Expat guide to Russia: schools

Background:

The International School of Moscow, not to be confused with its near-namesake, is also a comparatively young and fast-growing school, having been founded in April 2007. It is part of an association of nine schools, in locations ranging from Tashkent to Sao Paolo, run by the British Schools Group.

TISM, in a well-to-do area of west Moscow, is situated on the site of the 1980 Olympic Games: the ice hockey stadium is opposite. It operates from two adjacent sites, the recently opened upper campus complementing the original lower school site, which caters for foundation stage to lower primary age pupils.

The school currently educates pupils from the age of two to 13, with GCSE courses for older children due to start next year. Currently, around half of the school’s 400 pupils are in the younger age group (ages two to eight) on the lower school site.

For the past two years, the school has been attracting pupils from British embassy families, along with children whose parents are working in business and commerce. The largest national groups are Britons, who make up about 30 per cent of pupils, followed by Russians at 15-20 per cent, with 35 nationalities represented overall.

Facilities on the lower school site include playing fields, library, and computer suite, and on the upper site, a gym, basketball court and golf driving range.

Curriculum:

The school offers the English national curriculum and its associated tests, with local adaptations including daily Russian lessons, with French also taught. Children are taught to play a musical instrument from year one (age five).

Provision progresses from pre-nursery, where children aged two and three learn through play, through the English key stages one, two and three. Children’s progress is assessed and tracked closely. Teaching is usually in mixed-ability classes, although the school may offer tuition in smaller groups if it feels more support is needed.

Sporting and artistic activities range from dance and gymnastics to ultimate Frisbee, basketball, skiing, plays and musicals and extra music tuition while golf, a specialism of the school, is offered to all pupils during curriculum time.

Results:

Marks from key stage two English national curriculum tests, set at the age of 11, have been consistently well ahead of English averages, with all pupils achieving at least the UK Government’s target level four in reading, writing and science in 2010, and 64-73 per cent achieving the higher level five. The school does not yet have any GCSE results.

Admission:

TISM is selective, with academic assessments taking place at the school from reception (age four) upwards. The school likes children to spend a day in the classroom before joining, during which time most will take a written test. In the past, the school has not stressed special educational needs (SEN) provision, but has now appointed a SEN co-ordinator to cater for those with individual needs.

Fees:

Annual charges range from €11,970 (￡10,251) for pre-nursery to €19,665 (￡16,841) for years seven to nine. There is also a one-off €200 (￡171) application fee, a charge for “capital” of €6,000 (￡5,138) per family, a compulsory annual lunch charge of €1,222 (￡1,047) and uniform costs of €250 (￡214). Fees for the optional bus service are €2,205 (￡1,888) per year.

What the school says:

“The thing that parents often comment on when they come into the school is the atmosphere around the place. Although we have high expectations of the children, the relationship between the parents, students and staff is really very good.” Paul Seedhouse, headmaster.

What the parents say:

“When we arrived on our first day, the staff lined the corridors greeting the students with huge smiles and even the odd 'high five’. The children couldn’t have felt more welcome. What has impressed me most has been the holistic approach the school takes to learning: rather than being spoon-fed facts, TISM’s approach has resulted in far greater inquisitive behaviour and motivation from our children.” Sara Slim, whose two boys and a girl started at the school in August.

“Everyone has a great sense of belonging, whether it be the children, parents or teachers. The fact that our children all look forward to going to school, finish the day smiling and have gained so much confidence sums up the school for us.” Lucy Cranfield, who has had three children at the school since it opened.

ENGLISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, MOSCOW

Highly international institution that emphasises a caring ethos

Background:

The English International School, Moscow prides itself on its small-school ethos: there are only 150 pupils here, spread over the ages of three to 18 with classes typically numbering 14-15.

Nevertheless, the school has grown rapidly since its foundation five years ago, when it had only 36 children. Next summer, the first group of students – five of them – will sit A-levels and this is also the first year when meaningful numbers are taking their International GCSEs.

The school, one of a group of five established in locations ranging from Majorca to Seoul by the private operator Orbital Education, is situated on a one-hectare site in Moscow’s eastern suburbs, a quarter of an hour’s journey from the city centre by Moscow’s underground system.

Sports facilities include provision for tennis, badminton and basketball, a small gym and a running track.

This is a truly international school, with 40 nationalities represented. A substantial minority speak English as a second or third language.

Curriculum:

The school offers an adapted version of the English national curriculum, followed by International GCSEs and then A-levels. One of most significant ways in which the curriculum is adapted is that children are routinely “accelerated” through their lessons from year five onwards, meaning that they go on to take IGCSEs in English, maths and one or two more subjects in year 10 rather than the more conventional year 11.

Unless they are learning English, all pupils here will study Russian from year one, and French from year three.

The EIS says that, because of its size, it can tailor its curriculum to suit the individual child. That said, the small numbers overall mean the school focuses on the core IGCSE subjects: English, maths, science, history, geography, French, Russian, art and religious studies. At A-level, eight subjects are offered, with a further one or two to be taught from next year.

EIS is said to be the only international school in Moscow playing sports fixtures against local Russian schools, while inter-school drama, dance and cultural events also feature. Last month, the school offered Russian Culture Week, with events ranging from classes in Cyrillic rune writing to a trip to the former royal palace of Kolomenskoye.

Results:

There are few to report, because next year will be the first that the school has pupils taking A-levels, while only three pupils have so far completed GCSEs. However, last year’s year 10 took a range of IGCSEs early, with a 100 per cent A*-C rate recorded in maths and seven out of 10 gaining Cs or better in English.

Admission:

Non-selective, or “all-enveloping”, as the school puts it. It is proud of its work to support children with special educational needs.

Fees:

Annual charges range from €13,900 (￡11,917) in nursery to €20,400-21,400 (￡17,490-￡18,348) in the senior school. There is also a one-off assessment fee on entry to the school of €2,000 (￡1,715). All meals, stationery, materials and exam fees are included, with bus service (€1,000, ￡857) per term and school uniform (about €200, ￡171) costing extra.

What the school says:

“We do not pretend to compete with the St Paul’s, Westminsters or Manchester Grammars, but we seek to be like a middle-ranking UK independent school. We have an absolutely lovely bunch of children here, everyone knows everyone and this means we are absolutely focused on individuals.” Ross Hunter, headmaster.

What the parents say:

“From the first time I visited the school, my experience was so positive that I thought I’m not going to look anywhere else. I liked the fact that the teachers were not bothered in trying to sell me what the school could do for me as a parent; they were interested in how they could help my children. They work out what each child’s needs are and work from that, at the child’s own pace.” Tina Lindsay, who has boys aged 11, 10 and six at the school.

This piece was originally published in the Telegraph Weekly World Edition

Return to the Expat country profiles index

Finance and accounting degree course guide

What does it cover?

Finance and accounting degrees give students the combination of the technical and background knowledge and skills that they will need as the basis of careers either in professions such as accountancy or in the wider commercial sector. These degrees cover both the technicalities and conventions governing how wealth is measured and also how accounting and finance influence and shape the way organisations behave. Economics and statistics are often central to developing this understanding.

Although accounting in particular is seen as emphasising computational and calculation skills, the modern academic subject of finance and accounting is far broader.

Near the start of their courses, students are likely to encounter modules introducing them to accounting, to statistical and mathematical methods, and to macro and microeconomics. Information technology skills also tend to be emphasised.

As the courses go on, a range of other modules are made available, including ones on taxation, audit, business strategy, business and employment law, management accounting, advanced accounting theory and risk management. Further optional modules range from behavioural economics to international taxation practice.

Students usually have the chance to complete a major research project towards the end of their courses, while many degrees allow you to spend a year on an industrial placement, which many students find useful both in building knowledge and skills and developing employment contacts.

Finance and accounting degrees often come with an endorsement from the major professional bodies for accountants, such as the Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. This means that graduates can be exempted from having to take certain papers within the exams these organisations set for people wanting to go on to become chartered accountants, depending on the topics they studied during the degree course.

What can you expect?

A course which goes beyond the quantitative techniques which are central to accountancy to embrace a powerful range of subjects needed to understand business.

What are the usual A-levels you need?

These degrees are frequently not specific about the A-level required, but students with maths will be in a strong position.

Do grades matter?

Grade demands are often not as exacting as some science courses. Offers from the more selective universities tend to be in the range AAA to BBC.

Career prospects

The obvious links to the financial sector mean that graduates have a range of potentially well-paid employment options available to them. Many will go to one of the "big four" accountancy firms, where they can complete professional accountancy training, while others take their knowledge and skills into management consultancy, risk management and audit, wider business and management, banking or local and national government.

Top places to study

The Complete University Guide rates Bath, Warwick, the London School of Economics, Lancaster and Strathclyde as the top five universities for accounting and finance according to an index based on student satisfaction, entry standards, an assessment of the quality of the university's research and graduate prospects.

A survivor's guide to Freshers' Week

JP and Kingsley check out the newcomers in 'Fresh Meat', Channel 4's sitcom of student life, launched this week?Photo: ALAMY

You’ve got the grades. You’ve been through denial, anger, bargaining and depression, and come to accept the size of the loan. You’ve closed your eyes to the graduate unemployment figures. You’ve braved Ikea, and bought for the first time all those items your parents assume are indispensable for modern living. Toasters, washing racks, cafetieres, casserole dishes, tea-towels. Scores of tea-towels.

You haven’t had the heart to tell them that you’d rather they bought Berocca, paracetamol, a crate of vodka and some speakers, or that the close company of a near-stranger is as effective in winter as any fan heater. The “rents” have got so many disappointments coming up, you don’t want to make things worse. You let them sink into reveries about their student days as they drive you up an unfamiliar motorway. “I wish I could do it all again,” they will say, sighing and looking out of the window.

As they lift endless boxes up flights of stairs, the penny drops. These are not the dreaming spires they’d hoped for. Yes, it is a bit gloomy. Yes, that is the smell of weed. Yes, that is a gun tattoo on the bicep of the man living next to our daughter. Fathers stiffen their lips. “Don’t worry, darling,” they say to sobbing wives. “It’s only three years.”

The prospectus will have been illustrated with pictures of charming oak-panelled living rooms, or elegant modern suites with power showers and air conditioning. The reality looks like an early submarine refurbished by easyJet. Long corridors are lined with miniature cabins, lit by sickly strip-bulbs and carpeted with the designs the British Rail upholsterers left behind. The library, it transpires, is half an hour away, but luckily there are four bars next door, and one has a bucking bronco.

Once the old people are safely back in the car, however, wondering whether their lives still have meaning, the fun begins for the fresher. Most universities employ a “parent” system, in which two second-year students are assigned a couple of freshers to initiate into the ways of the university. My “father” was a taciturn linguist, and my “mother” a biological scientist and part-time comedian. My fellow-fresher “brother” was a physicist, who spent dinner discussing how your mass increased as you walked through a doorframe. It wasn’t a roaring success.

Next there are usually a few well-meaning “welfare” talks and a “Freshers’ Fair” (few possessive apostrophes are as keenly debated). At the first you will be given a thousand condoms by obvious virgins from the Student Union: “So, happy campers, who’s going to show me how this works?”

At the second you’ll be invited to try out every activity you’ve ever called sad, and quite a few that you hadn’t even thought of: chess, spelunking, improvised drama, urban kayaking, embroidery. Overcome by a sudden hot sense of life’s boundless possibilities, you’ll sign up for something, and go to two meetings before returning to the pub. You’ll get the odd plaintive email for the rest of your degree. “Yo yo Ed, haven’t seen you at Jewish Carpentry for a while! Still interested?”

The rest of the “introductory activities” usually consist of compulsory binge drinking. On my first night I was tied to a girl with a rope and marched from pub to pub, as if off to build the Burma railway. In fact, much as I imagine that experience did, the horror of this “bonding” session engendered a certain esprit de corps among its victims.

By the third-night game of pub golf, I was quite pally with a few people as we watched the predictable stereotypes emerge. There was the real ale fan from Yorkshire, the King’s Road layabout, the Welsh maniac, the multi-sport obsessive, the Galouises-smoking “poet,” the sexually adventurous “actress”. Few ended up being real friends. Real friends were made through the traditional passages – overlapping schedules, similar interests, and chance.

But for all the boozy dread and cringing declarations of friendship (“So safe to have met you, dude!”), Freshers’ Week is exciting. Most of the cynicism is retrospective – at the time everyone weighs in very happily. It is thrilling to be out and about, meeting new people and free to do exactly what you want, when you want. Nobody gets cross if you have a hangover, or shouts at you if you don’t do the work or eat Monster Munch for breakfast. Liberating days.

The week is also an experience shared by a group of people on wildly different paths. For those studying medicine, science, maths, engineering, it is the start of a lot of hard work towards a long and fruitful career. For arts and humanities students, it kicks off three years of reading the occasional book, investigating different sorts of tea and generally wondering why you didn’t do any quantitative A-levels.

But everyone is bonded by the first week’s basic training. As a wise man once said, every journey begins with a single step over the prostrate body of a vet from Portsmouth.

All Freshers’ Weeks are not equal, either. A friend started Leeds at the same time I began Cambridge. Leeds, along with Bristol and Manchester, is one of the three centres of fun in British higher education. St Andrews, Exeter and Newcastle are for the minor minds of the major public schools. UCL and Durham are for Oxbridge rejects. (Typical first exchange: “So which college did you apply to?” “Oh no mate, I turned it down. Wanted something real.”)

At the end of our respective weeks my Leeds friend called me to ask how it was going. I explained that after three days of organised fun, I was being asked to read long books and write essays, and that I hadn’t slept with anyone or made any lifelong friends yet, but things were fine. “How about you?”

“I’m in hospital,” he replied, triumphantly. “Best week of my life.”

He settled in so well that he still hasn’t managed to graduate, six years later. He has quite a lot of debt, but on the other hand he’s also not — technically speaking — unemployed. Yet.

Loughborough College guide

Ease of entry

There were 803 applications to the college via Ucas in 2010, of which 330 were accepted. Entry requirements are varied, some BA (Hons) top-up degree courses ask that students have a minimum of a pass or merit profile in year two of a relevant HND programme. Foundation degree students will need between 200-240 Ucas points.

Vital statistics

University level courses include BTEC Higher National Certificates, Higher National Diplomas (HND), foundation degrees and top-up degrees.

Famous Alumni

Liam Tancock, swimmer and Commonwealth gold medallist

Chris McGeorge, athlete who specialises in the 800 metre running events

Location

Transport links

Local bus: There are good local bus services which run between the college, town centre and the train station every 12 minutes. See Kinchbus for more details of local services.

Train: Services to London St Pancras, Sheffield, Nottingham and Norwich run regularly. See National Rail for more details of services.

Air: East Midlands Airport is a short train ride or bus journey from Loughborough campus.

Coach: The town of Loughborough is well served by National Express coaches.

Town attractions/ambience

Loughborough is the largest town in Leicestershire and has a population of 55,000. Its centre contains a selection of shops and cities such as Leicester and Nottingham are never too far away.

Recreational areas such as Charnwood Forest, Beacon Hill and the Outwoods are not too far away from the college.

Nightlife

There is a good choice of restaurants, pubs and bars but those in search of a vibrant clubbing culture will need to hop on a train to Leicester of Nottingham.

Facilities and finances

Accommodation

The college offers a wide range of accommodation including standard and en suite rooms within traditional halls of residence. Students who apply for halls can choose between a room in a purpose-built complex, or a room within clusters of specially adapted Victorian houses. The Victorian houses are located around the college campus.

Loughborough College can also arrange for homestay arrangements – a room within a private family home.

Average cost of college accommodation

The prices for the academic year 2011/12 are as follows:

Rooms in the modern halls of residence will cost ￡81 per week (standard room) or ￡91 a week (en suite).

A single room in the older halls of residence will cost ￡54 per week, or ￡32.50 per week for a shared room.

Local living costs

As previously mentioned, the college is able to arrange half-board accommodation on a homestay agreement. A single room will cost roughly ￡112 per week, or around ￡92 per week for a share in a double occupancy room.

Alternatively, students may opt for alternative private sector accommodation. A room within a shared student house or flat in Loughborough can be secured for around ￡65 – ￡75 per week.

Education facilities

The Learning Resource Centre houses a silent study area, two individual study rooms and a small computer room. There are also two additional computer drop-in areas.

Resources are varied and include a wide range of printed and electronic materials. The college maintains an interesting special collections archive which includes collections of popular reading materials, careers information as well as local history archives.

Student union

Loughborough Students' Union is a student-run organisation which caters for the needs of both Loughborough College students and Loughborough University students. The union hosts regular events across its many bars and venues including quizzes and club nights. There is also a separate Loughborough Students Athletics Union which campaigns for wider international access to sport and organises sporting events amongst its members.

Sports facilities

The sports facilities at Loughborough College opened in 2008 and provide students with a chance to pursue their sporting interests whilst obtaining academic qualifications. The facilities include a rubber crumb pitch, a fitness studio, a large spinning studio, a spacious dance studio, a physiology lab and a multi-purpose sports hall.

The college also shares its sports facilities with Loughborough University.

Other Campus facilities

Other facilities include a multi-faith room, a fully operational travel agency, a day nursery, a hair and beauty training and commercial academy and Futures Restaurant.

Contact information

Telephone: 01509 215831

Address: Loughborough College, Radmoor Road, Leicestershire, LE11 3BT.

Website: www.loucoll.ac.uk

‧ To update any of the information in this profile, please email uniguides@telegraph.co.uk

Lincoln College guide

Ease of entry

There were 86 applications made through Ucas in 2010, of which 69 applicants managed to secure places. Entry requirements for higher education courses at this college are flexible and previous work experience and apprenticeships are often recognised as reasons for admittance to a course.

Vital statistics

The college's Violin School at Newark has an international reputation and successfully attracts a number of international students each year. The college offers a range of Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, as well as foundation degrees in the fields of sports, health and construction management.

Famous Alumni

Mark Chaloner, squash player and Commonwealth gold medallist (1998)

Location

Transport links

Train: Lincoln Train Station is within a few minutes walk of the city centre and Lincoln College. Newark Northgate station serves students at Newark College and Gainsborough Lee Road station is the major station for students at the Gainsborough college and receives regular services for Lincoln. For specific details on journeys, including prices and times; check National Rail's Inquiry page.

Coach: Competitive fares and travel-card schemes provides students with value for money transport. The earlier you book travel, the cheaper the prices are in and around the city. Please see National Express for more details.

Bus: Click here for local bus timetables.

Air: The following airports can be reached within a one hour drive from Lincoln: Humberside International, the Robin Hood Airport in Doncaster and East Midlands airport.

Town attractions/ ambience

Lincoln is a city sprinkled with cultural delights. The historic Castle Square and the third largest cathedral in Britain help to transport visitors back to the medieval times. A stroll down the ancient cobbled streets will always turn up colourful boutique shops and quirky independent stores..

The high street lies at the foot of the olde-world style landscape and offers a range of amenities, including a typical selection of high street shops, cafes and juice bars.

Nightlife

There are plenty of modern bars in the city of Lincoln and nightlife improves year on year. The constant stream of new students and visitors mean that venues such as the Engine Shed are rarely empty. Students in the know recommend The Cloud Bar, The Glasshouse and Revolution as places worthy of night-time visits.

Facilities and finances

Accommodation

The college is unable to provide any accommodation of its own. However, it does assist those who are looking to secure a place to stay in the local area.

Options include: homestay arrangements with local families (meals included); a room within privately-owned halls of residence; or a room within a shared flat or house.

Local living costs

The college expects students to pay around ￡85 per week for homestay accommodation, between ￡60 and ￡80 for a room in halls of residence and roughly ￡50 per week for a room in a shared student house or flat.

Other costs

If not included in the rent, it is recommended that students set aside ￡5 – ￡10 per week to cover the cost of utility bills.

Education facilities

There are library and learning resource centres available at all three sites. Each facility is divided into individual, group and quiet study areas. Resources include over 55,000 books, periodicals and electronic and multimedia resources.

Sporting facilities

Sports and fitness enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that Lincoln and Newark colleges offer a range of facilities including fitness suites, squash courts and a multi-purpose sports hall.

Students' Union

The Students' Union campaigns on behalf of students and organises activities across all of Lincoln's campuses.

Other Campus facilities

Other campus facilities include: hair and beauty salons; a choice of eateries; a nursery and the Sessions Restaurant.

Contact information

Telephone: 01522 876000

Website: www.lincolncollege.ac.uk

Address: Lincoln College, Monks Road, Lincoln, LN2 5HQ.

‧ To update any of the information in this profile, please email uniguides@telegraph.co.uk

Communication and media studies degree course guide

Students tend to enjoy this course more than most, although be warned: media jobs are by no means guaranteed at the end of it.?Photo: Jim Ryce/Rex Features

"With telephone and TV it is not so much the message as the sender that is 'sent.'" Marshall McLuhan

What qualification do you leave with?

Most media-related programmes are awarded with BA degrees but volume of opportunities to study contemporary culture and mass communication with complimentary areas of study mean that there's a variety of courses available.

Standard degree length is three years.

What does it cover?

Cardiff University's BA in Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies gives students a background in mass communication, the major theories of journalism along with criticism of popular culture and conducting media research. Cardiff's reputation as a centre of excellence for journalism is underlined by its involvement in projects such research for our own columnist Peter Oborne's Channel 4 documentary about Islamophobia (see pamphlet) and its help with investigative reporter Nick Davies' must-read book Flat Earth News. The University of East Anglia runs a number of highly-rated courses which combine disciplines such as the BA in Politics and Media which studies the reporting and presentation of politics and could prepare students to be the next Jeremy Bowen. Such has been the expansion and diversification in media in recent decades that its possible to specialise in a many different disciplines and platforms. The University of Worcester's creative digital media programme prepares students for the increasing domination of online and IT-based media with its modules in web design, 3D animation and a mandatory course in digital film production.

What can you expect?

From the fame-hungry to the tech-savvy, the influence and popularity of all kinds of media makes defining a stereotypical student or generic department an impossible job.

What are the usual A-levels you need?

Requirements differ from institution to institution but students are often asked to bring a portfolio with them to interview and should be prepared to sound passionate about the media. Confidence and an entrepreneurial streak can be the most useful assets students can call on.

Career prospects

Unsurprisingly, as the media's role has grown in society so have the legions of people who want a media-related career. Though degrees are essential for many posts, it is rare that degrees alone will allow you to waltz into a post, so be prepared to show off your X factor at every opportunity.

Top places to study

The latest Complete University Guide (published in April 2011) rates Warwick, UEA, Nottingham Trent, Sheffield and Sussex as the top five universities for this subject according to an index based on student satisfaction, entry standards, an assessment of the quality of the university's research; and graduate prospects.

Expat guide to Kenya: schools

Aga Khan Academy, founded in 2003, is the first in what is predicted to be a group of 18 schools across east Africa, the Middle East and central and southern Asia operated by the charitable fund of the Aga Khan, which finances health, education, cultural and economic projects.

The school is on an 18-acre site overlooking the Indian Ocean in this southern port city. Facilities include a striking outdoor amphitheatre, a 550-seat dining hall, a swimming and diving pool, a sports hall, three squash courts and an artificial turf pitch.

It has a multinational staff and pupil roll, and trades on its position offering International Baccalaureate programmes from primary school to pre-university.

The academy aims to take on pupils with strong academic and leadership potential from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds: a fifth of pupils receive subsidised fees, including some full scholarships.

The school currently has 625 pupils from the kindergarten to year 12, of whom around half are from Indian backgrounds, 40 per cent are from African families, while the remaining 10 per cent are from Europe and other parts of the world. The school recently added a boarding section.

Curriculum:

The school, which once ran IGCSE courses, now offers the International Baccalaureate throughout: the IB’s primary programme is followed by its middle years course, and then the IB diploma for the final two years.

IB programmes require pupils to pursue wide-ranging study right to the end of their schooling (the IB diploma requires a breadth of study which a student wanting to specialise could avoid at A-level), emphasising critical thinking, civic responsibility, project work and internationalism, alongside conventional subject teaching.

Results:

Average annual IB Diploma points scores have so far ranged between 32.2 and 32.4 points out of 45, says the school. This compares to a worldwide average for all schools of 29.5 in 2010.

Admission:

Pupils at all levels are expected to demonstrate potential for high academic achievement. For the IB Diploma course, they must be “outstanding” academically, says the school, while also being committed to community service.

Children are expected to provide reports from previous schools, will be tested in subjects, including non-verbal reasoning and creative writing, and will also be interviewed.

Fees:

Tuition fees for day students are relatively low, ranging from 189,000 to 376,000 Kshi (￡1,286-￡2,558) annually. Boarders from Africa pay 554,400-806,400 Kshi (￡3,772-￡5,498) annually, while those from outside Africa are charged US $10,920-$16,140 (￡6,771-￡10,009) a year.

What the school says:

“We are the first of 18 academies to be established, providing a world-class education to students of high academic ability who display strong leadership ability, regardless of religious, cultural or socio-economic background. The aim is to grow leaders of tomorrow.” Rob Burrough, headteacher.

What the parents say:

“The school has got a campus and facilities which are second to none. I also personally think there are problems with International GCSEs and A-levels, in terms of preparation for university. The IB offers something completely different, which is attractive.” Julian Fay, who has a son and a daughter at the school.

BRAEBURN, NAIROBI

Braeburn is a day school for three- to 18-year-olds, comprising separate prep and high schools.

Background:

Located in an expat suburb about three miles west of the city centre, Braeburn is part of a group of 13 schools, educating 2,700 pupils, in Kenya and Tanzania. Senior staff say this scale offers extensive resources on which the school can draw, including shared teacher development programmes.

The group’s origins date to 1968, with the establishment of Braeburn House International School, set up by an English expat and taking the residential area’s colonial name. It passed to the present owners in 1979.

The school’s 870 pupils come from a remarkable 88 different nationalities. Kenyans make up 26 per cent of the roll, followed by Britons on 17 per cent, with around nine per cent from Indian families.

The prep and high schools are on neighbouring sites, which have been extended in recent years. Facilities include two theatres, a sports complex, a new sixth-form block, two swimming pools, five computing labs and a dance studio.

Traffic congestion is an issue in Nairobi and, while the school lays on efficient buses, many families choose to live near the school. Braeburn recently gained the Council of International Schools accreditation.

Curriculum:

The school follows the English national curriculum from the early years through to key stage three. The foundation stage for three- and four-year-olds is followed by national curriculum teaching across 12 subjects, from English, maths and science to drama, religious education and French. Students move on to International GCSEs at the high school. Since 2010, they have been able to follow this with A-level studies in the sixth form.

Results:

Last year, the school had 38 per cent of entries graded A* or A in its International GCSE exams, with 94 per cent of pupils gaining five or more A*-Cs.

The school’s first A-level group are taking the exams this year.

Admission:

Non-selective, although pupils can be tested to determine their needs. The school takes some special educational needs pupils, and has an additional learning support unit, as well as language support and a gifted and talented programme.

Fees:

These range from 327,600 to 962,500 Kshi (￡2,229-￡6,549) annually for tuition, with extra charges for lunch and transport. A deposit of 5,000-15,000 Kshi (￡34-￡102) is also charged when a child joins the school.

What the school says:

“We value and celebrate diversity. We develop and nurture a successful blend of creativity, confidence and courtesy, which will equip young people to cope with the demands of life in the 21st century”. Andy Hill, headteacher.

What the parents say:

“Not only does the school strive to make the overall package a happy one, but efforts have been made to push our kids to excel in academic, sporting and performing pursuits. All three children are ready for the forthcoming challenges, partly as a result of having had such a great learning experience.” Stewart Johnson, who has two boys and a girl at Braeburn, and is preparing to return to the UK.

BROOKHOUSE, NAIROBI

Popular day and boarding school, where younger children learn in a “castle”

Background:

Situated about six miles to the south-west of Nairobi and with a 30-year history, Brookhouse was reputedly the first English national curriculum school in Kenya to apply and gain accreditation from the Council of International Schools.

It may also be the only school in Kenya where pupils are taught in buildings which look like a castle. This is the prep section, and the design came after pupils were asked four years ago what kind of school they wanted.

John O’Connor, the school’s director, said: “I’ve always believed that the physical environment can make a lot of difference to the children’s educational experience, but seeing this crystallised that, in how excited they are to come to school every day.”

The school caters for two to 19 year-olds. There are currently 700 pupils, including 200 boarders, housed in separate boys’ and girls’ houses. There are 41 nationalities; around a third of pupils come from European families; around 45 per cent are from Africa; and most of the rest are from Asian backgrounds.

Facilities include a 400-seat auditorium which the school says is “the finest theatre venue in the country” and an indoor sports centre.

The school’s ethos is heavily influenced by its membership of Round Square, the international organisation, founded by the German educationist Kurt Hahn, which emphasises community service and social responsibility.

Curriculum:

Brookhouse teaches an adapted version of the English national curriculum up to year eight. Pupils can also opt to study two languages. In year nine, pupils prepare for their International GCSE studies, which then follow in years 10 and 11. Pupils with good IGCSE results then proceed to A-level.

The school offers the BTEC Business and Technology National Diploma in Music, run by Britain’s Edexcel exam board, which can be taken alongside A-levels.

Results:

82 per cent of pupils’ entries were at A*-C in International GCSE exams in 2010. The corresponding figure for A-level was 69 per cent.

Admissions:

Children have to present reports from their last school and may be interviewed and/or asked to take an entrance exam. The school caters for children with less severe special educational needs and also educates many for whom English is a second language.

Fees:

360,000-1,140,000 Kenyan Shillings (￡2,451-￡7,762) annually for day pupils. Boarding fees range from 1,635,000 to 1,875,000 Kshs (￡11,132-￡12,760) a year. There is also a non-refundable registration fee of 25,000 Kshs (￡170), while the charge for bus transport (optional) is 97,500 Kshs (￡664) annually.

What the school says:

“Brookhouse offers the celebration of all the cultures of Africa for students from all around the world. We are very proud that we are an international school that happens to be in Africa. Nairobi is also a wonderful place to grow up: it’s an incredibly cosmopolitan environment.” John O’Connor, director.

What the parents say:

“It’s an excellent school. It’s got a good social mix, and a strong teaching staff, who really look at the whole child, rather than just the academic side of things.” Ashton Towler, who has two daughters and a son at the school.

This piece was originally published in the Telegraph Weekly World Edition

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Lewisham College guide

Famous Alumni

Natasha Bedingfield, singer

Daniel Bedingfield, singer

Bianca Jagger, activist and ex-model/wife of Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger

Location

Transport links

Local bus:

All three sites are well served by London's bus routes. For more information see Transport for London.

Train:

The main campus located between three stations, St John's Rail, Lewisham and Brockley. All these stations are connected to London's extensive underground and overground network. See Transport for London for local train services. For national rail service to London see National Rail.

Air:

Heathrow and Gatwick Airports are both major international airports and are well-connected to central London. London City Airport serves the UK, Europe and the USA is the closest to the college.

Coach:

See National Express for more information.

Town attractions/ ambience

London is one of the world's major capital cities with all the culture, excitement, vibrancy and facilities that this brings. Lewisham, whilst centrally located, has its own South London identity. Good transport links mean it's minutes from the greenery of Greenwich and only a short journey from the undulating hills of Kent.

Nightlife

From small pubs to giant clubs, London has it all, and the O2 Arena isn't too far from all three sites and attracts the biggest stars in the world.

Facilities and finances

Accommodation

There's currently no accommodation provided.

Local living costs

London prices start from around ￡90 per week for a room in a shared house.

Education facilities

Skill Builder Workshops allow students to build on relevant skills outside their direct area of study and the Literacy Point is especially useful considering the high proportion of students for whom English is a second or third language. A training restaurant and beauty salon also allow the student body to enjoy the fruits of their fellow students' labour.

Student union

The Lewisham College student magazine relaunched in 2010 and informs students of college news, events and support available.

Sporting facilities

The fitness centre is available to students during evenings and weekends and students can arrange to have a personal trainer.

Contact information

Telephone: 0800 834 545

Address: Lewisham College, Lewisham Way, London SE4 1UT

Website: www.lewisham.ac.uk

‧ To update any of the information in this profile, please email uniguides@telegraph.co.uk

Expat guide to India: schools

The school, which is not-for-profit and managed by a parent body called the British School Society, is in the diplomatic district of New Delhi. Many of its British pupils have parents working for the British High Commission.

About one third of the 700 pupils here are sons and daughters of diplomats, and by nationality the school breaks down into one third Indian pupils, one third British citizens and one third “other”, with more than 50 nationalities represented overall.

It is perhaps unsurprising, then, that the school seems very committed to internationalism. Graham Ranger, the director, says the “Indian spirit” pervades school life, with plentiful references in the curriculum to the local context.

Voluntary work against the backdrop of poverty among local people also important.

Mr Ranger also stresses the British School’s current “small school” feel, with a maximum of 60 in a year group ensuring personalised attention for pupils.

The school’s six-acre site is, Mr Ranger admits, “not massive”, but houses facilities including a multi-purpose sports field; an auditorium; and art, photography, music and performance workshops.

However, the buildings are due to be replaced over the next five years, with construction work starting within the year. The new campus, on the same site, will feature a sports centre including a swimming pool and an arts centre. Eventually, 1,300 pupils will be educated here.

Curriculum:

The British School operates a curriculum model which will be familiar to anyone with children recently educated in England, with the English Early Years Foundation Stage followed by Key Stages 1 and 2. There are, of course, local variations, with Hindi taught along with French at Key Stage 2.

Key stage 3, for 11 to 14 year-olds, is also modelled on the English system, again with Hindi offered as one of three language options (pupils take up to two languages from Year 7), with International GCSEs then following. Finally, in the sixth form, students take the International Baccalaureate diploma. Extracurricular programmes include the student council; Model UN; art, music, drama and sport; and a high achievers programme.

Results:

The school’s results are good, bearing in mind that it is not highly selective, it says. Some 45 per cent of entries at IGCSE were awarded A* or A this year. For the International Baccalaureate diploma, the average points score was 31 in 2011, which was down slightly on the 33 figure for 2010.

Admission:

The school is full, operates a waiting list and getting in can take some time for some families and some year groups. Applications are prioritised through a series of rules including nationality, with British families put first.

Although not stressing academic selection, the school asks children to take admissions tests. The school offers both special needs and language support.

Fees:

Tuition charges range from 284,000 Indian Rupees (￡3,664) a year for younger children to Rs456,000 (￡5,884) annually for sixth formers. Parents also pay one-off capital expenditure and admissions charges of Rs435,000 (￡5,611) and annual fees of Rs5,450 (￡70) for items including insurance and the parent-school organisation. Exam fees, meals and transport cost extra.

What the school says:

“The Indian spirit of the school is very important: it pervades everything we do. For example, within the curriculum, the backdrop is global, with as much reference to India as to the UK.” Graham Ranger, director.

What the parents say:

“It is very easy to take the school out of context and expect it to be a mini-England, which it is not. It has an English curriculum, but the context is Indian. My kids’ experience is that they are very happy, and the teaching has been really solid.” Lucy Phillips, who has a 12-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son at the school.

THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, BANGALORE

High-achieving boarding and day school in expansive setting serving “India’s Silicon Valley”.

Background:

TISB, as it is known, sits in verdant surroundings on a huge – 120 acres – site 15 miles outside Bangalore.

The school was founded in 2000, and is said to have been the first in India to offer the International Baccalaureate diploma. It is one of a chain of nine institutions in India and Singapore set up by the education entrepreneur K? P Gopalakrishna.

TISB has 950 pupils, of whom nearly 400 are boarders. About 30 nationalities are represented, with American citizens – many of them the children of Indian-born parents who have been living in the US – the largest group. Americans form about a quarter of the roll, there is a sizeable contingent from East Asia and there are just over 50 British children enrolled.

Booming Bangalore is home to a host of IT companies, including IBM, Hewlett Packard and Cisco, plus other household name firms including Goldman Sachs and Shell, meaning the school attracts plenty of internationally minded families.

The facilities, described as resembling a “five-star resort” by parent Claudia Philips or a “botanic garden” by TISB’s principal, are spectacular. An athletics track, cricket pitches and pavilion, football and hockey fields and two auditoriums — including one seating 1,400 people — are among the attractions.

Curriculum:

Children in the school’s early years and primary phases (ages three to 11) follow an adapted version of the English national curriculum, incorporating the English Early Years Foundation Stage and then the Cambridge International Primary Programme. The latter offers an international take on England’s curriculum for English, maths and science.

In the middle years (11-15), the school has its own curriculum, building on the foundations of the Cambridge primary programme and preparing the pupils for the next phase: International GCSEs. These are followed by the International Baccalaureate diploma for 16 to 18 year-olds. The IB provides a broader, less specialised approach to sixth form study than A-levels, with students required to study the arts, sciences, a language and to carry out community service and write an extended essay.

The school stresses its extra-curricular work, including music, art and drama and a deep commitment to the “Model United Nations” activity, which sees students travelling abroad every year.

Results:

The school says it is one of the top institutions for IGCSE and IB results in Asia. Latest figures show 67 per cent of exam entries gaining A* or A grades at IGCSE, compared with a figure of 23 per cent for UK domestic exams in 2011, while the average IB performance was 35 points out of 45 (the worldwide average in recent years has been 29.5 points). It also highlights the leading UK and US university destinations of recent alumni. Last year these included Oxford, Cambridge, MIT, Stanford and leading London University colleges.

Admission:

The school sets entrance tests for children in grade 1 (for six and seven year-olds) upwards, while prospective pupils are also interviewed and TISB may ask for references from previous schools. The school says “students should be of good academic ability and good character”. There is a waiting list, with admissions usually completed by June for each academic year, which begins in August. The school has a few pupils with moderate special needs.

Fees:

US$ 4,500-$11,000 (￡2,846-￡6,957) a year for day pupils, and $11,000-$11,500 (￡6,957-￡7,273) annually for boarders, plus one-off admissions and registration charges of $2,900 (￡1,834), a “materials and maintenance” charge of up to $1,260 (￡797) a year and extras including exam fees and optional transport costs.

What the school says:

“Our structure is not so different from that of a top UK boarding school. We provide strong pastoral care and a very strong academic programme. We deliberately create a culture which welcomes students from all backgrounds.” Matthew Sullivan, principal

What the parents say:

“It’s an Indian version of an English school, in a much better setting. ” Claudia Philips, who has a son and a daughter in the primary section.

This article was originally published in the Telegraph Weekly World Edition

Return to the Expat country profiles index

Expat guide to France: schools

Now, this 840-pupil institution in a wealthy area of west Paris is much more international, with 51 nationalities — mainly European —on its roll. Some 35 per cent of pupils are British.

The school says it emphasises the rounded qualities of a traditional British education, including sport, the arts and the pastoral system. Results are very good, despite the school being non-selective. Its pastoral structure sees each year’s cohort divided into tutor groups, and tutors track children’s progress closely.

BSP is situated on two campuses on the banks of the river Seine, in an area well known for its links with the Impressionists: Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh and Pissarro all painted nearby. The primary school is located in a modern building on a three-acre site, while facilities at the secondary school include a small theatre, an indoor sports hall, and a rock climbing wall.

BSP differs from some international schools in catering for children with special needs (SEN): each section of the school has an SEN department with qualified staff.

Curriculum:

The school follows the English national curriculum throughout, with children progressing from the Early Years Foundation Stage — which operates in English primary schools — through key stages 1 and 2. At the end of the primary phase, pupils go on an activity week in the Ardeche, in the south of France, which offers outdoor activities and the chance to complete a geographical study of the area.

In the secondary section, key stage 3, featuring a broad range of academic subjects for 11 to 14-year-olds, is followed by GCSEs and A-levels.

Results:

Appear to be outstanding, and in line with leading selective independent schools in the UK, the school says. In 2010, 60 per cent of GCSE entries were at A* or A, compared to a UK average of 22 per cent. At A-level, 55 per cent of BSP grades were at A*-A (UK figure: 27 per cent).

Admission:

The school is non-selective, so there are no entry tests. Parents visit the school, and must complete an application form, and provide previous school reports.

Fees:

Range from €10,000 (￡8,673) annually for the nursery class to €22,583 (￡19,586) for the sixth form. Parents must also pay a €1,000 ( ￡867) (€500 in the nursery) registration fee, and there is a one-off, non-refundable charge of €5,000 (￡4,337) for the school’s development fund. Compulsory school trips are charged at around 1,000 euros.

What the school says: “We are delivering a very British education, here in France. The perception of British education here in France is excellent at the moment, as we teach our pupils to be successful in a 21st century society which is constantly changing.” Steffen Sommer, headmaster

What the parents say:

“This is our seventh year at the school, so we are very happy. I’m lucky, because all four of my children are academically quite strong, and the school offers them the challenge that they need. The school also balances this academic focus with after-school activities: all of my children are, for example, learning at least one musical instrument.” Sofie Ameloot, who has children at the school aged nine to 17

Visit the school's website here

MOUGINS SCHOOL

“Happy” school in beautiful wooded surroundings on the Cote d’Azur

Background:

Mougins is another day-school teaching the English national curriculum to an international clientele.

Founded in 1964, it has been at its current home, in wooded, hilly countryside to the north of Cannes and to the west of Nice, since 1987.

It is close to the high-tech science park of Sofia Antipolis, which was designed to become a European version of Silicon Valley, and whose companies once employed the majority of Mougins parents. However, only four per cent of its pupils now have their fees paid by these companies.

Some 32 per cent of its 450 pupils are British, while a further 20 per cent are French, with 36 nationalities represented. Some British parents work in the UK during the week and live here at the weekends; the school is only 25 minutes from Nice airport.

The school’s wood-clad buildings include a library, a large gym, art studios and science labs.

Curriculum:

Children follow the English national curriculum until they are 14, with adaptations, such as studying local aspects of geography. Pupils generally take at least eight subjects at International GCSE, followed by A-levels.

Results:

In 2010, 45 per cent of the school’s IGCSE entries were at A*-A, while at A-level, the corresponding A*/A figure was almost the same, at 44 per cent.

Admission:

Non-selective. The school asks for children’s school reports, but there are no entrance tests. The school has a special needs teacher. Teaching is in English at secondary level.

Fees:

Vary from €5,400 (￡4,683) a year for the early years class for three-year-olds to €14,800 (￡12,835) annually for years 10 to 13. There is also an application fee of €800 (￡694) for the first child, reducing to €600 (￡520) for the second child, €400 (￡347) for the third and nothing for any further children.

What the school says:

“We are like a large family. We do not just develop the academic side of things, which is important, but we develop the pupils culturally, socially and in terms of sport, so we create a happy child within that family.” Brian Hickmore, headmaster

What the parents say:

“It’s not a very pushily academic school, and they take in pupils from all walks of life, but the results are very good. It has a very good drama and music department, and languages are quite strong. The site is beautiful. As a school, I’d say it’s a good all-rounder.” Carol Mueller, who has boys aged 17 and 14 at Mougins.

Visit the school's website here

BORDEAUX INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

An unusual school catering for parents wanting tuition in both English and French

Background:

This is a very small school of only 99 pupils, offering a highly distinctive programme of truly bilingual education.

In the primary section, half of each day is taught in English, and half in French, with maths taught in both languages; English and science taught in English; history and geography in French, and so on. Even a third language features in a small way, as music is taught in Spanish. In the secondary school, the teaching is in English (see below).

The school says it is the smallest to have won accreditation from the Council of International Schools, and the only bilingual private school to be recognised by the French state.

Class sizes run to a maximum of 12 children, with youngsters sometimes taught ahead of their age group if they are making good progress.

Founded in 1988, BIS is situated near the centre of Bordeaux, its buildings grouped around an enclosed courtyard. Around half of the pupils are French, while 30 per cent are British.

The school offers boarding — with a local French host family — as well as day provision.

Curriculum:

In the early years, (ages 2? to five) English-speaking pupils follow an adapted version of the English national curriculum, while French children follow the French national programme, with all pupils spending an equal amount of time in both languages.

In primary and early secondary (ages six to13), bilingual instruction continues under a programme which blends the English and French curricula.

For the rest of secondary school, pupils are taught in English as they prepare for International GCSEs, which are offered in 14 subjects, and A-levels, available in 10 disciplines.

Results:

Some 36 per cent of pupils gained A* or A at GCSE in 2010. At A-level, 40 per cent achieved an A or A* grade last year.

Admission:

The school is non-selective, although it does look at previous school reports, and says it will not accept children for International GCSE courses who have a history of poor behaviour. Pupils will need a minimum of a GCSE grade B in a subject to study it at A-level.

Fees:

Day charges range from €3,042 (￡2,638) a year for early learning (morning) classes to €15,500 (￡13,442) annually for A-level courses. Registration fees run from €500 (￡434) for the first child to nothing for the fourth. Boarders are charged €8,220 (￡7,129) extra.

What the school says:

“We are a strong community. Parents are attracted here not so much because of the English curriculum — we offer the core of both the English and French systems - but because of the attraction of learning a second language.” Christine Cussac, school director

What the parents say:

“It’s exactly what my daughter needed, because it has given her very good French, which she did not have when joining the school. They get the children to a top level in both French and English. She will now take the 11-plus for schools in England.” Charlotte Stewardson, who is French and married to an Englishman, and whose daughter, Margaux, nine, joined the school two years ago.

Visit the school's website here

This article was originally published in the Telegraph Weekly World Edition

Return to the Expat country profiles index.

Non-Euro mod lang degree course guide

This course offer students the chance to get to grips with the language and cultures of a major non-European country or countries?Photo: Jeff Blackler/Rex Features

"Any man who does not make himself proficient in at least two languages other than his own is a fool." Martin H. Fischer

What qualification do you leave with?

Usually a BA. Scottish universities typically offer MAs.

What does it cover?

Chinese courses seem likely to grow in popularity, as the country's economic boom drives new career opportunities for British graduates with linguistic capabilities. Degrees vary in the extent to which they emphasise contemporary Chinese – Leeds offers a course entitled "modern Chinese" – or the language in its classical form: London's School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) expects all students to study classical Chinese alongside the modern form for at least two years. Generally, options allow students to focus on subjects ranging from art and archaeology to literature and religion, and there are also chances to learn about Chinese business and enterprise.

Japanese is said to be one of the world's hardest languages, its lack of connection and similarity with English making it a challenging subject for many. Students on most courses will grapple with reading and writing the characters of the Japanese language, while building fluency in conversation, grammar and comprehension. Japanese degrees generally give undergraduates the chance to explore both the ancient origins of Japanese culture and its hi-tech contemporary expression, as well as taking modules on linguistics, the politics of Japan and its neighbours, and, in some cases, on the language and culture of proximate societies including China, Korea and Thailand.

Students wanting to immerse themselves in the language, cultures and often conflict-laden histories of the Indian subcontinent have a range of courses to choose from. At SOAS, South Asian Studies covers India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal, with undergraduates specialising in one of six languages. At Edinburgh, students can take South Asian Studies in combination either with Social Anthropology or Sociology. At Leeds, a range of joint honours degrees cover South East Asian Studies, embracing Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Indonesia. SOAS also offers courses in languages including Burmese, Thai, Vietnamese and Korean, while Sheffield also offers Korean.

Undergraduates attracted to the language and civilisations of the Middle East also have a range of possible destinations. Arabic – language, culture, history and politics – is taught at universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Exeter, Manchester and SOAS, all of which also offer Persian, while Oxford, Manchester, SOAS and King's College London teach Turkish. Hebrew is taught at universities including Oxford, Cambridge, St Andrews and University College London. Middle Eastern Studies is offered by universities including Edinburgh, Leeds and Manchester.

Finally, students can take a degree in African studies at either Birmingham or at SOAS. Academics at Birmingham have particular expertise in West Africa, but the course covers the entire continent, including the historic relationship with Europe, the experience of the African diaspora in the Caribbean and the interaction of African peoples with Islam. Students also get the chance to learn the West African language of Yoruba. At SOAS, Yoruba is one of six languages taught, with the focus being on the culture, history and politics of sub-Saharan Africa.

What to expect

A chance to focus on any of a huge range of cultures, with language learning usually central.

What are the usual A-levels you need?

Generally, an A-levels in the language to be studied is not required, with universities expecting that most students will begin language learning from scratch. In some cases, a language degree of some sort is preferred. Universities often make requirements of higher grades at GCSE in subjects such as English, maths and a language.

Career prospects

Modern linguists are generally in demand, and the small numbers of students taking many of these degrees will give them highly specialised skills in the jobs market. Graduates emerging with knowledge of the language and societies of countries including China, Japan and India will find business opportunities associated with the trade the UK does with these powerful economies. Graduates from the featured subjects also find work in non government organisations such as the United Nations, Oxfam and other charities, in the civil and diplomatic services, in teaching and in journalism.

Top places to study

The Complete University Guide rates Cambridge, Oxford, the School of Oriental and African Studies, Cardiff and Nottingham as the top five universities for East and South Asian Studies (including Chinese and Japanese) according to an index based on student satisfaction; entry standards; an assessment of the quality of the university's research; and graduate prospects. The guide does not provide ratings for other subjects listed here.

Other modern European languages degree course guide

Modern linguists are generally in demand, thanks to their ability to communicate where others fail?Photo: Markku Ulander/Rex Features

"Language is the dress of thought." Samuel Johnson

What qualification do you leave with?

Usually a BA. Scottish universities typically offer MAs

What does it cover?

Portuguese, Scandinavian and Russian/Eastern European studies enable students to get to grips with languages and cultures which are less widely-studied in the UK. This potentially gives graduates in these subjects scarcity value for employers, while often these courses benefit from having small teaching groups. All these courses include linguistic study, from beginner level, throughout the degree, and also offer a year abroad at university, working in a school or on work placement.

Portuguese, which outside the universities of Oxford and Cambridge is usually offered in combination with another subject in a joint honours degree, gives students the chance to acquire fluency in the language, histories, literature, film and wider culture not only of Portugal, but of Brazil and of African nations including Angola and Mozambique. It is also possible to study Portuguese as part of Hispanic Studies courses which also embrace Spanish language and culture. (See Spanish/Hispanic Studies).

Scandinavian Studies courses are available at the universities of Aberdeen, Edinburgh and University College London. Students get the chance to learn Danish, Norwegian or Swedish, while encountering the literature of their specialist country from the Middle Ages to the modern period, studying the history and politics of the region and being given the chance to specialise in aspects ranging from linguistics to music. Specialist options include "The Enlightenment in Scandinavia", "Ingmar Bergman and cinema" and "Nordic welfare states and social democracy". UCL also offers modules covering Finland and Iceland, and a course in Viking Studies.

Russian/Eastern European studies is more widely offered, and allows students to investigate these rapidly developing though persistently enigmatic societies, their often traumatic histories and their rich cultural backgrounds. Students will be able to select options including a focus on Russian writers including Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, on modern Russian history, on individual personal experiences of the Soviet regime and, in some courses, to take complementary language study in Czech, Polish or Ukrainian.

European Studies tends to emphasise contemporary continental politics and history, which students can study while building fluency in one or two European languages. Some courses, such as that at University College London, also offer students the chance to specialise in aspects of European civilisation much wider than politics, including anthropology, law, philosophy and urban planning, while modules taught at the University of Essex include "sociology of the new Europe" and "art, sex and death in 18th century Europe". Students will also learn about the institutions and politics of the European Union.

What to expect

A chance to follow your interests in learning about fascinating cultures less commonly investigated in this country.

What are the usual A-levels you need?

These degrees tend not to insist on the relevant language at A-level, as they offer teaching in the subject for beginner linguists. Teaching is, however, generally tailored so that those who do have proficiency will be taught at a higher linguistic level in the degree's initial years. Many courses require or prefer a language of some kind at A-level. Good GCSE grades in English, maths and sometimes a language are also often stipulated.

Career prospects

Modern linguists are generally in demand, and those fluent in either Portuguese, in Scandinavian languages or in Eastern European languages have the added advantage that their skills are relatively rarely found in Britain. Graduates with Portuguese, benefiting from the language's connection with Brazil, and Russian linguists, will gain in particular from the fast-developing opportunities associated with these countries' booming economies. Graduates in these subjects find work as translators/interpreters, in international companies, in journalism and broadcasting, in teaching and in the civil and diplomatic services. European Studies graduates are particularly well-placed to work within the institutions of the European Union.

Top places to study

The Complete University Guide rates Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, St Andrews and Bath as the top five universities for Iberian Languages according to an index based on student satisfaction, entry standards, an assessment of the quality of the university's research and graduate prospects. For Russian and East European Languages, the guide's top-ranked universities are Oxford, Cambridge, St Andrews, Exeter and Bristol. The guide does not provide ratings for Scandinavian Studies and European Studies.

Expat guide to China: schools

Set amidst tree-lined boulevards in an expat area around 10 miles east of the city centre, the school boasts rugby pitches and a cricket square alongside other facilities ranging from a 350-seat theatre to art, music and design and technology studios.

It was established in 2003 and is now one of four schools using the Dulwich College name in China through a franchise arrangement with its near 400-year-old parent institution.

Dulwich College Shanghai has 1,350 pupils, from toddlers to 18-year-olds, of which Americans (18 per cent) are narrowly ahead of Britons (17 per cent) as the largest group. The school is also popular with Australians and families from Hong Kong and Singapore. Overall 42 nationalities are represented.

The youngest children start out in “Ducks” – Dulwich College Kindergarten, Shanghai – before moving to the main campus nearby for primary and secondary education.

Curriculum:

The school follows the English national curriculum from the early years until the end of key stage 3, at 14. In addition, pupils must take Mandarin from year one onwards. There are also local adaptations, particularly in history and geography.

“The English national curriculum lends itself to adaptation very well,” says the headmaster Paul Friend. “The core skills that are required throughout are the cornerstone of our curriculum.”

In the latter years of secondary school, International GCSEs are followed by the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

Results:

Some 75 per cent of IGCSE entries were at A* or A in 2010, which was slightly above the rate for UK independent schools last year. At IB, the average points score was 34 out of 45, with 15 per cent of students scoring more than 40, compared with a worldwide average of 29.5.

Admissions:

Selective. All students are tested from year two upwards, with maths, English and non-verbal reasoning tests to the fore. Second language speakers undergo an assessment in English as a second language.

Children are not selected only on the basis of academic ability, however, says the school, with aptitude for the arts, sport and all-round contribution to school life also considered.

Fees:

Annual tuition charges range from 27,700 Chinese yuan Renminbi (RMB) (￡2,619) for toddlers attending two days a week to 220,600 RMB (￡20,855) for full-time sixth formers. There is a 2,000 RMB (￡189) application fee and an 18,000 RMB (￡1,701) deposit. Lunches and transport are extra, with uniforms and exam fees included.

What the school says:

“We stress academic excellence, but we also recognise that in order to maximise the academic potential of each child, you need to develop them holistically. So sport, music, drama and the arts are very important.” Paul Friend, headmaster.

What the parents say:

“DCS has an 'English’ feel and promotes 'English’ school values, whilst at the same time embracing and integrating Chinese culture.

“The teachers, the support staff and the pupils are extremely capable, polite and welcoming. The standard of tuition and the facilities are excellent. And our children are happy.” Barry Price, who has children aged 17 and seven at DCS.

THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF BEIJING

School emphasising traditional manners, with striking facilities.

Background:

The British School of Beijing is said by its head to be the hub of its expat community, attracting parents from British and other embassies as well as those working for major multi-nationals. It presents itself as stressing old-fashioned courtesy and not tolerating poor behaviour.

Like DCS, the school was established in 2003. Since 2009, it has been operated by Nord Anglia, the British-based company which runs 12 schools internationally, including four in China.

It operates on two sites, one in the central Beijing embassy district of Sanlitun which educates children aged 18 months to 11 years, and a more recently opened campus in the northern suburb of Shunyi, which offers education from age one to 18.

It has 1,150 pupils, the largest group of which are British, who make up about a quarter of the roll. Some 30 per cent are from mainland European families, with North Americans the next largest group among around 50 nationalities.

The Shunyi campus is the more spacious, with a 230-seat theatre, outdoor amphitheatre, an indoor swimming pool and tennis courts among the facilities. The Sanlitun campus is said by the school to have a “cosy” family feel, with a rooftop football pitch and an Astroturf play area among the attractions.

An Independent Schools Inspectorate report has been published on the school this year. It found that “pupils are well educated and their achievement is good”, that “pupils are happy and proud to be part of the school” and documented an outstanding performance by younger pupils in a recent World Maths Day contest.

Inspectors also found some limited options for students in the school’s small (and new) sixth form. The school says it is addressing this through the introduction of a new sixth form centre and new courses.

Curriculum:

The school follows an adapted version of the English national curriculum, from the early years through to the end of key stage 3 at age 14. All pupils study Mandarin in the primary and secondary sections, have the option of after-school classes in another modern language in primary and must study a language in addition to Mandarin in secondary.

International GCSEs at 16 are followed by A-levels in the sixth form. The school also offers more than 40 extra-curricular activities.

Results:

Above the world average at IGCSE last year, and impressive by UK standards. Some 71 per cent of grades were awarded at A*-A, while 89 per cent were at A*-C. Last year, 78 per cent of AS level grades were awarded at A-C.

Admissions:

The school conducts interviews and tests to check it can cater for incoming pupils; some pupils with special needs are referred to a local special school.

It also selects on behaviour: children who have been expelled from other institutions are not admitted.

Fees:

Annual fees range from 87,416 RMB (￡8,264) for children attending each morning in the pre-nursery section to 200,490 RMB (￡18,954) for sixth formers. There is also a one-off 1,600 RMB (￡151) application fee and a 16,000 RMB (￡1,513) deposit.

What the school says:

“The school is proud to be very slightly old-fashioned. We place a great deal of emphasis on the importance of behaviour and social graces, and equally on academic progress.” Mike Embley, executive principal.

What the parents say:

“For me it’s really important that the kids are well behaved and there’s no bullying. The kids are generally happy and really like coming to school. We also valued the fact that the school has a recent good Independent Schools Inspectorate report. Charlotte Davids, who has children aged 14, 11 and seven at the school.

WELLINGTON COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL, TIANJIN

New school about to open in China’s third city, modelled on the famous Berkshire institution.

Background:

This is the first school to be opened with Wellington’s blessing abroad, in what is likely to be a franchise operating in several countries over the next few years.

Situated in the centre of Tianjin, a port city of 10 million some 120km south-east of Beijing, Wellington College International has been billed as a “clone” of its 150-year-old parent school.

“It’s quite amazing when you first spot the school,” says its founding headmaster, David Cook. “It looks like a little bit of England in the middle of Tianjin.”

The school will open in August, with a roll of an expected 500 pupils, rising to 1,200 over the next few years. Initially a day school, it also plans to offer boarding options “when the time is right”.

Facilities include a 500-seat theatre, artificial sports pitches, a swimming pool, art and music rooms and a dance studio. The school, all on one site, also has 90 classrooms.

The school is likely to be popular with the East Asian market, with Korean and Japanese families, alongside Chinese pupils with foreign passports, expected to provide the largest national groups. European pupils will also be well represented, with Britons expected to make up about 15 per cent of the pupil body.

Curriculum:

The original Wellington College has been a very strong advocate of the International Baccalaureate, introducing its programmes throughout its senior school in recent years. Accordingly, the IB approach, blended with the English national curriculum, is strongly favoured in Tianjin.

Children will start at the school following a version of England’s foundation stage. This is followed by the English national curriculum at key stages 2 and 3 (ages five to 14).

Throughout, adaptations will be made to reflect both the locality – children are taught Mandarin from the early years – and by elements of the IB primary and middle years programmes.

Pupils will then study International GCSE courses. Schools must be open before they can be approved to offer the IB diploma course in the sixth form, so initially the school will offer A-levels, then teach the IB as soon as it has permission.

Results:

As this is a new school, these are not yet available.

Admissions:

Selective, although the college says it will take students “with a wide range of talents and abilities”.

Admissions tests, supplemented by interviews, are given to pupils from year two upwards. The school also runs a scholarship programme for those talented in sports and the arts. It also accepts pupils with “mild learning difficulties” on a case-by-case basis.

Fees:

Annual tuition fees range from 140,000 RMB to 195,000 RMB (￡13,235-￡18,434). There is a 2,000 RMB (￡189) registration fee and an 18,000 RMB (￡1,701) placement deposit. Items for which parents must pay extra include school lunches, uniform, transport, individual music tuition and public exam fees.

What the school says:

“We have possibly the best facilities that I have seen in any school in China. The name of Wellington has also attracted the best teaching staff. This will be a success.” David Cook, headmaster.

What the parents say:

“I have attended the Wellington College, Tianjin open days and have a lot of confidence that the school’s vision for their students is much more than a mission statement.” Robin Maivusaroko, who has a 10-year-old son and an eight-year-old daughter about to start at the school.

This piece was originally published in the Telegraph Weekly World Edition

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Other creative arts: film studies/photography, craft, imaginative writing degree course guide

Craft BAs tend to last three years. FdA craft courses usually take two years.

Imaginative writing degrees usually last three years.

What does it cover?

The emphasis in film-related courses tends to vary, depending on the institution, between developing a more academic understanding of cinema and the moving image, and hands-on practical work creating films. Examples of the former approach include the course at Southampton, where modules on "early silent cinema from 1825 to 1928" and "utopian and dystopian science fiction cinema" compete for students' attention beside practical work in a modern video production suite. Courses in film production and cinematography, by contrast, see much more emphasis on building vocational skills of production, directing and editing. Nevertheless, almost all courses include both theoretical/critical and practical modules.

Photography courses tend to have the development of students' photographic skills at their core, with critical, contextual and historical modules used in support to build students' analytical understanding. Courses often culminate in a final degree show of students' work. At universities including Leeds and Roehampton, undergraduates can combine film studies and photography.

Craft degrees can be categorised as those offering the chance to follow an initially broad-based course, such as in design crafts or three dimensional design, and then to specialise within that course; and those targeted throughout at a specialist craft field, including jewellery, furniture design, textiles, theatrical design and embroidery. Most will combine extensive technical and practical work with more theoretical or conceptual study, interaction with current professionals including work placements, and often the opportunity to showcase your work in a degree show.

Creative writing degrees focus on building students' literary and imaginative skills, with guidance not only from course tutors – many of whom will be professional writers themselves – but often from visiting writers and through discussion with fellow students in workshops. Students will also explore the work of established writers through extensive reading. Britain also boasts several scriptwriting degrees, embracing writing for the theatre and radio alongside television and film, as well as courses focused specifically on writing for the screen. Again, the approach is to focus on developing individual writing capability, while developing background understanding of the craft. Workplace placements are often central to these courses.

What can you expect?

The chance to develop practical creative skills while building theoretical and background knowledge. This will prepare many graduates for a place in Britain's established and often thriving creative industries.

What are the usual A-levels you need?

Film studies/photography: universities often prefer candidates to have passed an A-level in English or a media or arts-related subject. There is a strong chance they will want to interview you, too, and you may be asked to provide examples of your creative work.

Craft: some universities prefer candidates to have an A-level or equivalent in art and design or a related subject. Some require students to have taken a foundation course. Many students will be interviewed, and it is routine for candidates to have to produce examples of their work.

Imaginative writing: students can expect to be interviewed, while many universities also ask for examples of their creative writing. Some universities require or prefer undergraduates to have achieved success in English Literature A-level or in wider arts/humanities A-levels.

Career prospects

Film studies/photography. Though there is high competition for entry to the visual industries, they also provide varied career opportunities. Students with experience and flair in visual arts get work in film production, screenwriting, advertising, the video games industry, web design, journalism, and commercial, architectural, art and fashion photography.

Craft: these are vocationally-orientated degrees, preparing undergraduates to put their skills to use in the commercial or artistic worlds, so students generally tend to seek employment directly related to that field, from jewellery to furniture design.

Imaginative writing: some creative writing students do go on to become professional writers of fiction, although this is a highly competitive field. Others go into newspaper and magazine journalism, the book trade, library and archivist work and lecturing, or into the less directly related careers of web design, marketing and publicity and administration. Script/screenwriting students go into writing for TV, film and radio, as well as working in the computer game field, in script reading and editing and in wider careers in the media and communications.