Vibrant landscapes, massive castles, and vampire stories are some of the highlights we know about Eastern Europe. But what about studying in Eastern Europe? Shouldn’t international students ignore Eastern Europe when looking for study abroad destinations? Before answering these questions, let’s first get to know the countries of Eastern Europe.
What is Eastern European countries?
The term “Eastern Europe” is often used to refer to all European countries formerly governed by communist regimes (Eastern Bloc), due to the concept of the “Iron Wall” separating Western and Eastern Europe that was controlled by the Soviet Union throughout the Cold War. Before German reunification, East Germany was once described as an Eastern European country.
If you are starting to think about studying in Eastern Europe, it is probably a good idea to understand the geography of the region. There is no specific definition of the region that comprises Eastern Europe, rather there are various definitions that rely on different classifications to define the countries that are included in Eastern Europe. For the purposes of this article, we will focus on all the countries east of Germany, Austria, and northern Greece that are part of the European Union.
Eastern European countries are like unknown gems, and you need to take a closer look to find out that they are an excellent destination for international students wishing to study abroad. So set your sights and find out why Poland, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, Romania, and Bulgaria are great places to study abroad.
7 reasons why you should study in Eastern Europe
1. Studying in Eastern Europe is in English
Since English is such an integral part of the culture of Eastern European countries, it’s no wonder that there are so many degrees available in English. Many universities also offer elective courses to help students adapt to their new study destination by learning the basics of the local language.
2. Low cost of living and reasonable tuition fees
Another great incentive to study in Eastern Europe is the affordability of the cost of living and tuition. Two of the top ten affordable cities for QS students are Eastern European countries. Where Budapest – the capital of Hungary – comes in the first place, and Wroclaw – the fourth largest city in Poland – comes in third in the affordability index.
In addition to reasonable tuition fees and a low cost of living, you can work while studying in Eastern Europe, earning a little money to cut down on your expenses. Many Eastern European countries allow international students to work under a specific system and schedule that varies from country to country.
In general, Eastern European countries are incredibly cheap compared to the rest of Europe. From general living expenses such as food and transportation to housing expenses and tuition, everything is a fraction of the price in the West.
3. The presence of high-level universities in Eastern Europe
Low costs of schooling do not mean that Eastern European universities are inferior to those in Western Europe and America. Although Eastern European universities are not as internationally recognized as other universities, the region is home to universities that rank highly on more than one ranking. Many of the universities in this region are among the oldest in Europe and have been in continuous operation for thousands of years.
4. Studying in Eastern Europe covers all fiels
You can study in Eastern Europe in almost any subject. The most popular fields in the most popular countries for international students can be narrowed down as follows:
- Economics in Poland
- Business Administration in the Czech Republic
- Management, organization, and leadership in Hungary
But don’t worry if your choice of bachelor’s or master’s degree is not on the previous list. With a simple search, you can instantly find your field and be the one to stand out in a crowd of students.
Most universities operate on a semester schedule from September to June. You also have the option of studying in Eastern Europe for a semester or an entire academic year, without missing any classes at your local university. The conflicting schedule between local universities and the study abroad destination often presents a challenge for many international students who prefer to study abroad for a semester or academic year in dual programs.
5. Availability of scholarships
Eastern European countries offer many scholarships to international students who do well in their studies. Here are some of the most popular scholarships in Eastern Europe:
- Bourses de l’Université Charles – Offerte par le College of Science, la bourse STARS est destinée aux doctorants nationaux et internationaux.
- Hungarian government scholarships for international students, which are international scholarships for students.
- Slovak Government Scholarships for selected developing countries – Open to students from selected countries in the Middle East, Sudan, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan. The scholarship is offered to students wishing to study an academic level / degree.
6. Simple admission requirements
Another great advantage of studying in Eastern Europe is that many universities do not have entrance exams, which makes admission less stressful. To be admitted to study in an Eastern European country, you will need:
- A high school diploma or equivalent, with high grades in biology and chemistry if you want to study a medical specialty.
- Proof of ability to finance your studies (you may need a bank statement to prove this).
- Be in good physical and mental health (you may need a medical exam to prove this).
- Letters of recommendation and/or personal statement (or statement of intent).
- Proof of extracurricular, training or volunteer activities.
- Proof of English proficiency with the TOEFL/IELTS if you are not a native speaker or if you are studying in English in your home country.
7. Eastern European countries are beautiful and charming
Every country in Eastern Europe has a rich history and culture, and the countries are full of vibrant castles and landscapes. From Bran Castle in Romania, known as the home of Count Dracula, to the world’s largest castle, Prague Castle in the Czech Republic, there are fantastic landscapes for any history buff or adventurous traveler. There are 94 sites in Eastern Europe on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
You will also find many great concerts and festivals. As a student, you will receive many discounts in restaurants and museums. In addition, Eastern Europe is the preferred destination for many Erasmus students, so the chance to meet and mingle with different people and cultures is very likely.