What Are The Working Conditions In Sweden?

If you wish to work in Scandinavia and, particularly, in Sweden, then you should know how the social security system works in this country, as well as the labor laws and labor market.

The social security system in Sweden:

Every worker in Sweden is subjected to the compulsory welfare from the moment he started a job. You will have to join in person the local office of insurances by indicating the amount of your salary and the address of your workplace. 

The national insurance runs 25 head offices and about 400 local offices, and you can find their addresses and phone numbers in the directory called Almänna Försäkringskassa. Any person over 16 years has to have an insurance and this applies to the employees as well as for independents.

Social insurance in Sweden is financed by the tax system and the compulsory contributions, where the employers pay the biggest share. Your contributions include:

- The right for the health insurance, which includes disease allowances and partial refund of medicine.

- The pensions, from the age of 65. 

- The disability insurance. 

- The partial payments for the education. 

- Rent allowances and special allowances for families with children or for disabled people. 

* For questions concerning the unemployment insurance,you can get in touch with the labor-union representation of your workplace or the local agency of employment.

The labor market and the labor laws in Sweden:

In Sweden, about 4,3 million people occupy a paid job, that is more than 49 % of the population and about 80 % of all the inhabitants from 16 to 64 years old. Women represented 48 % of the working population in 1997. The unemployment rate in Sweden is at present 5,4 percent.

The labor union in Sweden has a long story behind it and preserves a big influence. About 88 % of the workers in Sweden are affiliated to a labor union. The biggest organization being the Swedish Federation of labor unions, LO, which has 2,18 million members, which is 85 % of the working population. The second biggest organization is TCO, the union of the industrial workers, which counts 1,23 million members, which corresponds to 70 % of the employees and the state employees.

The good cooperation between employers and labor unions in Sweden brought a considerable sum of rights favorable to the workers. These rights include:

1- Benefit from a six-month trial period.

2- Protection against the redundancy: the employees, who are less than 25 years old, benefit from an advanced notice period of one month, then gradually achieve six months for the employees of more than 45 years old.

3- The working environment law: the weekly protected working time is 40 hours, and the health and safety protection at work place is assured by special agents in charge of the safety and security.

4- The equality of rights law: equal salary for an equal work, equality of work opportunities, equality of opportunity of promotion, hiring, training and education for all the employees.

5- The right in the co-determination at the level of the branch and of the group.

Categories: Sweden

How To Apply For University Studies In The Netherlands?

Students who wish to apply for study program at a university in the Netherlands, have two ways to send their file to the establishment of higher education that they have chosen. Each way is depending on the system implemented by the university or institution. Certain universities ask the students to make an application via their website, by registering via their portal. It is in particular the case of the university of Groningen and the university of Leiden.

On the other hand, the majority of universities use Studielink, a portal of registration gathering large number of study programs and trainings that are available in the Netherlands. 

Which way is best to apply to a Dutch university?

Choosing a system of registration does not depend on you, but the development of Studielink portal makes more and more higher educational establishments turn to it. Your application file should containe the following necessary documents:

1- Your high school diploma if you want to apply for Bachelor's program.

2- Your Bachelor's degree or an equivalent if you want to apply for a Master's program.

3- A proof of your English level (TOEFL Ibt, at least 80).

4- A passport-size photo to be uploaded online or attached to your paper file.

The above mentioned documents are all the documents required, as certain universities may ask for additional documents such as:

1- Your CV or a summary of your past experiences.

2- A motivation letter written in the English language.

3- Recommendation or reference letters of your teachers and/or of employers.

*/ If you are a French applicant, It is not necessary to translate your French documents into English, because there can be found always a member in the very great majority of educational establishments in the Netherlands, who can understand French. Nevertheless, before sending your file to the university or institution of your choice, contact them to find out if they accept documents in French.

*/ Universities and institutions in Holland make their decision based only on the information, which you provided them. It is possible that they may contact you again to ask for more information, but an incomplete file is often neglected. Thus, prepare all your documents in advance and get in touch with the university or institution you have chosen, during the constitution of your file.

Categories: Other

How To Obtain Residence And Work Permits In Sweden?

If you are a national of the European Union and wish to stay for more than three months in Sweden, then you have to apply for a residence permit. However, if you are a national of Denmark or Finland, you are exempted from obtaining a residence permit. You will have to make your application for a residence permit at office of immigration (called "Statens invandrarverk") as early as possible after your arrival in Sweden. The application form for residence permit must filled and accompanied with your passport or with your ID card. And if you currently have a job, it will also be necessary to provide a certificate of employment.

If your plan is to settle down in Sweden to work as independent or to propose certain services, then you will have to prove that you are authorized by means of: a registration certificate of the office of patents and the Swedish registration, a proof of membership in a professional organization, a taxpayer idenfication number or a registration in the Swedish commercial register. You will have to give no information as for your financial situation.

The residence permit is granted for a duration of five years maximum, generally determined by your employment contract. It will always be possible to ask for a renewal of your residence permit, unless you are a student or if you remained unemployed for more than twelve months.

If your family accompanies you, the conditions of immigration to which they are subjected are identical to those which concern you. In addition to the usual documents, you will, however, have to supply certificates proving your family relationships such as: marriage certificate and birth certificate. The residence permits your family members will get, will be granted for the same duration (5 years).

Nationals of other countries (i.e., countries not included in the European Union) have to obtain an entrance visa based on different requirements according to the country. The duration of the visa is granted for up to 3 months. If you travel to Sweden to work, it will be necessary to bring a proof that you work at the time of entering the country. You will receive then a residence permit of limited duration to that of your contract of employment. You will find more information on the regulations related to visas and to residence permits at the embassy of Sweden in your country of origin or your country of permanent residence.

Categories: Sweden

How To Apply For Study In Holland Via Studielink Portal?

Studielink portal is a centralized system of registration, to allow the Dutch and international students to make online applications to various universities in the Netherlands. The majority of educational establishments in Netherlands use Studielink, where you can find mentioned most of the programs of study. 

Studielink make it possible for you to apply to several educational establishments with one single file, while making the majority of the steps through internet. If you are eligible for a scholarship, then you have to know that you can apply for it via Studielink portal. The site is accessible in English, and the set of steps and necessary documents is explained step by step during your online registration.

The stages of registration via Studielink portal?

Studielink portal explains in detail every stage of the registration process. The start the registration process, you have, first, to create an account at Studielink portal by indicating your personal information and, once, your account is created, you have to provide the information asked.

It is necessary to inform universities of your identity as well as the studies and trainings you made so far. When applying to Studielink portal, you won't find any difficulties, because on every new page during your registration, you will find detailed information and instructions in English to guide you through the different steps of registration.

Once you complet your registration, verify regularly your e-mails box to make sure you get back all the information and the progress of your applications. You will receive by mail a confirmation of your registration. If you did not receive this mail after one month of your registration, contact Studielink, by e-mail or by telephone, to make sure your application was taken into account.

When you are admitted in a study program in Holland, certain universities would ask you to send them copies and other certificates proving that you followed the program of study, which you have indicated. As a result, it's not a good idea to lie to them by thinking that they will not verify, because it is not the case.

Categories: Other

Types Of Visas To Enter Italy For Non Europeans!

If you are not a citizen of a member state of the European Union, you will need to obtain a visa to enter Italy. However, the citizens coming from a third world country, who already have a visa for a member state of the agreement Schengen do not need special entrance visa for Italy. A visa would indicate the reason and the duration of the stay in Italy. Visas are issued for very specific reasons, and there exist several types of visas, which are:

A- Tourist visa/Visto turistico:

This kind of visa is delivered for tourist reasons only and is valid for three months maximum.

B- Working visa/Visto per lavoro:

A working visa is granted for a period that is up to two years. To receive a working visa, you have to provide an evidence of employment including your name and signed by an Italian employer.

C- Student's visa/Visto per studio: 

This type of visa is issued for the exact duration of studies in Italy. If your studies  take more than one year, a visa of one year will be issued first time. After expiration, this visa will be extended. The student should prove that he attends an Italian school or university.

D- Visa for health reasons/Visto per cleans out sanitarie:

The period of validity of this type of visa depends on the duration during which you intend to stay in Italy to follow a treatment or a therapy. To apply a visa for health reasons, it is necessary to provide an evidence that you are following a treatment or a therapy in Italy. These proofs, supplied by the State or by the approved private institute, must be authenticated by the embassy of Italy in the country of origin.

E- Visa for visiting a relative/Visto per visits has familiari:

This visa is granted for a period up to three months, and it can be extended. The rule is that it is granted only for the members of family or first degree.

F- Visa for family reunion: 

If you are a foreigner and you have a job in Italy and a legal residence, that is a work permit and a residence permit, you can be joined by your family, spouse, minor children or your parents if these people are financially at your expense. To request this type of visa, you have to provide an evidence of employment of at least two years, a residence permit and to possess a job. It is also necessary to provide evidence of the relation existing between the applicant and you.

Categories: Other

The Most Promising Renewable Energy Future Jobs!

Renewable energy is the energy that we got from renewable resources, which are naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as: wind, sunlight, waves, rain, tides, and geothermal heat. Renewable energy often provides energy in four important areas, which are: electricity generation, air and water heating/cooling, transportation, and rural energy services.

The promising fields of the renewable energy sector are of two types: emergent and innovative jobs and the existing jobs that are having an evolution (updated content).

A/ Emergent and innovative jobs:

Emergent jobs are the type of jobs, which will know a growth in work hands and in job offer. These jobs are:

1- Solar coach: 

It is a specialist in coaching. He is provides support to users in making a decision about which type of energy to be used. He answers questions of the installation of the solar system until the mode of use of the installations. It is not easy to follow carefully the instructions of use, which require, sometimes, certain technical prerequisites from the utility of this speciality.

2- Cleaner of solar panels: 

Photovoltaic and thermal solar panels need to be cleaned. And thermal panels need an impeccable cleanliness in addition to their maintenance. The cleaning of the sensors of panels prevents the panels from losing more than 15 % of their capacity of harnessing without forgetting the state of the fixation supports.

B/ Jobs with updated contents:

These are already existed jobs which, as for all the promising fields, also pull an obvious surplus of the job offers. They include:

1- Energy councillor: 

It is an agent-council, as his name indicates it. He is in charge of giving information and advice to the economic operators, who want to invest in the domain. Other economic players, who are not in the domain, also need advice of this specialist for a rational consumption of the energy. The households are also concerned by the solutions of reduction of the consumption so not to see exploding energy bills. For the accessibility to the employment, the engineers are automatically concerned by this specialization. It is architects, industrial civil engineers or bio-engineers. The holders of a Master's degree in science and management of the environment are also concerned.

2- Installer of photovoltaic and\or thermal solar panels: 

This specialist installs both photovoltaic panels and thermal panels. These panels serve respectively to produce some electricity and some hot water due to solar collectors. Panels, once set up, possess a sensor or a solar follower, which serves to get the energy and to maximize it by keeping it. The electrician intervenes, after the set up, for the electrical connection.

3- Technician of maintenance of cogeneration plant:

It role of a technician of maintenance is to assure the maintenance of the installations and the equipment of cogeneration (simultaneous production of energy, electricity and heat). His role also is to detect the breakdowns (mechanical or electric), and to make the regular diagnosis. In the field of maintenance, there exist also specialists of repair of the devices of air conditioning, system of refrigeration, heat pumps, etc.

Categories: Other

Work In Norway Highlights!

The modern economy of Norway depends widely on exports and is directed to the international. The main markets targeted by Norway are the other European countries, especially the other Scandinavian countries. 

The industries of ship-building and hydro-electric power, the new branches of the technology of communication and software development are one of the pillars of the Norwegian economy. In addition to that, the plentiful natural resources such as oil, natural gas and the fishing industry are also very important factors, which contribute to the economic growth of Norway.

Compared to other countries, the rate of participation of the working population is extremely high in Norway. Indeed, Norway is a country that has the highest rate of participation of women in the world. Norwegians retire at the age of 67, and the unemployment rate is only about 4 %. Besides, the Norwegian government has an active policy for the employment, according to quality plans of qualifications and employment. Even the medium-term perspectives of Norway are rather good. However, as the country depends a great deal on the oil price, it is rather difficult to make long-term estimates.

There is a surprising labor shortage within certain fields of activity, such as in the medical sector (qualified nurses, doctors and dentists) or in tourism (cooks and waiters). In addition to this, craftsmen, architects, technicians and engineers are always  wanted in the construction industries and in factories. The need for qualified workers in the field of drilling is only increasing. 

Indeed, these industries are always in search of technicians, engineers with university education in drilling, welding, electronics etc. Geologists and geophysicists are also needed in Norway. 

If you do not speak Norwegian, you should be able to manage if you master English, although it depends very much on the considered branch of industry. You should know that the cost of living is higher in Norway than in most of the other European countries. It is particularly noticeable in the prices of food and cosmetics.

Categories: Norway

What Are The Requirements To Work In Italy?

The requirements to work in Italy are not the same for European citizens and non Europeans:

Importance of a residence permit for Europeans:

European citizens are subject to no limitation concerning the access to the Italian labor market. A person citizen of a Member state of the European Union is automatically entitled to a work permit. And if he lived for three months in Italy, it is necessary to ask for a residence permit at the department of Foreign Affairs (or Ufficio Stranieri) of the police stattion (or Questura).

To ask for a residence permit, you will necessarily have to show your passport or any other document of identification provided with a photo. Certain additional documents can be asked according to the reason of the extension of your stay in Italy or the kind of work, which you look for.

European citizens, who wish to work in Italy as independent, may have to demonstrate that they seriously intend to create a company in the country.

The European employees, who ask for a residence permit, have to supply a certificate of employment or a statement of their employer.

These two groups receive a residence permit for a period that can go up to five years and which can be extended after the term of validity.

Requirements for non European citizens:

To be able to work in Italy, the citizens who do not come from a country of the European Union have to ask for an entry visa, for a esidence permit and for a work permit as well.

Categories: Other

How To Obtain A Residence Permit In Italy For Non Europeans?

In Italy you can apply for a residence permit after eight days of residence in the country, if you are a citizen, who is not national of a Member state of the European Union and according to the reason of stay, which indicated on your visa. 

You can request a residence permit at the police station of the zone where you live in Italy. After that, you will receive a proof of deposit of an application for residence permit. You will receive an answer within a maximum of one week. If your request is rejected, it will be in a language which you can understand.

For a foreigner in Italy, a residence permit is the most important document. Thus, it is important that you always keep it with you and be able to present it on request.

If, for some reason, you wish to change the purpose of your residence permit, for example change your employment status to independent, you have to wait until the police station responsible for your file received an answer of the Ministry of Interior. Thus, it is better to decide on, as soon as possible, the status from which you wish to benefit in Italy.

Categories: Other

How To Apply For Study In Norway Via NUCAS?

The Kingdom of Norway, is a so beautiful place that is located in the Northern parth of Europe. It is so developed and it has a very good and unique educational system, that keeps attracting many international students every year.

Norway, as many other countries, possesses an online registration system called NUCAS ( Norvegian Universities and Colleges Admission Services), which allows students to get access to all the undergraduate programs (3 year or 4 year undergraduate programs) available in the kingdom, and which they are taught in English or in Norwegian.

This platform is at present intended only for the Norwegian students and not international students, but it is likely that, by a few years, NUCAS will also be open to the students coming from abroad and, and a presentation is, thus, necessary.

How to apply for a study program in Norway through NUCAS?

The applications via NUCAS must be sent before March, 1st, of every year for the entry term of September. It is possible to apply for up to 10 study programs and different universities in preference order, although the university establishments in question will receive only your application, and not your preference order.

Once you make your application to a program online via NUCAS, you will receive , you go to receive,by mail, a form to be filled with all the necessary information. You will have to attach your official documents, which must have been translated into English by a translator under-oath, to make sure of the juries will have a good understanding of your application.

All your documents along with the form being sent to you, must be sent back before July, 1st. The offers will then be published online from July, 20th, and it will be up to you to validate which study programs you wish to join. Some study programs are difficult to join, thus try to have always more easily accessible choices in reserve.

How Does NUCAS help you as a student?

NUCAS services help make your registration in the Undergraduate programs in Norway easier, nevertheless they do not stop there. If you need more help or more information, you can contact NUCAS services by e-mail or by telephone. And to be able to communicate with them, you have to be able to speak English.

Categories: Norway

The English Language Programs Available In New Zealand!

The country of Kiwis, or New Zealand is a country literally situated at the other end of the world ready to provide a unique experience to all the students wishing to go to study the English language there.

1- General English courses: 

It is a program of general education of English with a more or less intensive rhythm according to your expectation, your objectives, and your projects in the place.

2- Preparation for the different examinations of English: 

If you wish to study a program in English at a foreign university, or simply to obtain a certificate of your language level, the examinations of TOEFL, IELTS, or TOEIC are inescapable and necessary. Specific programs will allow you to prepare for these examinations in a optimal way.

3- Business English courses: 

This type of courses is aimed at the professionals and young people, who want to improve their English and make it usefull in the work world. It's an excellent base to learn to interact with your colleagues and partners in English.

4- University preparation programs: 

These programs aimed at the young people wishing to study in an Anglo-Saxon country, and more particularly New Zealand or Australia. These programs familiarize you with the education in English, improve your global level, support you in your application to join universities, and often guarantee you an admission in an excellent international university.

5- One year of courses abroad: 

It is a complet academic year often takes 9 months within one or several schools of language in New Zealand. For a gap year, or an intensive learning of English, it is one of the best solutions you can have.

Categories: Oceania & The Pacific

What Is The Procedure To Apply For Study In Japan?

Japan is a developed a country and it attracts more and more foreign students from different countries every year to go and experience study at one of it's universities or universities. The Japanese culture is appreciated by French students, who show interest in studying in Japan. However, it requires much motivation to study in Japan and understand the different steps to follow to be able to study there. 

There are two possible ways for the French students, who wish to study in Japan:

- The registration at a Japanese university as a foreign student without partnership.

- The registration at a Japanese university within the framework of a partnership.

1- Joining a Japanese university as a foreign student without partnership:

Foreign students wishing to join a university in Japan outside the framework of an agreement or partnership have to take a test called EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students,) to estimate their general level, but also their level in Japanese language. In France, the EJU test can be taken twice a year and this has been the case since 2002, and it addresses the French students wishing to join a program of one year minimum at a Japanese university. The EJU test consists of the following:

- Test of Japanese as foreign language.

- A test of sciences or a test of culture at choice on Japan and its link with the world.

- A mathematics test.

However, all the universities in Japan do not recognize necessarily this test, and the choice remains varied enough so that you can manage to find a university which interests you.

2- Joining a Japanese university within the framework of an agreement or partnership:

In case you wish to leave to study in Japan within the framework of a partnership, hundreds of French educational establishments possess agreements of exchanges with Japanese universities, and can integrate you into the French-speaking program.

The French university or educational establishmenrt will help you in your steps to obtain the necessary documents for your departure, but the formalities are easily feasible by oneself. Once accepted, you will have to start the procedure to obtain a study visa for Japan.

Categories: Asia

How To Apply For Study In Brazil?

General information about universities in Brazil:

Brazil is a favorite destination for many international students such as French students, who want to experience study and life in south America. The students wishing to apply for a study program at a university in Brazil, be it a Bachelor's degree, a Master's degree or a Doxtor's degree, have to send a complete registration form at least 7 or 9 months before the planned date for study entry.

Most Brazilian universities possess an internet portal, where it is possible to download the registration documents. At the moment, there is no system of generalized on-line registration. It is, thus, necessary to send your registration form to the service of the international relations of the educational establishments, which which you chose, by e-mail or normal mail.

What are the necessary documents for registration in a Brazilian university?

If you are an international student, for example a French student, the following documents are necessary to apply for a Brazilian university:

1- A copy of your passport.

2- From 2 to 4 passport-size photos.

3- The registration form that you have downloaded on the website of the university.

4- A well presenting CV in English, Spanish or Portuguese showing your work and academic experiences. The language of your CV is determined by that of the chosen program of study.

5- The academic results you obtained during the last three semesters. They must be translated into English or into Portuguese. You can go back to your educational establishment to obtain copies in English, or have them translated by a translator under oath.

6- A motivation letter of 1 to 2 pages written in the language of your future program. It has to present the reasons, which made you want to join a particular program of study, how this program will affect you in your professional project, and what you can bring to the educational establishment.

The language requirements to be able to study in Brasil?

The official language of Brazil is Portuguese, thus you have to possess a good knowledge of the Portuguese language. To give evidence of your level in Portugues, you will have to take a national examination of Portuguese called Celpe-Bras (it's something like: Certificate of skills in Portuguese for the foreigners).The Celpe-Bra has 04 levels, which are: intermediate, upper intermediate, advanced and upper advanced. It is accepted by the Brazilian educational establishments as well as companies.

In the Master's degree and Doctor's degree programs, it is possible to follow a program in English or Spanish. Brazil has a policy of internationalization of these programs to attract foreign students. Private institutions possess offers the most developed training cources delivered in English. Nevertheless, the undergraduate university programs are still little affected by these changes.

When you register in a Brazilian university, specify your address (if you are French then mention your full address in France) and your phone number student to assure that you will receive the documents, which the university will send you afterward. And once you got admission in a given program at a given Brazilian university, the next step is to apply for a study visa at the embassy of Brazil in Paris (if you are French and live in France) to be able to go to study in Brazil.

Brazil is a country off the European Union, which means that you have to get a student health insurance, because, it is compulsory before leaving and will be asked upon your arrival, as well as during the application of student visa.

Categories: South America

How To Apply For "Step Beyond Travel Grant" For Artists?

One of the ways the European Cultural Foundation uses to help artists, is through the STEP Beyond Travel Grant. This program  is open to artists and to employees in the artistic domains in Europe. 

Step Beyond Travel Grant supports the artists travelling through Europe and its close countries to explore, discover and create new artistic collaborations.

How to prepare for the Step Beyond Travel Grant program?

The candidates have to submit an itinerary prepared in advance with a program clearly defined by their activities. One of the partners of the project must be connected to the host country for the project. The financial support must be seen as a contribution to the project through the financing of the costs of international transport. It ranges between €250 and €700 according to your country of departure and your destination.

Who is eligible to get a Step Beyond Travel Grant?

To be eligible to get a Step Beyond Travel Grant, you have to fulfill two conditions:

1- You have to be an artist or work in the field of contemporary art and cultural disciplines.

2- You should be based in Europe or its nearby countries. The official list of the eligible countries is accessible on the official portal of the European Cultural Foundation.

In addition to the above 2 conditions, the individuals aged from 18 to 35 and/or in their first 10 years of career within their domain will, more easily, be selected.

How to apply for the program Step Beyond Travel Grant?

The program usually has no deadline, and it is being proposed continuously all year round. But it is always advisable to apply for the program one month in advance. In 2016, the last date to submit applications for Step Beyond Travel Grants was November, 30th. Next year, 2017, the application form will be re-opened with new guidlines.

Categories: Other

How To Go On A Language Study Holiday In Spain?

Each year, a lof of students go on a Language Study Holiday in another country, to study the language of that country while enjoying the stay.In this article, you will learn how to be able to go on a language study holiday in Spain.

Being near France, Spain is one of the members of the European Union, which means that your steps to leave for language study holiday in this country will be simplified. It is, nevertheless, recommended to prepare for your language study holiday, at least, 3 weeks to 1 month in advance, and even more for the long-term stays.

To start working on your language study holiday, it is advised to begin with a general check of the available offers of language study holidays of the establishments and agencies proposing Spain as a destination. Every agency can have its specif characteristics, its cities, as well as specific offers that cannot be found somewhere else. However, in the majority of cases, the proposed programs will be similar from one agency to another. Once you select an agency or agencies, try to get in touch with each of them to obtain detailed description of the programs which interest you.

A lot of factors can determin the cost of your language study holiday, such as: the location of the school, the city where the school is, the number of students by course, the type of program etc. The least expensive offer is not thus necessarily the best, and once the estimation received, do not hesitate to ask the agency questions to know more about it.

When you make sure that you will go on a language study holiday, it will be necessary that you validate your place within one of the schools by paying an advance deposit for your stay. Once your made the payment, your place is guaranteed within the program and you do not have more than to pack your luggage and prepare your departure for your language study holiday in Spain.

Do you need a visa to leave for language study holiday in Spain?

If you live in one of the countries of the European Union, then you don not need a visa to leave for language study holiday in Spain. Only a valid ID card will allow you to enter on the Spanish territory. If you stay more than 3 months in a row, it is recommended to go to register yourself with the local authorities to notify your presence and be registered in the registers of the city.

Categories: Other