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Wednesday, September 8, 2010

How to get a work permit for Australia

Australia has opened its doors to the world with one of the largest emigration drives ever. If you had dreamed to go to Australia, this is the best time to do so. There are many things actually that make Australia an excellent choice to migrate to. It has wonderful climate, an open and highly mixed society where everyone feels at home with their ethnicity, yet very much part of the country, good salary packages and lower living costs and short working hours.
The present emigration program offers a four-year visa with an open option to remain in the country permanently if you find it suitable at the end of the period.

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There is a most wanted list for certain professions such as engineers, doctor, IT professionals, etc and if your profession is one of those, you should immediately apply. In order to find out details you need to get in touch with the Australian Embassy or you can seek information online.
The greatest demand in Australia is for professions in the mining industry. In case you fall into that category, you will be very welcome in Australia.
Skilled visa basic requirements:
You must be both highly educated and highly skilled. The skills you possess should enable you to get employment in Australia. The skill should be positively assessed in the 60 point occupation plan. If you have a PhD degree then the skill should be positively assessed in the 50 point skill level plan. Sponsorship from the relevant authorities (State/Territory) prior to the application for the visa.  In addition you should be:

  • You should be under 45 years
  • Have vocational level English language skills
  • Score 110 points in the DIMA test
  • Your skills should be recognized by the AAA (Australian Assessing Authority)
You like to run a prior test and see whether you qualify or not, try www.immi.gov.au
You will score additional points, if :

  • You have previously studied or worked in Australia before
  • You have AU ,000 and plan to invest it in Australia
  • You are fluent in any one of the major trading partners? / ethnic groups? languages
  • Your spouse has skills or educational qualifications that makes him/her a potential valuable asset
  • Your skills/ education/ present occupation is figuring on the Migration Occupations in Demand List or MODL.
Other extremely important requirements for the visa are:

  • Your skills should match the requirements of your occupation
  • Your certificates should be from a recognized educational institute; it should be at least three year above the secondary school study
IT professionals, Sr Managers, and tradespersons are exempted from this rule; these category of people may be selected in spite of not having the relevant qualifications. They can make up for the necessary points with their experience in the industry. Those who have special professional registration such as doctors, nurses, physiotherapists,will need to apply for special registration.

You score additional points if you have a related sponsor in Australia, such as parents, children (non-dependent), brothers, sisters, etc. In this case your application will be processed under the Skilled Australian Sponsored Category or the Skilled-Designated Area Sponsored Category (if the sponsorer lives in a designated area).

There are more opportunities for those who want to migrate to Australia if they have no problem in living/ settling off the mainland. They can apply for Skilled Independent Regional (SIR) visa. Comparatively, this visa is easier to get. It involves first a temporary three-year visa, which can be converted into permanent visa after two years of successful living in Australia. The permanent visa will be then offered under the State/Territory Nominated Independent (STNI) on-shore visa.

The good news is that applicants who pass the above requirements are eligible to get a residence visa without receiving a job offer at the time of applying for the visa.
You should agree to live anywhere in Australia other than in Newcastle, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Wollongong, the Gold Coast, NSW Central Coast.

Other ways to migrate to Australia:
A Direct job offer by an Australian company. in this case, you are offered a job by an Australian company which failed to get a proper match locally. In this case the company that offers the job does the sponsorship. This visa can be for a maximum 4 years.
You will require for the visa application:
  • Valid passport with a minimum of two free passport pages. The Australian authorities do not give visas on extra passport sheets. Hence, in case you do not have the free pages, you will need to apply for a new passport before sending it for visa stamping
  • One passport photo
  • All relevant required documents should be translated into English
  • The health requirements should be met medical fitness certificate will be required.

Study in Australia


                      


Welcome to the official Australian Government site for studying in Australia. To start your journey, read on.

Live

Australia is one of the best places in the world to live while you learn. The standard of living is amongst the highest in the world, yet costs remain competitive. On your breaks from study, you will have a wide choice of activities to enrich your experience - from cultural festivals, concerts and museums, to major sporting events.

Learn

Australian education has a strong international reputation for excellence. Whether you study at a university, school, vocational or English language institute, you will receive a quality education that will form a strong foundation for your future success.

Grow

The benefits of living and learning in Australia are both personal and academic. Your years in Australia will give you the best platform to succeed in your career, and prepare you for the challenges of the work place. It won’t just be your mind that develops - your time in the classroom will change you as a person.
Use this website to find out about courses, institutions, studying and living costs, the application process, visa requirements and much more. If you’ve already decided on an institution, use the search function to learn more about that university, training course or language school.
If you haven’t decided yet, let our Study Wizard guide you through all the steps of selecting a course and enrolling to study in Australia. You can also use the Student Response Facility if you can’t find the information you are looking for.
Australia is the perfect place to live, learn and grow.
                   

Study in Your Country - AusLIST

If you want an Australian education but can’t travel here to receive it, you’ll be pleased to hear that many Australian institutions now provide education and training to students living outside of Australia. Some of these institutions have established their own campuses in other countries, while others offer courses in partnership with overseas institutions.
Study in Your Country - AusLIST

Sweden Visas, Permits and Immigration


VISASweden200Swedish passports are issued only to citizens of Sweden. Passports are solely for international travel purposes. Passports also serve as proof of a legitimate Swedish citizenship. It provides assistance from Swedish consular bureaucrats abroad or other European Union Members in the absence of the Swedish consular. A passport is not required when staying or traveling in one or more of the Schengen countries if the Swedish national has an identity card. Swedish nationals and other European Union citizens are free to stay in any Schengen country provided they register with the country’s embassy.

This was reiterated in General Expat Discussion last December 23, 2008:
I am an Australian under 30 and my country has a reciprocal arrangement with both
So as long as I get a Visa for one of those 2 countries, and as long as I do not work outside the country of the Visa, could I then travel within the Schengen area for the entire duration of the visa

Swedish Passports

Swedish Police issue passports. Applications for passports are safe since local police stations within the country file the applications. Police stations in Sweden have passport offices. These provide mutual security between the government and its people.
In 2005, immigration officials of Sweden used the biometric passport variety. Adult Swedish citizens receive passports with a10-year validity, and children get passports valid for 5 years. Blue-covered passports issued in 1998 are no longer valid. This is due to widespread cases of fraud and forgery as well as inadequate security.
The Swedish Visa Section at the Swedish Consulate or Embassy only gives early appointment dates for emergencies like the death of relative’s. Proof such as an official letter from the hospital or the undertaker needs to be presented in these cases. This is a requirement to allow entry and remain in Sweden and other Schengen states for a short period of time.
Foreign nationals need a type of permit called entry visa to enter Sweden. The initial requirement for foreign nationals who wish to visit Sweden for a temporary visit is an entry visa. Examples of temporary visits are:
•    business trips for conferences, meetings and special projects;
•    tourist holidays;
•    passing through Sweden in transit; and
•    visiting friends, relatives and the like.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Sweden keeps a detailed listing of countries whose citizens must acquire a visa to enter Sweden. There are also particular guidelines that need be fulfilled for the issuance of a visa to Switzerland. Some of these include adequate finances, travel insurance and a valid passport at least three months after final date of issued visa.

General Requirements for Swedish Visas

Applicants must present the following required documents to enter Sweden:
•    fully completed and signed application form;
•    a declaration form;
•    2 passport-sized pictures;
•    original copy of the applicant’s national passport;
•    a photocopy of the passport;
•    original copy of the official resident visa;
•    proof of hotel bookings in Sweden, group travel, or airline ticket reservations meant for Sweden;
•    duplicates of the documents mentioned above;
•    original copy and a duplicate of the confirmation letter from the health insurance stating the coverage of their benefits;
•    original copy and a duplicate of the applicant’s most recent bank statements; and
•    the visa fees for the applicant’s Swedish visa.

Sweden Immigration Policy

Visa on Arrival and Visa-Free Travel

According to the study done by Henley and Partners, Sweden has an Index of 120 Henley Visa Restrictions. This means Swedish nationals enjoy access to 120 countries and territories without getting a visa. This visa-free travel is only valid for short-term visits for tourism purposes.
Sweden is currently ranked as the 2nd country with the best international travel sovereignty. Sweden shares the 2nd place with Germany and Ireland.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

TEFL World Wide Prague

Earn your TEFL (TESOL) certificate in the heart of Europe, experience the world and discover new cultures through teaching English abroad. In just 4 weeks you can become TEFL certified and begin teaching English as a foreign language worldwide. We have over 1000 graduates who have worked in over 42 countries!

TEFL (TESOL) Certificate Courseimage

TEFL Worldwide offers an intense, challenging and rewarding 4-week internationally recognized TEFL certificate course in the enchanting city of Prague. The 120-hour TEFL course (also known as TESOL course) provides an excellent insight into the TEFL and TESOL approaches and methods, as well as 8 to 10 hours of hands-on teaching practice in real classrooms. The teaching practice during the TEFL (TESOL) course will give you a solid foundation when beginning your first job teaching English abroad.
TEFL Worldwide is regarded as a top TEFL (TESOL) course provider worldwide. Everyone at TEFL Worldwide strives to provide a high quality TEFL course and excellent customer service. We really care about our students and their goals of teaching English abroad. See what TEFL Worldwide graduates have to say about the TEFL course and their experiences teaching English abroad. They are working just weeks after graduation!
Click HERE to read some testimonials from our former students 

TEFL Worldwide is accredited by the Ministry of Education and is a member of the American Chamber of Commerce, in the Czech Republic, IATEFL and the College of Teachers.

Teaching English Abroad

The TEFL job assistance is for a lifetime and begins immediately after you arrive. We offer courses year-round because English language schools offer jobs year-round so no matter what course date you choose you'll have plenty of job options when you finish.

We will provide you with contacts for English language schools and current job openings all throughout Europe, Asia, South America and Africa. It's up to you on where you would like teach so you can begin exploring your options with us before, during and after the course. If you are interested in staying in Prague we even have a job workshop on the last day of the course where employers from some schools come to present their TEFL job openings.

TEFL Jobs

Our TEFL graduates have taught in Spain, Germany, France, Italy, Greece, Austria, Russia, Turkey, Slovak Republic, Ukraine, Croatia, Serbia, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Switzerland, Cyprus, Israel, Lebanon, Czech Republic, Taiwan, South Korea, China, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Costa Rica, USA, England, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Bahrain, Qatar, Tanzania, Ethiopia and, Zambia.
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Enjoy the benefits and adventure of teaching English abroad with the TEFL Worldwide Certificate:
  • Earn the internationally recognized TEFL certificate and begin teaching English overseas.
  • British and American owned school.
  • TEFL Worldwide is rated as a top quality TEFL/TESOL course provider.
  • Language school employers continuously comment on how satisfied they are with the skills and knowledge of our teachers and are keen on hiring more.
  • Affordable student housing. 8,000czk for 30 nights (about 10 Euros per night.)
  • Job assistance worldwide.
  • No previous teaching experience or second language is required.
  • 8 to 10 hours of teaching practice in real classrooms.
  • Low student to trainer ratio. You will receive plenty of feedback and personal time with the trainers after being observed during your teaching practice. The student to teacher ratio is 1:3 or 1:4 during the teaching practice. During input lessons you will be in a classroom and many times broken up into smaller groups for group work.
  • Dedicated and experienced support staff.
  • Housing assistance for those staying in Prague.
  • Low cost of living in Prague.
  • TEFL Worldwide graduates are certified to teach English all over the world.

TEFL Trainers and Course Developers

Most importantly, we have highly qualified and experienced TEFL/TESOL professionals as our trainers and course developers. Paul has an MA in English Language Teaching, Terry has a Higher Diploma in TEFL/TESOL from Trinity College of London, a Postgraduate Diploma in TESOL from Sheffield Hallam University and an MA in TESOL. Dan holds both a Cambridge CELTA and DELTA and has been teaching English as a Foreign Language since 2004. Terry and Paul have been teaching English overseas in numerous countries for 11 years. They all have experience in areas such as EFL teaching, teacher training and course development. They’ve published articles, taught in universities and given presentations at international conferences. From this experience they are expertly prepared to train, guide and prepare you for teaching EFL as well as to answer your questions about teaching English abroad. http://www.teflworldwideprague.com/our-team.html 

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Our staff will work closely with you from your first enquiry until long after you have graduated from the course. We will take the time to answer all of your questions and help you prepare for your transition in teaching English abroad. You’ll be trained to teach English and will always have a solid network to turn to for your job search, settling in assistance and support during and long after your stay in Prague. Our first priority is making this an enjoyable and rewarding experience for you.

Contact TEFL Worldwide at anytime with questions.

We are happy to help you begin your adventure teaching English abroad.
info@teflworldwideprague.com

Callback request form: http://www.teflworldwideprague.com/callback.html 
We always respond to emails within 1 business day. If you don't receive an answer from us within 1 business day please check your "spam" folder or email us again. We recommend that you add our contact info@teflworldwideprague.com  to your address book.
If you are in Prague or if you'll be visiting Prague come visit our school. You can meet the trainers, support staff, current students and sit in on a session. Email us for an appointment.

Australian citizenship day on 17 September 2010



Recently 20 people from seven Countries including from Japan, the United Kingdom, India and Korea became Australian citizens in a special ceremony in Burnie, Tasmania to launch Australian Citizenship Day 2010. Thousands of people across Australia will become Australian citizens in Citizenship Day celebrations.
A representative from the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) had the following to say:
"Australian Citizenship Day was introduced in 2001 as an opportunity for people to take pride in our citizenship and reflect on the meaning and importance of being Australian."
"Citizenship is the bond which unites us all in our culturally diverse nation. It symbolises our sense of belonging to the country where we have been born or have decided to make our home.
"Australian Citizenship Day celebrations provide an occasion for all of us to be proud of being part of this great nation. It is also a special day for our newest Australians to join our extended family at ceremonies around the country."
Some highlights from the Australian Citizenship day celebrations on 17 September 2010 include the following:
  • About 3600 people from 118 countries will become Australian citizens in 69 ceremonies all over Australia as part of Australian citizenship day.
  • There will be ceremonies by DIAC and Local Councils in cities and major city centres and towns throughout Australia.
  • Ceremony venues will range from Adelaide's Town Hall to the Yalgoo Shire Council in Western Australia's Mid West region.
  • The citizenship ceremony with the greatest number of people (223) becoming Australian citizens will be at Brimbank City Council in Victoria. One person will become an Australian citizen at Bombala Shire Council in New South Wales.
Australia needs new immigrants many of how eventually become Australian citizens. As mentioned in a recent news report without high levels of immigration the Australian economy will suffer greatly from skills shortages now and in the future.

Canadian Immigration Minister visit to include India, China and Philippines






.Canadian Immigration Minister Jason Kenney is currently on a visit to various Countries in the World. Immigration Minister Kenney will be visiting Paris, New Delhi, Chandigarh, Hong Kong, Beijing and Manila. The Immigration Minister will be trying to reduce immigration fraud; There have been concerns about marriages of convenience and crooked immigration consultants.

In Paris the Canadian immigration minister will meet with various European Ministers including the French immigration minister about illegal immigration, border security, human trafficking and smuggling, and the resettlement of refugees.
Immigration Minister Keeney in his visit to Chandigarh, India, will discuss progress on anti-fraud initiatives since his previous meeting in January 2009 with the Chief Minister of Punjab. The Immigration Minister had the following to say:
"In 2009, our Chandigarh mission was seeing a large volume of fraudulent documents being submitted as part of immigration applications, including fake marriage licenses, fake death certificates, fake university admission letters, fake wedding photos, fake bank statements, fake visa counterfoils, fake newspaper articles, and fake letters of endorsement from Members of Parliament."
"At the time, Punjab officials indicated they shared my concern with this illegal activity and committed to crack down on crooked consultants. Since then, there have been media reports of a number of arrests in Punjab of crooked immigration consultants. I look forward to discussing progress made to-date and our continued cooperation on this issue."
On a positive note Immigration Minister Kenney will also give a talk in Punjab on the significant increases in the approval rate for temporary resident visas and the volume of applications since 2005. The Immigration Minister in his visits to New Delhi, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Manila will also look at the effects of increased skilled immigration to Canada.
There will also be a joint announcement with the government of Manitoba and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges in Beijing and an announcement about international students.
Immigration Minister Kenney in his visit to Philippines will explain the new laws for live-in caregivers. Many live-in caregivers are from the Philippines; More and more of the immigrants to Canada are from the Philippines.
It recent years it has become more difficult overall to gain immigration to Canada. If you on the occupation list or find a suitable job it is still possible to emigrate to Canada. Canada remains one of the most popular immigration destination Countries in the World.

UK Marriage and Partner Visas - Certificate of Approval to be abolished



UK Immigration will be abolishing the 'certificate of approval' scheme probably in the next six months. It is currently the case that if you are an immigrant wishing to marry or register a civil partnership you will firstly need to apply for a certificate of approval. The only exception to this is if you wish to marry in an Anglican church.
                                                                                                                                 

The UK Courts have decided that the certificate of approval scheme is in breach of Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The UK Government also says that due to certain Court rulings it has "…weakened the scheme, and it is no longer an effective method of preventing sham marriage…".
Please note that until the certificate of approval scheme is abolished you will still need to apply for permission to marry or register a civil partnership. It is not certain exactly when the scheme will be abolished. Probably it will be abolished towards the end of 2010 or early in 2011. However, this depends on the UK Parliament.
The one year period during which you could apply for a repayment of the certificate of approval fee if this caused you financial hardship ended on 31 July 2010. This covers certificate of approval fees paid between 2005 and 2009.
Even after the 'certificate of approval' scheme is abolished you will still need to give notice of your intended marriage or civil partnership to a designated register office. Abolishing the scheme will benefit thousands of people a year who will be able to more easily remain with their spouse or partner in the UK.



UK English Language test for spouses and partners to be introduced



If you wish to join or marry your British citizen spouse or a permanent resident in the UK you will from 29 November 2010 need to pass an English language test with an approved test provider.

If you are not an EU citizen you will need to show that you can speak and understand English if you wish to apply under one of the following categories to join your spouse or partner in the UK:
  • Husband or wife
  • Civil Partner
  • Unmarried Partner
  • Same-sex Partner
  • Fiance/e
  • Proposed Civil Partner
Immigration Minister Damian Green had the following to say:
"Speaking English promotes integration into British society and broadens opportunities. The new rules will help ensure that migrant spouses are able to participate in British life from the outset and integrate more easily into wider UK society".
If you wish to come under the current immigration rules you will need to apply in the next four months. From 29 November 2010 you will have to pay for and pass an English test to gain entry as a spouse or partner.

UK Immigration Cap Consultation to end on 17 September 2010 - Tier 1 and Tier 2 Visas



The UK Coalition Government is currently consulting with the public about the new immigration cap. This will largely affect Tier 2 and Tier 1 visa applications. The consultation will look at how the immigration cap should work in practice.
UK immigration says that they wish "to attract the brightest and the best people to the UK". However, they do not want "uncontrolled migration". There have been concerns in the UK that "unlimited" levels of immigration have put too much pressure on public services, schools and housing.
The Director of HSMP Forum Ltd Amit Kapadia which has been very successful in opposing changes on immigration policy in the High Court had the following to say:
"The [UK] government's move to impose an illogical cap will be opposed."
"We don't think that any sort of cap would work out. It would be unworkable. The effects remain to be seen, but if the government really tries to implement drastic measures it is going to cause a lot of unhappiness, especially among migrants who work hard and pay taxes."
The temporary immigration cap has already caused problems for businesses in the UK. Some businesses are said to be "furious" as they have had to substantially reduce the number of people that they can employ under the Tier 2 visa scheme. In some cases businesses have been given a zero allocation of certificates of sponsorship and will not be able to employ anyone new under the Tier 2 visa in the next financial year. London First that represents a number of large British companies called the immigration cap "economically insane". Some businesses are even threatening to leave the UK.
The consultation will also look at how to attract high net worth migrants to the UK as investors and entrepreneurs. It has been suggested that lowering UK tax rates would probably help to attract wealthy individuals from abroad and will also result overall in fewer high net worth individuals leaving the UK.
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is also having their own consultation on the immigration cap. This consultation ends on 7 September 2010. The UK Government Consultation started on 28 June 2010 and will end on 17 September 2010. The permanent limits on non-EU economic immigration will then be put in place on 1 April 2011.

UK Immigration Cap Consultation to end on 17 September 2010 - Tier 1 and Tier 2 Visas



The UK Coalition Government is currently consulting with the public about the new immigration cap. This will largely affect Tier 2 and Tier 1 visa applications. The consultation will look at how the immigration cap should work in practice.
UK immigration says that they wish "to attract the brightest and the best people to the UK". However, they do not want "uncontrolled migration". There have been concerns in the UK that "unlimited" levels of immigration have put too much pressure on public services, schools and housing.
The Director of HSMP Forum Ltd Amit Kapadia which has been very successful in opposing changes on immigration policy in the High Court had the following to say:
"The [UK] government's move to impose an illogical cap will be opposed."
"We don't think that any sort of cap would work out. It would be unworkable. The effects remain to be seen, but if the government really tries to implement drastic measures it is going to cause a lot of unhappiness, especially among migrants who work hard and pay taxes."
The temporary immigration cap has already caused problems for businesses in the UK. Some businesses are said to be "furious" as they have had to substantially reduce the number of people that they can employ under the Tier 2 visa scheme. In some cases businesses have been given a zero allocation of certificates of sponsorship and will not be able to employ anyone new under the Tier 2 visa in the next financial year. London First that represents a number of large British companies called the immigration cap "economically insane". Some businesses are even threatening to leave the UK.
The consultation will also look at how to attract high net worth migrants to the UK as investors and entrepreneurs. It has been suggested that lowering UK tax rates would probably help to attract wealthy individuals from abroad and will also result overall in fewer high net worth individuals leaving the UK.
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is also having their own consultation on the immigration cap. This consultation ends on 7 September 2010. The UK Government Consultation started on 28 June 2010 and will end on 17 September 2010. The permanent limits on non-EU economic immigration will then be put in place on 1 April 2011.

Monday, September 6, 2010



Hong Kong is the place to be.

There are more than a billion Chinese in the world. Start getting acquainted with some of them in Hong Kong, home to six million people with a unique global perspective. We know China (most of us have that background), and we're well-traveled, multi-lingual, and modern.

Don't worry, we speak English. It's one of our official languages, in fact, and the lingua franca for our vibrant international community. If you're the adventurous type, pick a dialect - you can learn Cantonese to chat with the locals in their mother tongue, or pick up Mandarin and get a foot across the border in the People's Republic.





The qualifications that you'll receive from Hong Kong's educational institutions are internationally recognized, meaning you can use your Bachelor of Science in Biology from Brussels to Bangkok.

... but we will anyway. Our institutions are among the best in the world - and The Times of London agrees! Hong Kong was well represented in the 2007 World University Rankings, higher (and better value!) than most of our counterparts in North America and Europe. It's no wonder that Hong Kong is a regional hub for academic endeavors. Come study, research, and share with us!




Hong Kong is home to eight government-funded universities offering dozens of major areas of study. You'll be happy to know that all of them use English as medium of instruction for most of their courses. Many offer crash courses in Chinese language so that foreign students can make the most of their stay. Certain institutions also conduct some courses in Putonghua for Mainland students, or for those who are proficient in the language.

Hong Kong's universities emphasize whole-person development, meaning you'll be given a broad perspective on life, culture, and ethics, as well as gaining practical experience to take your academic endeavors beyond the classroom and into the real world.
A stimulating intellectual environment attracts high-caliber professors from around the globe. They and their students are renowned for excellence, including Nobel laureates, prize winners for new technology, literary giants, and linguists. The rest of the world has paid attention - several of our institutions made the top 200 in both Newsweek and the Times Higher Education Supplement's World University Rankings since 2006.
An agreement with Mainland China guarantees the compatibility of Hong Kong and Chinese programs of study. Some universities even allow foreign students to "study abroad" for a year or two in Beijing or Shanghai!
For a respected degree recognized the world over, you can get a Bachelor of Arts, Science, Law, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Journalism, or one of a great many others... and these are just a sampling of what's on offer in Hong Kong! .

New Zealand Immigration

New Zealand Work Permit, Visa and Immigration

New Zealand was originally settled in the 1100s by the Maoris (pronounced MAU-rees), who called it Aotearoa (Land of the Long White Cloud). A tradition of oral history recounts how 10 great canoes arrived from an island near Tahiti to populate the islands. For more than 500 years Maori life went untouched by the outside world. They had spectacular zigzag tattoos; developed a culture of fishing, hunting and gathering. Rival groups warred with one another, and the battles often resulted in the losers being eaten or enslaved by the victors.
The next epoch in the islands' history opened in 1642, when the Dutch explorer Abel van Tasman sighted the land and called it Niuew Zeeland. He charted part of the coastline but left without officially claiming it. Some 130 years later Capt. James Cook claimed the islands for the British throne. He circumnavigated both main islands, which he mapped with an accuracy that is still admired (and used) today.
However, it wasn't until the 1830s that European settlement began in earnest. Conflict between the Maoris and the British settlers ensued until 1840, when a conditional peace was established with the Treaty of Waitangi. Another, bloodier war was fought in the early 1860s and ended with the uneasy coexistence that persists to this day.
From the 1860s to the 1880s, gold fever drew thousands of prospectors to New Zealand. About the same time, large sheep farms began to be established on land cleared from the native forests. The country became autonomous in 1907 and is today an independent member of the Commonwealth.
Since 1984 the government has accomplished major economic restructuring, moving an agrarian economy dependent on concessionary British market access toward a more industrialized, free market economy that can compete globally. This dynamic growth has boosted real incomes, broadened and deepened the technological capabilities of the industrial sector, and contained inflationary pressures. Inflation remains among the lowest in the industrial world. Per capita GDP has been moving up toward the levels of the big West European economies.
New Zealanders sometimes refer to their country as God Zone, a rather prideful twist on the phrase "God's Own." But if you like gorgeous scenery and gutsy people, you'll agree with them. New Zealand is blessed with some of the most varied and dramatic terrain in the world, from glaciers and fjords and beaches to mountains and meadows and rain forests. If you're so inclined, you can admire the breathtaking scenery while skiing, surfing, jet-boating, horseback riding, mountain climbing or hiking (which the locals call "tramping").
And if those pursuits aren't exciting enough, you can try some of the adventures the Kiwis (as New Zealanders are called) have invented to make your blood race: You can bungee-jump off cliffs or bridges; rocket through narrow caverns on jet boats; or strap yourself inside a giant plastic ball and roll down a hillside.
If you prefer more leisurely activities, you can still enjoy New Zealand's natural wonders by strolling along its pristine beaches, sailing on its picturesque bays or fishing in its crystal-clear rivers and lakes. 

Switzerland Immigration Work Permits and Visas

About Switzerland

Switzerland's independence and neutrality have long been honored by the major European powers and Switzerland was not involved in either of the two World Wars. The political and economic integration of Europe over the past half century, as well as Switzerland's role in many UN and international organizations, may be rendering obsolete the country's concern for neutrality.
Switzerland, a prosperous and stable modern market economy with a per capita GDP 20% above that of the big western European economies, experienced slower growth in 1999, because of weak foreign and domestic demand. Growth, however, is expected to rebound to over 2% in 2000. The Swiss in recent years have brought their economic practices largely into conformity with the EU's to enhance their international competitiveness. Although the Swiss are not pursuing EU membership in the near term, in 1999 Bern and Brussels signed agreements to further liberalize trade ties. These agreements still have to pass a Swiss referendum in spring 2000, however. Switzerland is still considered a safe haven for investors, because it has maintained a degree of bank secrecy and has kept up the franc's long-term external value.
Switzerland is almost too perfect: spectacular Alpine scenery, cozy mountain chalets, dazzling ski runs, flower boxes spilling over with geraniums, tidy cities set on serene lakes, elegant grand hotels, punctual trains and people. If you're going for the scenery or for the skiing, there are few places that can equal it (in quality or prices). And there are few places as clean, safe and orderly as Switzerland. But the Swiss passion for order and cleanliness can be a bit unnerving: It is "coziness under strict control," as an acquaintance of ours described it.
Switzerland encompasses four cultures: French (Geneva and surrounding western area), Italian (Lugano and surrounding southern area), Swiss-German (Zurich and surrounding eastern area) and Romansh (St. Moritz and surrounding southeastern region). In general, the French and Italian areas are more lively and cosmopolitan and the German area more conservative and sedate. The Romansh area is the least known and developed.
Despite all this cultural diversity, Switzerland is one of the most politically stable countries in Europe. The country's strength lies in its wealth, its generally conservative nature and, perhaps most important, the citizens' common belief in a policy of armed neutrality. 

Sunday, September 5, 2010

STUDY IN FINLAND
Helsinki, Finland
COUNTRY FACTS
Capital: Helsinki
Population: 5,190,785
Area: 338,145 sq km
Language: Finnish, Swedish
Religion: Protestant, Finnish Orthodox
Continent: Europe
WHY STUDY IN FINLAND?
 
The European Union member state and Nordic country, Finland, is one of the best destinations for international students intending to study abroad. The availability of wide range of courses taught in English language with the most sophisticated learning environment made Finland favorable destination for foreign students. Finland has developed its world class education system which offers students wonderful higher education opportunities in almost all fields of study. The reputation of its education system is high not only because it provides high standard of education but because also because it is continuously working and investing for increment in level of educational standards. As such, the national educational strategy is to invest substantial amount on research based education to develop the country as the information society. The higher educational wings of Finland constitutes of Universities and Polytechnics which provide most advanced state-of-art facilities to its students. The educational culture of Finland includes coordination and support between teachers and students throughout the study period. Teachers are always available to support and solve the problem that may occur to the students.
The international students' life in Finland is not just about studying, instead it will be the most exciting, enjoyable, and memorable time in their whole life time. The unique Finnish culture, the geopolitical location neighboring Sweden, Norway, Russia, and Estonia gives student a wonderful and once in a life opportunities to explore all these countries at once along with the chances to know the cultures of one part of the world. Student will also have wonderful experience of Finnish way of life which consists high-tech society with an unspoiled nature.
Study in Canada

Why Canada
Canada offers a high quality, affordable education that is recognized world-wide. Moreover, Canada is a safe, secure, healthy, multicultural and welcoming environment for international students. All Universities and Colleges offer excellent academic programs and teaching. As well, services and advisors are available to help students adapt to living in Canada and ensure that the time spent in Canada is enjoyable. In 1998, nearly 30,000 international students made Canadian universities their choice for preparing for a successful career

Profiles/Admission
Most Of Universities if Canada are World Class Institutions and are cheaper than American Universities. The Deadlines Of Most Engineering Programs are in December to February they have earlier deadline than US universities. Getting in Canadian universities is relatively easy but getting in top 3-4 University is tough. TOEFL and Engineering GPA is most important for Admission. GRE is also Important but it seems TOEFL is most Important.
  • Most Top Universities desire TOEFL>250 (iBT >90-100)

  • The International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 7.5

  • The Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB): 90 with 80 minimum per section including a minimum score Of 3 in the speaking test component. There are similar requirements at Canada's French-language universities. International students are advised to contact the Canadian university where they wish to study about one year in advance.

    Cost Of Study
    Canadian University are cheapest among UK, USA, Australia. The Commonwealth scholarship is one source of funding for Canadian Universities at the post-graduate level, but is restricted to a very limited number of students of exceedingly high intellectual promise who live in Commonwealth countries.

    Top Schools (Engineering)

  • University Of WATERLOO, Ontario

  • University Of TORONTO, Ontario

  • MCGILL University, MONTREAL, QUEBEC

  • SIMON FRASER University, BURNABY, BRITISH COLUMBIA

  • CARLETON University, OTTAWA, Ontario

  • Universite DE MONTREAL, QUEBEC

  • QUEENS University, KINGSTON, Ontario

  • University Of BRITISH COLUMBIA, VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

  • CONCORDIA University, MONTREAL, QUEBEC

  • University Of ALBERTA, EDMONTON, ALBERTA

  • University Of VICTORIA, B.C.

  • University Of CALGARY, ALBERTA

  • University Of SASKATCHEWAN, SASKATOON

  • YORK University

  • University Of WESTERN Ontario

  • MCMASTER University

  • UNIVERSITE DU QUEBEC

  • ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE MONTREAL

  • University Of WINDSOR

    McMaster University: Mechanical Engineering If English is not your native language, an official copy of your TOEFL score, or other evidence of competency in English. A minimum TOEFL (iBT) score of 80 (550 on the paper-based TOEFL test or 213 on the computer-based TOEFL test). Tests older than 2 years are asked to be repeated. There are NO exceptions and NO waivers.



  • Immigrant population changes in Australia



    An increasing number of Asians particularly from India and China are emigrating to Australia. The Australian Bureau of Statistics report "Portrait of a Nation" said that almost one-fifth of the new arrivals in Australia between 1996 and 2006 came from China and India. Asia may eventually overtake Europe as the main source of immigrants to Australia. However, the most common country of origin remains the UK with twenty-four percent of foreign born residents (92,000) arriving from the UK between 1996 and 2006.
    4.4 million people in Australia were born overseas; A 2% increase from the time of the last census in 1996.
    Until 1973 the former British colony had a "White Australia" policy, restricting immigration to Westerners. Now six out of ten immigrants are from Asian Countries; 9.5% of immigrants are from China (62,000) and 8.4% from India (54,100). Many of the immigrants are also from Malaysia, the Philippines and South Korea.


    Asian butchers needed in Australia, Canada and New Zealand

    About ten thousand Asian butchers are needed for meat processing plants and restaurants says an official of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) of the Davao Region in the Philippines.
    Elmer K. Talavera, TESDA regional director, said skilled butchers are in demand for turning cattle and sheep into meat cuts for domestic and export markets.
    He went onto say that nationals of Countries such as Australia and Canada do not like working in slaughterhouses or as meat cutters in restaurants.
    "That's why the meat industries in these countries are sending out feelers to neighboring countries in Asia to fill up the thousands of job openings for butchers there," he said.
    TESDA is offering butcher course wherein applicants will undergo six weeks of training.
    After six weeks of training, the agency will test the applicant on the knowledge and skills he acquired during the 160 training hours.
    "This is part of the government's stimulus package to help the country survive the global economic crisis," Mr. Talavera said.
    The Commonwealth Services Group a New Zealand recruiter has confirmed that there is heavy demand for workers in butcher shops, food retailing, the butchery department of supermarkets and grocery. This is due to a decline in the number of apprentices going into these trades between 2001 and 2006.
    Butchers with more than four years of experience can apply and are paid between $15-$22 per hour with an average of 40-45 work hours per week.



    New Zealand Immigration

                                                                                                 Kiwi, national symbol of New Zealand
    New Zealand has been actively encouraging skilled immigration to fill labor shortages as well as providing numerous other paths to residence.
    New Zealand's Skilled Migration Category (SMC) allows people with the skills and qualifications that New Zealand values to get residence or a permit to work. Applicants are scored against a points-based system and entered into a pool of potential migrants.Skilled Migration is only one of many options for immigrating to New Zealand, including general work visa,Families reunification investment, and study .



    Study visas

    In recent years, more and more international students have started coming to New Zealand for their studies. The New Zealand academic world is vibrant and increasingly internationally-oriented.
    In New Zealand, you can study English in a language school, study post-graduate courses in one of New Zealand's many universities, or take courses in a polytechnic, an institute of technology, or a college of education.

    New Zealand offers:
    • a beautiful natural environment for study and relaxation
    • a safe learning environment
    • excellent educational programmes
    • support services for international students
    • high quality qualifications.

    Who needs a student visa

    You don't need a visa or permit if you're:
    • a New Zealand citizen or you hold a New Zealand residence permit
    • an Australian citizen, or Australian resident who holds a current permanent resident return visa.
    If the course you want to take runs for less than three months, you can apply for a visitor's visa. You must ensure first that your course is approved by the New Zealand authorities.

    The study permit

    Having a New Zealand Student Visa or Permit means you can study in New Zealand for a set time at a specified institution as a full time student. In most cases you will be issued a one year, renewable permit.

    The main purpose of a Student Visa or Permit is to allow international student to study full-time in New Zealand. However, in some cases your Student Permit will allow you:

    • to undertake part time study
    • a limited opportunity to work while studying - if your course of study requires you to be in New Zealand for more than one year.

    Working while studying

    The main purpose of a Student Visa or Permit is to allow international students to study full time in New Zealand. However, in some cases you may be granted a limited opportunity to work while studying. Your course of study must require you to be in New Zealand for more than one year. Even then, you can only undertake employment if you need to work to:

    • meet a course requirement for practical work experience.
    • support your full-time, long-term course of tertiary study. You can apply for a change to your Student Permit conditions to allow you to work up to 15 hours per week during term time
    • support yourself over the Christmas-New Year holidays. But only if you are studying full time and your course is more than 12 months long
    • to gain practical experience in New Zealand. Following the completion of your polytechnic or university course, you may be eligible for a Work Permit once you've successfully completed your course, if that course took at least three years to complete or it is a course that would qualify for points under our Skilled Migrant Category.

    If you're eligible you may get a Work Permit for up to two years following the completion of your course so that you can gain practical work experience in New Zealand.

    To be eligible:

    • The work experience must relate to your qualification
    • you must provide:
      • a completed work permit application form and fee
      • evidence you have completed a course with a minimum completion time of three years, or a qualification that would qualify for points under our Skilled Migrant Category
      • evidence that you have a job offer relevant to your qualification.





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