In today’s culture, when we hear the word Mediterranean, many of us reference a healthy diet or lifestyle, or a dream vacation destination. But for many Canadian high school students, this signifies an amazing opportunity to explore and gain an education while living in paradise in a number of different, history-filled European cities.
Canadian School Counsellor recently visited some of these popular destinations and found that there were many options available to Canadian students seeking to enrol in English speaking courses within some of the Europe’s most alluring cities.
In the first of this two-part series, we will highlight two destinations, beginning with Barcelona, Spain and the [Municipality of] Monaco.
Like any other study abroad programs, students will need to prepare specific documents. The list will vary slightly, destination dependent. Other factors (such as course length) will also affect the requirements.
In Spain, if the program exceeds 90 days, individuals will require a Student Visa. These can be applied for and obtained from the nearest Spanish Consulate in Canada.
An official letter of acceptance from the university will be required, along with documentation showing proof of financial support – these may include items like a bank statements and/or scholarship letter. Proof of accommodation is also mandatory (a confirmation or booking agreement of dorm residence or an apartment lease for example) of where one will reside for the duration of their studies, along with certification of comprehensive health insurance. A valid Canadian passport with an expiration that is at least 6 months past the anticipated completion date of the program and the intended date of stay within the country must also be provided upon entry.
The city of Barcelona is one of the major cosmopolitan hubs of the Mediterranean and provides international students the opportunity to immerse themselves in Spanish culture. There are a number of institutions to consider within Barcelona. The largest, and likely most renowned for its wide range of programs offered for international students would be University of Barcelona (UB). As one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Spain, it offers a vast array of courses in both English and Spanish with many unique for those seeking to study abroad. UB has 16 faculties within six campuses situated throughout the city which are integrated within the landscape and allowing access to the urban life.
Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) is another popular choice for Canadians seeking studies in Barcelona. A highly ranked public university, if offers programs focusing on social sciences, humanities and business, with many of them offered in English.
UPF also has an extensive list of shorter programs (up to 12 weeks) in varying disciplines designed for both international and local students with staggered application dates cycling on a year-round schedule. These are a welcome option for those who want to “test-drive” the school, culture and destination before committing to, and submitting a full-time application.
Monaco (the world’s second smallest country next to Vatican City) is a prestigious and intriguing destination for higher education. And while it is primarily a French-speaking region, there are universities and institutions offering programs in English, ideally suited for Canadian students.
Not unlike Spain, Monaco also has strict and specific documentation requirements such as a student visa that is dependent on the length of the program / course. However, Monaco is not part of the EU and therefore, the visa requirements are managed by France. If the course exceeds 90 days, individuals will have to apply for the visa through the French Consulate or Embassy in Canada. This can take 1 – 2 months, so it is important to ensure the application is completed well in advance. Students residing in Monaco for more than 90 days will have to register with the Monaco Police and apply for a Residence Permit for students (Carte de Séjour). The university will often work with students to facilitate this process and application to ensure they can legally remain within Monaco while studying.
A valid passport (with an expiration date of no less than 6 months past the intended date of stay), an acceptance letter from the [Monaco-based] university outlining the program of studies along with proof of financial means, proof of accommodation and proof of health insurance / medical coverage as an internation student are also mandatory.
While students enrolled in programs less than 90 days in duration do not need a visa (due to the Schengen Area agreement), they will still be asked to provide proof of enrollment, proof of financial means and evidence of health / medical insurance and coverage for the duration of their intended stay while studying.
The International University of Monaco (IUM) provides language instruction in English and is the most prominent English-speaking institution in Monaco. Courses offered here focus primarily on business, finance and management, making it one of the most popular options for international students from around the world.
The Monaco Business School also offers English instruction and offers business-related programs. The school offers a more specialized approach in the area of business education and caters to those students seeking a global business perspective.
Canadian students best suited for programs within Monaco are those committed to pursuing education and careers within business and finance [and related fields]. Many of the institutions in Monaco offer programs in English but have significant international components making them more appealing to Canadians. It is important to note, however, that it is a very expensive place to live. There are, however, scholarships, more affordable student housing and other financial supports available so students should be sure to explore all possibilities thoroughly. Wherever their dreams or aspirations may guide them, it’s important to remind them to investigate and decide on the destination that will allow them to follow their dreams and pursue their goals. Doing it in a place as alluring and as stunning as the coastal cities of the Mediterranean is great place to begin one’s post-secondary adventure.
