The student exchange program is a procedure in which a university student for a fixed period gets the opportunity to listen to lectures and attend practical classes in another educational institution. In order to make such a situation possible, a special agreement on international cooperation is concluded between the institutions.
Program features
Some international student exchange programs only operate during the summer. Boys and girls do not attend classes 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 productive, have their own ambitions, dream of an international career, want to improve their foreign language skills, and have communication skills.
Exchange options
Practically all European countries are currently interested in young people fromdifferent states of the world. 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 a leader in international exchanges.
Financial support is provided by the educational institution from which the young man came, and the European Union. For example, the student exchange program with Germany is implemented with the close support of the German exchange service DAAD. The structural subdivision 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 of graduate students, students, professors, doctors of sciences from different countries.
International European Student Organization
AIESEC helps all interested students find the best internship abroad. Members of this organization are thousands of prestigious higher education institutions located in different countries of the world. AIESEC also has its representative office in large Russian cities. This student exchange program has helped hundreds of boys and girls get excellent language practice.
Japan and Korea
Those young people who dream of getting on a student exchange to Japan can qualify for a special scholarship. It is paid by the government of this country. At the Embassy of Japan, you can get detailed information about the package of documents, terms of application. It will also describe in detailuniversities with student exchange programs. At the same time, in Korea, foreign students who have arrived in the country on an exchange 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.
US programs
The US student exchange program is called Global UGRAD. Hundreds of Russian students of prestigious domestic 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 during the summer. It is calculated for five months. And one is allocated for rest and travel, and four - for work.
There are special local organizations that help students to travel outside their country. In addition, each major domestic university has its own international relations. If you dream of getting an internship abroad, choose universities with a student exchange program (PFUR, Moscow State University and others).
Rules for participation in international exchange
There are special competitions, the winners of which become participants in international student exchange programs. European countries have a positive attitude towards talented and gifted students from other countries. They try to make their stay for the exchange period as comfortable and safe as possible. Certain requirements are put forward for candidates for the exchange. They may vary independing on the scientific field, the requirements of the host. Common requirements include:
- Excellent performance in exchange discipline.
- Fluent in the foreign language used for teaching at the host institution.
- A certain age.
- The absence of restrictions on physical and mental he alth 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 offered to write an essay, pass a special interview, do a project or research paper, become the winner of a conference or a creative competition. After the successful completion of all tests, the decision remains with the host. Representatives of the university are analyzing the possibility and expediency of accepting a particular candidate as their student.
Package of required documents
In order to become a member of international exchange programs, you must collect and provide a package of certain documents:
- Proof of identity of the student.
- Document of study at a state accredited higher education institution.
- Certificate of progress certified by the rector.
- Certificate of successful completion of a foreign language proficiency exam (according to established international standards).
- Reference frommedical institution about the state of he alth.
- Visa host.
In most cases, the financial issue is decisive for the decision to participate in international exchange programs. If you plan to study in France, you can count on financial support from the state. This factor significantly increases the candidate's chances of being successfully included in the exchange, receiving a special scholarship.
Issues related to the exchange of students in England are decided by the university management. They have the right to choose project participants from certain countries. In addition, they themselves develop the criteria for competitive selection. There are also universities in this country that are ready to assign special scholarships for participants in international exchange. But to receive them, you need to become the owner of a grant from this English university by winning a certain competition.
International students can obtain a work permit during the academic semester - no more than twenty hours per week. During the summer period, there are no such restrictions. Program participants have the opportunity to receive financial support from non-governmental organizations specializing in such activities. The costs of moving (flight) to the host country are mainly borne by the student himself. In addition, you must have special medical insurance.
Conclusion
Students who were luckybecome direct participants in various international programs, leave positive feedback. Among the main problems they note the language barrier, getting used to a new way of life. But gradually all problems are solved. 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's highlight some of them. The goal of the Erasmus+ variant is to increase the mobility of young people and the prestige of European education. This 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 be on an internship, but also become a happy owner of two higher education diplomas at once, pass a language proficiency exam, 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.
