You may already have noticed that in the conversations published on the website, our interviewees often mention the Liberal Arts model of education. Professors and students talk about the wonderful opportunity to freely choose their modules and courses at university.

What is this educational principle and how does it differ from conventional university education? Find out in our short explainer.

In the standard model of higher education, you choose a vocational path and follow it for several years. Then you are faced with a choice: to continue your education at a higher level or to work in your profession. Mass higher education in this way prepares personnel for the needs of the market and the economy.

At the most basic level, the principle of Liberal Arts and Science is distinguished by the fact that it aims at the comprehensive development of the individual and the citizen. Here you are not required to make a serious choice about your future already at the age of 17-18, which many people rightly consider an impossible task. What do Liberal Art students do? In short, they learn the basics of Liberal Arts and Sciences, though it sounds like a tautology.

This principle goes back to the ancient tradition of education, when the main thing was considered to be the versatile development of personality. You do not prepare to become a narrowly-functioning cog, but learn the skills that will enable you to become a free-thinking subject. At the same time, you get all the necessary skills to move towards a narrow specialization if you feel the need to do so.

That's not to say that liberal education students don't have a major - they still have it. But it should definitely be supplemented with courses from different fields of study.

Liberal Arts and Sciences. A brief History

As we've already mentioned, the approach has its roots in antiquity, and in medieval universities this principle generally became the structural basis of European education.

The “liberal arts” were divided into two groups of disciplines. The trivium included rhetoric, grammar and logic - areas related to the art of speech and thinking. The quadrivium consisted of arithmetic, geometry, astronomy and music - disciplines that are mainly concerned with numbers and dealing with them.

In the 19th century, universities began to move toward greater specialization for specific professions. No wonder, because behind the walls of universities the sky was smoked by the chimneys of factories - the Industrial Revolution was rumbling on. The new economies needed specific specialists, and the further they went, the more personnel they needed.

The modern approach of Liberal Arts has retained the spirit of tradition, but has expanded. Students in such programs study the humanities, sciences, social sciences, mathematics, and the arts. This broad scope helps develop flexibility of thought, the ability to see connections between different areas of knowledge, and the ability to solve complex interdisciplinary problems.

In addition to interdisciplinarity, liberal education values ways of learning that maximize student engagement. It's certainly not vertically organized lectures where the professor broadcasts information to you that you must learn and repeat on an exam. At Liberal Arts, there are plenty of seminars, and professors encourage and incentivize independent work by students.

Writing assignments are also often emphasized here - students need to sharpen their skills in expressing thoughts clearly. Organizationally, small group work is preferred so that students can be more productive in collaboration and discussion.

Contrary to some stereotypes, Liberal Arts education is not a fashion trend or a whim to suit the needs of elites. On the contrary! It is the most classical model of education. Another thing is that this approach cannot be called the most widespread today.

Liberal Arts programs are most widely represented in the United States. But it should be said that Liberal Arts and Sciences have regional features. Universities and colleges in the USA, Europe and the UK are known for their own teaching traditions, which may differ even from institution to institution. Somewhere teaching is based on the reading of original classical texts, somewhere social justice issues are placed at the center of learning. Moreover, the development of liberal education is not only linked to North America and the Old World. For example, in 2017, the Alliance of Asian Liberal Arts Universities (AALAU) was founded, which now includes about three dozen universities.

Regardless of region and local traditions, the central idea remains the same - teaching critical thinking skills and nurturing a free, well-informed individual.

Liberal Arts in Russia

The first Liberal Arts and Science program in Russia was a joint project of the American Bard College and the Russian “Smolny”; they began the partnership as early as 1998. At first, the project existed within the Philology Department of St. Petersburg University, and later became a separate department of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

“Smolny” did not manage to become an independent educational institution, although the project had such ambitions. In 2021, Bard College was recognized as an undesirable organization in Russia. The long-term, the oldest in Russia, double degree program of Russian and Western universities was equated to criminal activity, for participation in which you can be criminally prosecuted. The project ceased to exist in its former form, and many students and professors left the country.

Education in Europe can be a great way to integrate into European social, economic and political life. Many universities offer bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs for students from other countries. Additionally, both private and state organizations offer grants and scholarships to cover the costs for international students. Studying in Europe is not an unattainable dream; thousands of students do this every year. As always, your desire, motivation, and focus on the result will play a significant role in achieving your goal. In this article, we will discuss the higher education system in Europe in general and how it differs fundamentally from that of Russia.

What is the Bologna Process?

The Bologna Process is the foundation of European higher education, which involves a three-stage system of education: Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate (PhD).

The European system allows greater mobility for faculty, students, and graduate professionals to find jobs in other countries. This is possible due to the mutual recognition of diplomas and specialties by participating countries. The Bologna Declaration was signed by the Ministers of Education of 29 European countries in 1999 at the University of Bologna, one of the oldest in the world. The Bologna Follow-up Group (BFGU) supports the entire system as an executive body. To date, this group includes 49 European countries and European Commission representatives. There is a conference held with representatives of participating countries to analyze the progress made by following the Common European Principles of Higher Education and discuss issues, including the membership of new countries in the organization. So, the Bologna system enables individuals to use their qualifications in other countries and ensures that higher education across Europe follows the same principles.

The System of Grades and Credits

A special system was created to conveniently and universally record the knowledge, abilities, and qualifications of students, called the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). Credits are educational units that reflect a student's progress in a particular program or subject. A full academic year usually consists of 60 credits, which a student can earn by completing various courses or modules. A full bachelor's degree typically requires 180 or 240 credits (3 or 4 years of study), while master's programs usually require 90 or 120 credits (1 or 2 years of study).

This system of reporting grades and credits helps the educational process in different countries to work according to common standards, which is crucial when creating an integrated educational space.

Tuition fees

Obtaining education in Europe is generally more affordable than in the United States, but the cost varies significantly among European countries.

The United Kingdom is the most expensive country, where the average tuition fee for international undergraduate students is £22,200 (£17,109 for masters and postgraduates). On the other hand, in Germany, the majority of universities are state-owned and do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate courses, but only if you study on the local language.

The exceptions are the states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. In these states, some universities started charging fees to students from non-EU students. The fees range from €2,000 to €3,000 per semester, and this applies only to bachelor's education.

Apart from these fees, there are also course fees in Germany. On average, they amount to €225 per month.

In France, the state finances 2/3 of the tuition fees for bachelor's and master's students from countries outside the European Union. After taking into account these subsidies, a bachelor's degree will cost €2,770 per year, while a master's degree will cost €3,770.

In Italy, the average tuition fee for a bachelor's degree in public universities is around €2,500 per year. For master's students from non-EU countries, the tuition fee can range from €800 to €6,500. Private universities in European countries typically charge higher tuition fees, as they do not receive financial aid from the state.

Prospects after graduation. Difference with Russia.

According to statistics for 2022, over 40% of individuals aged 25 to 34 in the European Union have attained higher education. The EU aims to increase this percentage to 45% by the year 2030.

Experts note that there is a direct correlation between education and the standard of living in general. In Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, individuals with a bachelor's degree earn 44% more than those with only a secondary education. Furthermore, those with a master's or doctoral degree earn an average of 91% higher.

In Russia, the returns to education (a measure of salary dependency from higher education) are almost half of the world average and lower than in the EU. Although the number of people with higher education is growing in Russia, many of them are poor or low-income, with more than 20% receiving income below or around the subsistence level in 2019. In 2021, 21.9% of people with higher education were unemployed.

The situation is different in OECD countries, where only 3.5% of people with higher education are officially unemployed.

Differences in Education

European universities have a long tradition of research and teaching. They focus on effective approaches to education, both at the country level and pan-European standards. As a result, students receive a better-quality education than in post-Soviet countries. In addition, there are opportunities for academic mobility between countries, better employment prospects, and a relatively high standard of living in the EU.

Comparing the methods of teaching in Russian higher education to European education, it can be said that European education is generally practice-oriented, even in the humanities and social sciences. This means that students will write more essays, communicate more with classmates and teachers, and focus on developing critical thinking skills, independent work, and formulating hypotheses and conclusions.

Is Russia in the Bologna system?

In 2022, Belarus and the Russian Federation were excluded from the Bologna Observation Group. This doesn't necessarily mean that these countries will automatically abandon the three-stage system of higher education (Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD degrees). However, it seems that Russian officials intend to abandon the Bologna system and return to the so-called "basic system of higher education", with a specialist degree as the first and main stage of education, and postgraduate studies for those who intend to continue in science.

In 2022, the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Valery Falkov, said that "the Bologna system should be treated as an obsolete stage." This sentiment was echoed by Vladimir Putin in early 2023. It appears that the trend towards further isolation of Russia from the world will have a strong influence on the system of higher education.

Experts note that this will have a negative impact on higher education and mobility opportunities for students. This impact will not only be limited to academic exchange with European countries, but also to the opportunity for students from Asian countries, Africa, and Latin America to study in Russia. Russia will become less attractive to international students if they are deprived of the opportunity to receive education in universally recognized European standards.

There are several clear disadvantages to abandoning the Bologna system:

As Russia continues to face political isolation, the future of domestic education appears bleak. Journalists and analysts have already observed signs of militarization and a decline in the quality of education in the country. To address this issue, Freedom Degree has been launched to provide those in need with the opportunity to receive a quality education and assist them with admission to foreign universities.

Choosing an educational program in a foreign university requires careful consideration of individual needs and factors that may influence the choice of institution.

Your choice will definitely be influenced by:

This process, like any work, should be divided into stages. The initial approach to the question should be general and approximate, but this step can already eliminate most unsuitable options.

Finances, Scholarships, Cost of Living in the Country

Please keep in mind that in addition to tuition fees, you'll need to consider your personal means of subsistence when planning for university. If you don't have a source of income or savings, you may need to apply for a stipend to cover your living expenses while studying abroad.

Finding and applying for scholarships is a separate topic that we'll discuss in more detail in future articles. In the Resources section of our website, you'll find several useful links to organizations that offer scholarship opportunities for students.

The website of the European Commission invites visitors to explore country profiles that provide useful information on various factors that may influence the choice of location, such as tuition fees, cost of living, and available scholarships. Each country's profile leads to a dedicated portal that provides detailed information on scholarship schemes available in that country.

It's likely that you can easily identify a list of countries to live and study in, based on their cost of living. You can categorize them into expensive, slightly cheaper, and relatively cheap options. Come up with a few options, including a maximum option and simpler ones, based on your individual needs and budget. Ideally, you have sufficient funds or will receive funding and a scholarship to attend your preferred university and program.

Choosing a program is the most important aspect of studying abroad. You can seek help from portals and platforms that are specifically designed for this task, including the Freedom Degree website. Portals can also provide quick tests, such as identity or country tests.

University rankings can also be useful, such as the QS World University Rankings or the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. However, do not assume that only prestigious universities offer quality education. Often, you can find a high-quality program for your specialty at a university that you have never heard of before. It's a very individualized process, which requires a unique approach for everyone.

Future Prospects

As you progress through your education, it's important to think about what you want to do after you graduate. Would you like to stay in science and pursue research, or work in your field of study?

If you're interested in research, you should consider the research capabilities of your potential university, as well as options for continuing your studies in the same country (such as PhD programs after completing your master’s). On the other hand, if you want to work in your field of study, it's important to have a general understanding of the job market in the country you plan to move to. You should research opportunities for obtaining the necessary visas and residence permits, as well as any specific requirements that apply to students who have completed their education.

Deadlines

It's important to pay close attention to the application deadlines for the program you're interested in. You can usually find these dates on search portals, but for reliability, it's best to double-check on the university/program's website if you've identified it as a viable option. Start preparing for admission at least a year in advance of your planned start date.

How does your background match up?

When considering a program at a foreign university, it's crucial to assess how your current education compares to the requirements for the program. This involves comparing completed credits (educational units) and your overall document package to what's expected of you at the university you're interested in. This is an essential step in determining the compatibility of the program with your educational background.

As for Russia, it depends on your initial circumstances. Let's take three scenarios as an example:

Each of these options is real and attainable, but they come with various bureaucratic features. At Freedom Degree, we will assist you in dealing with all the difficulties that may arise during your journey.

Practical advice:

Make sure to connect with real students who have experience studying at the university you are interested in. Every university has its own internal community. You can usually find student groups on social media platforms. Additionally, ask your friends and acquaintances and find people with experience in applying to any foreign university. Their advice and experience can help you a lot.

Keep a record of all useful information. Create a table with personal options and update it regularly, weeding out unsuitable programs. On the Freedom Degree website, you can do this in your personal account.

Searching for a program is a task that requires strength, perseverance, and motivation. Set aside specific days and times for searching for programs. Try to do this work regularly and avoid missing it. Let it become a routine.

We believe you will succeed, and we at Freedom Degree will be happy to help you if necessary!

Productivity is the key to academic success in university. A large number of assignments, strict deadlines, and the constant need to keep up in all areas of student life can lead to feelings of overwhelm. However, with the right approach and proper planning, you can significantly boost your productivity. Here are ten tips to help you manage your study load and achieve your goals.

Organise your time

The first and most important tip is to organize your time. Effective time management forms the foundation of any productive activity. Use a calendar, task planning apps, or a simple paper planner. Schedule your tasks for the day, week, or month in advance. Set priorities by focusing on the most important and urgent tasks. Regularly review your plans to adapt to changes. For instance, if you have an exam week ahead, allocate specific time slots for reviewing each subject and include breaks.

The right study space

Find a place where you can concentrate and minimize distractions. This could be a library, a quiet room in your dorm, or even a cozy café. Some students prefer working in co-working spaces that foster a focused atmosphere. Ensure you have all the necessary study materials at hand to avoid wasting time searching for them.

Set realistic goals

Clearly define what you want to accomplish within a given period. Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. For example, if you need to write a term paper, start by researching information, then create an outline, and only after that begin writing. This approach helps avoid procrastination and reduces stress levels. If the goal seems too daunting, try describing it as a sequence of steps: first write the introduction, then the main content, and finally the conclusion.

Attention management techniques

One popular method is the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for 25 minutes without interruption and then take a 5-minute break. These cycles help maintain concentration and prevent fatigue. Experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you. For more complex tasks, you can increase the work interval to 50 minutes with a 10-minute break.

Stay physically active

Regular physical activity improves blood circulation, boosts energy levels, and enhances concentration. Even a simple morning workout or a walk in the fresh air can significantly improve your well-being and productivity. For example, doing a light stretch before an important exam can help relieve tension.

Nutrition

Try to eat a balanced diet so your body gets all the necessary nutrients. Avoid fast food and sweets in favor of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and other healthy foods. Don't forget to drink enough water, as dehydration can lead to fatigue and decreased focus. For instance, replace coffee with green tea—it has a gentler effect on the body and improves attention.

Technologies

There are many apps and online resources that can simplify the learning process. For example, note-taking apps like Evernote or OneNote, scheduling tools like Todoist or Trello, and language learning apps like Duolingo or Anki. However, it's important to avoid distractions from social media and other non-essential resources. Apps like Forest can help you stay focused by blocking access to distracting sites.

Work in teams

Collaborative learning can be highly effective. Discussing difficult topics with classmates helps you better understand the material and provides different perspectives on problems. For example, you can organize a study group before an exam where each participant explains one of the topics to the others.

Rest

Overload and exhaustion can lead to decreased productivity and burnout. Make sure to get enough sleep, as it is during sleep that your brain processes and consolidates information. It's also important to find time for hobbies and socializing with friends to maintain emotional balance. For example, after a long day of studying, you can watch your favorite movie or engage in a creative hobby.

Stay motivated

Remind yourself why you are studying and what goals you are striving to achieve. Visualize your success and imagine how you will reach your desired outcome. Reward yourself for completing significant tasks—this could be a small gift or simply a day off. For instance, after submitting a challenging project, you can treat yourself to a café visit or a walk with friends.

Following these recommendations will help you better organize your time and energy, manage your workload, and achieve academic success. Remember that the key to productivity is finding a balance between study, rest, and self-care. University is a time for growth and development, and with the right approach, you can make the most of this period of your life.

Financial challenges faced by students in countries with a high cost of living can seem daunting. However, adopting the right approach to money management can not only simplify your daily life but also help you develop useful skills for the future. This article offers tips to help you effectively organize your finances and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Analyze Income and Expenses

Start by identifying your monthly income. This may include scholarships, financial support from family, part-time jobs, or savings. Then, list your mandatory expenses, such as rent, food, transportation, study materials, and communication services. Categorize them into fixed and variable expenses to see where you can cut costs. Use apps like Mint, YNAB (You Need a Budget), or Spendee to track your spending.

Budget Planning

After analyzing your income and expenses, create a budget. One popular method is the 50/30/20 rule:

This formula helps you allocate funds without overwhelming yourself.

Save on Housing

Housing is often the biggest expense for students. Consider sharing an apartment with roommates to reduce rent costs. In major cities, opt for student dormitories, which are usually cheaper than private apartments. Check if your university offers student discounts or if there are government subsidy programs available.

Cook at Home

Food is another significant expense. Cooking at home is much cheaper than eating out at cafés or restaurants. Plan weekly menus, buy groceries in bulk, and prepare meals in advance. For example, pasta, grains, and vegetables are affordable and nutritious options that can be combined in various dishes. Use apps like Mealime or Paprika to plan your meals.

Use Discounts and Promotions

Many stores and services offer student discounts. These may include transportation, cinemas, museums, and even online subscriptions like Spotify and Amazon Prime. Always carry your student ID and inquire about special offers. Subscribe to store newsletters to stay updated on sales and discounts.

Transportation

Public transportation is often much cheaper than owning a car. In major cities, purchase monthly or semester passes to save on daily trips. If you live close to your university, walk or use a bicycle. This is not only economical but also beneficial for your health.

Smart Use of Study Materials

Textbooks and study materials can be expensive, but there are many ways to save. Buy used books, utilize libraries or online resources. Some universities provide free access to e-textbooks and databases. Consider exchanging materials with other students.

Cut Unnecessary Subscriptions

Review your subscriptions and decide which ones you truly need. If you rarely use a gym membership or watch paid streaming services, cancel them. Replace them with free alternatives, such as YouTube or university fitness facilities.

Savings and Emergency Funds

Try to save at least a small portion of your income for unexpected circumstances. This could be 5-10% of your budget. Create a separate account or savings jar for this purpose. Even small savings can help you handle unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or urgent repairs.

Try to earn Extra

If your income doesn’t cover your expenses, look for ways to earn extra money. Many universities offer on-campus jobs, such as library assistants or teaching aides. Additionally, remote work, such as freelancing or tutoring, can be a good source of income that’s easy to balance with studies.

Be Smart About Entertainment

Social life is important, but it shouldn’t drain your budget. Opt for free or inexpensive activities: walks in the park, participating in university events, or attending free lectures and exhibitions. Plan gatherings with friends at home instead of expensive cafés or restaurants.

Financial Literacy

Learning the basics of financial literacy can help you avoid debt and make smart spending decisions. Read books, listen to podcasts, or take free courses to better understand how to manage money. Resources like Coursera or Khan Academy offer educational materials on finance.