plenty of time to discover the quaint side streets and cobbled lanes that are characteristic of this Somerset city. Make sure to pop to Vicars’ Close which is one of the few remaining streets in the UK to have original cobbled streets from medieval times.

Stirling

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The Scottish city of Stirling is teeming with history just waiting to be uncovered. Conveniently located equidistant from Glasgow and Edinburgh, this small city can easily be explored as a day trip from either of the two. Stirling is best known as the place where the Wars of Independence occurred and, as a result, the town was one of the major strongholds of the Kingdom of Scotland. Spend the afternoon exploring the picturesque Stirling castle atop the appropriately named Castle Hill which offers beautiful vistas over the Scottish countryside, before ending your day with a stunning sunset over Loch Rusky.

Nottingham

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Too often dubbed as another industrial city in the west Midlands, Nottingham boasts heaps of old English charm. Not only is the city known for its connections to the legend of Robin Hood, but it’s home to age-old castles, proper-ale pubs and traditional markets. One of Nottingham’s most unique attractions is the City of Caves, an underground network of over 500 sandstone caves. Consider joining a tour around the caves to learn more about how they have been a place of refuge for the people of Nottingham since the dark ages. You can end your trip with a few pints in one of England’s oldest pubs, the Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, built into a cliff face.

Sponsored by Imperial College Business School

Thanks to our increasingly interconnected society, the need for outstanding international management and business skills has never been so important.

The next generation of international managers will need to better their understanding of global markets and business climates, while taking into consideration the importance of ethical and cultural issues that are embedded in the practices of international management and business.

But how can a master’s in international management help you do that and more? We spoke with Austin Allaire, an MSc International Management student, and Jolande Bot-Vos, Academic Director of the program at Imperial College Business School to find out.

Exciting employability opportunities at your fingertips

A master’s in international management can prepare you for a career at home and abroad across all sectors, including business, international agencies, and government. Typical career paths include consultancy, international accounting and finance, as well as marketing.

In some instances, the opportunity to breakaway and begin your own entrepreneurial venture is also a viable possibility.

As part of the MSc in International Management at Imperial, students are offered one-to-one support from the Careers services “that supports them in defining their own career goals and equips them with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the future,” says Bot-Vos.

If you study in London, you’ll study in a city that’s renowned as a global powerhouse

Studying in a city that’s recognized worldwide as being home to one of the most iconic business hubs means you won’t have to look far to see the benefits of an international outlook.

Having also been recognized as the best student city in the world in the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2019, many highly reputable institutions have campuses located in the heart of London, with Imperial College Business School being one of them.

Those who study here will have the advantage of studying in a city where you’ll deepen your understanding of diverse cultures as you meet new people and take on unrivalled work and academic opportunities.

Gain international consulting experience before you even graduate

In today’s competitive work climate, your degree qualification needs to demonstrate more than just your understanding of a particular subject. An increasing number of employers and businesses are seeking graduates who have industry experience as well as industry knowledge, so it’s important to know whether your degree will help you achieve that.

The year-long ‘Leadership in Action’ module is an integral part of the MSc in International Management at Imperial, where students are “coached and mentored throughout the project by faculty, in order to learn international management skills in a fully immersive and practical way,” explains Professor Bot-Vos.

You’ll develop a product or service and take it to Brazil or India to see how business can be affected both socioeconomically and culturally. It’s also where you’ll develop your leadership potential as you learn to work effectively as an individual and within a team.

Broaden your international outlook and develop your global credentials

Studying international management can help you become more engaged in global business and management practices around the world.

From his experience on the MSc International Management program so far, Austin has been impressed by Imperial’s emphasis on ensuring students engage with global experiences inside and outside the classroom, saying: “The program offers incredible opportunities to build an international network, including an international consulting project in the Leadership in Action module to either Brazil or India and a business immersion trip to continental Europe.”

To get a genuine understanding of international management practice, the MSc in International Management at Imperial offers international elective opportunities, as well as international study trips such as exchanges.

The optional Global Immersion Week electives, for example, “provides students with the opportunity to experience first-hand the social and cultural dynamics of working in another country.

“The week-long trip will consist of visits to local companies operating across a range of industry sectors, as well as social and cultural activities,” explains Bot-Vos.

Build up your portfolio of business skills and industry knowledge

Management is essentially focused on the organization and control of people, resources, materials and strategies within a business, but it’s also important to recognize the need of understanding key business disciplines within an international context.

“Today’s business environment is truly global and a great workplace for people with a thorough understanding of international business dynamics and strong intercultural and interpersonal skills,” says Bot-Vos.

Appreciating the need for individual learning and career needs, the MSc in International Management has limited core modules so students can tailor the degree to suit them and choose from a wide range of electives, instead.

Discover your area of expertise

Although international management touches upon key areas of business such as marketing, finance, economics and entrepreneurship, there is also an increasing need for those who work in international management to possess a robust knowledge of technology, innovation and analytics.

The MSc in International Management at Imperial College Business School has a “greater emphasis on technology and analytics, with digital innovation embedded throughout the program including core modules in Decision Analytics and Innovation and Technology Strategy,” explains Bot-Vos.

“Innovation and Design Thinking gives students the tools and techniques to innovate and take an initial idea and transform it into something that can be developed into a marketable product or service,” she adds.

Regardless of industry and sector, having a robust understanding of technologies and the impact it can have on the world is essential.

“I’m excited to gain a deeper understanding of how to implement strategy, analytics, and innovation in a global context,” says Austin.

Watch your network of contacts boom

Business school is the ideal place to meet new people and build your business network. From your class colleagues to professors, it’s important to recognize the importance of building professional relationships and making valuable connections with them.

“By studying the MSc International Management at Imperial, I’ve already gained an amazing network of colleagues that spans the globe […] students are part of a community of scholars from all over the world,” says Austin.

Lead image credit: Imperial College Business School

With so many pledges and promises, misconceptions and lack of trust, you may be confused about who to vote for in the upcoming UK general election. Following the recent release of the Labour Party manifesto and the Conservative Party manifesto, the public seems as divided as ever about who should be running the country.

In this article we will be deciphering the two leading parties’ manifestos on a variety of issues that might affect students, so you can decide for yourself. The policies we are going to explore include life after graduation (how the parties plan to improve conditions for workers), immigration, the environment, transport, the NHS, higher education and Brexit. We will then reveal how the parties intend to fund their public expenditure.

Working life after graduation

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Conservatives:

The Conservative Party will not raise the rate of income tax, VAT or National Insurance, and will further raise the National Living Wage. They will encourage flexible working and strive to make it the default, unless employers have a good reason not to. They will create a single enforcement body and crack down on any employer abusing employment law (e.g. employers that take workers’ tips or refuse them sick pay).

Labour:

The Labour Party will raise income tax for those who earn more than £80,000 per year to pay for public services. Within a decade they will reduce full-time weekly working hours to 32 hours, with no loss of pay, and will also deliver year on year above inflation pay rises.

They will set up an independent Working Time Commission to advise on raising minimum holiday entitlements and reducing maximum weekly working time. Workers will be given a stake in the companies they work for and a share of the profits they help create, by requiring large companies to set up Inclusive Ownership Funds (IOFs). Under IOFs, up to 10 percent of a company will be collectively owned by employees with dividend payments distributed equally (capped at £500 per year).

Immigration

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Conservatives:

The Conservatives will overhaul the current immigration system ‘to make it more fair and compassionate’ and introduce an Australian style points-based system ‘to control immigration’. Under this new system, they will prioritize those who have a good grasp of the English language, have been law abiding citizens in their own countries and have good education and qualifications. Like Australia, the Conservatives say that most people coming into the country will need a clear job offer.

The Conservative Party says EU and non-EU citizens will be treated equally and will be welcomed if they meet the criteria. However, they say that EU citizens who came to live in the EU before Brexit can stay and will continue to have their existing rights guaranteed – supported by the EU Settlement Scheme, which ensures these rights.

Labour:

Labour say they will scrap the 2014 Immigration Act (which ‘prevents illegal immigrants accessing and abusing public services or the labor market’ and ‘making it easier and quicker to remove those with no right to be here’.) They say the immigration system must allow the UK to recruit the people we need, and to welcome them and their families, and the UK’s work visa system must fill any skills or labor shortages that arise. They vow to stop the undercutting of wages and conditions and the exploitation of all workers, including migrant workers.

Labour will also ‘work with others to resume rescue missions in the Mediterranean, co-operate with the French authorities to put an end to the horrific camps, and establish safe and legal routes for asylum seekers. Once here, refugees will have the right to work, access to public services and will be treated humanely by government at all levels.

The Environment

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Conservatives:

The Conservatives’ goal is to be carbon neutral by 2050, and they will ask their global partners to match their ambition. They believe that free markets, innovation and prosperity can protect the planet. They will set up new international partnerships to tackle deforestation and protect vital landscapes and wildlife corridors, establish a new £500 million Blue Planet Fund to help protect our oceans from plastic pollution, warming sea temperatures and overfishing and extend the Blue Belt program.

There will be a £4 billion investment in R&D, decarbonization schemes, new flood defenses, clean energy and electric vehicle infrastructure.£800 million will be invested in the building of the first fully deployed carbon capture storage cluster by the mid-2020s, and £9.2 billion will be invested in the energy efficiency of homes, schools and hospitals, which will help lower energy bills.

The party will support clean transport to ensure clean air, as well as setting strict new laws on air quality and phasing out the sale of new conventional petrol and diesel cars. In addition to this, they will support gas for hydrogen production and nuclear energy, alongside increasing their commitment to renewables.

Labour:

As part of their ‘Green Industrial Revolution’, Labour aim to achieve the majority of emissions reductions by 2030, reducing the energy use in buildings to from 56 to 30 percent by 2030 by delivering heat from renewable and low carbon sources. They will build 7,000 new offshore wind turbines, 2,000 new onshore wind turbines and enough solar panels to cover 22,000 football pitches. They will make producers responsible for the waste they create and for the full cost of recycling or disposal, encouraging more sustainable design and manufacturing.

They will upgrade almost all of the UK’s 27 million homes to the highest energy efficient standards, which they claim will reduce the average household energy bill by £417 per household per year by 2030 and eliminate fuel poverty.

Labour will introduce a ‘clean air act’ with a vehicle scrapping scheme and clean air zones and provide £5.6 billion in funding to improve the standard of flood defenses and respond to the increased risk of flooding. They will plant trees, fully fund the Environmental Agency and other frontline environment agencies and improve upstream river management, creating new National Parks and establishing a new environmental tribunal.

Transport

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Conservatives:

The Conservatives aim to connect the UK’s cities and regions, giving funding to upgrade bus, tram and train services. They will build the Northern Powerhouse Rail, investing in the Midlands Rail Hub, restoring many of the Beeching lines. They say they will end the complicated franchising model and create a simpler more effective rail system. HS2 will cost at least £81 billion, they reveal, and will not be viable until 2040.

There will be a £28.8 billion investment in strategic and local roads, and they will invest in a superbus network with lower fares and increased frequency.

Labour:

Labour will bring railways back to public ownership, making fares simpler and more affordable. They will introduce a long-term investment plan, which will deliver Crossrail to the North and will complete HS2. They will promote the use of rail freight to reduce carbon emissions, air pollutants and congestion on the road.

They will regulate and take public ownership of bus services, as well as introducing free bus travel for under 25s, and will attempt to end new sales of combustion engine vehicles by 2030.

The NHS

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Conservatives:

The Conservatives promise extra funding for the NHS, with 50,000 more nurses, 6,000 more doctors in general practice, 6,000 more supportive hospital management, as well as 50 million more GP surgery appointments per year. This will be supported by £1 billion extra funding every year to spend on more social care staff and better infrastructure, technology and facilities. They will also end unfair hospital car parking charges by making parking free for those in greatest need.

As well as promising to build and fund 40 new hospitals over the next 10 years (and 20 hospital updates), the Conservative party will allocate a £35 million cash injection to hospices to support 200,000 people at the end of their lives.

Medical students will receive a £5,000-£8,000 annual maintenance grant every year during their course to help with the cost of living (which will not need to be repaid).

Labour:

Labour will increase expenditure across the health sector by an average of 4.3 percent per year, stop bed cuts and complete the confirmed hospital rebuilds, providing free parking for staff, patients and visitors. They will expand GP training places to provide resources for 27 million more appointments each year and ensure community pharmacy is supported. As well as offering free annual NHS dental checkups, Labour will improve access to psychological therapies and provide an extra £1.6 billion per year to help with mental health. Alcohol related deaths and health problems will be addressed through expanded addiction support services. They will fully fund sexual health services and roll out PrEP medication (to prevent HIV) and establish a generic drug company which will produce drugs at fair prices.

Labour say they will invest, train and develop NHS staff throughout their careers. They will introduce a training bursary for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals.

Higher education

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Conservatives:

The Conservatives will maintain and strengthen the UK’s global position in higher education. They will ‘look at the interest rates on loan repayments with a view to reducing the burden of debt on students’ and tackle low quality courses and grade inflation, as well as improving the application and offer system for undergraduate students.

Labour:

Labour will abolish tuition fees completely and bring back maintenance grants, ensuring that all public higher education institutions have adequate funding for teaching and research.

Brexit

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Conservatives:

The Conservatives say they will leave the EU with an established deal by the agreed deadline of January 31^st.

Labour:

A second Brexit referendum will be held in six months’ time and the people’s decision will be implemented immediately. If the vote is Leave, they will try to secure a new Brexit deal that protects jobs, rights and the environment.

How will they pay for it?

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Conservatives:

Revenue from corporation tax (reduced from 19 percent to 17 percent), health immigration surcharge, plastic packaging tax and cracking down on tax avoidance and evasion measurements.

Labour:

Revenue from increased corporation tax (26 percent, or 21 percent on business with an annual turnover of less than £300,000), stopping tax avoidance and tax relief inefficiencies. 

**

Who are you voting for in the 2019 UK General Election? Have your say in the comments below.

Students all over the US eagerly await the last Thursday in November, a.k.a. Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for all the good things in our lives with the people we love.  Whether you’re spending Thanksgiving at home or abroad this year, it’s sure to be a time of happiness and reflection. 

A rapidly growing trend, but significantly lesser known, is Friendsgiving. Friendsgiving is a Thanksgiving spent with friends, where you share huge amounts of food and have a good laugh. This is a perfect way for US students studying abroad to introduce Thanksgiving to their non-US friends. For more tips on how to celebrate Thanksgiving while studying abroad, click here. 

Read on as we give you seven tips on how to throw a great student Friendsgiving party this year…

1. Design homemade Invitations (or, alternatively, create a Facebook event)

The first step to throwing any great party is to make a list of people to invite; otherwise you’ll just be sat at home alone with a turkey (not very festive). Invite people from different friendship groups (course mates, friends from societies, old roommates etc.) – they’ll soon bond over copious amounts of food and drink. 

The next step is to send out invitations to your guests. To do this, you can either send paper invites, or create a Facebook  event. A Facebook event makes it easy to keep track of who is and isn’t coming and provides a platform for you to give updated information to your guests.

Paper invitations tend to give a more personal touch – particularly if you handmake them. However if making invitations from scratch really isn’t for you, you can always buy them online. Make a note of any responses you receive from your guests, so that you can keep track of numbers.

2. Ask your friends to bring side dishes

Unless your friends are all atrocious cooks, a fun way to cut down on the amount of cooking you have to do (as well as reducing the amount you spend), is to ask all of your friends to bring a side dish to your party. This is also a fun way to try out a wide range of dishes.

However, it’s the host’s job to make the main dish – traditionally a turkey or a chicken, although this depends on your guest’s tastes. If you have any guests with allergies or any vegetarians or vegans, remember to cater to their dietary requirements. This may sound like a lot of work, but you can probably get your housemates to help with this bit (if you ask nicely).

As with most events, the more food, the merrier, so don’t worry about making too much, as you can always give it to guests to take back with them or eat the leftovers throughout the week.

3. Decorate your house or flat

Decorating your flat is a great way to make your Friendsgiving party cozy and Instagrammable – we’re thinking balloons, candles, pumpkins – all of the Fall vibes.

If you’ve only got a few friends coming, adding place cards with your guest’s name to their seat at the table adds a nice personal spin to the party. If you really want to capture the spirit of Thanksgiving, you can add why you’re thankful for that particular friend under their place card.

If you’ve got a larger party coming, put some music on, and provide some chips and dips for a snack before the food’s ready to avoid hangry guests.

4. Make your own cocktails & mocktails

Making your own cocktails is a fun (and cheap) way to provide tasty drinks for your friends. Be inventive, and pick flavors that work well together for your final cocktails (taste testing is a good way to figure this out). When you’ve invented a tasty recipe, it’s time to name your specialty drink!

Alternatively, look up existing cocktail recipes online (probably a safer bet…)

5. Have a buffet style dinner

Of course, this is up to you. Buffets are good as they allow your guests to go back for seconds without feeling greedy and they get to choose only the foods they like. Set all the dishes out on a table and tell your friends to help themselves!

6. Have some games for after dinner

After your Friendsgiving dinner it’s likely that you will all be in a bit of a food coma. A good way to get over this is by playing some games. Whether these are board games or drinking games (or perhaps a combination of both) depends on your preferences. We’re thinking Uno, Jenga, Cards Against Humanity and Twister – another Thanksgiving favorite is Charades. Warning: these games can get extremely competitive.

7. Breakfast for the next morning?

If you have people staying over, you might want to prepare a breakfast for the next day (although you all might still be quite full from the feast the day before). Alternatively, just eat the leftovers!

**

Are you throwing a Friendsgiving? Let us know in the comments below!

Thanksgiving is one of America’s proudest traditions, an excuse to eat too much food, drink too much alcohol and get thoroughly confused by the rules of American football. Oh, and have a couple of family arguments, of course.

While the federal holiday is usually a chance for students to take time off classes to relax with their families and friends, many universities have their own Thanksgiving traditions to help both domestic and international students kick off the festivities and enjoy a holiday that’s as American as apple (or pumpkin) pie.

Read on to discover some of the best Thanksgiving traditions at top US universities…

Ohio State University Thanksgiving Dinner

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Ohio State University has been hosting their annual Thanksgiving dinner for nearly 30 years. It initially started as a small gathering for students unable to make it home for the holidays, but this year an estimated 1,600 people will attend, including students, faculty, staff and their families.

The school claims that a staggering 650 pounds of turkey, 30 gallons of gravy, 432 pounds of both green beans and corn, 320 pounds of corn bread and 2,000 slices of pie will be served at the dinner!

Spirituality Development Month, Carnegie Mellon University

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While Thanksgiving is a secular holiday, Carnegie Mellon University devotes the month of November to spirituality, showcasing the religious and interfaith initiatives and organizations at the university.

They offer two Thanksgiving lunches in mid-November for students of all faiths, including the Interfaith Thanksgiving Dinner and Friendsgiving. These meals are a chance for students to sit down with those of different faiths and appreciate the diversity of the college.

Turkey Trot, Lehigh University

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You would be forgiven for thinking the Turkey Trot involves feathered friends gobbling around campus, but in fact it’s a 2.6 mile run around Lehigh University’s campus, strictly for human participants (around 400 to 600 annually).

It marks the end of Lehigh’s ‘Spirit Week’ and runners can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner afterwards, a chance for both staff and students to refuel.

March to Kreiderheim

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One of the more unusual Thanksgiving traditions at a US university is over 50 years old. The March to Kreiderheim happens when Lebanon Valley College’s football team beat their arch-rivals Albright College in a pre-Thanksgiving game. If Lebanon are victorious, hundreds of students march to the college president’s home (Kreiderheim) to petition for an extra day off over Thanksgiving break – unsurprisingly, their request is usually granted!

Project Feast, University of Maryland

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The University of Maryland medical school (along with a variety of other professional schools) hosts an annual Thanksgiving feast for the homeless community of the surrounding area. As well as providing food such as turkey, stuffing and pies, the school also arranges clothing, toiletry and food drives in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.

Students can volunteer on the various committees (such as food, publicity, shelters, donations, logistics & volunteers and legal), cook a turkey and/or volunteer on Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving at Home, Yale University

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A popular Thanksgiving tradition at many American universities, including Yale University, is offering international students the experience of a traditional Thanksgiving meal with an American host family.

Hosts come from a range of backgrounds with their own traditions, meaning you’re sure to have a day unlike any you’ve experienced before. The program is only open to international students and scholars and their families, and it always reaches maximum capacity, with hosts opening their homes to international students who want a day full of food and fun.  

Studying abroad was, without a doubt, one of the best decisions I have made in my two decades on the planet. The opportunity for self-development and the chances you get to experience different cultures and see some of the most beautiful places in the world is unmatched.

However, there are multiple points to consider, plan and prepare for, financially, educationally and emotionally. Choosing to spend a year of your degree at a different university does have a significant impact on both your personal and your academic life. These are just a few tips I picked up along the way during my year abroad:

Differences in uni work

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I chose to complete my third year of university at the University of Sydney in Australia. Apart from suddenly experiencing a lot more sun than my Scottish skin was used to, I noticed several differences in the type and level of university work expected. First and foremost, you’re required to complete four modules per semester, as opposed to three at the University of Glasgow.

Secondly, assessment is much more coursework based. I had no exams and my grades were determined almost solely by essays alongside a participation grade. This will differ depending on your subject – as an English Literature & Sociology student, it’s fairly standard that assessment is solely based on coursework, however, fellow students in both the engineering and psychology departments also noticed the significant increase in the amount of continual assessment.

When you’re studying abroad, you can feel the pressure to succeed both academically but also to fit in as many travelling and additional activities as possible to make the most of your year. While there are countless opportunities for activities, you do have to plan efficiently and be realistic about what you can fit in. This is a pivotal point in your university career, and you can’t forget the ‘study’ part of ‘study abroad’.

The people you meet

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The people I met over the course of my year were undoubtedly the ultimate highlight. From living with three Swedish travelers in my first semester to the Australians I worked with, to the Americans, Italians and even fellow Brits I met in the university, every single person was lovely and worth meeting. Living in such a diverse community opens your eyes to the wide variety of cultures different countries have to offer.

Travelling

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Australia is in close proximity to numerous paradises. In your long break between semesters, you can take the opportunity to visit South East Asia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Fiji and many other spots that are otherwise difficult to get to from home. Even travelling around Australia itself is well worth your savings. An East Coast road trip is the perfect way to spend your mid-semester break. If you have a long weekend, try flying to a nearby city: Melbourne is famous for its coffee and quirky cafes, and you’ll never get bored of Sydney’s countless coastal walks. Study abroad is definitely one of the best opportunities you’ll have of combining studying with exploring the far corners of the world.

The university year

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If you choose to go somewhere like Australia, it’s worth noting that the semesters run at different times of year due to the seasons being different in the southern hemisphere. So you’ll start in Australian semester two, which begins towards the end of July/beginning of August. You then get December, January, and February off as your summer holidays which is the perfect time to explore this half of the world. Your second semester runs from early March to the end of June. This means your study abroad year really is a full year, as opposed to eight months. You also need to be aware of any university deadlines you might have for your institution back home, such as dissertation proposals.

Homesickness

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One thing this year taught me is that nobody is immune to homesickness. It’s sometimes difficult to comprehend exactly how far away Australia is until you’re 11 hours ahead of your friends and family. While it never lasts long, you should be aware of the implications of moving so far away. If you’re a homebird, moving to Australia perhaps isn’t for you. For others, though, the experiences you get make the trip incredibly worthwhile.

Finances

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Moving to Australia is expensive. It's important to consider drawing up a financial plan in order to gain a clear picture of what funds you absolutely need and how much you may have left over for any travelling. Consider looking into getting a job if your visa allows, as the wages in Australia compensate well for the living costs. A job and a financial plan provides enough of a cushion that you can afford to live stress free and still enjoy your year!

Sponsored by University of Padua

Situated in northern Italy, Padua has been a top study destination since its university’s establishment in 1222. The three-century long rule by the Republic of Venice ensured the freedom of teaching, research and study which attracted many of the best scholars and students from all over the world. Not to mention its stunning blend of culture and architecture, along with some of the best food and drink in the world.

To find out what else makes Padua an attractive study destination for international students, we spoke to a few of them from the University of Padua to find out.

An exciting city with a small town feel

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“There’s always something to do, and you will quickly feel at home in Padua's historic streets,” said US student, Ysadora Ashton Mirabelli-Montan, who’s studying the Master’s degree program in Italian Food and Wine.

Stylish boutiques along with independent cafés, bars and restaurants are often frequented by the young and hip student population in Padua. Within the university campus and beyond, there’s a real sense of international community here to make you feel at home in no time – no matter where you’re from.

30 percent of the local population are students, so it’s safe to say Padua is very much a student-centered town with lots of things to see and do, according to Ysadora: “There are all types of entertaining places where you can spend time with friends.”

Music lovers can also rejoice as Padua plays host to a myriad of concerts and music festivals: from trap music to opera, jazz to pop, many national and international music artists are invited to perform in various locations around the city throughout the year.

Both the city and university of Padua are home to over 20 museums between them. Padua also boasts Europe’s first university botanical garden, Orto Botanico di Padova, which was established by the University of Padua in 1545.

Padua is no stranger to olde-worlde markets either. Each day you can pick up fresh fruit and vegetables in abundance, or root your way through the flea market for excellent vintage finds.

It’s home to Italy’s second oldest university

Founded in 1222, the University of Padua is one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Its range of multidisciplinary degree programs, many of which are taught exclusively in English, attract hundreds of international students to study here each year.

“I chose to study here because the program has courses that fit my needs and interests and there are opportunities to perform research here,” said Greek student, Christos Giannakidis, who’s studying the Master’s degree program in Physics.

The university’s distinguished reputation for research and world-class teaching staff also make it an attractive option for students from both home and abroad.

“I chose to study at the University of Padua because it’s one of the best universities in Italy and it had my desired master’s program,” said Astghik Stepanyan, an Armenian student who’s studying the Master’s degree program in Medical Biotechnologies.

“The professors are great, intelligent and always try to improve themselves according to students’ requirements,” she said.

The University of Padua also boasts its very own ‘Buddy Scheme’, where international students on their Erasmus, exchange or full degree course can be paired up with a master’s student at the university who is there to help them with any query or issue they have about university life. 

And for those who are looking to up expand their language repertoire, the university’s Tandem Face2Face program is a great way to do this. The language learning scheme lets you partner with another student whose native language is different from yours, enabling you both to develop your language skills.

The food and drink is enough to write home about

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Padua is allegedly where Aperol, the key ingredient to the world-famous ‘Aperol Spritz’, was invented.

“Spritz is the best drink I have ever tasted,” confessed Ysadora.

It’s a local evening tradition for groups of friends and couples to enjoy a glass or two of Spritz in one of Padua’s piazzas, and this makes for a chilled and relaxing atmosphere across the city.

There’s more to life in Padua than Aperol though. Studying and living in Padua means it won’t be long before you’re sampling some of Italy’s finest cuisine. From pasta to pizza, gelato to coffee, the Italian food scene will always leave you wanting more. 

It’s a bike-friendly city

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Padua is a city that loves to cycle. With almost everyone taking to two wheels to get around the city, it’s enough to give the likes of Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Oxford a ride for their money (pun intended).

“It’s a beautiful city, and the roads are almost always flat so you can cycle around easily,” said Astghik.

Although, this doesn’t necessarily mean everyone follows the rules of the road. Be sure to keep your cycle helmet nearby as you embark on your leisurely cycle rides, whether it’s to your 9am lecture or an afternoon chill in the park with friends.

Still not convinced?

Launched today, the QS Asia University Rankings 2020 is comprised of 550 universities, with 68 new entrants featured in the index this year.   

The rankings are compiled using 11 indicators, each weighted according to their importance in the index. These indicators include academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty/student ratio, international research network, citations per paper and papers per faculty.

Other less heavily weighted indicators include staff with a PhD, proportion of international faculty, proportion of international students, proportion of inbound exchange students and proportion of outbound exchange students. You can find out more about the methodology used here.

Read on as we count down the top 10 universities in Asia in 2020…

10. The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)

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Location: Hong Kong (SAR)

Kicking off the 10 top universities in Asia this year is the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) in 10^th place after falling one spot in the ranking. CUHK earns its highest scores in the inbound exchange indicator, in fourth place worldwide, reflecting the substantial size of the university’s inbound student exchange programs.

The university is also known internationally for its strong emphasis on research, earning a near perfect score on the international research network indicator

9. KAIST - Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

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Location: South Korea

Situated in Daejeon, (150 kilometers south of the South Korean capital, Seoul) Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) is a public university with a student population of over 10,000. Established in 1971 by the Korean government, the university was the nation’s first research orientated science and engineering institution.

KAIST falls one place in the rankings this year to take ninth place. KAIST scores well in the papers per faculty and academic reputation indicators, coming eighth and 12^th respectively

8. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)

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Location: Hong Kong (SAR)

Placing eighth in Asia and 32^nd in the world, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is an international research university dedicated to education and research, with an extremely high research output.

HKUST earns some of the highest scores in Asia in the citations per paper and international faculty indicators, ranking second and fourth respectively – giving an indication of the strong academic output of the university, as well as its ability to attract international faculty members.

7. Fudan University

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Location: Mainland China

Fudan University, located in downtown Shanghai, is one of China’s most prestigious and selective institutions. Established in 1905, the university has produced a number of prominent alumni, including the director of the World Bank, Zhang Shengman, as well as Chen Zhongwei, a pioneer in the process of reattaching severed limbs.

This top university comes in at seventh in the Asia University Rankings and 40^th in the world rankings this year, scoring well over a variety of indicators, including academic reputation and employer reputation

6. Zhejiang University (ZJU)

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Location: Mainland China

Zhejiang University (ZJU) is one of China’s oldest institutions, dating back to as early as 1897. Today ZJU is one of China’s top higher education institutions and one of the best universities in Asia, rising an impressive seven places this year to rank in 6^th place.

ZJU has a strong international outlook, having partnerships with more than 180 institutions in more than 30 countries worldwide, ranking top in Asia for the inbound student exchange indicator and fourth for the outbound student exchange indicator

5. Peking University

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Location: Mainland China

Entering the top five now, where Peking University stands firmly in fifth place for another year running. Another of China’s oldest universities, Peking University was founded in 1898 as a replacement for the Guozijian school (Imperial College). Since then, Peking University has been consistently ranked as one of China’s top academic institutions and it is also known for its stunning campus grounds and traditional Chinese architecture.

Peking University is the top ranked university in Asia for employer reputation, with a perfect score in the indicator

4. Tsinghua University

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Location: Mainland China

Dropping one place this year, Tsinghua University just misses out on a place the top three, taking fourth place this year. The university was established in 1911 in Beijing and is renowned worldwide for its reputable engineering and computer science programs, making it one of the best universities in Asia.

Tsinghua University also claims the title of the top ranked university in mainland China and takes 16^th place in the world rankings in 2020 – scoring particularly well for employer reputation (in 6^th place this year)

3. The University of Hong Kong

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Location: Hong Kong (SAR)

Despite falling one spot in the rankings in 2020, the University of Hong Kong remains in the top three higher education institutions in Asia this year. The University of Hong Kong is Hong Kong’s oldest tertiary institution, with history stretching back over 100 years.

The University of Hong Kong is very well connected globally, partnered with more than 340 top universities across 43 countries. The institution also performs well in the world rankings this year, taking joint 25^th place, and placing ninth in the Graduate Employability Rankings 2020

2. Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

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Location: Singapore

The second-best university in Asia in 2020 is Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore; rising one place this year. Established in 1981 as Nanyang Technological Institute and only becoming Nayang Technological University in 1991, NTU is one of Singapore’s youngest universities. Despite this, the institution is incredibly research intensive – in first place for the citations per paper indicator

1. National University of Singapore (NUS)

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Location: Singapore

The National University of Singapore (NUS) is the leading university in Asia, ranking first in the regional rankings this year and joint 11^th in the world. Established in 1905, NUS was the first autonomous research university in Singapore. It has 17 faculties and spans across three campuses, offering a global approach to research and education, with a focus on Asian perspectives and expertise.

NUS earns perfect scores on the majority of the indicators: the academic reputation, employer reputation, international research network, international faculty, inbound exchange and outbound exchange – a representation of how well rounded this top university really is.

A trip down the California Coast via the Pacific Coast Highway is guaranteed to boast breathtaking views, an amazingly chilled-out vibe, and overall an unforgettable experience. From stunning coastal views, lush forests and waterfalls, to spectacular beaches, there’s no shortage of amazing destinations to visit.

You may find yourself in the bustling city of San Francisco and an hour later in the most secluded spot with no one around. Or perhaps you want to venture on a wine tour at some of the world’s highest rated wineries? California truly has it all.

It’s no surprise that the Californian coast is known as one of the most scenic drives in the world, with countless opportunities to pull over and snap a photo or two (and maybe stay a while). The entire drive takes around ten hours, but of course you’ll want to spend a heck of a lot more time than that. Here are a few of the must-do stops between San Francisco and San Diego that will be sure to blow your mind.

San Francisco

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You’ll begin your journey at the city home to the famous Golden Gate Bridge and the Full House strip of houses, where you will roam the steep streets of San Fran (or take the street car instead), take a trip the popular Fisherman’s Wharf for some yummy seafood, or grab a coffee at one of the many bustling cafes.

Santa Jose and Santa Cruz

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After leaving San Fran, your first stops along the coast include Santa Jose and Santa Cruz, which, while similar in name, are quite different and are both deserving of a visit.

Santa Jose is full of galleries and museums, as well as Facebook and Google HQs. As you make your way out of town be sure to pull over for a photo op at picturesque Half Moon Bay before heading to Santa Cruz. Here you will find the Santa Cruz Boardwalk where you will step right back into the 1960s, with old school rides and games along the beach. If you are staying for the night, head to Pacific Avenue for vintage shops, great nightlife and restaurants, and live music. This is also a great place to go whale watching in the right season.

Monterey Bay

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An hour after leaving Santa Cruz you will arrive in Monterey Bay, a spot with stunning nature reserves and a cute seaside village with shops and cafes. This is the best place along the coast to throw yourself into water activities, with sailing, kayaking, and whale watching being must-do activities. It’s also a great place to rent a bike for a day to explore the scenic ‘17 Mile Drive’.

Big Sur

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Now comes the good stuff! To get to Big Sur, a mountain community with a chilled-out, hippy vibe to it, you’ll travel over the Bixby Bridge—one of the tallest single span concrete bridges in the world. It’s also one of the most photographed spots on the West Coast, which means you will have plenty of opportunities for photos.

The number of spectacular spots along the Big Sur are endless, with a few being McWay Falls, Ragged Point, and Pfeiffer Beach. You’ll probably find yourself wanting to stop and take in the view around every corner, so block off a generous amount of time here in order to take it all in.

San Simeon and San Luis Obispo 

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After all that driving, you will probably want a pit stop to rest up. San Simeon is home to Hearst Castle, the number one attraction in the area, welcoming more than 1 million people each year. The castle boasts 250,000 acres of land, with different rooms, cottages, and stunning gardens. You’ll feel like you’re traveling back in time as you make your way through the grounds.

San Luis Obispo is home to a 15-foot high, 70-foot long gum wall where you can leave your (sticky) mark on the world. There are also plenty of hikes in the area, as well as Pismo Beach which boasts coastal restaurants, wine tasting, surfing, and mineral springs to dip into.

Santa Barbara and Ventura

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If you’re an animal and flora lover, you will definitely want to make a stop in Santa Barbara to pay a visit to the Santa Barbara Zoo and Botanical Garden. There are also various theatres and museums if you wanted to catch a show or learn more about the history of the area.

The next stop on your journey will be Ventura Beach, which is the spot to grab a surfboard if you’re keen. If not, it’s still a great place to spend a day on the beach or to check out all of the vintage shops in town.

Malibu

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Malibu: where the rich and famous of Hollywood can find solitude outside of the city with a vibe like no other. It’s the perfect spot to spend a day or two walking along the piers, check out one of the many amazing seafood restaurants, or simply lust over the amazing homes right on the water. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to stay the night in one of them.

On your way out of Malibu (if you ever leave), be sure to stop at the stunning Topanga Canyon and take in the view from the lookout.

Los Angeles

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Most visitors have a love/hate relationship with Los Angeles. It’s a spot that you pretty much have to stop at to check out places like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Santa Monica Pier, but it’s not exactly a place you would want to stay in for too long.

A couple of days in LA is enough to take in the famous views of the Hollywood sign, visit some TV sets at Universal Studios, and take a stroll down Rodeo Drive. However, if you are in for some celeb sightings, you may want to stick around to go on a star’s home tour.

Long and Laguna Beaches 

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After experiencing the bright lights of LA, take a detour towards Long Beach, where you will drive by spots like Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach (basically a bunch of cute little beach towns). It will definitely be a nice break after the hecticness of the city and may be worth your while to stop and relax on the beach for a few days.

San Diego

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Unfortunately, you have reached the end of your road trip! Make the most of the famous city of San Diego, a bustling city with a small-town vibe. You can relax at Balboa Park, explore the downtown core, or visit Cabrillo National Monument where you will be welcomed with picturesque views of the skyline.

New York City is a very desirable place to study abroad, with thousands of international students flocking there every year to further their studies, deep dive into the cultural world, establish important professional connections, and experience the buzzing city for themselves. It has been regarded as the cultural and economic capital of the world, with many different walks of life calling this city home.

Students that choose to study in NYC will find that the city has a bustling academic environment where students from all disciplines can thrive. There are so many reasons why you should choose to study in NYC and why it will be one of the best choices you ever made.

You’ll become a cultural chameleon

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New York City is full of diversity, where you’ll come across many different types of individuals right on your doorstep. The city is built on a variety of cultures, languages, and social groups, which means you definitely won’t feel out of place if you are moving from a different city (or even country). The city attracts immigrants from all over the world, which will allow you to learn about different cultures and lifestyles throughout your time here.

Especially if you’re studying abroad, the city has a large population of international students, so you’ll definitely not feel alone when it comes to fitting into a new location, because there is a place for everyone.

The food (and coffee) choices are plentiful

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If you are an avid foodie, NYC is the place for you. You can order every cuisine at any hour of the day (or night), with the city that never sleeps producing ALL the goods (and delivery). From Michelin star restaurants, to dive bars and Chinese takeaway at 3am, you are sure to be satisfied with the culinary options the city has to offer.

Perhaps you like to spend your Sunday mornings sipping a latte in a trendy cafe? Well, you probably wouldn’t be able to hit all of the coffee spots that this city has in store for you even if you tried.

You’ll never be bored

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The number of places to explore and activities to do in New York are pretty much endless. No matter what you are interested in doing, whether it’s seeing a Broadway play, going to a poetry reading, taking a boat cruise, or spending the afternoon in a craft brewery, New York City has something to offer you.

There is so much constantly taking place in the city, with so many different communities and social groups depending on your interests and values.

The networking connections are endless

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While you are working towards your degree, networking is key in order to build connections in your industry prior to the job hunt. It’s not only the most effective way to make yourself familiar with people in your chosen industry, but also allows you to get more comfortable in talking to people professionally.

NYC is said to be the land of opportunity, or in the words of Alicia Keys, ‘a concrete jungle where dreams are made of’. The amount of companies and industries that are looking for recent grads are endless, and networking can pave the way for an exciting opportunity in one of the world’s biggest corporate cities.

You’ll become extremely adaptable

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Living in a city as large and in charge as NYC, you’ll become more patient and adaptable than you ever thought possible. Walking down the street in New York is a lot different than walking down the street in a quiet suburb in New Jersey, with the city bringing out all kinds of characters.

You’ll find that it takes a lot more to bug you and your skin will be seriously thickened. Someone bumped you in the subway at 7am? No worries. Didn’t get the job you wanted? Shrug it off. Someone stole your cab in the pouring rain? Okay…maybe that sucks a little.