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Useful Information

3 Summer Plans for 2024. Learn English abroad at your leisure.

Do you want to learn English abroad this summer but can’t find the perfect plan for you? No worries! At Plan Zero we have prepared 3 different programs to cover all tastes. Because this summer you deserve a great plan: Option 1: English programs abroad for groups A classic. You want to learn English but also enjoy the company of people your age, meet new people both nationally and internationally and feel the security of a group trip with one person in charge. Then this is your plan! And you have two destinations to choose from. Warning: If you’re just looking for a few hours of English class and a couple of activities to fill the afternoons… this isn’t the plan for you. If you want to live a unique experience that will change the way you see your mark on the world: keep reading! Bournemouth. United Kingdom. Our Bournemouth plan is not for everyone, it’s for #changemakers! Through eco-days on the beach, climate action activities, exploring nature reserves, nature classes, etc., you will enjoy a unique program linked to the Sustainable Development Goals. This summer programme also includes half-day excursions to Winchester, Southampton, the Jurassic Coast and the Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, and a series of fun activities such as sports, cycling routes or visiting the aquapark, among others. 2 weeks in Bournemouth: Enjoy this summer city in the south of England with classes inside and outside the classroom. With two full-day excursions, one to Oxford and one to London! 3 weeks in Bournemouth + London Weekend: A great plan in Bournemouth and a whole weekend enjoying the British capital. With two full-day excursions: one to Oxford and another to Bath, plus a weekend in London. Cambridge. United Kingdom 2 weeks in Cambridge with 2 Saturdays in London: Our Cambridge plan is designed to be a true pre-university experience at one of the most prestigious universities in the world. You’ll take part in the university’s Open Day, visit its Colleges and punt on the River Cam. In addition, as part of our #changemaker activities, you will have the opportunity to volunteer, helping as support staff in the “Race for Life”, a race organised by the British Cancer Association. Option 2: Self-guided English language stays abroad Our group plans for this summer are amazing, but if you are looking for an independent experience, with the security of an expert team and more students close to you, our ON YOUR OWN programs are what you are looking for. Where would you like to spend this summer? Chichester. United Kingdom Chichester is a perfect city to live an experience at your own pace, with a university atmosphere and the perfect size to feel at home. And with our great plan you can return with an Official English Certification (PET, FCE or CAE) yeah! And it’s not all about studying. The College has a wide calendar of activities and excursions developed for the integration of students. They are booked directly at the centre and many are free. Dublín. Ireland Our Dublin plan is perfect for improving your English and preparing for the future with the special Next Generation programme, focused on 21st century skills: getting a job and passing job interviews, digital media skills and personal branding, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (ILO), green economy and sustainability. Everything you wish you had learned in class and perhaps have overlooked. Plus, it’s a full-fledged vacation, with 2 full-day excursions to Belfast, Galway or Bray, plus 4 half-day excursions to Dublin and other areas of Ireland. Option 3: Family immersion abroad Do you want to plan something on your own but you’re not 16 yet? No worries! With our full-time family language immersion program, you can enjoy an unforgettable summer in Ireland living with a host family and children of a similar age to yours.

Useful Information

Types of universities in the Netherlands

There are two types of universities in the Netherlands. So if you are thinking of studying a university degree in the Netherlands, this information is of interest to you. There are two types of higher education centers: The main difference between the two types of universities is the number of hours dedicated to practice, where one has a more focused approach on professional life and the other on theoretical knowledge. But you can see the differences in more detail in this video from the Holland University of Applied Sciences, one of the Dutch universities where you could go to study with Plan Zero: Types of universities in the Netherlands: Summary of the differences Universities of Applied Sciences Research Universities Professional/Practical Approach Scientific/Theoretical Approach 4 years (with 1 year of supervised internship) 3 years (without internship) Face-to-face project-based learning Independent Study Learning Types of universities in the Netherlands: University of applied sciences Types of universities in the Netherlands: Research university Studying a university degree in the Netherlands has great advantages. Do you want to explore your options? Contact our team specialising in international academic guidance without obligation to resolve any questions.

Useful Information

Berlin University of Applied Sciences to open campus in 2024

Berlin will open its new campus in 2024 with a new space for all Berlin schools of the SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences at a new, modern location in lively Berlin-Neukölln. Located directly on the water and in close proximity to the Berlin Ringbahn, the newly built 12,000 square metre campus offers modern and functional facilities that promote student learning and development in an inspiring atmosphere. Facts and figures about the new campus in Berlin Would you like to study in Berlin? We will tell you everything you need to know, without obligation. Contact us.

Transformative education

Educational trips: the transformative power for teachers

Students will learn and have fun on educational trips, we know that, but so will you! At Plan Zero we strive to ensure that teachers get the most out of educational trips, as much or more than their students. We seek to provide them with enriching experiences that not only inspire them on a personal level, but also inspire them in their educational work, which is so important for society and for achieving global citizenship. Educational trips offer a wealth of benefits for teachers. These immersive experiences provide unique opportunities for professional development, personal growth, and the exploration of new and innovative teaching methods. So, switch gears and turn any educational trip into an unforgettable and unique experience for yourself too! Discover, learn and share! Don’t just focus on what your students will learn, think about what you can discover that is new for yourself. Educational trips often involve visits to museums, historical sites, local projects and cultural venues. Enjoy it and immerse yourself in this trip to discover new things, even if it’s a destination you already know. Additionally, this environment will allow you to create a hands-on experience that goes beyond anything you’ve learned and taught through textbooks. Whether exploring ancient ruins, participating in interactive exhibits, or experiencing unique natural settings, these experiences will allow you to bring a richer understanding of a variety of topics to the classroom. Everything you learn on this and other trips will be good for you, as well as your current and future students. Expand diversity and inclusion It may seem like an over-the-top thing to say, but exposure to different cultures and environments broadens your perspective on the world, including for teachers. By participating in educational trips, teachers can connect more with the diversity of the world, fostering cultural sensitivity and inclusion in their teaching practices. This direct experience with diverse cultures will help you relate better to your class, creating a more open and supportive learning environment. Participate in an international network Remember that you won’t be alone surrounded by children or teenagers on your trip. Educational trips often involve collaboration with other teachers, both locally and globally. This provides an excellent opportunity to build professional networks, exchange ideas and learn from each other’s experiences. And who knows? You might create a network that leads to new collaborations, resource sharing or the discovery of innovative teaching methods that can be implemented in your classroom. Improving relationships with your class Shared experiences during educational trips can strengthen the bond between the class itself and also with the teacher. Adventures outside the classroom often translate into a more open and communicative relationship within it. Teachers who have participated in educational trips may find that their students are engaged with topics that they are passionate about and captivated by, and living these shared experiences often creates a greater sense of camaraderie and mutual understanding. In addition, you will discover a new layer about each student that will help you understand and connect with them. Recover passion and energy Getting away from the daily grind and immersing yourself in new environments can be rejuvenating. Educational travel offers teachers a break from the daily grind, allowing them to recharge and return to their classrooms with renewed enthusiasm. Exposure to different teaching styles, learning environments, and cultural influences can also inspire creativity and innovation in lesson planning and teaching methods. If you need to recharge your batteries on a professional level, don’t think twice! Start today At Plan Zero we know that educational trips have the power to boost the professional development of teachers and contribute to the overall growth and success of their students. It’s not just a trip, it’s a great opportunity to achieve great things. 👩🏽‍🏫 Are you a teacher? Contact us to start designing your itinerary today and organize an unforgettable experience to share with your class. 🏫 Are you a school principal? Contact us so we can tell you about all the options we have for your students to gain an international experience. 👩‍👩‍👦 Are you a family or a parent-teacher association and would like your school to take educational trips abroad? Tell us about your case and we will help you explain the benefits of this experience in your school.

Useful Information

Why study a university degree in the Netherlands?

You’ll be surprised by the recognition that studying a university degree in the Netherlands has! Perhaps that’s why it’s becoming the reference country for those who want to study abroad without leaving Europe. Or because of the tulips, who knows! The Netherlands was the first non-English speaking country to offer higher education courses taught in English. The national language is Dutch, however a large percentage of the Dutch population also speaks English and often also speaks another language such as French or German. Mate, bilingual is not enough for them. 🎓 Quality education in an educational system with international prestige The Netherlands is a relatively small country, with a population of just over 16 million people – and 23 million bicycles! So it is surprising that out of the 14 research universities in the Netherlands, 11 are among the top 200 in the world. Wow! The prestigious Dutch higher education system has been internationally recognised for its ‘problem-based learning’ methodology, which encourages university students to analyse complex problems in their respective fields of study and arrive at conclusions through individual study and group discussions. So days of debate around a cheese board are guaranteed. 💰 Affordable rates Studying at university in the Netherlands is cheaper than in many other EU countries and the country is eager to welcome international students. The Dutch government has halved tuition fees for first-year higher education students from an EU country. You can take advantage of this opportunity at a special price! And they will treat you like everyone else. Therefore, if you wish, as a student from the European Union you will be able to access the different financing options and aid during your studies as if you were a local student. If you want, you will also save time and money, as some university programs in the Netherlands can be shorter compared to other countries. 🌍 International focus and classes in English Dutch universities tend to have a more international focus, with a wide range of students from different nationalities. This provides a multicultural experience and the opportunity to expand your network of contacts on a global level. You will multiply your networking contacts! English will not be a problem. As we mentioned above, the Netherlands was the first non-English speaking country to offer university courses taught 100% in English, which will make it easier for you to communicate with the teaching staff and your colleagues, while improving your language skills. 🌍 Movement within and outside the country If you want to be on the move, Holland is the place for you! The country has a fantastic public transport system, but cycling is the cheapest, easiest and most popular way to get around. There are bike lanes on almost every street and road, making your mobility a sustainable part of your international experience. Plus, who wants to go to Holland and not ride a bike? You have to fit in 100%, although we’ll leave the choice of clogs up to you. But that’s not all, the main European capitals are just a few hours away, allowing you to visit different countries during your stay. Start packing your suitcase to fill it with experiences because you won’t stop! 👌 100% admission chances But above all, don’t forget that if you want to study a university degree in Holland, there are many things to take into account. Many really prepared profiles are left at the door because they don’t know how to deal with bureaucracy or simply because they forget a paper, a date or don’t know all the options available according to their needs. At Plan Zero we have been helping students on their path to study abroad for years with a 100% admission rate. Our success lies in our fully personalized process. We guide each student to choose the universities they like the most and also those with the best options. Shall we start your plan? Contact without obligation.

Transformative education

Intercultural skills: the key to the international future

At Plan Zero we have set ourselves a challenge: to ensure that your educational trip is full of truly meaningful intercultural experiences. And why is this so important? Travelling offers an unrivalled opportunity to enhance your intercultural skills, essential abilities that will help you face the challenges of an increasingly interconnected and multicultural world. Let’s take a look at the core intercultural competences presented by UNESCO’s “Investing in Cultural Diversity and Intercultural Dialogue” text. At first glance, these concepts may seem simple, but by exploring them in more depth, you will discover their immense potential. The Basics: Listen, Dialogue and Wonder Intercultural skills: Listen 🙉 Listening involves “tuning into an experience.” Tuning in is experiencing another culture and accepting the truth of that other culture. It is allowing the other culture and its truth to affect me directly, to penetrate me, to change me, to transform me. Ultimately, it is about approaching the other from within. This listening experience brings us new answers to existing questions and, more importantly, inspires us to ask new questions and challenge our deep-rooted prejudices, shaking the foundations of our beliefs. This is how we begin to consider new perspectives on life and understand new possibilities. Intercultural skills: Dialogue 🦜 Dialogue is born from the connection we establish with others and with ourselves. Through dialogue, we achieve greater self-knowledge and clarity about our own perspectives and points of view. In this process, we also become aware of our capabilities, of the potential that lies within us. Intercultural dialogue marks the beginning of a process of “attuning to the other.” Essentially, it consists of opening ourselves to the other, which creates the opportunity to experience mutual enrichment based on sincere intention. Intercultural skills: Wonder 😲 Wonder is the ability we have to be struck by difference. It is a state of mind we must constantly cultivate, especially in the information age, where we tend to believe we have seen it all. Wonder represents a form of “active openness,” in which we do not reduce others to a scale of similarity or difference with ourselves. By cultivating this ability, interculturality becomes a permanent discovery, a perpetual wonder, a recognition of the other as a source of wealth that we can discover. Pack your bags and get ready to live unforgettable experiences. Let’s Listen, Dialogue and Wonder around the world! At Plan Zero we can help you create your travel plan to go abroad, learn English and live unique experiences. Tell us your story and we will help you draw up the best plan for you. Feel free to read the full text and practice your English at the UNESCO Digital Library: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000185202

Impacto social

Last chance. Awareness campaign for Black Friday

The end of the year is a time of hyperconsumption and for brands it is a time of increased sales. But what happens when you don’t want to link your brand to values that you have been against all year round? When you need to sell like any other brand, because you need your project to be economically sustainable, but you don’t want it to be at the expense of putting at risk everything you believe in? This debate arises every year in our team and the conclusion has been clear: if we continue like this, there will be nothing to sell because the wonderful places to study abroad with Plan Zero will disappear. For this reason, we have designed an awareness campaign, in collaboration with the design studio Hoy es el día that always accompanies us, to highlight this situation. Last chance. Limited destinations. Sales seasons always follow the same pattern. Phrases that are repeated and that we have already deeply ingrained: “last chance”, “last days”, “limited offer”… a kind of warning call that, when you look at them from the right perspective, you realise that they hide something more than a short-term offer. They hide the reality of urgency that comes with excessive and unconscious consumption. Rising sea levels, pollution, loss of biodiversity, drought… all are effects of a climate crisis that clearly marks what our future will be if we are not able to reverse this situation. Thus, our favorite destinations for studying a university degree, a school year or a gap year abroad will suffer the consequences. The future of destinations according to Artificial Intelligence What will London be like when sea levels rise? What will Ireland’s green landscapes look like if the drought continues? What will Canada’s natural parks look like when they are filled with plastic? Or when a city as beautiful as Paris can no longer bear so much rubbish? We asked AI to imagine these scenarios and it gave us a visual response that is worth a thousand words. Transformative education projects aligned with the SDGs At Plan Zero we believe that youth have the ability to change tomorrow by becoming #changemakers. A way of understanding education where every step counts to find solutions to the major problems we face as a society and which are listed in the Sustainable Development Goals defined by the United Nations. For this reason, we have been working for years to ensure that each of our programs is linked to these issues and helps to achieve solutions. From raising awareness among young people about new forms of sustainable living to introducing the gender perspective in short programs such as Mini Stay or Summer Courses, to linking Gap Year programs with different impactful volunteering, such as working in camps for children with disabilities, rescuing animals or preserving Natural Parks. And of course, helping each university degree to begin with a vision of the future based on the value that each student has as part of global citizenship. We want to take advantage of this “Last Chance” to take control of the future and reverse the climate and social crisis we live in. Will you join the #ChangeMaker generation?

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