Degree programs taught in English in continental European countries appeared not so long ago – at the turn of the last and current centuries. They came to be known as Engiish-Language-Taught Degree Programmes (ELTDP). Why did universities and higher schools, many of which have long and successfully operated in the education market, take this step? Among the reasons that led to the introduction of programs taught in English, not the least is the desire of universities to attract students from abroad – the diversity of the international student body is unequivocally regarded as a plus by higher education institutions of any country.
Studying in a multinational environment, a student, in addition to knowledge, gains invaluable experience of intercultural communication, makes contacts that may later prove useful, and generally learns to look at the world broadly, in tune with the times. Moreover, the presence of foreign students boosts the rating of an educational institution.
Meanwhile, it is no secret that ignorance of the language often becomes a serious barrier for those who would like to continue their education in Germany, France and other European countries. With English it is easier – everyone studies it today. And therefore the opportunity to study in English not only in the UK, Canada, USA, Australia or New Zealand, but also in Europe, interests many students.
What and where will they teach in English?
About two-thirds of ELTDP programs relate to postgraduate study. As for the geography of distribution, the picture is as follows. Germany holds the lead, where the number of English-language programs approaches two hundred, followed, in descending order, by the Netherlands, Finland and France. In countries such as Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Italy and Spain, English-language programs also exist, but they have not yet become widespread.
As for specialties, the business direction remains prevalent almost everywhere. Only Germany has remained aside from this trend, where most programs taught in English are related to engineering sciences. In addition, foreigners from different countries of the world have the opportunity to obtain a master's degree in natural sciences, mathematics and computer technologies.
Instruction is conducted entirely in English – lectures are given by professors invited from the best British and American schools. Essays and projects also need to be written and defended in English. However, in most schools in Germany and France, within the framework of ELTDP programs, from the very first semester students also study the language of the country they have come to – German or French. This is done not just to ease foreigners' adaptation to life in a foreign environment. Before defending their master's thesis, students necessarily undergo an internship at local enterprises – and it is here that knowledge of a second language turns out to be not a luxury, but a necessity.
Is it easy to get in?
Admission to English-language programs has a number of peculiarities. The good news is that our applicants wishing to enter one of the bachelor's programs are not required (unlike universities in English-speaking countries) to complete an additional year of study on the Foundation preparatory program. Our secondary school leaving certificate is a quite sufficient basis to apply for enrollment in the first year.
As for future master's students, they must have a higher education diploma corresponding to a bachelor's degree. So if you are seriously intending to obtain a master's degree abroad, it makes sense to limit yourself to a four-year study program at a domestic university with the award of a bachelor's degree – this document will be quite sufficient.
As for English, things must be excellent. Some educational institutions require formal confirmation of language proficiency in the form of a TOEFL test certificate with a certain score (as a rule, not lower than 213 in the computer version). Others are ready to settle for an interview with the applicant (today many schools are willing to conduct such interviews by phone), but this does not mean that one should count on any indulgences. A school representative must make sure that the interlocutor easily understands English speech and is able to formulate his own thoughts on various topics – in other words, that he will be able to fully study in English.
Another piece of good news concerns tuition fees. They are in principle lower than in similar programs in the UK or the USA. Moreover, in countries such as Germany, France, Sweden and Finland, where higher education is free for everyone, including foreigners, a domestic student has a chance to get an international diploma without spending a single ruble on education. True, this rule applies only to state educational institutions, while most English-language programs operate at private universities.
Most, but not all. The highest probability of getting free education is for those who choose Germany or Finland. But in France or the Netherlands there are practically no state-funded English-language programs. But the admission procedure there is simpler – whereas an applicant for a place at a state university, for example in Germany, will have to withstand a tough competitive selection.
How it looks in practice
For example, we will tell you in more detail about some programs taught in English. Free education on the master's program in the specialty "Information Technology and Automation Systems" is offered by one of the oldest universities in Germany – Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, which maintains partnerships with 65 universities from 25 countries. There is also an MBA program with a specialization in international industrial management, though tuition there is paid. Interesting detail: regardless of the chosen profile, all master's program students undergo a mandatory three-week course on the basics of the German language and culture before starting their studies.
Also, the Swedish university college Dalarna teaches foreigners for free. Its master's programs in computer technology and electronic systems are especially popular. However, humanities scholars are not overlooked either – at Dalarna College you can obtain a master's degree in economics, political sociology, and tourism. Moreover, the college helps students demonstrating excellent academic performance obtain one of the targeted scholarships annually allocated by the Swedish Institute.
Graduates of domestic secondary schools will surely be interested in the opportunity to get into the bachelor's program "International Business and Management" at the CHN University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. In addition to a high school diploma and a TOEFL (or IELTS) certificate, the applicant must submit a motivation letter with a clear justification of their desire to study specifically there.
But it is worth it – the curriculum includes mastering such modern disciplines as marketing, giving presentations, activity design, human resource management, communication, business planning, and much more. The tuition fee is 3,700 euros per year, which is significantly lower than similar programs, say, in the UK.
The International University Schiller, which has campuses in the USA, the UK, France, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland, can be called a true "international in miniature". The range of programs taught in English is extremely wide and covers both bachelor's and master's degrees, including an MBA. Among the specializations studied are international business and international hotel and tourism management, international economics, international relations, and diplomacy. In short, everything is international. Depending on the country where the student studies, they get the opportunity to intensively study its language – German, French, or Spanish. And in their free time they can see the world – each campus organizes a rich cultural and excursion program for foreigners.
We realized long ago that learning English is necessary. But now we know: you need to study it seriously. Because with it, you won't get lost.