Study Abroad Programmes
elephant Minds organises educational and business trips to Argentina, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
Any travelling experience can be enhanced by paying special attention to certain aspects of a country’s culture and life. This is why on all our programmes we encourage participants to take part in educational visits, special talks, local tours, and professional and social gatherings. These are among the many activities which we believe will help you understand each country’s idiosyncrasy better.
Join one of our existing programmes or let us tailor a programme to your particular interests. For further information please get in touch with us.
- Leisure & Culture
- Education & Culture
- Business Sujourn
- Language Focus
English Abroad in UK
If you wish to learn a language there is nothing better than immersing yourself in its own culture. For this, there is no better way than travelling to the country where this language is the means of communication and its people live their traditions daily.
English is the international language above all, spoken by more than 400 million people as their mother tongue and by over 1.4 billion as a second language! English is the official language of over 55 countries and “perhaps the world's most historically and culturally important language to learn”. Not only the "international language of business" but spoken on every continent and within every professional field.
Study Abroad programmes are run in many countries in the world but it is the United Kingdom that holds the record students’ numbers with approximately 600.000 students visiting every year. It is the one destination chosen by students of all ages and from all nationalities. UK schools, colleges and universities undoubtedly offer the best world-class education and the possibility to gain qualifications that are respected by employers and academics worldwide. Quality standards are paramount and proof of this are not only world rankings-four of the top ten universities in the world are in the UK-but also the success of professionals in all fields of work whose careers are examples to follow. There are many advantages to learning English while you study abroad and no matter where you study the English Language your career will flourish. Language acquisition requires critical thinking, creativity, social interaction and communication, methodology, and motivation. These are among the most important skills essential to succeed.
UK education places emphasis on freedom of ideas, individual input, discipline, research, debate and interactive work. This means you will work and study but you will also enjoy the experience. Yes, learning can also be fun! We can help you plan your Study Abroad experience designing it especially according to your own interests and needs. Whether you want to study English for a short period of time or go into university we will make sure you do what is best for you.
Let us organise a course for you and you will
- Improve and practise your English developing all the right skills
- Learn in real-life situations and with every day material such as films, audio materials, newspapers, magazines, different Apps, endless online resources
- Learn the techniques to prepare for exams or take them if you are ready for it
- Learn effective reading and critical thinking skills
- Interact with other learners
- Join an international community
- Discover the unique culture of the country
- Observe and experience the influence of other unique cultures
- Be supported by qualified and experienced tutors
- Be part of many adventures, travel and discover
- Be inspired by teaching and learning
- Receive quality assured and internationally recognised certification
- Learn from native speakers
- Enhance your future career opportunities
Study Options
The United Kingdom offers Further Education and Higher Education programmes
Further education (FE) is often that pursued after 16 years of age but distinct from that at university level. For example A Levels, Foundation Degrees, and Higher National Diplomas. It is usually taught in the sixth-form school or in independent FE colleges, also in other work-based-adult and community learning institutions. It are often designed to provide the skills to advance to Higher Education, going into university would be the most common example. It is also often referred to as continuing education.
Higher education (HE) is mainly post-18 years old and often takes place at universities, colleges and institutions that award academic degrees and professional qualifications. Levels are normally divided between undergraduate and postgraduate.
Undergraduate level studies include:
- Bachelor’s or undergraduate degree:Academic study, normally takes three years. With different titles of degree e.g. Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Education (BEd) and Bachelor of Engineering (BEng).
- Foundation degree: Equivalent of first two years of an honours degree, academic study integrated with relevant work-based learning undertaken with an employer.
- Diploma of Higher Education: Two year, full-time normally equivalent to the first two years of a degree, can be academic, mainly linked to a particular job or profession.
- Certificate of Higher Education: Focuses on either a particular job or profession, or academic study. Equivalent to first year of a full honours degree, the most basic level of qualification.
- Higher National Diploma (HND): A two-year course, can lead to third year of a degree.
Postgraduate level studies include:
- Master's degree. A master’s qualification, allows further knowledge in a particular subject, two main types of master’s: taught and research. Most master's lead to an MA (Master of Arts) or MSc (Master of Science) qualification, also subject-specific qualifications including MEng (Master of Engineering), MFA (Master of Fine Arts), LLM (Master of Laws). MPhil (Master of Philosophy) qualifications are normally research oriented and generally designed for students to progress to a PhD.
- MBA courses. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, internationally recognised and pursued for a successful business career.
- PhDs/doctorates. A Doctor of Philosophy, or doctorate (PhD/DPhil), the highest academic level, very demanding and often leads to careers in academia, usually requires a previous Masters programme.
- Postgraduate diplomas and qualifications. Postgraduate certificates and diplomas study new subjects or reinforce skills and knowledge already gained during first degree.
- Professional and vocational qualifications. Usually taken to improve skills or gain abilities required for specific jobs, involve practical training, opportunity to experience a job first-hand.
A useful distinction in the way programmes are delivered
- Taught, consist of a series of lectures or seminars, assessed through exams or coursework.
- Research, require more in-depth independent study, usually over a period of two or three years, to then report on research by writing a thesis or dissertation.
About UK
UK’s quality teaching and excellent results
- Four of the top ten universities in the world are in the UK.
- The UK ranks in the top five in the world for university-industry collaboration.
- Student satisfaction in the UK is higher than ever, with 86% of students satisfied overall with their course.
- International undergraduate satisfaction in the UK is very high, at 91% overall. 85% of international undergraduates would recommend or actively recommend their UK study experience, higher than any major English-speaking study destinations.
- The UK is a world-leading research nation. Researchers in the UK gain more citations and usage per article, and write more articles individually, than anywhere else in the world.
- The UK ranks second in the world for the quality of its scientific and research institutions.
- 54% of the research conducted by UK universities and colleges is classed as 'world-leading'.
- 93% of UK postgraduate students rated the quality of teaching positively.
- The UK has the lowest student drop-out rate in Europe.
- UK universities and research institutions have produced 107 Nobel Prize winners.
About the UK
- United Kingdom: The United Kingdom consists of England, Wales, Scotland (together forming Great Britain) and Northern Ireland.
- Capital cities: The capital city of the UK is London, which is also the capital of England. For Wales the capital is Cardiff, for Scotland it is Edinburgh, and for Northern Ireland it is Belfast.
- Population: The population of the UK is estimated to be around 63 million (England: 53 million, Scotland: 5.3 million, Wales: 3 million, Northern Ireland: 1.8 million).
- Land area: The UK is close to 95,000 square miles (245,000 square kilometres), stretching from the Shetland Islands off the north coast of Scotland, down to the Isles of Scilly in south west England, and across the sea to Northern Ireland.
- Countryside: The UK’s long coastline is around 5,000 miles (8,000 kilometres). The geography ranges from green meadows and woodland to rugged moorland and mountains. The highest mountain is Ben Nevis in Scotland at just over 1,340 metres.
- Heritage: The UK has a fascinating history dating back to 6500 BC. All over the UK you’ll find monuments marking its history, from Stonehenge to Buckingham Palace. The UK is also home to over 28 cultural and natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Heritage Cities including Edinburgh, Bath, Canterbury, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and York.
- Economy: The UK is one of the world’s leading business locations and the number one destination for inward investment in Europe. The UK is one of the top ten manufacturers in the world and has the largest industries in Europe for life sciences, ICT and the creative industries.
- Language: English is spoken throughout the UK, but there are other official languages too, such as Welsh, Scots and Gaelic.
- Money: The currency of the UK is pounds sterling (£).
- Religion: The main religious orientation in the UK is Christianity. However, the UK is a multi-faith society where other religions are widely welcomed and accepted.
- Government: The United Kingdom is a parliamentary democracy – this means the government is elected by the people. There is a general election once every five years. The Prime Minister leads the government with the support of the cabinet and ministers. The UK is a member of the European Union.
- The royal family: The Queen is Head of State in the United Kingdom. As a constitutional monarch, Her Majesty does not 'rule' the country, but the royal family fulfils important ceremonial and formal roles with respect to Government.
- Law: There are some differences between the law in your country and the law in the UK. It is important to note these before travelling.
- Academic year: Starts in September or October and runs until June or July. Some courses are more flexible, however, and offer a range of start dates. (*)
*Sources & other useful links
VisitBritain (travel and life in the UK)
Explore the UK (travel and life in the UK)
LearnEnglish (British Council’s website for adult and professional learners of English)
Travel in the UK (travel and life in the UK)
www.royal.gov.uk (the Royal Family)
Learn English Teens (For younger learners)
LearnEnglish Kids (For younger learners)
Spanish Abroad in Argentina
Immersive Spanish Programme-BUENOS AIRES
elephant Minds will begin to run immersive Spanish language programmes in Argentina from 2019, allowing us to deliver educational excellence to more people around the world. Much like our English language programme it will combine lessons, social activities and accommodation with a host family to create the perfect immersive language package. Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and being able to speak it fluently will give your career and personal life a great boost. This, together with the chance to explore Argentinian culture, go on adventures, and study under the supervision of expert Spanish teachers, makes it ideal for anyone who wants to improve their Spanish skills. What the programme offers:
- General Spanish or Spanish for business
- Group or one-on-one lessons
- Available to students of all ages and abilities
- Accommodation with caring host families in Buenos Aires
- Activities in Buenos Aires and the surrounding areas. Optional trips to Patagonia, the coast and Inca territory
- Multilingual group classes
- Engaging, experienced and qualified teachers
- Optional art and yoga workshops with local artists and experts
- Plenty cultural activities: Tango in the city, a day in a ‘estancia’ with the traditional barbecue, gauchos, horse-riding, and much more
We can’t wait to take you on this journey! Do get in touch for more information or to book your place. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Argentina has become one of the epicentres for Spanish learning courses in Latin America!
With over 500 million people speaking Spanish in the world the language has become an essential part of personal and professional development.
Argentina offers one of the best immersion opportunities for those seeking to learn the language and its culture. More and more students are visiting the country every year. In 2007 the number of students increased from 17.000 to 25.000. Nowadays it is estimated that over 50.000 students come to pursue different studies. Argentina has a higher international student rate than Spain.
The UBA (University of Buenos Aires), one of the best in the country, has about 2.000 students of Spanish as a Second Language every year and over 6.700 foreign students in total. These students can take 1 to 8 months courses (sometimes more) while also joining current students at their university lectures. About 60% of international students go to Buenos Aires, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city on the shores of the legendary Río de la Plata (River Plate). However, there are many centres in most provinces in Argentina which offer a wide variety of language courses and other study options.
Students of Spanish in Argentina can obtain an internationally-acknowledged certificate, the ‘Certificado de Lengua Española' (CELU): this (Certificate of Spanish: Language and Use) is a proficiency test of Spanish as a foreign language. “It can be taken by any foreigner whose mother tongue is not Spanish and who wants to prove his or her ability to use Spanish as a second language in working and academic contexts”. The CELU examination is officially acknowledged by the Ministry of Education and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Argentina.
For further information or advice on Education placements in Argentina please contact us at info@elephantminds.co.uk
Study Options
Over 110 universities, private and public, house around 1.6 million students. Some of the best universities in the country date back to XVI and early XIX centuries (Universidad de Córdoba 1613 and Universidad de Buenos Aires 1821).
International students find a diverse and qualified offer in Undergraduate and Postgraduate studies as well as language learning courses. They are able to share with students from other countries and enjoy one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Some of the reasons why all students benefit when coming to Argentina:
- Quality of institutions
- Low tuition costs
- Low living costs
- Spanish as a foreign language
- Diversity of degrees on offer
- Attractive touristic sites all over the country
- Vibrant culture
- Outstanding natural beauty
- Exceptional climate
The law of Higher Education (Nº 24.521 Educación Superior) aims to promote; “the provision of scientific, professional, technical and humanistic work at its highest level, the preservation of the national culture, the development of knowledge, attitudes and values that are required to train responsible, reflective, critical students, able to improve their quality of life, respect the environment, the institutions of the Republic and the democratic order”.
Short degree options include ‘tecnicaturas’ and ‘diplomaturas’. These are 2-3 year degrees after which students receive ‘títulos intermedios’ and sometimes ‘finales’ (tertiary and sometimes degree level certificates).
Undergraduate options include ‘licenciaturas’ (Bachelors), ‘profesorados’ (Teaching Degrees), and specialised degrees such as Medicine, Law and engineering. There are no tuition fees for students in national universities undertaking any of these subjects.
Postgraduate studies maybe specialised Masters Degrees or Doctorates. These generally have a cost though there are scholarships available for international students.
Public (or national) universities do not charge tuition fees. Some may ask for administrative costs to cover the emission of certificates and other important documents. Decisions on fees are made individually by each organisation. Private institutions establish their own tuition fees.
All universities are subject to recognition and supervision by the Ministry of Education. CONEAU (The National Commission of University Evaluation and Accreditation), the organisation that oversees examination processes and the accreditation of certificates, guarantees the quality of the education provided. They advise, supervise and approve of existing and new universities. Many of these universities also voluntarily agree to be members of internationally recognised regulatory bodies.
Universities in Argentina:
- 47 Public (national or state) universities
- 49 Private (or independent) universities
- 7 ‘Institutos Universitarios Estatales’ *
- 14 ‘Institutos Universitarios Privados’
- 1 Universidad Provincial
- 1 Foreign university
- 1 Internacional university
*Institutions dedicated to one specific discipline e.g.: Business, Health. These may be 'Estatales' (national) or 'Privados' (Independent).
List of universities in the country here
For further information or advice on Education placements in Argentina please contact us at info@elephantminds.co.uk
Language Facts
Spanish, ‘La lengua viva’
- More than 500 million people speak Spanish.
- Spanish is the 2nd most spoken language.
- In 2030, 7,5% of world population will be Spanish speaking (around 535 million people).
- In 3 to 4 generations 10% of the population will communicate in Spanish.
- In 2050 USA will be the 1stSpanish speaking country in the world. Today, the Hispanic population in the country consists of 52 million people. They are the 14th purchasing economic power in the world.
- Spanish is the 3rd most used language on the Internet. 7.8% of users communicate in the language. Spanish is the 2nd most used language on Facebook and Twitter.
- Of the 285 languages used in Wikipedia Spanish is the 7th most used for its written-articles.
- Más de 500 millones de personas hablan español.
- El español es la segunda lengua del mundo por número de hablantes y el segundo idioma de comunicación internacional.
- En 2030, el 7,5% de la población mundial será hispanohablante (535 millones de personas).
- Dentro de tres o cuatro generaciones, el 10% de la población mundial se entenderá en español.
- En 2050 Estados Unidos será el primer país hispanohablante del mundo.
- Norteamérica (México, Estados Unidos y Canadá) y España suman el 78% del poder de compra de los hispanohablantes.
- Compartir el español aumenta en un 290% el comercio bilateral entre los países hispanohablantes.
- Las empresas editoriales españolas tienen 162 filiales en el mundo repartidas en 28 países, más del 80% en Iberoamérica, lo que pone de relieve la importancia de la lengua común a la hora de invertir en terceros países.
- La población hispana de los Estados Unidos ronda actualmente los 52 millones de personas.
- Más del 73% de las familias hispanas utilizan el español para comunicarse.
- La comunidad hispana estadounidense es la 14.ª potencia económica del mundo por poder de compra.
- El español ocupa la tercera posición en cuanto al reconocimiento como lengua de trabajo dentro del sistema de las Naciones Unidas y la cuarta posición en el ámbito institucional de la Unión Europea.
- El español es la tercera lengua más utilizada en la Internet. El 7,8% de los usuarios de Internet se comunican en este idioma.
- La penetración de Internet en España es la mayor entre los países hispanohablantes, seguida de la de Argentina.
- El español es la segunda lengua más utilizada en las dos principales redes sociales del mundo: Facebook y Twitter. El español es la segunda lengua más utilizada en Twitter en ciudades mayoritariamente de lengua inglesa como Londres o Nueva York.
- De las 285 lenguas en las que actualmente se divulga Wikipedia, el español ocupa la séptima posición por número de artículos escritos.
Help us help them
When you book with us you help us encourage education around the world. Part of the profits from all our programmes are donated to the Elephant Minds Foundation to support those who have limited or no access to education. We invite you to see some of our past and current projects.