Sponsored by EGADE Business School at Tecnológico de Monterrey

Mexico is recognized around the world as an emerging economic giant with a fast-growing educational hub and rising entrepreneurship ecosystem.

To get a better understanding of what makes Mexico the go-to destination for budding business professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs around the world, we spoke to Harald Langholz, a full-time MBA student along with Carlos Dávila and Andrés Alba Escamilla, full-time MBA graduates, both from EGADE Business School at Tecnológico de Monterrey.

Its prosperous economy attracts big business and business schools alike

Doing business in Mexico is exciting, as the country is predicted to be the fifth largest economy by 2050, according to Goldman Sachs.

It’s also home to the largest Spanish-speaking city in the world – Mexico City – and with a market size as large as Western Europe, it’s little wonder global tech companies such as Google, Uber and Facebook are seeing great potential here. 

Business schools are also working hard to create and develop talented graduates who are capable of taking on the challenges and opportunities that accompany the country’s rising entrepreneurship ecosystem.

EGADE Business School is renowned as being one of Latin America’s most prestigious graduate business schools, and is no doubt worthy of taking the top spot in the QS Global MBA Rankings: Latin America 2020 for its Full-Time MBA in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

We asked Andrés to share with us a little bit about his experience studying the MBA in Innovation and Entrepreneurship there.

“It was a life-changing experience where I had the chance to learn and understand how organizations work with a 360-degree perspective, from services, operations and governance, to strategy, marketing and fundraising.  

“I also got a deep-dive perspective of the global market as an outcome of the academic trips, which helped me open up my mind and view regarding the various ways of doing business and negotiating with people from completely different parts of the world,” he adds.

It’s worth noting that EGADE’s MBA in Innovation and Entrepreneurship placed in the top 30 for entrepreneurship and alumni outcomes and top 40 for employability in the latest QS World University Rankings: Global MBA Rankings. The school also offers competitive scholarships for international students who wish to study the Full-Time MBA in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

An appreciation for international immersion

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Image credit: EGADE Business School at Tecnológico de Monterrey

Mexico’s warm welcomes and appreciation for diversity make it an attractive study destination for the thousands of students who travel to the country to study each year.

“I decided to study at EGADE for the personalized mentorship, innovation curricula, international immersion and prestigious experienced faculty,” says Harald.

“It’s also the only Mexican business school that’s a member of the Global Network for Advanced Management,” adds Harald. 

Launched as recently as 2012, the Global Network for Advanced Management aims to bring together leading international business schools from a range of countries, cultures and economies in order to help drive innovation and create value.

“Being part of this network allows us to apply for double degree programs and international exchanges that are not available for other non-member universities,” explains Harald.

Opportunities to take part in international study trips to cities such as Shenzhen, Tel-Aviv, San Francisco (home of Silicon Valley), Monterrey and Guadalajara are also a great way to get an insight into business across borders – something which Carlos considered his favorite aspect of the MBA program. He told us: “You could get a real feeling and understanding of the innovation atmosphere in those different countries.

“It was awesome to be guided and have the experience to visit important stakeholders in great companies and see with our own eyes the incredible applications of technology and interaction with revolutionary business models.”

Its tech hub is on the rise 

Mexico is at the heart of Latin America’s tech revolution and is fully embracing all that technology has to offer.

So much so, that the city of Guadalajara has undergone a major tech transformation in recent years, reinventing itself as one of Mexico’s leading tech hubs. It also happens to be where one of EGADE Business School’s campuses is located.

Students can get a genuine snapshot of the unique caliber of entrepreneurial ecosystems and innovations that are earning Guadalajara its nickname of ‘Mexico’s Silicon Valley’.

Access to exciting opportunities that will benefit your professional and personal development

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Image credit: EGADE Business School at Tecnológico de Monterrey

Mexico is where the fun happens, and we’re not just referring to its iconic party reputation. Those who choose to pursue their MBA here will reap the benefits twofold.

From innovation labs, to specialized workshops and global residencies, a common theme in Mexican business school education is recognizing the importance of linking theory with practice and understanding how this is essential for working in an innovative and entrepreneurial setting.

“It’s a hands-on MBA through which you’re prepared to either go back to the corporate world or start your own business,” says Andrés.

“It gives you all the tools you need to get back to the market and be competitive enough to face and tackle the global challenges in any kind of industry.”

EGADE Business School’s Innovation Lab enables students to examine how innovation and entrepreneurship can be a catalyst for accelerating change and offering new solutions. Students have the opportunity to work directly with genuine companies in Mexico City and even receive valuable mentorship from their top executives.

“My favorite part of the MBA in Innovation and Entrepreneurship has been the interconnection between the academic content with the real-life business mindset,” says Harald.

“We’ve had the opportunity to question different entrepreneurs and CEOs, and we are eager to know how they’ve succeeded in uncertain times and what their suggestions are to keep innovating.

“This experimental approach has enriched my vision of how we are competing globally and at the same time has also given me the motivation to keep challenging the status quo,” he adds.

Lead image credit: EGADE Business School at Tecnológico de Monterrey

The recent QS World University Rankings by Subjectcovers the best universities for 48 different subjects, including 505 top engineering and technology schools around the world – 94 of which are in the US.

The ranking covers five different branches of engineering – chemical, civil and structural, electrical, mechanical, and mineral and mining.

The rankings are compiled using four indicators: academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations per paper and the h-index (a way of measuring the productivity and impact of published work).  You can find out more about the methodology used here.

If you’re interested in studying engineering in the US, read on for a look at the best universities in each branch of engineering, starting with the overall engineering and technology top 10 in the US.

MIT is the leader in the US (and the world) in this year’s engineering and technology subject area table. There are currently 16  US universities featured in the top 50 in the world, including Purdue University, rising an impressive 30 places this year to reach 43^rdplace and Northwestern University, which climbs 44 places to joint 50^th.

See the full engineering and technology subject ranking here.

Top Universities for Chemical Engineering

The chemical engineering index features 300 universities in 2019, with 70 located in the US. Of these 70 US universities, an incredible 18 are in the world top 50. Other top US universities for chemical engineering that narrowly missed out on the top five include the University of Texas at Austin(17^th), University of Wisconsin-Madison(18^th) and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA, 19^th)

Once again, MIT takes the top spot in the Chemical Engineering rankings in 2019. MIT started running its chemical engineering course in 1888 and since then the department has evolved to define and advance the field, with over 6,000 alumni working in industry, government and academia. 

View the full chemical engineering ranking here.

Top Universities for Civil and Structural Engineering

The Civil and Structural Engineering rankings feature 202 universities across the world this year, including 37 in the US. This year’s rankings see UCB climb four places to rank third in the world, and Stanford University remains in third place in the US, despite dropping five places in the world subject rankings.

Other universities which feature within the top ten in the US are Purdue University(29^th), University of Michigan(34^th), Texas A&M University(47^th) and California Institute of Technology (Caltech, 51-100^th).

See the full civil and structural engineering ranking here. 

Top Universities for Electrical Engineering

Theelectrical engineering subject ranking includes 84 US universities in 2019.  Of these 84, 16 rank within the top 50. Once again, MIT is in first place, achieving perfect scores in both the employer reputation and academic reputation indicators. UCLA remains in fifth place this year, despite dropping four places in the world subject rankings.

Other notable universities in the US, all in the top 10 in the US for electrical engineering, include Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech, 14^th), California Institute of Technology (Caltech, 15^th) and Carnegie Mellon University (rising two places in the world subject rankings to 16^thplace this year.)

See the full electrical engineering ranking here.

Top Universities for Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering

The mechanical, aeronautical and manufacturing engineering subject rankings feature 502 top universities in the world, of which 90 are in the US. As with the other branches of engineering we have explored so far, MIT takes the top spot, closely followed by Stanford University in second place. Stanford University scores well in all indicators, in particular the h-index and citations per faculty, showing the quality of the institution’s academic output.

Notable mentions include Northwestern University, ranking 10^thin the US and climbing four places in the world subject rankings this year to place joint 32^nd.

See the full mineral and mining engineering rankings here.

Top Universities for Mineral and Mining

Included for the first time in 2016, the mineral and mining engineering rankings is the smallest of the five, with only 50 universities featured this year. Eight of these are located in the US, withthe Colorado School of Mines placing first in the world for mining engineering, earning a perfect score in the academic reputation indicator. Other notable universities in the US include University of Utah(35^th) University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (46^th) and Missouri University of Science and Technology(48^th).

See the full mineral and mining engineering rankings here.

Earlier this month, we ran through six of our favorite cheap nights out in London. Now, it's time to run through six more fantastic ideas for London students that won't break the bank. It may be one of the most expensive cities in the world, but there is no shortage of cheap and fun evening activities either, as this list proves.

Cringe!

Every few months or so, The Phoenix near Oxford Circus plays host to Cringe Nights, an evening where a few brave souls get on stage to read from their teenage diaries. There are fewer things more entertaining than fully-grown adults basking in the shame and humiliation of their awkward teenage years - and the evening is completely free, leaving you with £10 to buy a beer for yourself and for a performer (they might need it).

See some live music

Good news for music fans, there are loads of free and cheap ways to see live music around London. Go for a wander in Camden or Brixton on a Friday night and you’re sure to find a bar belting out raucous tunes, or a cozy pub hosting an open mic night.

Don’t forget to sign up to Sofar Sounds’ newsletter to enter a ballot for secret shows across London (and the world!) hosted in everyday spaces from living rooms to retail shops. Typically featuring three diverse acts, some Sofar gigs cost between £10 and £18, while some are completely free, asking for a cash donation on a pay-what-you-can basis when you arrive at the venue.

Go to a free lecture

If you’re keen to use your evenings to broaden your mind (oooooh, get you) then you should try one of the many free lectures held at universities and colleges across the capital. With subjects stretching from fashion to economics and history to time management, there will certainly be something you’ll be interested in.

Museum lates

On the theme of expanding your mind, many of London’s fantastic free museums are open late on some evenings. The world-famous Natural History Museum, for example, is open until 9pm on the last Friday of every month, and the National Portrait Gallery is open until 9pm every Friday and offers music, a bar, film screenings, talks and even life drawing.

Entry to both is entirely free, but you can usually pay for extra bits and bobs (such as talks and tours) once inside.

Go bowling

Relive your teenage party years by heading to vintage-style bowling alley Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes. Lanes cost around £45 for a game and can host up to 6 people, working out at £7.50 per person. They also offer cheap karaoke and slices of pizza as big as your head.

Similarly, you can strike it lucky at Rowan’s, where the entry fee is £1 and you can bowl for as little as £6.30 per person (or £7 at the weekend). Like any good bowling alley, there are also plenty of arcade games at Rowan’s, as well as a bar, karaoke booths and pool tables.

Read along with a book club

If you’re a book nerd, there are so many super-friendly book clubs to attend across London leaving you spoilt for choice. A good place to start is with Bitch Lit for feminist literature or Forgotten Fiction at Waterstones Gower Street, the LGBT+ Book Club at Waterstones Tottenham Court Road, or Foyles Book Club at their famous flagship store on Charing Cross Road.

Lots of these book clubs are free, but some (such as Bitch Lit or Forgotten Fiction) require you to buy a ticket which will cost you around £8 (or £6 if you’re a student). The price of the ticket usually includes refreshments such as wine, gin cocktails and cheese, and sometimes you can even redeem the price of the ticket against the price of the next session’s book of choice. Dreamy.

The UK claims 14 entrants out of the 120 featured in the QS Best Student Cities 2019 ranking meaning it has the most of any country (tied with the US).

The UK has once again claimed the number one best student city in the world, with London in first place. Additionally, there are four new entrants to the index: Bristol (97^th), Sheffield (103^rd), Liverpool (106^th) and Leicester (118^th) but unfortunately, despite scoring well, none of these new entrants make it on to the top 10 in the UK this year.    

The Best Student Cities ranking rates each entrant on six indicators, including desirability, affordability and student view, with the latter based on responses collected in our student survey.

All of the UK’s 10 entries are ranked within the top half of cities for student mix, an indicator which assesses the size and diversity of each city’s student population, but fare less well for affordability.

Below we’ll count down the 10 highest ranked student cities in the UK, all of which offer their own unique study abroad experiences, as well as at least two universities which feature in the QS World University Rankings® 2020.

10. Brighton

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Rising an impressive nine places this year in the world student cities ranking, Brighton is ranked 83^rd in the world. The city is known for its relaxed attitude and  is one of the UK’s most popular seaside resorts with its sunny south coast beaches. The city is also famous for its thriving LGBTQ community and is packed full of creatives and vibrant individuals. 

Brighton has the largest student ratio of all UK student cities, with students making up 11.7 percent of the total population and international students making up 27 percent of the student population. The city, perhaps unsurprisingly, earns its best score in the student mix ranking, where it comes 24^th in the world. Its highest ranked university is the University of Sussex, placing 246^th in the QS World University Rankings® 2020

9. Aberdeen

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Dropping one place this year, Aberdeen ranks ninth in the UK and 64^th in the world (down nine places). Aberdeen has miles of coastline and countryside nearby, as well as excellent transport links to other cities, making it the ideal study destination for nature lovers. The city’s highest ranked university is the University of Aberdeen in 194^th place.

Despite not being particularly cheap, Aberdeen scores higher in the affordability indicator than any other UK city, with living costs and rent lower than in other large cities in the ranking. Scottish students and those from the EU (excluding those from the rest of the UK) can study for free.

You can read about the top universities in Scotland here.

8. Newcastle upon Tyne

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Newcastle-upon-Tyne (or simply Newcastle) drops two places in the UK Best Student Cities this year to place eighth and drops one place to rank 57^th in the world. The largest city in north-east England, Newcastle earns high scores in the student mix indicator and the university rankings indicator; a reflection of the reputable universities in and around the city.

Newcastle and the wider area is home to some of the north east’s strongest universities, such as Durham University (ranked joint 78^th in the QS World University Rankings® 2018) and Newcastle University in 146^th place.

7. Birmingham

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Up three places in the Best Student Cities ranking this year is Birmingham, in 49^th place globally and remaining in seventh place in the UK. Birmingham is the UK’s second-largest city and is located in the center of the country. Its top university, the University of Birmingham, is consistently featured in the top 100 of the world rankings, most recently taking 81^st place.

Famed for its industrial heritage, Birmingham has more miles of canals than Venice and has excellent restaurants, large shopping centers and a rich history. It also hosts the largest Christmas market in the UK and more than 50 festivals annually, including the Birmingham Comedy Festival.

6. Nottingham

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Ranked 48^th in the Best Student Cities this year and one of the most vibrant cities in the UK, Nottingham is affectionately referred to as the ‘Queen of the Midlands’, known for its proud connection to the Robin Hood legend, as well as being named the ‘Home of English Sport’ in October 2015. The city contains two ranked universities, with the University of Nottingham scoring highest in 96^th place.

The city earns the second highest score in the UK for affordability, with rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city center costing £588.89 (~US$759), 66 percent cheaper than London according to Numbeo.

Nottingham also has an award-winning public transport system and students in our survey describe the city as “affordable, easy to get around and overall a highly active city.”

5. Coventry

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Entering the top 5 now, where Coventry remains solidly in fifth place, ranking 47^th in the Best Student Cities index. Coventry’s top score is for the student mix indicator, where it ranks third in the world, with 42 percent of its students coming from outside of the UK – making it a very diverse place to study.

The University of Warwick is Coventry’s top ranking university, in 62^nd place in the world university rankings this year. Warwick University’s Arts Centre is one of the largest art centers in the UK, and there are a variety of other theatres and art galleries around the city. In fact, Coventry was even awarded the title of ‘UK City of Culture 2021’.

4. Glasgow

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Rising four places in the Best Student Cities ranking, Glasgow comes in in 39^th place in the world, and remains in fourth place in the UK. Glasgow is in the top 50 for the university rankings, student view, desirability and student mix indicators, with a large and mixed student population.

The city is home to two universities which feature in the top 300 of the World University Rankings: the University of Glasgow, which ranks 67^th, and the University of Strathclyde at joint 296^th, with the former dating back to the 15^th century. The largest city in Scotland, Glasgow is known for its rich history, varied contemporary culture and the friendliness of its locals.

In our student survey, one individual remarks, “the people are so friendly, the nightlife is fantastic and it’s a really artistic city”.

3. Manchester

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We kick off the top three with Manchester, which also ranks29^th in the world (dropping five places this year). Music is a big part of Manchester’s culture, with many famous bands formed here, such as Oasis, Joy Division, The Smiths and The Stone Roses.

The city gains its highest score for student mix, but generally scores well in all of the indicators. In our student survey, one respondent describes the city as “like a smaller, cheaper and friendlier London”. Another said ”It’s a well-connected city with affordable living costs and lots of job opportunities.”

Manchester’s highest ranked university, the University of Manchester is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and places 27^th in the world rankings.

2. Edinburgh

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The Scottish capital, Edinburgh, is in 16^th place this year, and is known for its cultural attractions, such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which happens every August and attracts thousands of people to the city.

Home to the University of Edinburgh (in 20^th place in the world rankings), the city is one of the UK’s highest scorers on the student view, student mix and desirability indicators. According to our survey, students admire the city’s “combination of nature, history, world class facilities and diversity”.                     

1. London

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Ranking first in world for the second time in a row we have London, containing no less than 18 ranked institutions in the QS World University Rankings® 2020 – including two in the global top 10. It is therefore unsurprising that London is ranked the best in the world in the university rankings indicator and third in the employer activity indicator.

When asked in our student survey what the best thing about studying in London was, one respondent said: “the diversity of the people, opportunities and experiences” and another said they admired the city’s “employment prospects and social opportunities”.

You can read about the top universities in London here.

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Think there’s a UK city which deserves a place here? Rate it in our student survey, or let us know in the comments.

The newly published 2020 edition of the QS Arab Region University Rankings, out today, features 130 leading universities in the region.

To compile the rankings, 10 indicators are used: academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty/student ratio, international research network, web impact, proportion of staff with a PhD, citations per paper, papers per faculty, proportion of international faculty and proportion of international students.  You can find out more about the methodology used here.

Read on as we count down the top ten universities in the Arab region…

 10. University of Jordan

Location: Jordan

Kicking off our list of the top universities in the Arab region is the University of Jordan in 10^th place. Established in 1962, the University of Jordan is the largest and oldest university in Jordan, enrolling over 37,000 students and is also one of the Hashemite Kingdom’s leading research universities.

The university earns its highest score in the employer reputation indicator, placing sixth in the region, reflecting the strong position of the university’s graduates amongst graduate employers. 

9. The American University in Cairo (AUC)

Location: Egypt

Down one place this year, but remaining solidly in the top ten, is the American University in Cairo which takes ninth place. Founded in 1919, the American University in Cairo (AUC) is a leading English language and American accredited higher education institution and its community of students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni and trustees represent more than 60 countries, giving it a strong international outlook.

The university gains its highest scores in the web impact and employer reputation indicators, ranking third and fourth respectively.

8. Sultan Qaboos University

Image credit: Neil Turner (Flickr)

Location: Oman

Rising two places in the rankings this year is Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), in eighth place. Set in a valley beneath the nearby foothills of the Oman Mountains and built in the traditional Islamic style, the university is certainly picturesque. Established in 1986, SQU is also the Sultanate’s only public university and ranks joint 379^th in the QS World University Rankings® 2020.

The university scores highest in the international research network in fourth place, reflecting the strong international outlook of its academic work.

7. American University of Sharjah

Location: United Arab Emirates

Remaining in seventh place for the region this year is the American University of Sharjah, placing 371^st in the world university ranking. All classes and administrative functions are conducted in English and the university has an almost 50:50 ratio of male and female students.

The university earns perfect scores in the web impact and international research network indicator, both ranking first – showing the university’s focus on expanding its international outlook.

6. King Saud University (KSU)

Location: Saudi Arabia

King Saud University (KSU) takes sixth place in 2020, dropping two places from last year. KSU scores well in the academic reputation, employer reputation and international research network indicators and ranks joint 281^st in the most recent world university rankings.

Named after the founder of Saudi Arabia, KSU was established in 1957 and was Saudi Arabia’s first university. The university’s programs are taught in either English or Arabic, depending on the chosen major, and many courses have no tuition fees.

5. United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)

Location: United Arab Emirates

Established in 1976 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is the first and largest institution in the UAE . Today, the university continues to fulfil its founder’s progressive vision, contributing to the development of the UAE.

UAEU places fifth of the top universities in the Arab region and ranks joint 329^th in the world rankings, scoring well in all indicators, particularly the academic reputation, employer reputation and international research network.

4. Qatar University

Location: Qatar

Rising two places this year and entering the top five is Qatar University, in fourth place.. The university was established in 1979 and is continuously improving in the world university rankings, placing 276^th this year.

Qatar University scores well across all indicators, but scores particularly well in the international research network and employer reputation indicators, ranking fifth and seventh respectively.

3. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)

Image credit: Abdulrahman Y. idlbi (Flickr)

Location: Saudi Arabia

Top of the table last year, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) drops to third place in the 2020 rankings. Founded in 1963, KFUPM is now one of the most selective higher education institutes in Saudi Arabia, only accepting 10 percent of all applicants.

KFUPM ranks in joint 200^th place in the world university rankings, scoring in the top 10 for most indicators. This includes the papers per faculty and citations per paper indicators, where it ranks third and fourth respectively – an indication of the quality of the university’s academic research.

2. American University of Beirut (AUB)

Location: Lebanon

Narrowly missing out on the gold medal position is the American University of Beirut, in second place. The university offers over 120 programs, all of which are taught in English. The University of Beirut was founded in 1866 and is a private, nonsectarian and independent university, and is now one of the most prestigious universities in the middle east.

As expected, the university ranks highly in all indicators, scoring particularly well in the employer reputation indicator where it comes first in the Arab region.

1. King Abdul Aziz University (KAU)

Location: Saudi Arabia

In first place, and officially the top university in the Arab region this year, is King Abdul Aziz University (KAU). As well as rising two places in the regional rankings, KAU also scores well in the world university rankings, in joint 186^th place.

KAU ranks in the top 10 for all but three of the indicators, scoring particularly well for academic reputation, citations per paper and international research network; reflecting the strength of the university’s academic output.

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Sponsored by University of the Witwatersrand

Johannesburg, Joburg, Jozi, eGoli (City of Gold), whatever you want to call it – is a melting pot of cultures and languages.

A progressive city undeterred by its complicated social and political history, Johannesburg oozes urban regeneration as it lures thousands of international students to study in the city each year, thanks to its well-priced tuition fees, high standard of education, excellent hospitality, pleasant weather all-year-round and much more. It’s also been recognized as a top 100 student city in the latest QS Best Student Cities ranking.

Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll love and what you can expect when you study your postgraduate degree in Johannesburg.

Johannesburg is a buzzing city that loves to live fast

You’d be mistaken for thinking Johannesburg is one of the three capital cities of South Africa, such is its international reputation. However, while it lacks the official title, it’s widely considered to be the financial and cultural hub of the country.

From hipster coffee shops to fashion boutiques, art galleries to museums, botanical gardens to theaters, there’s a lot to get excited about in the city, and there’s definitely enough to keep you busy during your time here.

When it comes to bright lights and late nights, Johannesburg is home to some of South Africa’s most exciting entertainment and party scenes. Bassline and Artivist are located in the popular suburbs of the city near the University of the Witwatersrand, and is a real hub for students and locals alike who love all things music, especially jazz and Afro-beat, as well as comedy and impromptu music sessions.

Moving to Johannesburg to live and study is an exciting adventure, but just like all major and unfamiliar cities, it’s always good to take precautions. As long as you act and behave like you would in any new city – which means no showing off expensive possessions, or having large amounts of money in your wallet or purse, you should be ok.

Universities in Johannesburg, such as the University of the Witwatersrand consider student safety to be of paramount importance and have several protection services in place for students across its campus.

Johannesburg is one of the most affordable student cities in the world

In the QS Best Student Cities 2019 ranking, Johannesburg ranked ninth in the world for affordability, reflecting its relatively low tuition fees and living costs while making sure to not compromise on its high standards of living and quality of education.

Speaking of which…

Johannesburg is home to some of the country’s best universities

Image credit: University of the Witwatersrand

University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) is ranked second in South Africa in the QS BRICS University Rankings 2019 and is Johannesburg’s highest-ranked institution. It’s also home to a growing postgraduate student community with over a third of students studying a postgraduate degree.

Around 39,000 students study at the university, and Emman Raj Munduthara, an MSc in Computer Science student from India, is one of them. When asked what made him decide to study at Wits University, he considered its international exposure and top reputation to be the biggest factors.

While Hwajin Sung, a student studying Honors in Portuguese believes the education at the university “well-structured and developed.”

Johannesburg is full of exciting business opportunities

Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest populated city and is an ever-evolving international hub full of networking, internship and job training opportunities. There is a huge demand for those with industry talent, knowledge and skills – especially recent graduates.

Salary prospects are also good, which is something to bear in mind should you want to stay once your university experience eventually comes to an end.

Johannesburg has an incredibly diverse nature

Such cultural immersion in Johannesburg today is both vigorous and uplifting, thanks to the uniting of 11 official languages, diverse cultures and vibrant people. “The people are really friendly, and you get to experience other people’s religion and cultures, which is great. Campus safety is also good,” said Isheanopa Chipumha, an Accounting Science student at Wits University.

It also has a fantastic arts and culture scene

For those who love all things art and culture, Johannesburg has lots to offer. In recent years, Johannesburg has seen itself transform into a cosmopolitan city where its arts and culture scene takes center stage in showcasing Johannesburg’s history and personality.

The central suburb of Braamfontein is where you’ll find the Wits Theater, Joburg Theater and the Wits Art Museum. Elsewhere in the city you can visit the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill as well as the National Cultural History Museum to better your understanding of the city’s and country’s past.

Witness Johannesburg in bloom

Image credit: University of the Witwatersrand

Once a year between the months of September and November, Johannesburg is illuminated in magnificent shades of purple hue, thanks to hundreds of Jacaranda trees that line the city’s parks and streets.

Melville, Munro Drive in Houghton, Jameson and Victoria Avenues in Melrose, as well as James and Ethel Gray Park are where you can get the best views of this yearly phenomenon.

Johannesburg tends to boast pleasant weather all-year-round

For many international students, the thought of living abroad in a country that boasts a fairly pleasant climate all-year-round sounds absurd.

However, in Johannesburg, the average temperature for most of the year is 71 degrees Fahrenheit, which means winters tend to be short and mild, so snow is unfortunately a very rare sight. Students from the Northern Hemisphere will have to get used to the concept of a hot Christmas too, as the seasons are reversed in the southern hemisphere and the summer months of November-January can be as hot as 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

You’ll no doubt experience a South African braai

If you’re a meat lover in Johannesburg, you’ll definitely be in your element here as meat is a massive part of South Africa’s food culture and menu. Biltong is one such classic South African delicacy, a form of dried, cured meat and should definitely be tasted, even just once.

There’s also no doubt you’ll be invited to a braai or two, or even host a couple yourself. Although it should be noted a braai is definitely not the same as a barbeque (any South African will tell you that)!

If you love sport then you’re definitely in the right place

Image credit: University of the Witwatersrand

Rugby, cricket and soccer (football) are considered the nation’s most popular sports to watch and play. The South African national rugby team, aka the ‘Springboks’ are the fifth-best national rugby team in the world and their home matches at Ellis Park stadium in the heart of Johannesburg are always worth attending.

When it comes to sport and recreation at the University of Witwatersrand, there’s something for everyone, from hockey to basketball, swimming to athletics and so much more.

A big deciding factor for Tristan Mohamed, a Civil Engineering student to study at Wits University was the sports facilities as he wanted to continue playing rugby. While he knew of Wits University’s high academic reputation, he also wanted to discover the sports opportunities available to him.

He told us: “I was given a tour of Wits and the sports facilities and was taken through their achievements and alumni. It made me realize how under acknowledged Wits sport is - it was amazing.

“I ended up registering right then and there, and even joined the rugby team.”

You’ll have the chance to get off the beaten track and explore South Africa

Beyond the boundaries of university campus, Johannesburg is the ideal destination for those who crave adventure. Although the city itself is several hours by road away from the nearest beach, there are plenty of other activities and trips for adventure and travel lovers to enjoy.

For example, Pilanesberg National Park is definitely worth the three-and-a-half-hour drive from Johannesburg. Make a weekend of it and experience one of the country’s most captivating game reserves. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the ‘Big Five’ on a safari – lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe and rhino. 

Just north of Johannesburg, you’ll find the location which is believed to be the origin of all mankind. In 1999, the world-renowned archaeological site, Cradle of Humankind was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is where over a third of all the world’s human ancestor fossils have been discovered.

Sponsored by Royal College of Art

You’d be understandably mistaken for thinking the discipline of art exists on the opposite end of a scale to cutting-edge technology, especially given the emphasis various countries and academic institutions are placing on STEM education.

However, today’s art students are combining art and technology to revolutionize the possibilities of art and its capabilities to explore complex ideas, emotions and beliefs in new ways.

The evolution of technology is reflected in art

The movement from STEM to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) is gathering serious momentum and is becoming an increasingly important aspect in education, from primary school level to higher education level.

The application of art in disciplines such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics is considered to be the missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle when it comes to students who develop into the innovators, leaders and educators of tomorrow.

The art-tech mashup

The use of technology in art is not about making the process of art ‘easier’, but is instead about the increased opportunity to create revolutionary art - just like the students at the Royal College of Art in London have done.

Ranked first in the world for art and design in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019: Art & Design, the Royal College of Art is a unique creative hub where art, design and architecture meet science, technology and AI.

Their Graduate Show in July was a transparent illustration of the range of works aligned to the STEAM agenda with a view to solving global issues from a social, sustainable and commercial viewpoint. We visited them to find out more. 

Augmented animation to visualize the environmental impact of materials used in fashion

From opting to walk instead of getting the bus, to buying a reusable water bottle as opposed to using a different plastic bottle of water from the supermarket each day, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of their carbon footprint when it comes to fashion choices as well.

Petra Ritzer, an MA Information Experience Design student designed and developed her project, Material Legacy, in order to draw attention to material behavior over time and the potential impact materials can have on the environment. She hopes her work will have a positive impact on the decisions made in the fashion industry.

“I thought about how we could make materials and their behavior over time more understandable for people so that they have a more immediate understanding of what material lives for what amount of time and how could we use that material differently.

“I then started thinking about making a futuristic scenario where we are in 2030 which is the very near future, and have artificial intelligence (AI) that visualizes the lifetime of such materials.

“In order to have enough data I thought it would be interesting to collect the data from all different researchers and have it held in one place in order to feed the AI so it can essentially visualize it.

“The idea of the AI is that it can recognize the material and then tell the story of the material through visualization. This piece is an installation that should explain what the AI does and how it would function.

“It’s basically a comparison for technical and biological materials. The sculptures underneath are shelves which show how long it will take the material to degrade.”

When asked whether this could be used commercially to help with the sustainability of fashion, Petra was more than positive. She said: “Definitely. We may not be that far off, thanks to the technology we have now. There’s definite potential.”

An audio-based restorative experience to help those who live with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

Approximately 44 million people around the world live with Alzheimer’s or some form of dementia.

Inspired by her grandfather who had Alzheimer’s, MA Information Experience Design student, Ruilin Quan designed and developed NOTE – an audio-based restorative experience which aims to improve the lives of those who suffer from the disease through the power of music.

“I found that music can have a positive effect for the person – helping with social interactions and memory support - so I wanted to create a small system that can help patients and allows caregivers to also participate.”

Comprising of a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader, a speaker and RDIF tags which can be stuck to any object or surface, each tag can then be connected to a piece of music or some form of audio recording.

It’s a very practical solution to what can be, at times, a very difficult situation for everyone involved, and not just the patient. It can also be useful for those who don’t even necessarily have Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia.

“It [NOTE] can be used to remind the patient to take their medicine, or even just lock the front door or turn the oven off,” says Ruilin.

Ruilin previously studied industrial design, so when we asked why she chose to study the MA in Information Experience Design, she told us: “Because it’s about finding a problem from real life and trying to find the solution to solve it.”

An immersive virtual reality experience in the world of sustainable fashion

Capitalizing on what is now a very accessible tool in the world of technology – virtual reality – Ciaran Moore, an MA Textiles student at the Royal College of Art has developed a “system of fashion customization using virtual reality and immersive experience.”

Virtual reality is not just a sci-fi dream, it offers solutions to real-world problems and expands artists’ horizons, as is the case with Ciaran. Based on the environmental impact of fashion, B34 allows the ‘customer’ to use virtual reality to customize their own garments and accessories with direct-to-garment printing technology.

“The main objective is to slow down fashion and look for tech solutions for slow fashion,” he said.

“It’s also about trying to give a consumer experience in fashion which will connect people with what they are wearing and make people want to wear the same thing for longer.”

Having already worked in print design and concept design for sportswear, as well as working freelance for a high street fashion label, Ciaran has been able to see firsthand the negative side of the fashion industry in terms of production and waste.

“I wanted to look for a solution to that, and tech is something that I’ve always used so finding solutions with it is what I’ve been wanting to do.”

B34 has been a year-long project which seems to have paid off as the reaction has been amazing, according to Ciaran.

“Going into the VR experience is so different from anything else you can see on the screen or on the projector because it’s so immersive.

“So with me coming from a textiles point-of-view thinking in a textiles way, I’ve designed this with that kind of mind, using layering, color and shape and texture so it’s abstract but it’s like nothing else I’ve done in VR.”

In order to make the experience as immersive as possible, Ciaran designed all the visuals in the VR headset himself, while he also collaborated with a perfumer and three musicians on the sound design for the space.

A new form of art has emerged with access to it also changing

The capacity to create new forms of art is getting larger, as is the freedom to act more autonomously thanks to the opportunities that arise with changing technologies.

From 3D animation, to digital painting and sensor-driven creations, for many art and design students the use of technology is an invaluable part of their artistic production.

The viewing public have only ever been observers in a traditional sense when it comes to art, but they can now become the protagonist and part of the creation of art itself. This shift in public interaction is a result of VR and AI which offers an immersive experience where interactivity allows art and technology to work together.

The future of STEAM education

It’s apparent there are still many avenues of art yet to benefit from the constant evolution of technology.

However, if these students at the Royal College of Art are anything to go by, as they venture into the unknown without the conventional artist’s toolbox and discover original techniques and processes that were practically unheard of or impossible only a few decades ago, then we’re in for a very exciting future of art and technology.

After moving to London, you need to be prepared for the barrage of questions from family and friends all wanting to know: “What’s it like living in London?” Undoubtedly, the first answer to spring to mind will be - “It’s incredible - but bloody hell, it’s expensive.” And while there may be no upper limit on what you can spend on a night out in London, the city really doesn’t get enough credit for all the free and cheap ways it offers a great night out. To prove my point, here are a few ideas to enjoy an evening out in London for a tenner or less.

See a film

Visit Rich Mix in Shoreditch to see a film for just £6 on Mondays, or every day if you get a Rich Mix Mixer membership for those aged 18-25. Membership for a year costs £6 and comes with a free cinema ticket, so it’s already paid for itself. You’ll even have enough (just) for a beer afterwards.

Eat pizza

Try Franco Manca or Pizza Pilgrims where most (but, it has to be said, not all) pizzas on the menu cash in at under a tenner - they’re pretty big too, and easily shareable. A word of warning though - word has got out about these pizzerias and they’re extremely popular, so arrive early or be prepared to queue.

Drink cocktails

It’s not only in London where cocktails are notoriously expensive - but you can soften the blow with two-for-one offers during London’s happy hours. Try Simmon’s Bar, they have several different London locations and happy hour every evening with two for £10 on selected cocktails. Alternatively, Bar Story in Peckham offers a daily happy hour where you can get two of the same cocktail for £7. You could also venture to Bar Elba, a year-round rooftop bar in Waterloo offering two-for-one cocktails 4-6pm every day, with extra hours of fun Monday to Wednesday 9-11pm.

See some Shakespeare

Back in Shakespeare’s day, theatre was for everyone - nobility and peasants alike, and in keeping with this spirit, the Globe offers £5 standing tickets for performances. Standing up for a whole performance isn’t as taxing as you think it will be and allows you to experience the play in true Shakespearian style. If you’ve been put off Shakespeare forever by your English GCSE teacher, you should still give it a try; even the tragedies will make you laugh. If Shakespeare really isn’t your thing, you could always try an eccentric pub theatre play - one in particular to try is Etcetera Theatre in Camden where tickets to most performances cost £10 or less.

Have a laugh

Angel Comedy Club at the Bill Murray in Islington and the Camden Head in Camden (obviously) are famous for hosting big names in comedy performing work in progress shows, usually for less than £10. Even better, they also host regular comedy nights for free if you don’t mind who you see! You could also try Top Secret Comedy Club for a cheap laugh in Leicester Square.

Visit the Sky Garden

The Sky Garden on the top floor of 20 Fenchurch Street (more affectionately known as ‘the Walkie-Talkie Building’) is free to visit, though you’ll have to pay through the nose if you want a drink when you get there. Luckily, there is enough to see to keep you entertained without the drinks; you can enjoy spectacular views over the capital, made even more gorgeous if you can time your visit with the sunset. Entry is limited so you will need to book in advance.

Sponsored by The University of Hong Kong – Faculty of Business and Economics

Management is about more than ‘being a boss’. It’s about great leadership, perfecting the art of communication, being resilient, knowing how to make a good deal, understanding numbers, being an effective and creative problem-solver, as well as making all the right connections.

There’s a myriad of reasons to study a postgraduate degree in global management – but knowing whether it’s right for you is another question.

We spoke to Professor Chun Hui, program director of the new Master of Global Management at The University of Hong Kong to find out more.

You want to understand the inner workings of a multinational organization

If the idea of working in management on a global scale excites you, you may want to consider starting with studying a global management postgraduate degree.

Global management is a distinctive field of business leadership which concentrates on the quality of managing and cooperating of people, resources, facilities and strategies in order to go above and beyond expectations when it comes to the goals and objectives of the business on a global scale.

You’ll have a genuine interest in understanding what makes people behave and work in a particular way, and what makes a manager within a highly integrated setting able to lead and maintain a well-run team.

You want to better your industry knowledge and skillset

Global management comprises several vast areas of business, from strategy and operations to data analysis, marketing to finance. So, no matter how big or small an organization is, it will always require individuals with high-quality management skills.

There’s a lot to learn about when it comes to enhancing an understanding of global management, while also developing specific managerial skills, such as managing people, processes and policies, especially within a global setting.

“When we designed the curriculum, it wasn’t just about teaching basic textbook knowledge,” said Professor Hui.

“It was more about helping students acquire the knowledge – if you see a problem, what kind of knowledge can you leverage to overcome this, and then come up with better solutions.”

You can study it at a world-renowned university

The University of Hong Kong which ranked 25th in the world in the QS World University Rankings® 2020 and second in the QS Asia University Rankings 2019 has developed the Master of Global Management which teaches students to think exclusively in a wider global context, where they learn to address issues relating to working and managing across cultures.

Students also learn how to incorporate individual, organizational and national knowledge which is relevant in the effective management of global issues and function of business.

“We have a very exclusive structure, understanding individuals, organizations, and national cultural contexts,” explained Professor Hui.

“It’s not a typical MBA program in which students will have to take a specific course in finance, marketing, economics, accounting.

“It’s focused on management, meaning that students will learn something about human behaviors, learn something about themselves and how other people behave, they will learn about organizations and they will learn about nations and cultures.

“The content is orientated towards things that are related to this global context,” he added.

You can expand your global perspective with experential learning opportunities

A number of academic institutions around the world offer degree programs that focus specifically on global management studies, with several making global management study and work experiences an integral part of the curriculum.

The Master of Global Management offers students the opportunity to take part in a company field trip, said Professor Hui: “The field trip involves company visits for students so they can meet with practitioners who are really dealing with global management issues.”

It can help you break into the global management sector and prepare you for an international career

Whether you want to branch off and start your own business venture or work for a private business or NGO, working in management is varied, intricate and demanding. Simply having a relevant undergraduate and postgraduate qualification in hand is no longer enough to stand out from the competitive graduate job market.

With today’s marketplaces and businesses integrating on such large global scales, there’s high demand for talented global management professionals. As a result, employers actively seek candidates who have global experience and who can demonstrate their ability to learn and work well with others, be open-minded and display fantastic problem-solving abilities, according to Professor Hui.

Although there’s no quick and easy way to get to senior level management roles, there are many global management entry-level job roles which are a great gateway into the industry, as Professor Hui told us:

“There are companies who are looking to expand their business activities across national and regional boundaries and will hire people within business management and strategy.

“These are companies who want trainees and entry level employees who have some kind of global exposure. And when these people progress in their careers, we hope at a more senior level there are many opportunities for them, such as directors of global business developments,” he added.