Studying in other country can be a very exciting and unforgettable experience.  You meet new friends, explore unknown territories, and learn new ideas.  But it could also be the opposite.  That is why it is important to prepare yourself and plan ahead.  SpainExchange features simple tools that can help every students make the most of their experience while studying abroad.  Students can search for programs and various courses, the best international schools, participating exchange students, and different student housing accommodations.  And best part of it, it is easy to use, and it is free!

·              Study Abroad

SpainExchange eases every student’s nightmare in browsing which courses and studies are offered by which schools and universities.  Courses, degrees, and various programs are grouped accordingly by country.  All you have to do is select your preferred country and a list of offered graduate, professional, and vocational programs - grouped by category, are displayed.  Do not waste your time searching from hundreds or worse thousands of subjects or studies you don’t actually need.  Specify the country, select from a group of studies, and choose your specific course.  It is as easy as 1, 2, and 3. 

·              Featured Schools

Looking for cream of the crop international school?  SpainExchange features schools that are globally recognized and meet international standards.  With “FeaturedShools”, students are assured that they are taking only the best among the best with a good career path after their studies. 

·              Student Exchange

It is always fun to meet new people and experience new cultures.  And that is the reason why SpainExchange makes it more exciting for exchange students through their simple and effective search engine.  One can search by destination or country of origin.  Students can easily access if the country they intent to go has exchange students.  Also, student can search for host families.  Match your personality and other preferences with the hosting families’ details.  It is a smart thing to know your hosting family, they can be really warm and nice, or the opposite.     

·          Student Housing

For students who want more control over their space, then no worry no more for SpainExchange can help you find the “perfect” house when you study abroad.  Select from a wide variety of property/housing types that includes flat, shared flats, duplex, house, studio, family shared, garage space, individual room, student residence, and many more.  Just indicate your desired country and specify the state or province. 

There is no place like home.  But there is such a thing as SpainExhcange that offers you the chance to find the next best thing.  Your study abroad does not have to be boring.  You can spies it up.  Choose the field you are really interested in, find the best school, and select your lodging type.  But first, you must register in http://www.spainexchange.com/index-en.htm... Good luck on you study!

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world and offers many breathtaking sites.  Some of the finest universities in Europe are also located in this historic city.  And once you start studying in Lisbon you will feel more its splendor and all the fun and excitement it offers.  Below are some basic yet very important points for international students to consider while planning their study.  It is definitely better to know these essential facts to get the most of your stay in Lisbon…

• Cost of Living

It is safe to allot at least 700 € for a month’s expenses.  This is comprise of meal (225 €), room rent (200-300 €), public transport (25 €), and others (100 €).

• Accommodation

Most universities in Lisbon offer accommodations majority of which have limited places so inquire in advance.  There are 2 Youth Hostels in Lisbon – Lisbon Youth Hotel and Youth Hostel Parque das Nacoes both offer excellent lodging services recommended for foreign students.  Students with Youth Card can avail of the 15% discount. 

• Health Services

EU/EEA students are advised to bring their European Health Insurance Card given by the social security of their country for free medical access from public health system in Lisbon.  Otherwise it is recommended to get a private medical insurance good for the duration of study. 

• Transportation

The most popular transports to get around Lisbon are buses and trams (Carris) and Underground (Metro).  Fares for buses cost about 1.2 to 1.4 €, Metro is 0.70 €.  But you can save a lot if you purchase a monthly ticket which you can use for as many times as you need, it costs 25 €.  Taxis are also common in Lisbon most of which are painted cream and use taximeters.  The city is very accessible from other major cities such as Paris, Madrid, and Porto-Vigo through international trains and airports. 

• Banks

Banks open at 8:30 a.m and close at 3 p.m. from Monday to Friday but several banks in Lisbon and in tourist area are accessible until 7:00 pm.  Debit and credit cards are widely used and ATM’s are available in almost all universities in Lisbon. 

• Entertainment/Recreation

Places that can familiarize foreign students with Portugal culture are very popular and widely visited such as museums (Ancient Art, City Museum, Modern Art Centre, Chiado), churches (Lisbon Cathedral, Basilica da Estrela, Madre de Deus), palaces (Ajuda and Marques de Fronteira), and theatres (Aberto, Villaret, Nacional Dona Maria II).  Discos, bars, shopping malls, and movie theaters are also popular among students. 

• Special Services

A special Youth Card that costs 8 € entitles a student (12-25 years) many discounts and free services such as transportation, cinema, clubs, zoo, and some other recreational places.  It is valid for 1 year and may be obtained at the Movijovem Shops, Pousadas da Juventude (Youth Hostels), Caixa Geral de Depositos (CGD) Bank, Regional Delegations of the Instituto Portugues da Juventude (Portuguese Youth Institute), and at Post Offices.

Spain has some of the oldest universities and academic institutions in the world dating back as early as 1218.  Renowned Higher Education world rankings such as the Times Higher Education Supplement, QS World University Rankings, and Academic Ranking of World Universities have places various institutions in Spain in top positions – old and newly established universities.  Below are popular destinations for many international students in the past years:

University of Navarra (UN) – cited by The Economist magazine in 2005 and 2006 for having the best MBA program in the world with its business school IESE.  In 2006 ranks as the top private institution in Spain according to Times Higher Education Supplement.    Degree programs for international students include Liberal Arts, Language Studies, Economics and Business Administration, and different Master’s and Doctoral programs.

Autonomous University of Madrid – founded in 1968 as a Spanish public university along with the Autonomies Universities of Bilbao and Barcelona.  The university has already received outstanding and top rankings from various institutions such as El Mundo, Times Higher Education Supplement, and Academic Ranking of World Universities despite its 30-year existence.

University of Barcelona (UB) – the only Spanish university to be included in the Top 200 Academic Ranking of World Universities 2008.  It recently celebrated it 555 years of prosperous history and academic contributions.  Foreign students can take Spanish university or postgraduate degree or continue their university studies.

University of Valencia – one of the biggest and oldest universities in Spain, having been established in 1499.  It has 3 campuses – Burjassot, Blasco Ibanez, and Tarongers with a total population of more than 60,000 students.  The university has over 90 departments, 18 faculties, 16 research organizations, and almost 5,000 employees.

Complutense University of Madrid– one of the oldest universities in the world and remains an outstanding public university in Spain.  Its studies in Spanish Literature, Schools of Philisophy, History, Sociology, Journalism, and Psychology lead various national rankings.

Comillas Pontifical University – located in Madrid, the university has about 10,000 students.  It forms collaboration with different academic exchange studies and international projects together with more than 200 Higher Education Institutions from Asia, America and Europe.  Foreign students can choose from various Business Administration, Social Sciences, International Relations and Engineering courses.

University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM)– one of the youngest academic institutions in Spain established on 1982.  Specific courses and programs are offered in 7 key cities, Albacete, Almaden, Ciudad Real, Cuenca, Puertollano, Talavera de la Reina, and Toledo.

There also non-degree programs, short courses, and other different special programs/educational trips for group of students you can choose from.    Study abroad in Spain is more than learning, it is an experience of a lifetime.  Enjoy!!!

In 2007, 6 Irish institutions of higher learning were included in the top 500 universities in the world list by Times Higher Education Supplement (THES).  The country also placed 8^th place in the top 500 universities per capita.  Academic status, world-class research, huge campuses situated in very accommodating environment and near key cities, modern faculties and amenities, innovating and excellent teaching and the list could go on forever… Below are some of Ireland’s premiere universities – especially for international students who are looking for more than quality education:

• Queen’s University Belfast – established by Queen Victoria in 1845, this institution prides itself with its international vision and commitment.  It is a member of the Russell Group of top UK universities.  One of Queen’s students was recently recognized with UK International Student of the Year Award. 

• National University of Ireland – is a federal university and makes up the biggest component of the country’s university system.  It comprises of 4 constituent universities (UCD, UCC, NUI Galway, NUI Maynooth), 5 recognized colleges, and one college of a constituent university. 

• University College Cork (UCC) – founded in 1845 as Queen’s College, UCC has about 2,000 foreign students from over 80 countries. The university continues to be a leading institution in research and has more than 120 degree and professional studies.   

• University College Dublin (UCD) – Ireland’s biggest university with more than 1,300 faculty and 22,000 students.  It has modern and lively campus community perfect for international students who want to feel home while studying in Ireland.  It offers foreign students with various support services such as health care, accommodation, counseling and career assistance. 

• National University of Ireland, Galway – founded in 1845, it remains as one of Ireland’s leading centers of academic excellence.  Currently it has more than 2,000 foreign students from about 90 countries.  NUI Galway has 7 faculties – Arts, Celtic Studies, Commerce, Engineering, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences, and Science.   

• University of Limerick (UL) – located at the center of the 650-acre National Technological Park, UL aims to promote excellence in teaching and research.  It has 4 constituent faculties – Faculty of Arts, Kemmy Business School, Faculty of Education and Health, and Humanities and Social Sciences.   

• Trinity College Dublin – currently ranks 53^rd in Times Higher Education Supplement Global University Rankings and 13^th place in Europe.  It has a very rich and exceptional history with its more than 400 years of existence as one of the world’s best universities.  It has state-of-the-art libraries, IT facilities, and laboratories.  Its 3 core colleges are Arts, Engineering, and Health Sciences.

• Dublin City University (DCU) – is the youngest degree-awarding institution approved by the Irish government.  Despite this fact, DCU boasts of its ambitious vision together with is cutting edge research, exceptional interdisciplinary studies, personalized support and attention, employments prospects, and strategically-positioned and spacious campus.

•              Stay Informed:
Even before you leave your home country it would be better if you have knowledge on essential information about the country or city you are going to such as customs, way of living, cost of basic commodities, traffic rules, safety tips, etc.  Such information can help you decide better and avoid troubles and violations.  It pays to know especially in a foreign land where you will spend an ample amount of time for you study.  And when you are already there, it is recommended if you update yourself with current events to check what’s going on around the city you’re living. 

•              Stay Focus:
Do not forget the first and main reason why you are actually abroad – to study, and hopefully to finish it!  There are lot things that can get your attention and time so stay focus no matter what.  Night life, excessive shopping, unhealthy relationships, unproductive habits, or other vices can rip you of your concentration and the worst thing that could happen is you realized it when it’s too late and the only thing you can do is pack your staff and go home.  Choosing and being with the right people or circle of friends can help you to be on the right track.  For some, the opportunity to study abroad comes once in a lifetime so I suggest keep a good company, they really do help. 

•              Stay Connected:
Studying abroad can be a very thrilling and unforgettable experience and sharing it with your family or friends can through constant communication can add more excitement and meaning to it.  Especially for people who get home-sick easily, regular communication is very important to ease the loneliness and depression one may experience while studying abroad.  Technologies nowadays made communicating with love ones easier, faster, cheaper anytime and anywhere you are.  If you go through various difficulties while abroad sometimes its inevitable for your studies to get affected.  So constant and regular communication is a key to survive.

•              Stay Relaxed:
All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.  I totally agree.  Some call it “to unwind” while others claim it as, “rewarding yourself”.  Whatever you call it, you deserve a break.  There are a lot pressure and unexpected circumstances one can experience while abroad so taking a rest can refresh your mind, body, and spirit.  It does not necessarily mean you have to spend to relax there are numerous ways to reenergize yourself.  A simple conversation while having dinner with friends or classmates after a long and tiring exam can do the trick.