Travelling And Education

Travel as Education: Required Study Abroad?

I started out studying Environmental Engineering in college. Then I found out that I wouldn’t be able to study abroad unless I could afford to take an extra year to complete my degree - so I switched to Journalism and Spanish Literature and went to school for a semester in Chile.
Perhaps this was a rather dramatic reaction (I also wasn’t really enjoying the Engineering school, at all) but it also seems to me that the general lack of encouragement to study abroad that exists in certain departments and colleges across the country represents a critical failure of the US higher education system. In a world that gets smaller every day, shouldn’t study abroad represent an important, if not required, element of any complete college education?
Aside from the whole global village, world-is-flat issue, in my experience there is almost no better way to learn than by traveling. Traveling requires you to make complex plans and fast decisions, think differently, and deal with unfamiliar situations.  You will often need to learn at least a little bit of a new language, try new foods, and experiment with new ways of living life.
Of course, there are ways to travel abroad to the most exotic of locations without exposing yourself to a single lesson-learning moment, and there are ways to challenge your thinking without leaving your home town. The point is simply that travel tends to present people with great potential for learning opportunities, “Three and a half years and 70 countries later,” he explains, “I’ve gotten the equivalent of a Ph.D in general knowledge about the people and places of Planet Earth.”
The educational value of travel should be considered as a potentially essential component of the US higher education system. In a world of increasing interconnectivity and diversity, having some experience and understanding of another culture and a different language is an important element of being able to interact with and relate to other citizens of the world.
Americans in particular could certainly use some encouragement to travel: although sources vary, the number of Americans who hold passports seems to be somewhere around 20 percent, which has almost certainly increased dramatically since the new requirement to have one to visit Mexico and Canada took effect. There are a number of reasons why Americans may travel less than others, as Gary Arndt describes:
“Americans don’t travel overseas as much as Brits, Dutch, Germans, Canadians or Scandinavians. There are some good reasons for this (big country, short vacation time) and bad ones (fear and ignorance). We don’t have a gap year culture like they have in the UK and we don’t tend to take vacations longer than a week.”
While it’s certainly true that factors like geography and employment policies are hard to change, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to do something about changing other factors that could increase travel. Promoting college study abroad programs would be a great way to begin shifting the American approach to travel while simultaneously improving the quality of our higher education system. Depending on the program and the college, study abroad can even be cheaper than a regular semester at school, with many of the more affordable programs offering great insight into a very different way of living.

Beth.

STUDYING ABROAD

    HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT STUDYING ABROAD?

Study abroad is often described as a life changing experience.  The personal benefits to study abroad are numerous.  A student can develop highly sought skills such as:

• a greater understanding and respect of others;  
• a more cosmopolitan view on life,  
• international perspectives;  
• greater self-reliance and self-confidence;  
• greater tolerance for other opinions;  
• ability to think more originally and to see more than one perspective on an issue;  
• better ability to understand other cultures and see your culture through another framework;  
• improved foreign language skills; 
• more comfort with complex situations; 
• and greater flexibility.  

On top of that, you gain valuable international experience to use in future careers and develop life-long friendships. 

There is lots of country which are best for study overseas program, but most of them are European country. According to the International Institute of International Education, 58 percent of all study abroad college students decide to further their teaching in Europe. The data for other regions of the earth are as follows: Latin America 15 percent, Asia 9 percent, Oceania 6 percent, Africa percent, the Middle East percent, and North America percent. These figures do not tally up to 100%, however, the organization remarks this is due to rounding issue. Without Europe different educational institution of Australia, New Zeeland, U.S.A and Japan are world famous.

Education In Nigeria

EDUCATION

Nigeria

Education is provided for by the federal, state and local governments. This has resulted in education to be tailored to suit thesocio-economic circumstances of individual federating units e.g.In certain regions Nomadic education operates as a variant or primary education and Islamiya and Koranic schools have become integrated into the formal basic education system.
The Universal Basic Education Act 2004 provides the legal framework for the Universal Basic Education programme which makes basic education not only free but also compulsory.
Structure and Organization of the Education System
The structure of the formal educational system consists of four levels:
* Primary 6-year duration
* Secondary School Junior cycle:3 Years
* Secondary School Senior cycle:3 Years
* Tertiary Education : 4 Years

Primary Education

The Primary Education system is run by the National Primary Education Commission(NPEC) which is a formal Government body. Primary school is 6 years in duration. Primary education is similar to that of European primary education European although in some parts of the country full time Koranic schools are based on teachings from Islam.
Fees
Private schools usually charge fees whilst public schools charge only a token amount in fees. Parents provide uniforms, text-books and other school materials in both private and public schools
The following are only guidelines for costs on Primary School Education:
Primary Schools
• Public schools are free but there are some levies expected to be paid from time to time.
• Private could cost as much as private secondary school( US $455 per term)
Secondary Education
Secondary Education consists of two cycles, the Junior cycle and the Senior cycle, each stage being of three years duration.
The Junior cycle consists of studying
1. English , Mathematics, and one Nigerian Language
2. two subjects from each of the categories below
a) Physics, Chemistry or Biology,
b) English Literature, History, Geography, Agricultural Science or a vocational
subject.
The Junior cycle is tuition free in some states of the federation and the basic subjects are taught to enable pupils acquire further knowledge and develop skills. A Junior Secondary School Exam (JSS3) is completed at the end of the Junior cycle.
Student who leave school at the junior high school stage may then go on to an apprenticeship system or some other scheme for out-of-school vocational training.
The Senior secondary cycle is three years in duration. A Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) which is taken in May/June at the end of the Senior Cycle is a prerequisite for admittance into University and most polytechnics.
Fees
The following is only a guideline on costs of secondary education:
• Public schools: USD 70 per term (3 terms in a year)
• Private schools: USD 455 per term (3 terms in a year)
Tertiary & Higher Education
There are a number of options available for higher education which include Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Technology, Colleges of Education, Advanced Training Colleges, Correspondence Colleges amongst others.
University
To gain access to University prospective candidates must have
1. completed the Senior Cycle Secondary Education (SSCC) examination to a sufficient standard
2. Undertaken the UME-JAMB Universities Matriculation Examination administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. This exam consists of a test in English & 3 choice subjects which students need a score of at least 50% to pass. A TOEFL score of 170 is required to pass the English requirement.
Some universities have started to set their own admission exams in place of the above exams.
There are currently 53 university-institutions in Nigeria, owned variously by the Federal and State Governments, and the private sector . Presently, tuition fees are not paid in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, particularly tertiary institutions owned by the federal government although many have adopted a ‘both parties funding’ where individual universities and departments can charge fees at their discretion for various primary or auxillary services or equipment.
Fees
The following are only guidelines on the costs of University Education
Government universities
• Federal universities/State Universities– 200-300 USD per session (3 semesters)
• Private Universities could cost as much as 700- 1500USD depending on the school.
Polytechnics & Colleges of Education
There are more than 250 higher education (HE) centres, including Polytechnics and Colleges of Education.
To gain access to polytechnic or a college education prospecive candidates must pass the POLYJAMB Examination.
Fees for further education will differ greatly according to subject, location and whether it is private or public. Generally the Capital Territory and urban cities have the highest number of Higher Education institutions.
Community Programmes
Deliberate efforts have been made towards community empowerment through primary education intervention. Community programmes are run by community rural market, daily urban market centres, community and women co-operative society and by some mosques and churches.
Women’s Board Educational Co-operation Society
Mailing Address: PO Box 4240 Surulere, Lagos
Physical Address 98 Femi Ayantoga Crescent Surulere, Lagos
Tel : 234-5-85-0273
Email: wb@hyperia.com
Youth Empowerment Scheme
Activities: 1. Guidance and Counseling Services 2. Scholarships & Remedial Education Support/Development 3. Vocational Training for Youths
Address: The Gidan Matasa, No1, matasa Drive, Off Okada Road
Minna, Niger Statepmb126, Nigeria
Phone: 234-8051635153 E-mail: alhassan_ay@yahoo.com
Youth for Technology Foundation (YTF)
Designed to teach youth between the ages of 8 and 12 to use computers as a tool for learning.
Owerri Digital Village, Owerri, Imo State
Phone: +234-8038665843
E-mail: njideka@youthfortechnology.org
Apprenticeship Schemes
The following programmes are available through the National Directorate for Employment under its National Open Apprenticeship Scheme.

Accountancy: •Book-Keeping •Accountant Trainee •Typing and Shorthand	Arts: • Painting and Sign Writing •Photography •Leather work •Interior design/decoration	Building trades: •Cabinet Making/Joinery, •Carpentry, Plumbing/Pipe Fitting/Joinery •Bricklaying/masonry	Civil Engineering works: •Block laying, •Masonry and Plumbing
Computer Technology: •Computer Operating, •Computer Programming, •Computer Repairs and Maintenance	Electrical/Electronics: •Electrical installation •Radio/TV maintenance •Generator maintenance	Miscellaneous: •Catering •Cooker, •Bakery/confectionery •Hair dressing •Sewing •Tailoring	Mechanical Trades: •Auto mechanic •Auto electrical work •Battery conditioning •Panel beating

Contact Details
:National Directorate for Employment Offices

Head Quaters No. 1, Plot 1529, Nouakchott Street, Zone 1 – Wuse, P. M. B. 104 Garki, Abuja. info@nde.com 09 – 5232226 09 – 5238308 -	10 Abia Employment House, Aba Rd. Amuzuta Old Umuahia P.O. Box 7247, Umuahia. abia@nde.com 088 – 222181	Akwa-Ibom 51, Obio Imo Street, Off Oron Road, P. M. B. 1044, Uyo. akwa-ibom@nde.com 085 – 201786	Anambra 35, Nnamdi Azikwe Avenue, P. M. B. 5059, Awka anambra@nde.com 048 – 552014
Adamawa Behind Former State, Ministry of Works & Housing, Off Kashim Ibrahim Rd. Jimta, Yola. adamawa@nde.com 075 – 624315	Bauchi Off Gombe Road, Behind The Chief Magistate Court, Kofar E-id, Bauch. bauchi@nde.com 077 – 543558	Bayelsa 16, Imgbi Rd, P. M. B. 52, Amarata – Yenagoa. bayelsa@nde.com 089 – 490954	Benue Km 8, Markudi – Otukpo Ro., Markudi. benue@nde.com 044 – 533726
Borno Sir Kashim Ibrahim Road, P. M. B. 1647, Maiduguri. borno@nde.com 076 – 232384	Cross River Federal Secretariat Complex, Calabar. cross-river@nde.com 087 – 233874	Delta Ground Floor, Fed. Secretariat Complex, Okpanam Road, P.O. Box 1046, Asaba. delta@nde.com 056 – 281960	Ebonyi 11b Ejiofor Street, P. M. B. 092, Abakaliki. ebonyi@nde.com 043 – 21936
Edo 222A, Upper Mission Road, P. O. Box 8455, Benin City. edo@nde.com 052 – 250157	Ekiti 78, Ajilosun Street, Ado Ekiti. ekiti@nde.com 030 – 250861	Enugu 22/24 Ridgeway GRA, P. M. B.01520, Enugu. enugu@nde.com 042 – 252271	Gombe No. 3, Kano Road, New Commercial Area, Gombe . gombe@nde.com 072 – 223049
Imo Federal Secretariat Complex, Ground Floor, Owerri, Imo State. imo@nde.com 083 – 233254	Jigawa Federal Govt. Secretariat, 2nd Floor, Dutse. jigawa@nde.com 064 – 721067	Kaduna Off Yakubu Gowon Way, Near NTA, GRA, Kaduna. kaduna@nde.com 062 – 243796	Kogi No. 8 Janet Ekundayo Rd., GRA. P. M. B. 1037, Lokoja. kogi@nde.com 058 – 221919
Kano After CTV 67 Hotoro, Maiduguri Rd., P. M. B. 3488, Kano. kano@nde.com 064 – 668407	Katsina No. 1, Justice Moh’d Bello Rd., GRA Round-About, P. M. B 2060, Katsina. katsina@nde.com 065 – 434862	Kebbi Murtala Moh’d Rd., P. M. B. 1077, Birnin Kebbi. kebbi@nde.com 068 – 320715	Kwara Federal Secretariat Complex, 8th Floor, Fate Rd, PMB 4952, Ilorin. kwara@nde.com 031 – 222904
Lagos No. 7, Barikisu Iyede Street, Yaba. 01 – 5870552 lagos@nde.com 01 – 5870553	Liaison Office Federal Secretariat Complex, Phase II, Ikoyi – Lagos. lagos@nde.com 01 – 2672539	Nasarawa No. 18, Jos Rd, Behind, Natson Petrol Station, Agwai, Hotel Rd, Lafia. nasarawa@nde.com 049 – 21557	Niger Dr. Ladi Kwali Rd., Off IBB Rd, Adjacent to NTA, P. M. B. 16, Minna. niger@nde.com 066 – 222082
Ogun Federal Secretariat Complex, Oke Imosan, Kobape Road, P. M. B. 3048, Ibara, Abeokuta. ogun@nde.com 039 – 242261	Ondo 26, Ilesha Road, P. M. B. 612, Near Akure South Local Govt. Secretariat, Akure ondo@nde.com 034 – 240349	Osun Behind Osogbo Grammar School, Okefia – Osogbo. osun@nde.com 035 – 241482	Oyo Federal Secretariat Complex, Ikolaba Area, P. O. Box 29115, Secretariat, Ibadan. oyo@nde.com 02 – 8108031

Approval and verification of foreign diplomas
Foreign diplomas are recognised and accepted in Nigeria. Verifications are carried out by the individual schools to ascertain its authenticity.
If you have a foreign diploma you should keep the following documents :

1. Transcripts
2. Evidence of previous schools attended
3. Educational qualifications.

Funding: Loans and stipends
Some state governments in Nigeria occasionally award scholarships.Private companies, individuals, NGOs, development agencies and other voluntary organizations may also have scholarship programs for educational purposes.

National Schemes : Universal Basic Education (UBE)
Universal Basic Education (UBE) was formally launched by President Olusegun Obasanjo on 30th September 1999 to provide free universal and compulsory education for every Nigeria child of school- going age from primary to the Junior Secondary School (JSS) levels. The school feeding program was also introduced by the government to provide food to children while in school as a way of boosting the UBE.
Although the government is committed to making the UBE program a success, this program as well as the school feeding aspect of it is not yet universally operational in all the states.

Office of the Honourable Minister
Federal Ministry of Education
Block 5A (3rd Floor), Federal Secretariat Complex,
Shehu Shagari Way, Central Area
P.M.B. 146, Garki Abuja
Tel: + 234 9 5237487
Website: www.fmegovng.org
Universal Basic Education Programme (UBE)
Mailing Address P.M.N 5086 Abuja
Physical Address IBB Close, Wuse Zone 4 Abuja
Tel :234-9-523-2506 Fax : 234-9-523-9741
Website: www.ube-nigeria.org

Waec And You

Why Many People find it difficult to pass through Waec into Universities, the travails of student and the beauty of success.