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Adv Jaspal Singh

Posts for Travel Europe Category

Finland, a beautiful study destination in northern Europe

Jaspal Singh - 13 November 2022

Study in Finland

Updated on July 20th, 2023

In the last week of October 2022, while traveling to attend ICEF Berlin, my stay was in Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Finland is a beautiful country, geographically in the most northern part of Europe. It is also the most densely forested country in Europe. Because of its geographical scenario, Finland has a harsh climate in the northern part of the country.

Finland & surrounding countries

And all this resulted in a concentration of population in the southern part and mainly around the main city of Helsinki. Still, most people live in small towns and cities. They are always close to nature, especially forests. Here in this article, we will discuss the options for studying in Finland for International, especially Indian students.

Best Environment for Students in Finland

For quality education, Finland is a country that comes very first in mind. Finland is a good choice for students from around the world. One of the most environmentally conscious countries, Finland has a high level of infrastructure and technology where international students get the best for their learning. Finland is also called a ‘Country of Lakes’, and so scenic beauty of Finland makes a student feel an ideal place to live and explore.

Helsinki Market Square
Helsinki’s Market Square, the heart of the city where events are happening all the day
Beauty of Finland
Another view of Market Square in Helsinki

There are over 400 programs that are offered purely in the English language. While not a necessity, higher education institutions also offer language courses in Finnish or Swedish for students that wish to learn the national languages. Being a student in Finland has many advantages. From high-tech labs to well-stocked libraries, they equip university campuses with all the facilities that knowledge-hungry students need.

Beautiful Finland
Helsinki Cathedral is one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks

Bachelor, Master, and Ph.D. programs in Finland

There are several programs offered at various levels in Finland, whereas programs at Bachelor and Master levels are mostly in demand for international students, especially for Indian students.

Bachelor’s degree has a duration of 3 years (180 ECTS credits) whereas a Master’s degree has 1-2 years duration (60 or 120 ECTS credits). A doctoral degree in Finland usually lasts about 4 years.

English Language requirement

Most of the university courses are in English, particularly in the Master’s programs. As an applicant, you need IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. The least language requirement for a Master’s program is 6.5, and some universities require a special score or a skill score. Similarly, for undergraduate courses requirement is 6 bands in IELTS.

Subjects to study in Finland

As an international student, you can easily find a subject you want to study. Some of the most popular subjects to study in Finland are Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Business, Law, Nursing, Education and training, Natural Sciences, and many more. Ask for more details at Adv.Jaspal@gmail.com

Tuition Fee & Scholarship in Finland

Tuition Fees are mandatory for students from non-EU/EEA countries and will vary between universities. Finnish higher education institutions also offer scholarship opportunities to students who pay fees, so contact your chosen institution to find out more about their funding options. Each university sets its own fees, which can differ from program to program, but they set somewhere annual tuition fees between €8,000 and €18,000, not including general living expenses.

Students in Finland

Students can work while they study in Finland

Student jobs are a valuable part and experience of a student’s life before entering the labor market. To support themselves and to gain some experience, students opt to work in the meantime. All the students studying in the university, national or international, can work while pursuing their graduate and post-graduate degrees. Students can work for 25 hours per week. During the holidays, there is no such time limit. As soon as the student works, he has to pay taxes based on his average salary.

Major admission intakes in Finland

Major intakes in Finland are in Autumn & Spring. Autumn is September whereas Spring is January. September is the Primary Intake. All universities offer all the courses to international students. Spring intake is a Secondary Intake. Plenty of courses are available for students who missed the Autumn intake.

Students in Finland

Can you bring your dependents on a Finland student visa?

As a student with a residence permit, you can bring your spouse and children to Finland during the course duration. They will have to apply separately for the permit to join you in the country. You can submit your application together to save time and get processed as a family. Please note that you have to prove to have enough funds to cover your family expenses in Finland.

Stay back and working options after study

International students with a residence permit in Finland can work as many hours as they wish if the job is related to the program they are studying. As an international student, you can work up to 25 hours a week during term time, and full-time during holidays. However, since the beginning of 2022, the government of Finland has increased the number of hours international students can work during their study stay to 30 per week. Finland offers excellent opportunities for international students, including the possibility of getting a quality position while studying abroad.

When they completed their studies, they still stay back and work in Finland. You may apply for a work permit in Finland after studying to look for work or start a business. You’ll have the option for this two-year post-study permit for five years after graduation, and you can also take the permit in parts if you like. Another beautiful study destination NETHERLANDS: A LAND OF FLOWERS, BEERS & BEST STUDY OPTIONS

Read more: Finland, a promising study destination in coming years

If you feel this article is useful and you are also planning to study in Finland, drop your query at Adv. Jaspal@gmail.com or WhatsApp +91-9888481965

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Netherlands: a land of flowers, beers & best study options

Jaspal Singh - 13 May 2022

Study in Holland

Updated on June 4th, 2023

A small and one of the most densely populated countries in Europe, we know the Netherlands for a flat landscape of canals, tulip fields, windmills, and cycling routes. Most of the population speaks and understands English, so it is very comfortable to live and travel in the country if you understand English. Whether you’re planning to live in the Netherlands or just visiting or going there for higher studies, English skills are certainly going to help you. As per the EF English Proficiency Index, the Dutch are top of the class in English, narrowly beating Denmark and Sweden. Between 90 and 93% of the population can speak English as a second language.

The Netherlands versus Holland:

People mostly get confused about whether to call it Netherland or ‘Holland’. The Dutch government officially dropped the nickname Holland in January 2020. Making it clearer; the Netherlands comprises 12 provinces, whereas Holland is the area made of two provinces, North Holland and South Holland. These two provinces contributed the most to the economy of the country. People took Holland as the name of the country, which is finally dropped in 2020.

Flowers in Netherlands
Colourful flower beds and windmills in the Netherlands
World’s leading exporter of flowers and beers

The Netherlands is famous for its colourful tulip fields. It is the world’s leading exporter of flowers, most of which are tulips. Around two billion tulips leave the country each year and travel to different destinations around the globe. Another thing after flowers is beer. The country is also famous for many Dutch brews, which include many well-known brands such as Heineken, Amstel, and Grolsch. The Netherlands is the second biggest beer exporter in the world, after Mexico.

Beer in Netherlands
Famous Dutch beer brands today include Heineken, Amstel, Grolsch, Bavaria, Brand, and Hertog Jan. 
Social and city life in the Netherlands

The Netherlands also has one of the most active social scenes and nightlife, making it a student-centric, enjoyable city. The county is ranked 6th as the happiest place in the world. So people love to visit and stay in this beautiful country. Almost everyone in the Netherlands owns a bike, not only as a leisure activity but also as a means of transportation to work. The Netherlands has an excellent public transport infrastructure. The country is small, and the transportation is quick, allowing you to live in one city and work in another.

A Village in Netherlands
A great destination for international students

Now coming to our major topic, we can easily say that the Netherlands is a great destination for international students. The Netherlands continues to attract more foreign students. In the Netherlands, where there are over 2,000 education programs in English offered by 77 different higher education institutions. You can choose between plenty of Bachelors’s and Master’s Degrees in different institutions. Studying in the Netherlands is the best decision for your career.

Study in Netherlands
Approximately 93% of locals speak English. This factor makes living, studying, and working in the Netherlands very convenient, and pleasant for international students.
Students may work during the study

International students can work while studying in the Netherlands. However, there are restrictions: you may work a maximum of 16 hours a week. International students may do seasonal work full-time (but only in June, July, and August). Students can avail of only one option.

Stay back option after study

The Netherlands, as a study-abroad destination, offers unique opportunities to international students. The post-study work also called the Search/ Orientation Year is one of the important reasons. If you have completed a bachelor’s or master’s or Post Graduate course of a minimum 12 months or you are a Ph.D. graduate, you are eligible for one-year post-study work. This cannot be extended. If, however, you pursue another course (as per the requirements mentioned above) then the validity of this residence permit is renewed. For example, if you undertake a research program, then even if you have had one orientation year, you can apply for another on completion of the research program.

If you require more details, reach me at Adv.Jaspal@gmail.com

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Denmark, a beautiful country to study and explore career options

Jaspal Singh - 29 April 2022

Study in Denmark

Updated on September 7th, 2024

Denmark is a small and beautiful place to explore career options and go for higher studies. The smallest of the Scandinavian nations, Denmark, serves as a bridge between Western and Northern Europe. With its beautiful cities, highly developed institutions, and exceptionally high-quality study programs, it is no wonder that Denmark is one of the top destinations for international students. Denmark is also home to one of the most developed and unique educational systems in the world, ranking in the top 5 in student satisfaction. High academic standards and innovative learning make education quality and globally accepted. International students can also find a range of opportunities, as Danish universities and higher education institutions offer many programs in English. There are plenty of courses available in English, which is obviously a big factor for students who wish to study in a foreign country.

Beautiful Country with a relaxed lifestyle

It is a beautiful country surrounded by beaches, GARDENS, and lakes. Denmark’s location makes it a gateway to other Scandinavian countries and the rest of Europe. Berlin is just an hour’s flight away. We can reach London and Paris in less than two hours. And Barcelona, Rome, Vienna, and Prague are all just a few hours’ flight away.

Happy People in Denmark
Group of happy people enjoying the day in Copenhagen Denmark

As a student or traveler, when you arrive in Denmark you will probably see the relaxed atmosphere everywhere, many people on bikes, a few playing music, hanging out by the seaside or the harbor, lounging, and barbecuing. In summer, people like to engage in sunbathing, swimming, and picnics, whereas, in winter, they like hot chocolates and indoor social gatherings.

Beer in Denmark
Beer in the visitor’s hand in the street food market of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Study Options in Denmark

Denmark is attracting thousands of foreign students each year. Universities in Denmark offer over 500 programs that are taught in English having international recognition. Most people choose to study in Denmark to enjoy its high standard of living, diverse cultural environment, and low crime rates.

Denmark has several internationally recognized universities offering a wide range of programs taught in English. Examples include the University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, and the Technical University of Denmark. International students can pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in various fields such as engineering, business, social sciences, and humanities. Denmark also offers competitive doctoral programs for those interested in research and academia.

What are the best programs in Denmark?

As an international student in Denmark, you can study for a Ph.D., master’s, bachelor’s, or academy profession degree. Bachelor’s degrees in Denmark last either three or four years and you can study for one in a vast range of subjects.

If you want to study a master’s degree program, it will last for two years. A doctorate or Ph.D. will take three years to complete. There’s a variety of universities and institutions international students can apply to in Denmark, including specialist business schools, medical universities, and engineering universities.

Indian students also choose Denmark for higher studies

Indian students also choose this Scandinavian country for their higher studies. There are a good number of Universities and institutes which offer so many programs at the Bachelor’s, Masters’s, and Ph.D. levels. Indian students will be required to pay tuition fees at Danish universities, as India belongs outside the EU/EEA. Denmark has several scholarships for Indian students.

Cost of studying in Denmark

If you’re from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you can study at a University in Denmark for free. If you’re an international student from outside the EU, tuition fees range between $8,000 and $21,000, although this will depend on the program and university you apply for. Check actual costs from University websites or consult any Education Consultant in your city. Similarly, you must check the cost of living in Denmark, which is slightly high.

Denmark study visa for Indian students

If you are an Indian student and have planned further education in Denmark, you need to apply for a study visa. This visa is straightforward and can be obtained with proof of ID and an acceptance letter from a Danish university. A student visa will last the length of the academic year. While applying for a study visa, you must keep points in mind to avoid any complications. Here I am discussing a few important points. 

  • First, select the right course and University according to your eligibility. 
  • You will need a valid passport and a passport photo.
  • Prove your English language proficiency to stay in Denmark. There can be different criteria for checking English language proficiency. Normally Universities accept IELTS as a test. 
  • You will need to prove that you can support yourself financially during your study in Denmark.
  • You may have to give your biometrics during the process of visa application.
  • There will be a visa interview during the application process.

If you want to continue your stay in Denmark even after the completion of your study program, you will be required to apply for a new visa or a visa renewal with the help of the immigration office.

Stay back & working options after graduation

Here is what you need to know if you will stay back and work after your graduation in Denmark. It offers a variety of opportunities for working after the completion of studies. Different rules apply to different nationalities. If you are NON-EU/EEA, as we Indians are, we have to apply for a residence permit to work in Denmark. After graduation in Denmark, your residence permit remains valid for an additional six months. During this 6 months period, you also may work only 20 hours per week. If you have received a residence permit under the establishment card scheme, you can legally stay and work in Denmark. Another option to study in Europe is Finland: a beautiful study destination in Northern Europe.

If you feel this article as useful information, and you are also planning to study in DENMARK, drop query at Adv.Jaspal@gmail.com or WhatsApp +91-9888481965

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A visit to beautiful cities, Zurich & Lucerne, Switzerland

Jaspal Singh - 29 May 2020

Updated on September 7th, 2024

I have been fortunate enough to visit Europe many times with plenty of charming cities catching my eye and heart. Still, my last visit to Switzerland, especially to Zurich & Lucerne, undoubtedly compelled me to feel that Switzerland is a place where beauty gets its meaning. 

Lucerne Lake, Switzerland
Lucerne Lake, Luzerne: I wish I could start every day with a view like this. Jaspal Singh.

It’s a small country in the center of Europe bordering countries like France, Germany, Austria & Italy. Still, because of its majestic beauty, it is a dream destination for everyone with wandering lust. I have an undoubted belief that Switzerland really has something for everyone.

Beautiful Switzerland
I clicked it from the terrace of the International Management Institute. Jaspal Singh.

I visited this beautiful country in June and July 2019 while on an educational trip to visit different universities and colleges in Europe. My flight was from India to Warsaw in Poland, from where I reached Zurich, and then I boarded a train to reach Lucerne.

Day One in Luzerne

Lucerne is one of my favorite cities I have ever visited. The city’s beauty is so outstanding that you don’t find enough words while trying any description. My host from IMI Switzerland, Ms. Greta Frey, came to pick me up in her car. It really amazed me to see the beauty and magical ambiance everywhere, in nature, in architecture, in monuments, parks, and all public places. Three enormous mountains touching the shores of Lake Lucerne surround City.

It makes you feel like standing in some beautiful painting. So many ancient churches add more value to their beauty. Chapel Bridge is a popular landmark connecting the center of Lucerne. Chapel Bridge is the biggest wooden covered bridge in Europe, dating back to the 14th century. On the walls of the bridge, so many paintings depicting Lucerne’s history and culture are fixed.

Chapel Bridge on Fire

In 1993, the bridge was burned, and it destroyed many paintings in the fire. On August 18th, 1993, shortly after midnight, about two-thirds of the wooden Chapel Bridge was destroyed by fire. The fire broke out on August 18th after midnight. At 0:50 hours a tourist alarmed the fire brigade that a boat under the bridge and the bridge itself were burning. Detailed analysis showed later that the fire broke out on the bridge itself (maybe because of a cigarette) and encroached upon the boat from there. After the fire, they banned parking boats under the bridge.

Chapel Bridge, Switzerland
Chapel Wooden Bridge

After checking in to my accommodation at IMI College, I wasted no time settling out of my evening and nighttime. The friend group I was a part of during this visit added more unforgettable memories to the trip. We all friend planned to visit an open traditional market, shop craft shops, snack on ice cream and enjoy eatables and drinks. It was really a lifelong experience sitting with friends, having chilled beer and other drinks. A few of us were not having beers. We spent almost a long evening enjoying ourselves together. There was an open cultural show that made our visit really mind-blowing and unique.

Mt Pilatus is Lucerne’s landmark

Lucerne’s best things are its proximity to nature, the beautiful lake, and the mountains surrounding the city. Mount Pilatus is Lucerne’s landmark with an incredible panoramic view where you can spend as much time as you wish. There are so many activities that you can enjoy in the snow. As we had limited time, we couldn’t enjoy every activity, and I feel there are so many such things that give reason to visit there again.

Beautiful Switzerland
Mt Pilatus, Switzerland
Luzerne attracts you

Lucerne Lake attracts you all the time, whether it’s early morning or late evening. So many nature-loving people and swimmers spend time on the beautiful banks of the Lake. I spent more than a week in this beautiful city, and the lake was my favorite place to spend my evenings. So many memories filled with nature’s beauty are still fresh in my mind, and I feel I can’t ever forget those scenic & peaceful moments.

The beauty of the Lake is outstanding, and while standing on the edge, you can’t stop saying, what a beautiful place to stay for a few more moments! Crystal-clear greenish-blue water with a backdrop of mountains makes a majestic panoramic view that relaxes your mind and soul.

Hospitality Options in Luzerne
IMI Institute Switzerland
IMI College Campus

Switzerland has many things on its list like chocolates, cheese, banking, majestic natural beauty, punctual trains, and hospitality management education. It is home to the world’s top-ranking institutes for hospitality & leisure management. Switzerland is called the ‘home of hospitality, a welcoming destination for tourists since the 18th century. Natural beauty and amazing landscapes made it a must-see destination worldwide. They started the very first hotel schools during the late 19th century.

Beautiful Switzerland
BHMS Switzerland
..another city I visited: Zurich

Another beautiful city that I visited during my trip was Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, which is also the social and cultural hub of the country. Rich in history, natural beauty, and notable architecture, they knew Zurich as the country’s financial capital. Lake Zurich and the Limmat River add more beauty to this beautiful city. The charming streets of the old town make you feel outstanding with its stunning scenery. So many gorgeous places you can’t miss visiting including Beautiful Oldtown, where while walking you will get everything like monuments reminding your city’s history, restaurants, medieval houses, and Old Churches. Lake Zurich is the perfect place for boating, swimming, and other activities to make your trip worth it. A boat ride can help you get a full view of the city’s surroundings. The city has so many other things to pamper you.

Ask us to make this beautiful place your next DESTINATION

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A Beautiful city Prague, where Beer is cheaper than Water

Jaspal Singh - 15 May 2020

Updated on September 7th, 2021

Quoting Dalai Lama on the importance of travel, which says; Once a year goes someplace you’ve never been before, I am starting my blog. And I feel lucky to be in the international education industry, where I often get the chance to travel to so many destinations across the globe. I keep on sharing my experiences and expressions in my blogs from time to time. During the past few years, I got the chance to travel to different parts of Europe. This article I feel is just sharing few impressions I had while spending a few days in the beautiful city of Prague.

Prague is full of visitors from around the world throughout the year, but especially in summers. While roaming in streets, you can’t stop your eyes from admiring the art and beauty of city architecture. The city is full of art all around. Prague’s public places are full of stunning beauty that you can’t miss praising awesomely. You can easily say, that if European cities were necklaces, Prague would be a diamond among pearls.

Charlie Bridge Prague

The most iconic place that every visitor sees in Prague is Charlie Bridge built across the River Vltava. After long walks through Prague, this place is a relaxing point to take deep breaths and watch the beauty of the city around. 516 meters long and 9.5 meters wide and standing on 15 pillars. This bridge is one of the most famous bridges in the world. There is nothing wrong if I say this bridge represents the glamorous era of Prague. If we have a quick glimpse about the history of this bridge, they built it in 1357 after floods had destroyed the previous bridge.

Charlie Bridge Prague
Charlie Bridge Prague
Charlie Bridge Prague
Another View of Charlie Bridge
Charlie Bridge in Google MAP
Charlie Bridge in google map

The bridge is decorated with so many big-size statutes and lamps on both sides, which add more beauty to a scenic view. Every statute has its own history and background that we can write separate articles on each of them. Statute of St. John of Nepomuckis is one of the most interesting statutes mounted there. A legend says that St. John was tortured to death when he refused to give away the confessional secret of the queen. Many people believe that it brings luck if you touch the statue. Standing on a bridge, you can have a scenic view of so many historical buildings, castles, and churches. You’ll see a splendid view of lovely domed churches and soaring old towers everywhere. This all makes Prague a city with a stunning skyline. The city is well preserved, with historical buildings everywhere.

National Gallary, Prague
Building of National Gallary

Prague Castle, another beautiful icon

Prague Castle is another beautiful icon in the city; once it was home to the Kings and these days, it is an official residence of the Czech Republic’s President. Castle has a wonderful architectural style preserved for centuries. There are so many other attractions within the walls of the castle, including the Old Palace, St George’s Basilica, St Vitus Cathedral, and the Golden Lane. Although it is the official residence of the President, few sections of the Castle are open to the public. You need almost a full day to see the castle and its surroundings. Having limited time I could not explore it properly and I wish whenever I visit Prague next time, I would certainly spend more time there.

Prague Castle with St. Vitus Cathedral
Prague Castle with St. Vitus Cathedral

Old Town Square

After Charlie Bridge and Prague Castle, Old Town square is another important spot that you can’t miss if you coming to Prague as a tourist. Townhall is a complex of several ancient buildings. A big medieval astronomical clock mounted on the Old Town Hall is one of the must-see attractions. This clock, also known as Prague Orloj, was installed in the 15th century and it is the oldest and still working astronomical clock in the world.

Old Town Square - Church of Our Lady Týn
Old Town Square – Church of Our Lady Týn
Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square
Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square

..where beer is cheaper than water

Now coming to another interesting fact about the Czech Republic and especially about Prague is the amazing price of beer. I have been traveling to the Czech Republic for years and every time I learned many things. When I visited the first time, it amazed me at the price of beer in Prague. Someone commonly said that beer is cheaper than water in Prague. You get the best and finest beers in Prague’s pubs. Normally in some classic pubs, you don’t have to order it and they will serve you. Czechs adore Pilsner, which is actually a premium option and a thing of pride for many Czechs. Other popular names are Budweiser. You also get options like Staropramen, a Prague-based brewery.

Old Town Prague
Enjoying my drink
Few finest beers

Tank beer is one of the best tastes that you must try. Breweries distribute their own beer in stainless steel tanks like anything. Those tanks are installed directly in pubs and you are served more fresh beer. Craft beer is also very popular these days in Prague. There are so many good beer bars where they serve you some of the best beer brands from around the world. An interesting fact about beer in Prague is that they have beer festivals, which take place on weekends. Different breweries organize these festivals where you have time to taste fresh beers. Such events offer a glorious experience for all beer enthusiasts.

Beers Spa in Prague
Beers Spa in Prague

Enjoy beer spas in Prague

Prague can offer you a totally different experience with beer. There are beer spas where you can bathe in beer. It amazed me to hear that you can sit in a bathtub full of beer and enjoy your glass of it. What an amazing fact about beer in the Czech Republic and Prague. The logic behind beer bathe is to relax your fatigue, revitalize the skin and relax the whole body. They used a curative mixture of beer with vitamin B for this purpose. This therapy first became popular in Middle Ages when so many natural ingredients were used to create a mixture.

For Czechs, drinking beer is a social affair, so you have to have it; yes you have the option of taste and flavour. So when you are visiting Prague, try a few of the finest beers. Even if you don’t drink beer, I will suggest you at least experience it. Rest choice is yours, I can’t be suggestive on this point.

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