Blog – Page 2 – Plan Zero

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Types of official English exams

Do you know you need a degree but with so many types of official English exams you don’t know where to start? No worries! We tell you everything you need to know to choose the one that best suits you. Yes, yes. There is no better or worse type of official exam, each one has its advantages and will help you achieve your different objectives. Here we go! 5 types of official English exams: what they are and what they are for TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) It is a standardized test of academic English for students who want to enter universities in the United States or Canada. It can be done in several ways, but the two most popular are: Other ways are TOEFL ITP (testing program used by the institutions themselves), TOEFL Junior and TOEFL Primary. Students generally take between 3 and 6 months to prepare for the exam, and the scores are on a scale from 0 to 120. What is it for?Primarily for university admissions in the US and Canada. Expiration:Expires after 2 years. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) It is one of the most valued exams when it comes to getting a job abroad and to access international universities, especially in Europe. There are two types of IELTS: What is it for?Required to study and work in English-speaking countries. Expiration:Expires after 2 years. Cambridge English Exams (FCE, CAE, CPE) They are the most recognized types of official English exams with the greatest future projection. They are highly valued by educational institutions and organizations, both public and private. Furthermore, its greatest advantage is that it has no expiration date. They are divided into 5, depending on the degree of knowledge of the language: What is it for?Internationally recognized certifications for work and studies. Expiration:They do not expire, but it is recommended to update every 5 years. PTE (Pearson Test of English) It is a computer-based English level test. Widely accepted by universities, colleges and governments around the world for access to UK and Australian studies. It lasts about 3 hours, in which academic English and everyday English are evaluated through 3 blocks: Speaking/writing, listening and reading. One of the great advantages of this test is the speed with which it provides results (5 days) and the acceptance it has in Australia and New Zealand for immigration and student visas. What is it for?Approval for study and work in Australia and the United Kingdom. Expiration:Expires after 2 years. TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) It is a standardized English exam aimed at professionals and companies, and is usually studied through self-study. These are two tests: It is not necessary to perform both tests, since the result is not the combination of both, but rather they are separate. What is it for?English assessment in the work environment.Expiration:It has no official expiration date, but it is recommended to update every 2-3 years. Do you have doubts about what type of official English exams you are interested in? Are you thinking about studying abroad and want to count on one of them? Tell us your case without obligation and we will help you achieve it.

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GapYear. An alternative to university

Completing high school and entering university is the most common, however, it does not have to be the only study alternative nor is there a single way to get to university. Yes, yes. It seems that this route is the only one they teach us, but there are many more. For example, the Gap Year. An alternative to university that can help you go as far as you want. “Gap” translates to “gap” or “space,” but at Plan Zero, in the context of Gap Year, we like to translate it as Opportunity. Opportunity to explore other options and opportunity to get to know you better. Save time with the Gap Year According to a study by the University of Valencia, 23% of Spanish students drop out or change majors during their first year. Following the typical route of high school and university seems not always to be the best option, but curiously others are only considered when we do not receive the grade or we do not manage to get into the university we had in mind. But under any circumstances, a Gap Year can be a great alternative to university the first year and, although it may seem otherwise, save you time! Or isn’t a year wasted a year in a career that you later abandon? Improve your English with a Gap Year What if instead of choosing a career without being clear, you improve your chances of entering an international university and boost your resume? During your Gap Year you will be able to spend stays abroad, learn to function autonomously and independently, and you will be able to take the opportunity to obtain an Official English Certification that will open the doors to international universities or simply give a plus to your job search. Looks good, right? Take short pre-university courses How would you like to take some pre-university courses in the branches you like the most and participate in the open days of prestigious British universities? In other countries it is very common to spend a year exploring different routes to clearly choose the career to which you will dedicate four years of your life. For this reason, pre-university courses are a fantastic option to delve into those specialties that catch your attention before making the final decision. In addition, you can take the opportunity to participate in university Open Days, such as the Cambridge University Open Day. During these days you will have the option to get to know the facilities, educational programs and even the teaching staff of the universities you have in mind. If anything helps make decisions, it is having information. Take a volunteer stay Imagine spending three, six or twelve months in another country participating in a volunteer program with people from other parts of the world. An opportunity to take care of nature, animals or the most vulnerable people. This experience will change you forever! Studying is good. But when you finish ESO or high school you may feel that it is the only thing you have done in life and you need a break. And it’s okay! Disconnecting from studies for a while and focusing on other things that are also important is not a crazy idea. It can be the best decision of your life. For this reason, volunteer plans are a fantastic alternative to university. They help you improve your English, clear your mind and make better decisions. Furthermore, international universities highly value volunteer stays among their admission criteria. Win, win. Plan Zero students participating in volunteer activities in the United Kingdom and Canada Do internships abroad Before entering university or before entering the job market, doing internships abroad will help you improve your resume, function better in the professional environment and improve your level of English. Working in an English-speaking environment is an excellent way to improve communication skills and develop fluency in the language, skills that are in high demand in the academic and professional environment. What do you think about an internship in Dublin? Choose the best option for you with Plan Zero Whatever your idea of the future, at Plan Zero we have a guidance service that will help you make decisions safely and calmly. Do you want to check what alternatives there are for you? Contact us without obligation.

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Cambridge University Open Day

One of the advantages of a summer stay in the United Kingdom is being able to participate in university life and prepare your academic future. For this reason, our group this summer participated in the Open Day of Cambridge University, one of the most prestigious universities in the world. What is an Open Day? An Open Day is an open day held by universities to present their programs and facilities to future students. At the Cambridge University Open Day we were able to learn more about academic life, university programs and feel part of this great institution for a few hours. What activities are offered during Open Days? During the University of Cambridge Open Days, attendees were able to participate in a variety of activities to get to know the institution better. Some of the common activities include: Can I participate in the next Open Day? Of course! Contact us and we will help you achieve it. Open Days are held by most universities, and it is one of our star plans within the Gap Year or Gap Term programs: personalized stays in the United Kingdom to improve English, do work placements, volunteer or prepare your university future. Ready?

Transformative education

Volunteering in the UK in the race against cancer

Studying abroad is an experience that goes far beyond traveling and learning English. It is a unique opportunity to create different educational experiences in which to work as a team, raise awareness about different social issues and build a supportive outlook through our actions. In other words, it is a perfect time to continue training the future #changemaker citizens: the youth who will create the future. Volunteering in the UK: Race for life The programs we design at Plan Zero are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and seek to generate changes in youth and society. An example of this is our annual participation in the Race for Life, a race organized in different locations in the United Kingdom by Cancer Research UK to raise funds for cancer research. Our group of students participated as support staff in this emblematic race within the volunteer program. An experience that allowed them to continue improving their English by volunteering with native speakers and people of other nationalities. But above all, an experience that shows them that their actions matter and can create a positive impact. Volunteering with Plan Zero If you also want to improve your English and experience volunteering abroad, we at Plan Zero are waiting for you. You can choose between two options: You can choose the duration and destination. Would you like to spend 3 months in Canada looking after a national park? Would you prefer to help out for a few days at a small NGO in the city where you study? Would you like to take part in intensive programmes in Africa? Contact us without obligation and we will find the perfect volunteer plan for you.

Experiences

My experience at Lancaster University Leipzig

From Spain to Leipzig: I show you my experience at Lancaster University Leipzig By: Angela Garcia Pina From Extremadura to Leipzig, my academic journey has been a journey both geographically and personally. After completing my degree in Industrial Organization Engineering in Seville, I decided that I wanted to specialize further and explore the field of supply chain and logistics, a field that caught my interest during my undergraduate studies. Although there was a fear of specializing too much in a specific branch of engineering, curiosity and a desire to get out of my comfort zone led me to live my experience at Lancaster University Leipzig. Here I have found a program that has not only met, but exceeded my expectations. This decision led me to choose the MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Lancaster University Leipzig, a programme that stands out for its practical approach. The classes focus on practical cases that allow us to see the direct application of theory in real situations, which is essential in the world of logistics. This methodology has confirmed to me that I am on the right track and has further awakened my passion for this sector. The diversity of the classroom, with classmates from all over the world, enriches each session, allowing me to learn different approaches and working styles. The previous work experience of many of my classmates adds depth to our discussions, making each class a source of inspiration and continuous learning. In addition to my academic training, my experience at Lancaster University Leipzig has been key to my professional development. The job search, a personal effort, was supported by the Student Services team for the necessary paperwork. Although finding the right positions requires time and dedication, my experience shows that there are significant opportunities for workers, especially in Leipzig and Cologne, where I focused my search. As I progressed professionally, the city of Leipzig offered me a very enriching environment. It is a city that has it all: vibrant university life, a rich architectural history, and a cultural scene that never fails to impress. From the peaceful Johannapark, ideal for a picnic or just relaxing, to its historic bars and buildings, every corner of Leipzig offers something unique. Studying here has not only been an academic education, but also a cultural one. Looking back on my decision to study at Lancaster University Leipzig, I am convinced that taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone brings invaluable rewards. I am excited to bring these experiences back to Spain and apply what I have learned in my professional future. If you are considering studying abroad and are interested in delving deeper into management, I encourage you to consider Lancaster University Leipzig as your next academic destination. I am sure that the Plan Zero team will make this experience easy and unique. You are one step away from living an experience at Lancaster University Leipzig and boosting your international profile.

Useful Information

English in summer all inclusive

Do you want to learn English this summer and keep your budget under control? We have a great all-inclusive summer English plan for you. Come to Chichester, a university city in the United Kingdom, and prepare or obtain an Official English Certification that certifies your knowledge and start the course at a new level. All-inclusive English summer package Meals included depend on the package selected. General English course and exam preparation Our plan includes a 21-hour weekly program of general English and 6 hours per week more for the preparation of the Official Cambridge Exams or Extra English to put the concepts learned into practice. Official English exams You can prepare for the exam in Spain or take advantage of the summer to take the official exam according to your level at Chichester College. The college has been awarded the British Council’s Beacon Award for International Student Support, which is the college that provides the most support to international students studying in the UK. The perfect place to study English in the summer.

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Lancaster University in Leipzig, Germany

Today we want to tell you in depth about one of our star universities: the Lancaster University campus in Leipzig, Germany. An opportunity to obtain a British degree without leaving Europe. Do you want to know more? A British university in the heart of Europe Lancaster University’s Leipzig campus in Germany was established in 2019 after Brexit – just in time for students from the European Union! Studying at Lancaster University in Leipzig (LU Leipzig) allows you to obtain a degree certificate from Lancaster University, UK, while studying in Germany and enjoying all the benefits of being in Europe. Leipzig, the city of emerging talent Lancaster University chose Leipzig to establish a campus not only because of its high quality of life, affordable possibilities and excellent infrastructure, but also because this city offers exciting career and employment prospects for highly qualified people. Over the past 20 years, Leipzig has developed into the fastest-growing city in Germany. The top five industrial clusters are Automotive, Biotechnology, IT & Media, Logistics and Energy, which have generated 48% more jobs since 2005. Since its inception, Lancaster University Leipzig has developed a broad network of partners that benefits both the university and industry. With continued investment from companies such as Porsche, BMW, Beiersdorf, Amazon and DHL, Leipzig will continue to grow and attract talent from around the world. For this reason, introducing students to an environment that values qualified profiles and anticipates job demand is a sure success. “There is a huge demand for international talent in Leipzig and Germany. Studying at Lancaster University Leipzig not only gives you specialist knowledge, but also a unique set of values and skills in our students. At Lancaster University Leipzig, we offer you tailored career support to secure a job during your study programme and after graduation.” Josefine Fitchett, Careers and Engagement Manager. Collaboration with corporate entities is of paramount importance not only in terms of student employment, but also in terms of knowledge transfer and innovation that drive Lancaster University Leipzig and the local economy. Lancaster University in Leipzig – a link to your professional career Lancaster University in Leipzig is focused on career success. Career fairs are organised on campus twice a year, where leading employers interact with LU Leipzig students. These fairs allow students studying at this campus to get to know companies such as Deloitte, EY, EEX, Spread Group and Prisma and find out if they are suitable for their future career. At the beginning of March, Lancaster University in Leipzig organised the third edition of the Career Fair. Workshops that boost professional skills are also regularly offered on campus. Companies visit LU Leipzig’s urban campus for projects and team-building challenges. Study in English, learn German No worries! The language of instruction during studies is English and knowledge of German is not required for admission. However, a free basic German course is offered on campus for interested students. Learning German is not a requirement, but this course will help you integrate more comfortably into your daily routine in Germany. And if you want to learn German more thoroughly, you can also do so on campus for an additional fee. What can I study at Lancaster University in Leipzig? Among its wide range of degrees and master’s degrees are: Are there financing options? Yes! As a student from Spain you can benefit from lower fees and funding opportunities. From 2022, students at Lancaster University in Leipzig can finance their education with the Lancaster Education Fund. This funding offer is separate from scholarships, stipends and grants. The education fund is based on the Income Sharing Agreement (ISA) model. This is a Study Now, Pay Later model where you start repaying after a successful career with a minimum annual income. Thus, over a maximum of 10 years of repayment, a predefined percentage of your income is repaid. It is interesting to note that this is a solidarity model. In other words, the percentage of income returned by each “former” student upon reaching a certain minimum income is used to finance the studies of another “new” student in a solidarity cycle. Would you like to know more about your possible future at Lancaster University in Leipzig? Contact our team and we will advise you on your entire plan.

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