A college is an educational institution that constitutes the first level of higher education. After three years of study, a graduate of a Western college receives a bachelor's degree and can begin professional work on par with university graduates or continue their education in a master's program. On the other hand, the cost of one year of study at a college is considerably lower than at a university, making it possible even for members of the middle class to obtain a quality Western education.
The main difference of a college curriculum is its practical orientation. For example, one should go to college to study business, and to university to study economics. The study program requires a mandatory internship at every level of study, which is undoubtedly very important for the practical application of all acquired knowledge and for future employment (everyone knows that lack of work experience is one of the main problems for a young specialist).
A college usually has very close ties with industry on the one hand and with universities on the other. For example, some programs at Canada's most famous college, Seneca College in Toronto, were developed jointly with York University. Thus, a student receives a double diploma - a Seneca Diploma and a York University Bachelor of Arts Degree - and may, if desired, continue their studies in the master's program at York University. This college offers studies in business administration, accounting, engineering, advertising, electronic and chemical engineering, art, fashion, graphic design, human resources management, journalism, marketing, pharmaceuticals, 3-D animation, information technology, etc.
When it comes to specialties such as design or hotel management, they are best studied at colleges. For example, one of the best colleges training highly qualified specialists in the field of hotel management is the American College Dublin, founded by the American university Lynn. The advantage of its program is that it combines the American tradition of business education with the Swiss tradition of hospitality. The program lasts two years and consists of 12 modules. The course structure includes six months of theoretical study at the college and six months of internship, which students complete at the best hotels in Dublin - Sutton Castle Hotel, Principal Hotel, Conrad International Hotel, etc. During the internship, students earn at least 150 euros per week. Tuition costs about $4,500 per year (including textbooks and administrative expenses). Moreover, if you pay two years in advance, the college offers a 10% discount.
American students have long understood the advantages of a college over a university: small classes, better instructors, and an attractive tuition cost - $5,000-7,000 per year compared to $20,000-25,000 at a university. That is why most Americans first enroll in community colleges, study there for two years to earn an Associate Degree, and then either go to work or continue their studies at a university in a bachelor's program.
Students interested in fashion and design will surely be attracted to the Design and Arts College of New Zealand (Christchurch, New Zealand). The college trains specialists in fashion design, interior design, architectural design, web design, and contemporary photography. The cost of one year of study here is about 12,500 New Zealand dollars. By the way, in New Zealand, as well as in Great Britain and Ireland, students are allowed to work part-time, which makes it possible to earn money for further education.
Almost every college has a special department called a Career Office. It provides assistance with student employment after graduation and also offers academic consultations if a student decides to continue their education. For example, Western Town College in Canada, which offers professional programs in international trade, management, and tourism, fully coordinates the job search process for students and provides every kind of support.
Another advantage of a college is its step-by-step education system. Each stage ends with the attainment of a certificate or diploma, allowing students to shape their own study program.
Unlike universities, colleges hold several admission intakes per year. Typically, students begin classes in September and January. In Canada, some colleges conduct four intakes a year. For admission, in addition to a secondary school certificate, proficiency in English is required (TOEFL 500). In most cases, there are no entrance exams, but some colleges require special tests or interviews. This does not mean that students need to travel to the college to do this; testing takes place at an educational agency, which is the official representative of the institution. To apply to English and American colleges, applicants must write a motivational letter and provide a school reference.
Elena KOMPANETS,
«Domar Travel Education»