Top 10 Reasons to Take TOEFL Courses in Spain

Spain is one of those places you fall in love with instantly, and it was certainly love at first sight for me. I have been living in Spain since 2005. During this time, I have been teaching and working closely with teachers-in-training. My love affair with Spain is still going strong and I consistently see first-hand how this country can get its grip on those coming to take TEFL courses and provide an unforgettable experience.

Barcelona, Spain

So, you can trust me when I say that Spain is one of the best places in the world to take your TEFL course! Why? Here are my top ten reasons to take TEFL courses in Spain:

1. Living costs are low.

If you are on a tight budget, taking your TEFL course in Spain could actually save you money. Depending on the location of your course, expect to pay somewhere in the region of €50 per week for food and drinks, €300 to €400 per month for accommodation (in a room in a shared flat) and €1 per ride on public transport. There are also plenty of things you can do in your free time which don't cost a penny. You could beach it up, climb mountains, hang out on terrazas, attend street parties, join a language exchange, the possibilities are endless.

2. Amazing climate.

For sun-worshipers, Spain is a paradise. Mild winters and hot summers make living in Spain as easy as pie. Temperatures can vary from north to south and from the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean Sea, but all in all, you can expect temperatures on average around 10 to 20 degree Celsius in the winter and 25 to 35 degrees Celsius in the summer. This climate makes it perfect for lazing on the beach or sipping a cold beer during the balmy evenings. Expect to be outside a lot when you aren’t busy with your TEFL training, and don't forget your sunscreen!

Group of Trinity CertTESOL trainees in Barcelona

3. High demand for English lessons.

If you are planning to stay in the location of your TEFL course and get a teaching job, Spain is a great option. In most large cities, such as Barcelona, ESL teaching classes can be picked up within a few days of TEFL graduation. Regular comprehensive schools in Spain don't tend to provide English classes of a high standard, which paves the way for private English language academies to offer their services. In-company classes, Cambridge or IELTS examination preparation, and teaching young learners are very popular and in high demand throughout Spain.

4. Language learning opportunities.

If you've dreamed of learning another language, or perhaps you already picked up some Spanish during high school or college and would like to improve, spending time in Spain is a sure-fire way of learning the lingo quickly. Being immersed in the culture of Spain and putting yourself in situations in which you’ll need to communicate with Spanish speakers is the best way to pick up the language. Combine this with organized Spanish classes, which are easy to find all over the country, and before you know it, you'll be chatting away in Spanish like a local.

Group of Trinity CertTESOL graduates in Barcelona

5. Great food.

From irresistible paella to tasty tapas and fresh fish to sizzling steaks, Spain has everything you need to satisfy your taste buds without piling on (too many) pounds. Some of the best restaurants in the world are located in Spain, and the regular Spanish bar usually doesn't do a bad job at competing with those either. Food is one of the most important elements of Spanish society, which is why Spanish lunches last forever and nights out tend to revolve around tasty treats and sampling local wine or beer.

6. Friendly people.

It is easy to meet people while earning TEFL certification in Spain. Renowned for being open, Spanish party-goers are not afraid of asking you where you are from, what you doing, and whether you prefer fideua or arroz negro. Spanish social life makes it easy not only to practice your Spanish, but also to get to know people fairly quickly, which is great if you come to Spain alone and don't know many people.

Teaching English in Spain

7. Fiestas and festivals.

Spaniards have a reputation for partying, which they try hard to maintain. Expect some of the strangest and most random festivals in your region no matter which one you choose, and street parties at the drop of a hat. Community spirit is high on the agenda in Spanish culture and fireworks are set off at any opportunity. Don't underestimate the stamina of the local elderly population either!

8. Discover Europe.

If your plan is to explore some of Europe after your TEFL course in Spain, it's pretty easy, cheap, and fast to do so. Whether it's over a weekend or for a longer period, flights and other transportation options are within easy reach, and it will be easy on your pocket too. Ski in the Alps, marvel at historical buildings in Rome, take in an opera in Vienna, drink beer in Prague, or hop over to London; it's all possible from Spain.

Barcelona beach

9. Diverse culture.

Orrrrrr...you could stay in Spain and still feel like you have traveled to another corner of Europe. Spain is home to an array of diverse cultures and languages. Andalucian food, accents, and the lifestyle of the south is very different from that of Galicia in the north, for example. Catalan, the language of Catalunya in the north-east, is worlds away from Euskara, the language of the Basque country in the north of Spain. By staying in Spain, you can still feel like you have traveled; all you have to do is jump on a bus or train for a completely different experience.

10. Lots of choices.

Spain is a popular location for TEFL courses abroad, and to meet demand, over the years TEFL course providers have popped up all over the country. The result? You’ll have plenty of TEFL courses in Spain to choose from. This might seem a little overwhelming at first, but as long as you choose a TEFL course with accreditation, such as by Trinity or Cambridge, which will be recognized by employers, it will be a good start. Other things to consider are a good careers service, reputation, and community.

Study Abroad with Style: Men's Edition

The Idle Man teams up with GoAbroad to give you some college fashion tips for guys, served up with an international flair. Read on for insights into how to study abroad with style, including the best fashion-forward locations to sport your on-point style, the importance of packing smartly, travel style faux pas you definitely want to avoid, and some other last minute study abroad packing tips.

Traveling for college students is always a good idea, as it is for most; it is an opportunity for learning and experiencing life in a different culture. But beyond the photos and the new languages learned, one of the most important things is *obviously* making sure your style game is strong. Whether you’re going to class, indulging in the nightlife with your new friends, or sightseeing, you don’t want to be remembered as a style outcast.

Leather and flannel are a man’s best friend.

 

Study abroad for men looks a little different than for women, and it all starts with what’s in the suitcase.

Most Fashion-Forward Destinations for Study Abroad

You’re probably wondering: with fashion on my mind, where is the best place for me to study abroad? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! There are a myriad of international destinations that will inspire you, and allow you to hone your personal style.

Paris, France

First off, of course, Paris! This fashion hub is without doubt first on our list. Paris has a rich fashion history that can’t be rivaled; if you want to learn the industry’s true roots, and be amongst impeccable street style, then Paris is definitely the place for you to study abroad. There are a plethora of shopping destinations on Champs Elysees, Rue du Fauburg Saint-Honore, and the unbelievable thrift shops in Marais right at your doorstep.

To make sure you fit in with the Parisian style you are going to want to be equipped with the following essentials: a leather jacket, Oxford shirts, long line T-shirts, black or grey wash skinny jeans, trainers, and Chelsea boots. The key to Parisian style is its understated simplicity and classic, chic feel, but with a slight eclectic edge. These basic essentials will ensure you have a good starting point to nail the Parisian style.

London, England

If you don’t think Paris is for you, or don’t want to deal with the language barrier, London should be first on your list. London definitely has it all, insane street style, men’s and women’s fashion week, and of course English fashion powerhouses, including Burberry, Alexander McQueen, Christopher Kane, and Rick Owens. Studying abroad wise, London has an academic prowess and is an amazing city of opportunities for growth. For students, it offers just about everything, incredible style, buzzing nightlife, and is awash with culture. London certainly provides just about every opportunity you could ever wish for as an international student.

With the crème de la crème of street style, amalgamating Shoreditch’s signature grunge and eclecticism with Canary Wharf’s high-end suit and tie, you can get away with trainers and joggers, or a dapper suit. UK weather is known for keeping residents on their toes, so you need to be well prepared almost constantly for varying temperatures and conditions. Ensure you are equipped with a quality coat, rain jacket, or trench, which all happen to great with denim jeans or navy chinos and a casual shirt.

Keep it classic with a jean jacket.

New York City, USA

Another English-speaking study abroad location is the beloved Big Apple, a magical city indeed where you can rock a coordinated corporate look, or go totally street vibe. This fashion capital offers many tantalising treats like 5th Avenue, New York Fashion Week, and of course, its elite array of fashion industry heavyweights’ headquarters, if that’s what you’re in to.

For the summer in NYC, if you want something casual, then opt for chino shorts and an Oxford shirt, with either loafers or boat shoes. For the winter, you can afford to smarten up a bit, given that you will more than likely be wearing Chelsea or Timberland boots, with skinny jeans and a good quality coat.

Other Fashion-Forward Destinations

Aside from these top fashion-forward picks, students should consider other favorites like Sao Paulo, Sydney, and Barcelona. All of these are perfect locales for dudes who want to study abroad with style. These places offer more relaxed, casual street styles and beg for style experimentation with more summer looks, fun patterns, and prints, whilst also offering an insanely diverse cultural experience.  

It’s All in the Packing

Think you can pull off European chic with a manly twist? Then let’s talk about what to pack for study abroad. Packing can often be the most difficult part of going abroad, especially if you’re going for an extended length of time. Whilst studying abroad you’re likely to need a wardrobe suitable for multiple occasions, whether that be classes, nights out, or just day to day chilling in the city. And while, of course, you’ll want to be prepared for any eventuality, a capsule wardrobe is your best way of keeping covered and ensuring you have the basics; you can always top up on extras while you’re there. And packing lightly, of course, means a great excuse to go shopping in your new city! 

Ensure you do your research before you go and consider the main factors that could influence your wardrobe choices. But, here are some tailored study abroad packing tips just for you:

There’s a reason we all know NYC fashion week.

Check the Weather Report

Make sure you know what season you are packing for, and the destinations track record for the time of the year you will be there; the last thing you want to do is land with a six month supply of shorts and t-shirts, when you clearly needed your jeans and Oxfords.

Pack for Activities

If you know that your daily routine may include university classes, an office internship on the side or weekends exploring with friends, make sure you pack outfits versatile enough for every occasion whether they be smart or casual. Also, when packing for study abroad, you want to make sure you have a stylish, yet practical travel bag that you can easily use for day-trips or daily trips to classes.

Avoid These Horrible Travel-Fashion Faux Pas

You don’t want to commit style suicide when you are trying to find your place in a new city. To ensure this doesn’t happen, here are a few study abroad fashion faux pas you definitely want to avoid:

• Sandals with socks — just wear trainers
• Fanny packs. Even though I trust you have more sense than that I thought I would still mention it… unless you are at a head-banging festival all weekend and need to carry supplies, there is never a place for guys sporting bum bags.
• Crocs — just a no.
• Flip flops. Unless you are at the beach or in dormitory/hostel showers, this footwear is a no-no if you are trying to impress people with your style.

Rock a rucksack and leave your grade-school Jansport at home.

How to Knock it Out of the Park

It’s not all about mindset. Pair that good attitude with a slick pair of shoes and shades. Follow these study abroad fashion tips for guys to round out your look (and your learning experience!):

• Embrace the culture - Try your best to incorporate and get style inspiration from your surroundings
• Check out local thrift shops - If you’ve forgotten anything, this is a cheap way to replace it but also helps you to achieve the former tip.
  
• Don’t be afraid to be more daring - You’re in a new city, there’s no better time to be a bit more experimental with your style, or totally reinvent it all together.
  
• Make the most of the experience - Whether it’s shopping, the culture or the education the city has to offer, make the most of every second, and do it all in style.

Hopefully this guide of college fashion tips for guys inspires an easy and affordable style for you when studying abroad. Though trends are important, you don’t want to put too much thought into it when traveling and living the student life; you’re there to learn, after all (not just to look good). Whether you’re going for show stopper, attention grabber, a classic t-shirt, or another vogue look of choice, step out with confidence and a smile to match by adding these fashion tips and go-to items to your study abroad packing list.

Best Places to Study Public Policy & Diplomacy Abroad

So, you think the “International Day of Peace” should be an everyday thing and not a one day event? We hear ya.

Every year on September 21st, World Peace Day is celebrated as a global commitment to strengthening peace amongst nations and peoples. Looking at our world, this should probably be extended to an entire month or at least a week...but hey, it’s a start.

In honor of this day and GoAbroad’s commitment to meaningful travel, we want to throw out a huge THANK YOU to all those students studying public policy to better our world. What better way to promote peace, expand your knowledge, and increase the breadth of your impact than by studying public policy and diplomacy!

 Study along the shores of Lake Geneva and potentially rub elbows with the UN and Red Cross.

If you have your eye on careers in the foreign service, governmental departments, United Nations, or even NGOs, studying public policy and diplomacy abroad will provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of the factors at play in international relationships. Let World Peace Day be your inspiration for studying abroad. Read on to learn where the best places to study public policy and diplomacy abroad are:

Switzerland

The hub for the largest number of international organizations, and seen as one of the most diplomatic countries in the world, Switzerland is an easy pick for public policy study abroad. You will be in proximity to some of the most powerful and well-known agencies of the United Nations and Red Cross, in addition to over 200 other intergovernmental organizations. International diplomacy is basically in the air you’ll breathe while studying in Switzerland!

Universities in Switzerland, like The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, offer a range of opportunities for students to get up close and personal with world organizations based in Geneva. From studies in global governance and policy interventions to opportunities with the UN itself, you’ll return home with a backpack full of experience and a better sense of the path you need to take to become a diplomat.

  Get an inside look at the EU in Brussels

Belgium

Another key player on the international stage, Belgium is an administrative center for many prominent organizations and conferences. If your main interest is European affairs, head to Brussels, where you’ll find the central institutions of the European Union along with many agencies with European ties, like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The EU’s eminent presence in Brussels draws a large international community. As a study abroad student, don’t be surprised if the guest lecturer of the day is a foreign minister or high-level EU policy maker!

Belgium is also a neighbor to Germany, France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, which are all home to places of interest (i.e. The Hague, Paris, etc.) for public policy and diplomacy students. With easy and affordable Interrail travel in Europe, you can take some extracurricular trips to do even more learning on your own time to expand your learning.

China

China is well-known for having the fastest-growing economy in the world. With great economic status comes great influence on a global scale, but economy isn’t the only factor that comes to play in diplomacy. With a country as large and populous as China, and one that strives to be a driving force in international policy, there is much to study and learn in China related to how they manage relationships amongst allies and frenemies.

Aspiring Global Economists should look into programs in Hong Kong.

 

Even more, you will have a range of options to study public policy in China and will be able to meet people from all over the world, especially by studying in Hong Kong or Beijing. If these two mega-cities interest you, check out courses offered at Loyola University’s Beijing Center or the Asia Institute for Political Economy, located in HK. If your interests lie in international economics or business policy, learning Mandarin while studying in China is a wise choice! But, don’t worry if you aren’t ready to branch out from English just yet, it is possible to study in China in English.

Japan

While China may be the first country that comes to mind when considering studying public policy in Asia, Japan should not be overlooked. Japan is part of the UN as well as a member country in key international meetings on economics, security, and global issues.

In recent years, Japan has steadily grown as a world power. Not only does it have a strong economy, its military is well-funded and highly developed with numerous modern technologies at their fingertips. Yet, even with one of the largest military budgets, the country only utilizes its forces for internal disputes and restricts its use for international disputes strategically.

More importantly (especially on International Day of Peace), Japan ranks highest of any Asian country on the Global Peace Index and has consistently been named among the top 10 on this index annually. If Asia is calling you and diplomacy is your middle name, then Japan may be the right place for you to study abroad!

Learn how Japan has earned their ranking on the Global Peace Index in Tokyo.

United States

If you want to study public policy in a country that has the largest political and cultural influences in the world, the United States is the place to be. In a dominant country like the U.S., much can be learned about global responsibility. From its allied partnerships all over the globe to more turbulent relations in the Middle East, students can gain expertise studying public policy at some of the top universities in the world for the field.

The nation’s capital, Washington D.C., is the best place to study public policy if you’re looking for an international hotspot. Embassies from almost every country can be found there, and most students will be lucky enough to get an insider’s look into various government offices during site visits around the city. If you are looking for an alternative to D.C., head to New York to (hopefully) brush shoulders with staff at the United Nations Headquarters!

How to Studying Abroad Will Help You Become a Diplomat

Regardless of the best places to study public policy and diplomacy abroad listed above, know that there are range of locations you can choose from; the best location for you depends on your main interests and career goals. Looking into study abroad programs in the Middle East or Africa, for example, can be both politically and culturally enlightening and bring an increased understanding to the complications surrounding conflict resolution. The countries above are only the tip of the iceberg, but studying abroad can definitely teach you how to become a diplomat and begin your international career!

 UN Headquarters in New York City

Diplomats have a tough job; not only are they 100 percent representative of their native country, but they need the skills to smoothly assimilate to the country of their duty/assignment. You can jumpstart your ability to mesh with foreign cultures (and ignite a passion for learning other nations’ histories, cultures, and languages) by studying public policy abroad in college. Your ability to develop interpersonal skills, including excellent networking and relationship building tactics, will be put to the test as you navigate a foreign place. Understanding your program peers, your resident advisors, your homestay families, your professors, etc. won’t be as easy as it sounds, but diplomats must be skilled in such people skills, so you’ll be preparing for your future.

Wherever you decide to study public policy abroad, make sure you do your research! Getting the most out of your study abroad experience, or experiences, is the key to unlocking your potential in public policy (and maybe even becoming a diplomat) to better our ever-globalizing world. You might even be able to turn World Peace Day into World Peace Month if you play your cards right!

5 Ways to Make the Most of Studying Abroad in Italy

Studying abroad in Italy is a classic experience packed full of breathtaking architecture, Italian food and wine, and numerous awe-inspiring historical sites. But, in the excitement of making friends with other international students and dashing round Europe every weekend, many students studying abroad in Italy miss out on some of the best parts of Italian culture, without even knowing what they are missing out on. Making the most of study abroad in Italy means breaking out of the English-speaking tourist bubble, and diving deep into all of the quirks and cultural elements that make Italy so unique. Here are five ways you can do just that!

 

1. Know (Some) Italian.

This seems pretty straight-forward. You’re going to live in a foreign country, where the first language is not English, so you should have some knowledge of the country’s language, right? Right! However, the majority of students who choose to study abroad in Italy arrive with minimal to absolutely no knowledge of the Italian language. If you want to truly immerse yourself during your time in studying abroad in Italy, commit to learning some Italian.

It will help you become fluent in the Italian lifestyle, not only the means of communication. You will know how to order the perfect panino, get around on public buses, or even get into that prohibited back room at your favorite museum. It’s somewhat true that you can get by in Italy speaking only English, but are you really coming all this way to Italy to just get by? Knowing at least some Italian will enhance your experience and allow you the opportunity to really live la dolce vita.

 

2. Know the Difference Between Good & Bad Gelato.

Now you’re thinking is there really such thing as bad gelato? Unfortunately, amici, there is. Bad gelato is like the really attractive, yet shady guy or girl who looks good on the outside, but you know is wrong for you on the inside. Maybe that comparison was sort of a leap, but you get the idea.

Bad gelato sits in decorative mounds behind glass in store windows where the pretty and unnatural colors taunt your eyes and entice your taste buds, screaming “I look so pretty, eat me!” However, if it was real gelato (aka good gelato), you wouldn’t be able to see it. Good gelato rests humbly beneath the counter and is often covered by a steel or glass cover.

You can tell good gelato is good because there is less of it; this is because the owners of the shop usually make only enough to sell for the following day. Bad gelato sits in mounds for who knows how long and is made out of powder and milk. Good gelato is made of fresh, natural ingredients and cream, and you’ll taste the difference immediatamente.

3. Be Willing to Go Beyond Comparisons.

Italy is going to be different than your home; you know this already, but it is still something you need to remember. When you first arrive in Italy, it will be easy to say things like, “Home is more organized than Italy” or “Food is better in Italy than at home.” However, challenge yourself to really evaluate the comparisons you make when you make them. Is your home country really more organized than Italy, or does each country have a different logic to its socioeconomic structure? Is food really better in Italy than at home or...ok, no, that one is probably true.

Pay attention to the things that you say and be sensitive to your host culture. You are studying abroad in Italy to learn about another place, another group of people, and a different set of customs, so there are bound to be surprises. Be open to the possibility that you may just leave with more questions than you came with, and if that is the case, you likely did something right!

 

4. Take a Breath Before You Take a Picture.

One of the most commonly used adjectives people use to describe Italy is, “picturesque.” It’s true, Italy is picturesque, but that doesn’t mean that your first instinct should be to take a picture. If you see something you want to take a picture of, hold the phone. If you want to take a picture of something, that must mean it is truly beautiful and significant. Therefore, take the moment you were going to use take to take a picture to just gaze in awe at the amazing sight in front of you. Then, you can take your picture.

 

5. Stay in Italy. 

One of the main reasons many people choose study abroad programs in Italy is because it is really convenient home base to use to travel around Europe. This reason is valid, because when else will you ever be so close to so many other amazing places? On the other hand, when else will you get the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in another culture so intimately?

Studying abroad is about going out of your comfort zone by involving yourself in a place that is not your home; it is hard to be part of a different place if you spend most of your free time traveling away from it on an overnight bus or on budget airplanes. This is not to say that you shouldn’t travel outside of Italy, but to make the most of studying abroad in Italy you should aim to spend most of your time in Italy itself. Many people say that it is not possible to see all of Italy no matter how long you stay there, so you will never run out of places to visit or things to see as an international student in Italy.

Top 15 Best Universities in Europe By Country

List of 15 best universities in Europe based on best word's rankings. The best university in Europe.

Click HERE to Download and watch video.

• University of Cambridge -- United Kingdom,
• Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich- Switzerland
• Pierre and Marie Curie University Paris - France,
• University of Copenhagen - Denmark,
• Karolinska Institute -- Sweden
  Technical University Munich -- GERMANY
• Utrecht University- Netherlands,
• University of Oslo- Norway
• University of Helsinki Finland
• Moscow State University -- Russia
  Ghent University Belgium
• University of Pisa Italy
• University of Vienna Austria
  Autonomous University of Barcelona --Spain
• Charles University in Prague --Czech Republic

Top Universities In The World - Top 10 Best Universities in the World

University rankings can focus on many different factors, including attractiveness of campus, satisfaction of students and alums, extracurricular benefits (such as top athletics programs), affordability of tuition, and expected income of graduates.
But if the focus is on academic prestige, scholarly excellence, and intellectual horsepower, this article provides the ranking you want. At the universities in this ranking, you’ll be rubbing shoulders with the brightest faculty and students in the world, developing your knowledge and skills so that you yourself will be in a position to join the world’s elite academics, scientists, and thinkers.
For this ranking, we looked to the Center for World-Class Universities operated by Shanghai Jiao Tong University .This center specializes in ranking universities around the world by academic performance.

Click HERE to download Video  

Top 10 Best Universities in the World:

Number 10 . Oxford University
Number 9. University of Chicago
Number 8. Columbia University
Number 7. California Institute of Technology
Number 6. Princeton University
Number 5. University of Cambridge
Number 4.University of California at Berkeley
Number 3.Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Number 2. Stanford University
Number 1. Harvard University

Work, Live Study in Abroad

 Work, Study and Live Permanently in Abroad