Useful Information – Page 5

Useful Information

7 reasons to volunteer abroad

Would you like to volunteer abroad? Do you want to learn English while living a unique experience? Do you want to travel and prefer to do so while helping to make the world a better place? We have the perfect international plan for you. What is a volunteer abroad plan? Volunteering abroad is a program where you travel to another country to do voluntary work to benefit a local community or an important cause. Volunteers can work in a wide variety of areas, such as education, health, environment, animals, community development, etc. At Plan Zero we include volunteering plans within our gap year programs, ideal for living an international experience between a milestone in your studies and the next personal or professional challenge. For example, it is an ideal experience to do just before starting a university degree or a master’s degree, if you are clear about it. Or as a way to take a step back, reflect and come back with much clearer ideas about which path to take. 7 reasons to volunteer abroad There are countless reasons why someone might want to volunteer abroad. Can you think of a better idea than travelling to the other side of the world and doing your bit for society? Whatever the case, here are some reasons to volunteer abroad, just in case you still have any doubts: 1. Having the opportunity to help people in need and contribute to important causes, such as animal rescue or the conservation of protected natural areas. Whatever the cause that moves you the most, there is a volunteer program waiting for you. 2. Improve your English skills. Wherever you go, English is the most international language and you will live a brutal linguistic immersion experience. You will experience how easy it is to communicate anywhere in the world with your knowledge of English and you will improve it by leaps and bounds. 3. Learning about other cultures and ways of life. Can you imagine what life might be like in Africa, the United States or Canada? Imagining it is not the same as experiencing it, and a volunteer stay abroad can be a fascinating experience. 4. Improve personal skills, such as communication and problem-solving, by working in a challenging and unfamiliar environment. In addition, it can be the perfect time to develop other skills such as autonomy and independence, by leaving your comfort zone and facing a new context. 5. Expand your network of contacts and meet people from different parts of the world. As well as being an enriching experience, it can be very useful for your professional future. What could be better than having contacts in all parts of the world to open up opportunities without borders! 6. Improving your CV by adding international experience is of great importance whether you plan to continue your studies or develop your professional career. A volunteer stay abroad is highly valued in the selection processes at most international universities. And of course, it will be what sets you apart from your potential dream job. 7. Having the opportunity to travel and see new places. Who doesn’t like to travel? Volunteering abroad is the perfect opportunity to combine your traveling spirit with your desire to change the world. Travelling leaves a mark. Let’s make it a positive one. Volunteering plans abroad with Plan Zero At Plan Zero we have been developing fully customized volunteering plans abroad for years, with or without an English course included. Choose the destination, what you would like to collaborate with, the duration… and we will help you plan the best experience abroad according to your needs. For example, have you heard about our Volunteering plans at the Canadian Wildlife Recovery Centre? 1, 2 or 3 unique months helping animals and improving your English. Ready?

Useful Information

European universities where you can study for free

Studying a university degree or a master’s degree abroad sounds expensive! But did you know that there are countries where you can study for free? Today we’ll tell you about some European universities where you can study for free. Studying at European universities, is it really expensive? Before we begin, I would like to highlight an issue that is often overlooked. How do we know if studying abroad is expensive? Exactly! By comparing it to studying in our own country. For this reason, there are many things to take into account when choosing a destination, and oh! surprise!, studying in Spain is not always the cheapest option. For example, you know that cities like Leipzig, Prague, Aberdeen, Sonderborg or Valletta have a much lower cost of living than cities like San Sebastian, Madrid or Barcelona. Studying abroad, with the right choice, can be a financial saving as well as an incredible experience. Food, accommodation and transport costs are just three examples to consider when considering where to study. And of course, the cost of tuition for a university degree or master’s degree and the payment options available. For example, there are universities where you can study for free, and others where you can get your studies financed. Let’s get to it: European universities where you can study for free Study for free in Denmark Danish universities have programs 100% in English, developed on campuses with a strong international atmosphere, without losing the essence of Scandinavian culture. The educational offer in English includes a wide range of qualifications in technical branches, business and corporate studies. Tuition is 100% subsidized by the Danish government for students from the European Union. Danish universities guarantee students accommodation in shared flats, apartments or studios, located in the same city as the faculty where they study. Prices vary from one city to another, between approximately €300 and €700 per month. Study for free in Malta Malta, like Holland, has 100% programs in English since it is one of its official languages because until 1964 Malta was a British colony and is the language used in higher and university education. Founded in 1592, the University of Malta is one of the oldest universities in the world and has one of the most comprehensive and diverse curricula. Tuition fees are 100% subsidised by the Maltese government for European students. Another good reason to study in Malta is its low cost of living, unlike other English-speaking and European countries. There is a wide range of student flats, with single rooms and private or shared bathroom, double rooms or studios. Prices vary between €400/month for a shared room, €500/month for a single or €900/month for a studio. Study for free in Germany Germany is one of the best countries in the world to study because of its rich and surprising culture, but above all, because of its quality studies and international prestige. You can choose to study the degree in English or German, or learn this language if you don’t know it. But there are also fantastic job opportunities after graduation. Did you know that 65% of graduates have a job before they graduate, and over 90% find a job within 12 months of graduation? So confident are they of their students’ success that Germany has an innovative financing service: Study Now, Pay Later, for European students. Fees at German public universities are free. In addition, European students can access 100% funding for their studies at some universities with very advantageous conditions: the money borrowed is repaid upon completion of the studies and only if the gross salary is over €27,000. What do you think? On the other hand, Germany has a wide range of university residences and student flats. Prices for single rooms start at €400/month and for university residences from €700/month. Do you want to study at a European university? At Plan Zero we have extensive experience helping students find the best option for their needs. Our fully personalized methodology has led us to achieve 100% admission of the students we manage. Shall we start drawing up your plan? We will not only ensure that you find a place at the best university for you, but also that you have everything you need and that you live this experience with the peace of mind and excitement that it deserves. Contact us without obligation.

Impacto social

How to pack a sustainable zero waste suitcase

We love to travel, don’t we? And the first thing is to pack your suitcase! But, did you know that from this moment on you can make your trip more sustainable? That’s why today we want to talk to you about how to pack a sustainable zero waste suitcase and start your experience as a #changemaker. Benefits of preparing a sustainable zero waste suitcase You may never have thought about it before, but what we pack when preparing a sustainable, zero-waste suitcase can make a big difference for several reasons. First, it’s a very important reason! Filling the suitcase with things we don’t need adds weight to our luggage. A weight that increases with the transport we choose and that means greater fuel costs. On the other hand, what we choose to take on our trip can determine our impact on our daily lives. And a responsible lifestyle must also be maintained when we travel. Therefore, we are going to look at some tips to make your suitcase weigh less, but also to choose some “essentials” so that your trip has the least possible negative impact from the very beginning. Here we go! How to pack a sustainable zero waste suitcase You surely know the 3Rs of sustainability: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Well, let’s use them to prepare our sustainable zero waste suitcase, reducing what we need to include in the suitcase, choosing what we can reuse and ultimately facilitating recycling. 1. Create a “capsule wardrobe” Clothing is probably the part that gives us the most headaches when it comes to packing a suitcase. We fill it with “just in case” clothes that we might not wear on the whole trip. For this reason, the concept of a “capsule wardrobe” is great for us. Don’t you know what it is? This is a way of creating versatile and diverse looks by combining very few pieces of clothing. In other words, choose basic items that can be combined with each other to create a large number of looks with very few items. Neutral colours or choosing a closed colour range are usually good strategies to be able to dress the whole trip with the least number of items possible, but without your look being boring! 2. Choose solid hygiene products Hygiene or cosmetic products, such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc., in solid form have two advantages when preparing a sustainable, zero-waste suitcase. On the one hand, products in their solid form usually last much longer than the bottled alternative, usually months, which helps reduce the use of plastics in packaging. And if your trip is short, you won’t need to buy them at your destination. On the other hand, solid versions won’t give you any problems at the controls for the plane and you won’t have to worry about the amount of liquids allowed. 3. Don’t forget the zero waste essentials Remember to bring your refillable bottle so that it will accompany you throughout the trip and avoid buying plastic bottles. At the airport you can take it empty and refill it later. Another essential is a cloth sandwich holder. It doesn’t take up any space in your suitcase and you’ll forget about aluminum foil for all the picnics and excursions that await you on this experience. Remember to always carry a cloth or mesh bag on hand to use for any daily purchases and avoid plastic bags. And finally, take a bag with a set of reusable cutlery and a couple of stainless steel straws. Bamboo cutlery is in fashion, but keep in mind that a set of cutlery you have at home also works. Remember to reuse before buying new things! 4. Protect your suitcase without plastic If you want to protect your suitcase before checking it in, you can opt for a reusable fabric cover. They come in different sizes and designs and are easy to fit. You can use it as many times as you like and you’ll avoid using a lot of plastic that can’t be recycled later. If you’re worried about security, you can use seat belts so that no one can open your suitcase during the trip. 5. Carry your tickets on your mobile phone Whether in PDF or in an app, you can always avoid printing your tickets and boarding passes by carrying them on your phone. The same goes for maps or guides to your destination, which you can replace with digital guides, reference websites or apps. But don’t forget, digital waste also pollutes. Delete documents and apps you no longer need from your phone when you’re done with your trip to reduce your digital footprint. Traveling leaves a mark As you can see, every little gesture counts when planning a sustainable trip and being an active part of the change we need. At Plan Zero we want to help you make this experience leave a mark on you, but not on the planet. Discover our commitment on our website.

Useful Information

Connectors Plus is now Plan Zero

Connectors Plus is now Plan Zero Did you know that it’s been eight years since we started our journey? Eight years! They’ve flown by, but they’ve also brought us a great number of challenges and lessons. Experiences that have led us to reflect, as we ask all the people we help study abroad to do, on where we are and what the next steps are that we want to take. And the answers to this reflection have been transcendental! Our birthday comes with a surprise We celebrate our birthday with a rebranding to define the new stage that lies ahead. An evolution with a spark of revolution. Because we are still the same but we feel the need to express it differently and show ourselves as we are in a totally open way. And above all, because contributing our grain of sand to the achievement of a better world has always been in our DNA. We believe in progress towards a more prosperous, empathetic and tolerant world, where society is committed to both its own future and that of others. A world where people’s abilities are put at the service of the common good. For this reason, we want to help young people discover and understand the world in which they live through international educational experiences of cultural immersion and the promotion of a responsible lifestyle. Studying abroad is much more than just travelling, it is a transformative experience that helps shape the citizens of the future. Our purpose is clear: to help young people create a better world that guarantees their future. We believe in youth as agents of change We have no doubt. Young people have the potential to face the great challenges we face as a society. And despite what you might think, young people know that these challenges are solved with a global perspective and by contributing their individual abilities to the community. For this reason, we want to bring together the entire community of #changemakers: those people who want to change the world right now. Are you joining? Connectors Plus is now Plan Zero. New name. New identity. This new stage requires a new image, and a new name! That’s why Connectors Plus is now Plan Zero. We keep our pin as an identifying symbol, because we do not want to lose the connection with all the years of experience acquired. This pin also helps us to situate ourselves, to ground ideas and people in a specific place, makes us present here and now, and also marks the objectives we want to achieve. It helps us connect the present and the future. In addition, we are giving our visual and verbal identity a new, more dynamic and youthful aesthetic. We are betting on a more active and committed character, because as Einstein warned, we cannot expect different results by always doing the same thing. And at Plan Zero we want to revolutionize the international education sector. Are you curious to know more about our new name? Here you will find a clue about our new name. You will see that it is very related to our way of understanding study abroad. Because we don’t have a dream, we have a plan. Traveling leaves a mark In you, in society and in the planet. Our plan is for this international experience to be the bridge to achieve a more sustainable society and planet. Do you want to know how? We tell you in our impact section. Do you want to know more? Do you want to be part of the #changemakers community?We are waiting for you!

Useful Information

7 TIPS for writing a good “Personal Statement”

It’s time to make decisions. We are in a key month in which you may have to decide your future. Enrolling in a foreign university is a great option. But what happens if you decide to enroll in a university in the United Kingdom? Writing a good “Personal Statement” has a great weight in the final decision of the universities. UK university admission criteria. The importance of writing a good “Personal Statement” Unlike in Spain, to access a university in the United Kingdom we will find a methodology that follows different criteria. The average grade continues to be a yardstick for measuring our abilities, but in the United Kingdom they give equal or greater importance to the human aptitudes of the candidate. For this, they use what they call a Personal Statement or cover or motivation letter. Do you need help writing a good “Personal Statement”? Tips for writing a good “Personal Statement” and standing out in the selection process At Plan Zero we want to give you some TIPS for writing a good “Personal Statement” and help you stand out as the best option for any academic institution. Let’s go! 1. The importance of the first paragraph Let’s start at the beginning. The goal is to hook. Yes, yes, engagement is also important here. Transmitting noteworthy information so that the person responsible continues reading the letter is vital. We must avoid boring beginnings and clichés and show your innovation, your difference… How? Tell an anecdote. 2. No plagiarism Be completely original. You can get inspiration from resources you find on the internet, but never copy and paste. Most applications for registration at British universities are managed through UCAS (the British centre that manages university places), and they have a sophisticated programme for detecting plagiarism. 3. Show your skills and abilities Focus on skills and abilities that make you stand out and that will qualify you for the studies you have chosen. There is a strategy you can follow called the ABC rule (Action, Benefit, Career): 4. Detail achievements and extracurricular activities Add academic or extracurricular achievements such as activities related to music or sports or others that demonstrate skills such as leadership, teamwork, etc. Responsible people want to see proactivity. Previous experiences abroad, volunteering or courses related to the chosen career are good tactics to highlight. 5. Get to the point! Please note that the UCAS online application is limited to 700 words (4000 characters), so you should summarise the information you want to provide, avoiding fluff and focusing on what is relevant to the person who will be assessing your application. To do this, create a mind map beforehand. Take a pencil and paper and create a list of attributes, skills, experiences and even references to books or news you have read. Then, try to find the commonalities between the list and your studies and organise it as best suits you (by date, by relevance, etc.). You will have a structured starting point to begin writing. 6. Write positively If you have to talk about complicated situations or personal aspects that could be negative from the reader’s point of view, turn it around! Transform them into learning experiences. Always show positivity! Negativity has no place in a motivation letter. 7. Epic ending After stating your interest in the studies you wish to pursue (do not name specific universities, as the same motivation letter will be submitted to different institutions) and having outlined your skills and abilities, you should focus on creating a rounded conclusion. The ending should make an impact on the reader and you should make sure to explain how you believe that, if you are the chosen person, these studies can benefit you in terms of your future and expectations. You now have the keys to writing a good “Personal Statement”, the first serious challenge that will help you achieve your goals and gain access to a British university. Now you need to put effort, motivation and a lot of enthusiasm into it. And, if you need help, you know, you can count on Plan Zero!

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