Planning is the key to a painless move.

The new coronavirus pandemic has changed the world in many ways. One of them was in the tourism sector – directly impacted by restrictions in flights and navigation all over the world – responsible for delaying the plans of students prepared for an exchange between the years of 2020 and 2021, or even for those who began to think of the idea during quarantine. However, while life begins to become normal again, with vaccination advancing in many countries, you can avail yourself of the time to carefully plan your next steps.

This is because the first step for those who wish to study abroad is to prepare beforehand, beginning with your choice of the course. Since it’s a high investment of time and money, the choice must be very insightful, focussed on the experience and the results it will bring to your personal and professional life. Among the options, is the choice of a liberal course – not necessarily connected to your professional area – to reinforce the learning of a language, for instance – graduate or post-graduate.

The second step is to choose the destination country and city. This plan must consider, in the first place, the optional universities. Furthermore, consider the cost and your proximity to the local culture, to the language and lifestyle where you will spend the next months. Speaking of universities, it’s very important to check the most renowned in your area of activity. Having done that, research the entrance exams needed for the university of choice, besides the proof required of fluency in the language.

Now it’s time to research the options in neighborhoods, between the calmer ones and the trendy ones, considering, also, safety, and the proximity to tourist spots, leisure options, and of course, to the university. As for accommodation, consider the option of living in a family home, a hostel or in lodgings at the university itself. This choice will have a direct influence on the budget and the logistics of your exchange.

Speaking of costs, make a spreadsheet of how much you will have to invest in tickets, accommodation, the course, and in materials. Furthermore, make a plan that includes monthly expenses, such as food, lodging, transportation and leisure, for instance. As you can see, there is much to think about before leaving on an exchange. Don’t let the shipping of your items be one more worry. Find a company specialized in relocation to help you with this planning.

FINK has an area specialized in international moves and can help you with your exchange. Click here: https://bit.ly/35sQsWB and learn more about assistance in immigration services, temporary accommodation/househunting/rental contractstemporary accommodation/househunting/rental contracts, settling in, cultural training, orientation tour, educational assistance, besides other services.orientation tour, educational assistance, besides other services.

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If you’re over 30 years old, and you think exchanges are only for youngsters, we have good news: there’s a tendency towards supply- and- demand for those who have lived for more than three decades. That’s what is indicated by a research conducted by the Brazilian Educational and Language Travel Association (Belta) on the demand by adults for language courses. According to the study, lately there has been a 30% increase relative to the demand for exchanges among people from 30 to 60 years old wishing to improve a second language, a major requirement in an increasingly competitive work market.

According to the study, the profile of the 30-to-60-year-old exchange student who decides to study a language in a short-term course abroad can be described as people who have already begun studying in Brazil, but want to deepen their knowledge, since the amount of money invested may be lower than for an intensive language course here in Brazil, besides the experience of living abroad. It’s worth noting the advantage brought to one’s curriculum by studying a language in its native country. Besides that, the exchange promotes the use of the language on cultural tours, as well as experiencing it through music, gastronomy and everyday situations.

The public in this age group can avail itself of retirement, leaves of absence, dismissal, and even vacations to invest in the exchange. The wish for a change in career is also an important factor in the choice of an exchange. But that’s not all: the profile of the schools abroad has also changed, becoming more welcoming to foreigners over 30, instead of only focusing on teenagers, university students and young workers. The main teaching institutions have programs focusing on a more experienced public.

Starting from the age of 30, the Dilit School, in Rome, has a two-week program in the months of April, June and September, with 20 Italian lessons, besides cookery lessons and guided tours to museums and wineries. For those over 40, the LSI has a program named 40+, with 20 English lessons in the morning, besides activities such as cultural tours in the cities of Vancouver and Toronto (Canada), London, Cambridge and Brighton(UK), San Francisco, San Diego, New York and Boston (USA), Auckland (New Zealand), Brisbane (Australia), and Zurich (Switzerland). Finally, for those over 50, it’s worth considering the Spanish school Don Quijote, situated in Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, with a program of 20 Spanish lessons plus extra activities in beautiful Tenerife.

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According to the Consulate General of Canada, 2018 was a record year with regard to the amount of resident visas granted to Brazilians. As the numbers show, Canada is one of the preferred destinations of those who leave Brazil, whether for a temporary exchange, or for beginning a new life, as a home. For students, the city of Montreal is an excellent choice, since the second largest city in Canada has a relatively lower cost of living than other Canadian cities. Located in Quebec, the city lends its name to the main local teaching institution, the Université de Montreal (UdeM), which also offers more moderate prices to Canadians and immigrants.

The selective process

You must write an acceptance letter in order to study at UdeM. The tip is to be agile: being in advance is the keyword, since it takes the university up to 6 months to answer the acceptance letter sent by candidates. During this time, a valuable tip is to invest in learning English or French.

Tips for exchange students at UdeM

After approval, look for a place to live, even before travelling to your destination country. If possible, travel a month ahead of the start of classes, in order to settle in: know public libraries, buy appropriate winter clothes, learn how to move around the city on public transportation, and even discover more affordable shopping places. A week before the start of classes, UdeM promotes 7 days of activities for the students’ adaptation.

Cost of living as an attraction

Cosmopolitan and multicultural, bilingual Montreal, where both French and English are official languages, is also famous for its welcoming of foreigners. Starting with rent, which goes from CAD$600 to 1000 a month, depending on the district. Don’t worry about living near the University of Montreal, since the public transportation system is very good, and the monthly ticket for its use is CAD$85.60.

Working in Montreal

According to Canadian laws, foreign students must be enrolled full time during their stay in the country, but this does not keep them from working up to 20 hours weekly during the academic year. During vacation, you can work up to 40 hours weekly, either inside or outside the university.

Life outside the university

The exchange student doesn’t live only to study. Montreal is ideal both for those who have a lively lifestyle, and love bars, restaurants and nightlife, and those who prefer a calmer routine, going to public parks, museums and cafés. Festivals in public spaces are common in the city.

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If you’re planning to go on an exchange program in Latin America, you must pay attention to the QS World University Rankings 2018, the annual university classifications published by the publishing house Quacquarelli ,Symonds, in the United Kingdom. Together with the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the Academic Classification of World Universities, it’s one of the most influential international classifications of universities, observed all over the world. Brazil is outstanding among the 20 first places of Latin America, occupying seven positions, followed by Chile, which, besides heading the list, holds four positions, as well as Colombia. Teaching institutions in Mexico, Argentina, Cuba and Costa Rica are also mentioned.

The QS study considers eight items with different ratings when rating the teaching institution. First comes Academic Reputation (30%), then Employer’s Reputation (20%), Proportion of Professors/Students ((10%), Mentions in Research (10%), Number of Professors with Doctorates (10%), International Research Network ((10%), Works by professors (5%) and Impact on the Web (5%). The 2018 edition of the QS University Rankings analyzed 90 Brazilian universities, the country with the widest participation, followed by Mexico, with 63 teaching institutions analyzed. Completing the list of the most analyzed countries, Colombia has 53, Chile has 40, Argentina, 39, and Peru, 20.

If you want to go on an exchange program in Chile, the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile (PUC Chile) holds first place, the Universidad de Chile is seventh, the Universidad de Santiago de Chile (Usach) is 13th, followed by the Universidad de Concepcion, in the 14th position. Mexico also stands out: the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM) holds 4th place and the Tecnológico de Monterrey (Itesm) is 6th. In 5th place, the Universidad de Los Andes Colombia heads the list of Colombian universities, also formed by the Universidad Nacional de Colombia (10th), Universidad de Antioquia (15th) and Pontifícia Universidad Javeriana (17th). The Universidad de Buenos Aires represents Argentina and is in 8th place. In the 19th position, the Universidad de Costa Rica represents that country, followed by the Universidad de la Habana, Cuba, which closes the list of the 20 best institutions in Latin America.

Ranking QS Latin America 2018:

1 – Pontefícia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC Chile) – Chile

2 – Universidade de São Paulo (USP) – Brazil

3 – Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp) – Brazil

4 – Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (Unam) – Mexico

5 – Universidad de Los Andes Colombia – Colombia

6 – Tecnológico de Monterrey (Itesme) – Mexico

7 – Universidad de Chile – Chile

8 – Universidad de Buenos Aires – Argentina

9 – Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – Brazil

10 – Universidad Nacional de Colombia – Colombia

11 – Universidade Estadual Paulista “Julio de Mesquita Filho” – Brazil

12 – Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) – Brazil

13 – Universidad de Santiago de Chile (Usach) – Chile

14 – Universidad de Concepcion – Chile

15 – Universidad de Antioquia – Colombia

16 – Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais – Brazil

17 – Pontificia Universidad Javeriana – Colombia

18 – Universidade Federal de Rio Grande do Sul – Brazil

19 – Universidad de Costa Rica – Costa Rica

20 – Universidad de La Habana – Cuba

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An exchange is an important moment in the life of many youths. To be prepared to face this challenge, you must be well informed. After all, there are multiple programs, countries, cities. A lot of information is needed in order to make the right choice. With this in mind, in this text we present useful information, so you’ll have the best tips available on the internet. Take a look at these sites!

Workaway

It’s entertainment for hours and hours. Explore the world of exchange with this page chock-full of information for a perfect choice. There are hosts in over 130 countries, with descriptive profiles about what is needed to embark on this adventure. Be informed about the languages they speak, the skills required, the accommodation offered, and much more. To participate, you need a register that costs 29 dollars – this amount is valid for two years from the date of payment. It’s definitely worth the price. Access at: http://www.workaway.info/

Worldpackers

This site was created by Brazilians, which gives it the advantage of communication in Portuguese by telephone or e-mail. It’s developed especially for those who want to work in hostels, but it also has lots of job offers in other areas. Filter your search through qualification: teacher of languages or sports, tourist guide, bartender, general services attendant… There’s almost everything! In the host profiles everything is well specified: what they want, what they offer, where they’re located, how many hours of work time, and how many free days a week. The program costs 50 dollars. Access link: http://www.worldpackers.com/

Wwoof

Pages with information especially prepared for nature and country lovers. WWOOF is a voluntary work organization (in a scheme of exchange for accommodation and meals) on organic farms all over the world. There are thousands of hosts around the globe ready to offer food and shelter in exchange for help in their sowing and harvesting. Want to face it? Access link: http://www.wwoof.net/
Much can be learned on sites with a diverse profile, especially if loaded with reports about former exchange experiences. In this case, the blog “discover the world” can be a big help. There, you’ll find reports from youths that undertook this adventure of going out into the world to work and learn.

What about you? What are you waiting for? Time flies – don’t waste it. Enjoy the opportunity of knowing other cultures, and make your own story different by going on an exchange. It’s a life experience.

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Quality of life, public safety, and ease in obtaining a work and study visa enhance the attractiveness of this heretofore not so popular European country.

Always among the 5 countries most sought by Brazilian exchange students, Ireland, besides being an excellent place to live due to its high quality of life, public safety, and privileged location, has as its main attraction the possibility of uniting work and study without the great demands made by its trendier European neighbors. To begin with, according to the present immigration law, Brazilians and Irishmen can travel between the two countries as tourists for up to 90 days. To make things even better, if you’re enrolled in an educational program, you don’t even need a visa.

What to do in Ireland

With more than a thousand pubs spread throughout Dublin, it’s easy to understand the local culture of Ireland’s capital. Safe, with an expectation of full employment and a high quality of life, it’s an excellent place to live in.

Situated in County Kerry, the Killarney National Park is a real paradise, with mountains, lakes and woods spread over more than 10.2 hectares. It is open 24 hours.

The Rock of Cashel is a great historical treasure of Ireland. Situated on a hill in County Tipperary, the place shelters religious constructions from the 12th and 13th centuries.

For young people, a great trip is Galway, a university town full of pubs. The most bohemian city in Ireland, it is also the richest in terms of musical culture.

Speaking of pubs, festive Belfast is an excellent option for lovers of night life. The city also has an unmissable Metropolitan Arts Center.

For calmer places, bet on the Dingle Peninsula, which is considered by National Geographic as “the most beautiful place in the world”. The setting for many Hollywood films, it’s a great vacation destination.

Arriving in Ireland

Go to the immigration service, the only organ authorized to permit the entry of foreigners to the country, and present the following original documents:

Proof of accommodation for the period the tourist intends to stay in Ireland (proof of reservation in a hotel, or invitation letter);

Health insurance

Proof of sufficient funds to support oneself during the period of stay in the country. (There is no pre-fixed value, what exists is a calculation, based on good sense and considering the person’s lifestyle and the high cost of living in Ireland. If you wish to present credit cards, we suggest you take an original and current bank statement);

Proof of a link to the country of origin ( proving that you have to return there);

Round trip ticket (If one intends to travel elsewhere and then return to Brazil, it is important to have in hand the respective tickets, including the one for exit from Ireland on the proposed date);

Passport valid for at least 6 months after the date set for leaving Ireland.

Tips about documentation

Translate officially into English the original documents in Portuguese. Thus, you will help the Irish officials at the moment of entry.

It is recommended that you translate any document providing information about the trip, with data for contact, in case immigration needs to get in touch.

Working in Ireland

With the great rise in the offer of formal jobs, due to the country’s economic growth and stability, one can foresee good possibilities for foreigners. So, write down this important information: although it isn’t simple to find a job opportunity (search for a job opportunity, prerequisites, and special visa), shun illegality.

Useful links and phone numbers

Tourist information in English: www.ireland.com

General information about Ireland: www.citizensinformation.ie/en

Study guide and a variety of information: www.educationinireland.com

For doubts about the Irish health system, we suggest consulting the site of the Irish Ministry of health: www.doh.ie and the site of the health authorities: www.hse.ie

Emigrant Network Advice: www.emigrantnetwork.ie

Link with information for travelers to Ireland: http://www.dfa.ie

Orientation about rules relative to hand luggage: http://www.dfa.ie

Contact with Brazilian Embassy and Consulate in Dublin

Block 8, Harcourt Centre: Penthouse 6th floor (Embassy) and Ground floor (Consulate)

Charlotte Way, Dublin 2

Service to public from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Telephone: (00 21 353 1) 411-0870 / 475-6000 / 416-1202 / 416-1204 (only between 15h30 and 17h30)

Fax: (00 21 353 1) 475-1341

Emergency phone: 00 21 353 (0) 87 981-4403

E-mail: brasemb.dublin@itamaraty.gov.br Site: http://dublin.itamaraty.gov.br

Consular Sector

Tel: (00 353 1) 411-0873 E-mail: consular.dublin@itamaraty.gov.br

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Rivalry between Brazil and Argentina? Forget it! If inside a football field the disputes between the South American brothers are intense, outside the limits of the field the fraternity offered by the continental currency makes Brazilians and Argentineans have as their favorite destination each other’s territory, not only for vacations but also for professional opportunities. Proof of this is that, according to a survey undertaken by the online reservation site Booking.com, Buenos Aires was elected as the favorite destination of Brazilians for their first trip abroad, surpassing strong competitors such as Orlando and Miami (USA), Berlin (Germany) and Las Vegas (USA) respectively on the list of the 5 favorite places, considering the year of 2017.

The geographical and cultural proximity, as well as the similarity of the languages, make Argentina an excellent choice for those who wish to go on a student exchange. There are no fewer than 131 institutions of higher education, 66 of them public and free, sheltering 80% of the country’s students. The University of Buenos Aires (UBA) is outstanding. This public university is on the list of the 20 best in Latin America. This is affirmed by the ranking of the QS, a highly regarded British consultancy.

Cost of living X cost benefit

Let’s consider Buenos Aires. Although the cost of living in the nation’s capital is relatively high, at around 2 thousand reais per month – similar to São Paulo – the city offers vast opportunities for free education in the public universities, besides significantly lower prices in private colleges, if compared to Brazilian ones. Due to this, depending on the desired course, it is worthwhile studying in Argentina, even considering the costs added to the monthly college fees.

Inside Argentinean universities

In the public Institutions of Higher Education, as well as in the private ones, there’s no need for an entrance examination. Instead, it is necessary to conclude the subjects of the Common Basic Cycle (CBC) related to the desired course.

Just as in Brazil, the enrollment period for the academic year, which begins in February, must be made between the months of October and November. Meanwhile, the second semester begins between the months of July and August, ending in December. Check out the list of Institutions of Higher Education: https://bit.ly/2nlayWH

Student Visa

If you want a short exchange of up to 90 days, the visa is unnecessary. All you need is an ID or a valid passport, thanks to a Mercosul agreement. For a longer stay, you must request a residence permit from the Direccion Nacional de Migraciones. Requirements, besides paying an emission tax: proof of enrollment in a teaching institution, ID or passport, and proof of criminal record.

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For the 13th consecutive year, Canada leads the ranking of destinations for Brazilian exchange students. According to a study by the Brazilian Educational & Language Travel Association (Belta) Canada is really the darling of young Brazilians, having been mentioned by 98% of those interviewed when questioned about the three best destinations for this kind of trip. According to the Selo Belta 2018 research, announced in April at na event in the Brasil-Canada Chamber of Commerce, in São Paulo, Canada surpassed its own previous mark, being mentioned by 89% of participants.

Another mark surpassed by Canada was the fact that it was mentioned as the best and most sold destination for exchange by 83% of the specialized agencies. In 2017, for instance, Canada was not mentioned as much, although still in first place 58% of those interviewed.

In another research, undertaken by the Mobilidade Acadêmica (Academic Mobility) Group from the research department of The Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing – ESPN, Canada is also de favorite of Brazilian exchange students, considering research done between 2016 and 2017, with date from sales in exchange agencies as well as research done with 6151 students that had already participated in an exchange program or wished to go on one. Quality of life was the reason most mentioned by the more then 6000 students when asked why they chose Canada, followed by Canada geographic position and in third place, the local infrastructure.

Thinking about Canada as an option? FINK can help you in many ways. Shall we talk? 

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You’ve chosen the country, the town, the studying place, but now you have to choose the type of place where you’ll spend the upcoming months of your exchange. The doubt is natural, because, after all, the setting is basic for your adaptation to a new country. Yes, your new home will, literally, shelter your feelings and thoughts concerning your life choice of venturing into a new country. Comfort and identification are essential to your well-being and the success of your exchange. But, before choosing, you must reflect on your priority: comfort, safety, freedom, independence, companionship and other features peculiar to each type of dwelling.

The most popular type in an exchange is being hosted by a local family, pre-determined by the agency in charge of your trip. In this kind of accommodation, the main points are: the welcome and sense of safety (ideal for younger people) and the full-time contact with the local language, culture, habits and cooking. But there are setbacks: be careful to respect the rules of the house, such as curfews, tasks that have been pre-arranged with the family, and a limit to the number of visitors you receive, if such is the case.

For those who are more independent, the option is renting a small apartment. Ideal if you are staying for a longer time in the new town, for higher- level courses, for instance, and you need comfort, privacy and freedom, this is the best option, although not the best for your pocket. However, be it to study in peace, to rest after a long day, or to be free to receive guests, having your own place, with your own rules, is fundamental. The negative point, besides the expense, is losing the 24-hour contact with the local language and culture when you’re at home.

Finally, why not consider an intermediate solution? Between living with a family and living alone, lies a third option: a student residence. With rules that are more flexible, this type of dwelling brings young people together, enabling cultural exchanges and the possibility of making new friends.  Usually located near study centers, these residences offer a great cultural and social experience. After all, sharing a home with people from different backgrounds is a true challenge and an exercise in responsibility, patience and respect. For those who are more reserved, the best option would be an individual bedroom, sharing the common areas, such as kitchen, bathroom and sitting-room. If, on the other hand, you want to save money, and don’t mind rooming with strangers, choose the shared bedroom version.

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Everything you know personally and professionally, from your language to the smallest of your habits, is based on the culture where you were born and have lived in for your whole life. Your personality and traits, as well as your life choices, come from experiences shared with people that have crossed your path. Opting for an exchange program is a way of enriching your theoretical and empirical baggage, professionally and emotionally.

If a trip of only a few days is enriching, living for a time in another country offers vast learning experience of the history, the routines, the customs and artistic expressions of another type of society. Beyond one’s personal growth, an exchange will be appreciated in future job interviews, since most businesses seek professionals with multiple life experiences.

This is because, to the interviewers, the fact that the candidate has had an experience in a foreign country represents his ease in adapting to a different environment and his knowledge of a foreign language, besides the natural creativity of one who needs to re-invent himself – with imagination and responsibility – in adverse situations.

Language courses, though very practical – in the sense of conversation – will never surpass the experience of living in a place where everyone speaks another language. Therefore, studying in another country is the quickest and most effective way of dominating a foreign language. Besides that, “surviving” far away from family and friends adds a sense of independence to your other traits in the eyes of the recruiter.

In a personal sense, there is no returning to one’s native country from an exchange program with the same mentality as before. The courage to face the challenges imposed by life in a foreign country transmits more confidence and self-assurance, which facilitates making future decisions. Last, but not least, opting for an exchange program offers the chance of making new friends. During your studies, you’ll meet people from all over the world, whose goals are the same as yours. Therefore, don’t be afraid. No matter how challenging it may seem, the rewards will come in the shape of good memories for the rest of your life.

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