Lifelong learning is extremely important in many professions. In Germany, continuing vocational training is often a matter for employers or in the hands of private training providers outside the higher education sector. However, there is also the opportunity to expand your knowledge in the university environment. Many universities abroad offer further training courses that interested parties can use for professional development.
The high practical relevance of the short-term programs enables the participants to gain further technical qualifications. Further training abroad also offers the opportunity to learn more about culture, make international contacts and improve language skills.
Diplomas and certificates as further training abroad
For almost every professional group there are corresponding programs that international participants can use for further training abroad. Universities in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA, for example, have a large number of so-called diploma or certificate programs on offer. They are offered in almost all subjects – be it IT, business, technology, design, music, sports or tourism.
The Certificate programs are generally shorter than the Diploma programs and generally take six months to complete. Interested parties can usually acquire diplomas within one or two academic years.
In contrast to a full bachelor’s degree, this type of continuing education program often focuses on a small area of specialization within a subject. They are therefore ideally suited to deepen existing knowledge and to expand it with international knowledge. Many advanced training courses abroad are also designed to be very practice-oriented. Practical exercises and excursions are often on the program.
Some of the students have the opportunity to combine further training abroad with an internship or to also take a language course. After successfully completing the program, you will receive proof of your achievements and the corresponding certificate. This enables them to prove that they have taken part in further training abroad.
The certificates and diplomas are largely valid in the respective countries as independent, vocational qualifications. Recognition in Germany, on the other hand, is rather difficult. However, they can be very useful as further professional training and additional qualifications. And of course they look great on the resume.
Further training in Europe and Asia
If the way to Oceania or North America is too far for you, you have the opportunity to look around for further training at European universities. Some of these also have short study programs on offer that impart specialist knowledge in various industries and are ideally suited for professional development abroad. Interested parties have the opportunity, for example, to take a design course in London or to look over the shoulder of master chefs in Paris.
The courses last from one day to six months. Many take place during the summer months or other holiday times, such as before Christmas or Easter. Further training abroad with a shorter program duration is even available all year round. If the program lasts longer, leisure activities are often integrated into it. In some cases, there is the option of combining further training with an internship.
Even universities in Asia now offer training, especially in the field of business. They usually last three or more weeks and offer the unique opportunity to acquire knowledge of Asian culture and economy. On the one hand, the students take seminars in the fields of business and law. On the other hand, excursions to local companies and an extensive leisure program are offered.
Costs and advertising of further training abroad
The costs for further training abroad vary significantly. It depends on the country of study and the type of program. The fees range from a few hundred to several thousand euros. Some employers assume part of the costs or even finance the training in full. For shorter programs, those interested can apply for educational leave. For longer training courses abroad, it makes sense to take out an education or student loan.
Applying for further training abroad is relatively straightforward. In general, there are no general requirements for participating in further training programs abroad. For some courses, participants need a high school diploma and / or professional experience. In other cases, prior technical knowledge is sufficient. In any case, the participants must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the respective national language, or at least a good knowledge of English. In English-language advanced training courses abroad, evidence is provided, for example, via a standardized language test such as the TOEFL or IELTS.
