A student exchange program is a procedure in which a university student for a fixed term gets the opportunity to listen to lectures and attend practical classes in another educational institution. In order to make this situation possible, a special agreement on international cooperation is concluded between the institutions.
Program Features
Some international student exchange programs are only available during the summer. Boys and girls do not attend class at this time. Therefore, they often carry out work (practice) in the country with which the agreement is concluded.
Modern student exchange programs in Russia are suitable for those young people who are highly efficient, have their own ambitions, dream of an international career, want to improve their foreign language skills, and have communication skills.
Sharing options
Almost all European countries are currently interested in having young people from different countries of the world come to them. There is a special program in the European Union that regulates the mechanism for resolving this issue. There are special student exchange programs here. Germany takes part in many projects. She is considered the leader of international exchanges.
Financial support is provided by the educational institution from which the young man came and the European Union. For example, a student exchange program with Germany is being implemented with the close support of the German DAAD exchange service. The structural unit of this organization operates on the territory of the Russian Federation. It is located in Moscow. This student exchange program is aimed at financial support for graduate students, students, professors, doctors of sciences from different countries.
International European Student Organization
AIESEC helps all interested students to find the best internship abroad. Members of this organization are thousands of prestigious higher education institutions located in different countries of the world. AIESEC has a representative office in major Russian cities. This student exchange program has helped hundreds of guys and girls get excellent language practice.
Japan and Korea
Those young people who dream of getting a student exchange in Japan can apply for a special scholarship. It is paid by the government of this country. In the Japanese Embassy, you can get detailed information about the package of documents, terms of treatment. Here you will also be described in detail by universities with a student exchange program. At the same time, in Korea, foreign students who have arrived in the exchange country are paid a scholarship under a special support program. Details of participation in the project and detailed consultation are available at the embassy of this eastern country.
USA programs
The student exchange program in the USA is called Global UGRAD. Hundreds of Russian students from prestigious national universities have already taken advantage of it. In addition, you can try to get into the Work and Travel USA project, which allows young people from all over the world to work in the USA in the summer. It is designed for five months. And one is allocated for rest and travel, and four - for work.
There are special local organizations that help students travel outside their own country. In addition, each major domestic university has its own international relations. If you want to get an internship abroad, choose universities with a student exchange program (RUDN University, Moscow State University, and others).
Rules for participation in the international exchange
There are special contests whose winners become participants in international student exchange programs. European countries are positive towards talented and gifted students from other countries. They try to make their stay as comfortable and safe as possible during the exchange period. Candidates for the exchange put forward certain requirements. They may vary depending on the scientific field, the requirements of the host country. Common requirements include:
- Excellent academic performance in the discipline of exchange.
- Fluency in the foreign language used for teaching at the host institution.
- A certain age.
- The absence of restrictions on physical and mental health that would interfere with study, socialization.
For each individual exchange program by the state or educational institution, additional conditions are set regarding the motivation of the project participants. For example, candidates are invited to write an essay, undergo a special interview, do design or research work, become the winner of a conference or creative competition. After the successful completion of all tests, the decision remains with the host. University representatives analyze the possibility and expediency of accepting a particular candidate as the quality of their student.
Package of required documents
In order to become a member of international exchange programs, it is necessary to collect and provide a package of certain documents:
- Student identity paper.
- Document on studying at a state accredited higher educational institution.
- Certificate of performance certified by the rector.
- Certificate of the successful passing of a foreign language proficiency test (according to established international standards).
- A certificate from a medical institution about the state of health.
- Host Visa.
In most cases, the financial issue is crucial for deciding on participation in international exchange programs. If you plan to study in France, you can count on material support from the state. This factor significantly increases the candidate's chances of successful inclusion in the exchange, receiving a special scholarship.
Issues related to student exchange in England are decided by university management. They own the right to choose project participants from certain countries. In addition, they themselves develop criteria for competitive selection. There are universities in this country that are ready to appoint special scholarships for participants in the international exchange. But to get them you need to become the owner of a grant from this English university, having won a certain competition.
International students can obtain work permits during the academic semester - no more than twenty hours per week. In the summer, such restrictions are not expected. Program participants have the opportunity to receive financial support from non-governmental organizations specializing in such activities. The costs of moving (flying) to the host country are mainly borne by the student himself. In addition, you must have special health insurance.
Conclusion
Students who are fortunate enough to become direct participants in various international programs leave positive feedback. Among the main problems they note the language barrier, getting used to a new lifestyle. But gradually, all problems are resolved. And about the time spent in a foreign country, young people have only the most positive impressions.
In Russia, more than one student exchange program is popular. Let us single out some of them. The goal of the Erasmus + option is to increase youth mobility and the prestige of European education. Such a program is designed for masters, bachelors, doctoral students. Its duration depends on the direction of the internship. It can last from one semester to several years.
In some cases, you can not only find yourself on an internship, but also become the proud owner of two higher education diplomas at once, pass a language proficiency test, and receive an appropriate certificate. With a favorable set of circumstances, you can count on getting a well-paid job in one of the European countries.