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Time of India
01-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Study abroad without visa hassles or heavy fees: 5 short-term global programmes to consider
The dream of studying abroad often collides with the harsh reality of visa complications, astronomical fees, and bureaucratic nightmares that would make Kafka weep. To combat this, universities across the globe are introducing streamlined alternatives that eliminate bureaucratic barriers while maintaining academic rigour. These programmes address the growing demand for accessible international education, offering students meaningful academic experiences without the prohibitive costs and administrative complications that have historically limited participation. Waseda Summer Session 2025 (Japan) Waseda University has introduced a summer programme that circumvents Japan's typically complex visa requirements. Students can participate utilising tourist visa provisions instead. Open to students enrolled in universities outside Japan with a GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher. The programme operates from June to July, offering comprehensive support including accommodation arrangements and airport transfer services. Students can select from two or three-course packages, with the university providing full logistical support. This approach represents a significant departure from traditional Japanese academic exchange programmes, which typically require extensive documentation and processing periods. University of Edinburgh Summer Schools (UK) The University of Edinburgh operates several summer school programmes targeting different student demographics and academic levels. The Pre-University Summer School, running from June to July, caters specifically to students aged 16-18 seeking exposure to university-level education before making higher education commitments. Applications for this programme offer two-week courses across multiple subjects delivered by university teaching staff on the Holyrood Campus. The programme provides practical insight into university life whilst maintaining the accessibility of a short-term commitment. Sydney Executive Plus (Australia) The University of Sydney has developed short courses and microcredentials delivered through digital platforms, removing geographical barriers to accessing Australian higher education. The Sydney Executive Plus initiative targets working professionals seeking international qualifications without extended absence from their careers. Course offerings span artificial intelligence, data analytics, and executive leadership, designed to accommodate professional schedules. The digital delivery model eliminates visa requirements, accommodation costs, and travel expenses while maintaining academic standards associated with a leading Australian university. This model addresses the needs of students who require flexibility in their educational pursuits. University of British Columbia Vancouver Summer Programme (Canada) The University of British Columbia offers two four-week summer sessions in a year. This year they're being conducted during July and August. The programme encompasses more than 60 course packages across multiple disciplines including science, business, medicine, and architecture. Canada's visitor visa requirements are generally less complex than student visa processes, making the programme accessible to international participants. On-campus accommodation is guaranteed for all participants. The four-week duration balances academic depth with visa simplicity, offering substantial educational content within tourist visa parameters. World Learning programmes (multiple locations) World Learning operates programmes across multiple countries, many receiving full government funding that eliminates participant costs. Initiatives include teacher training in Brazil and STEAM education programmes in Algeria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. The Online Professional English Network programme delivers international education without requiring physical travel, representing a growing trend towards accessible global education. Government backing ensures programme sustainability and removes financial barriers for participants. T hese programmes demonstrate how public funding can expand access to international educational opportunities. Implications for international education access The programmes outlined represent a response to accessibility challenges for students aspiring to attain global experience. They prioritise practical delivery over traditional models, recognising that most students require flexible, affordable options that provide genuine educational value. Universities are acknowledging that international education should be accessible to students regardless of financial circumstances or ability to navigate complex bureaucratic processes. The programmes described demonstrate that meaningful international academic experiences can be delivered without traditional barriers. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.

ABC News
29-04-2025
- ABC News
Why you should consider using AI if you've been avoiding it
If you've been avoiding generative artificial intelligence (AI) you're "missing the next industrial revolution". That's according to Nici Sweaney, CEO of AI consultancy business AI Her Way. Nici Sweaney says AI tools will redefine how we work, live and interact. ( Supplied: Nici Sweaney ) Dr Sweaney, who lives on Yuin Country on the New South Wales South Coast, says using AI systems comes with a competitive advantage. "We think that if you use it daily in work, you get about a 40 per cent increase in productivity and efficiency," she says. "If you work a full-time job, that's two extra days of work a week." She says ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude and Gemini, which are known as large language models, are among the most popular tools There's a divide in who is using these tools, with men more likely to be using them than women and "about twice as likely to be using [generative AI] in a workplace setting". Sign up to the ABC Lifestyle newsletter Get a mid-week boost and receive easy recipes, wellbeing ideas, and home and garden tips in your inbox every Wednesday. You'll also receive a monthly newsletter of our best recipes. Your information is being handled in accordance with the Email address Subscribe Sandra Peter is an associate professor at the University of Sydney Business School and co-director of the school's Sydney Executive Plus, which focuses on upskilling emerging leaders. She thinks of large language models "as having a personal assistant" who is knowledgeable, eager to help, polite, but "sometimes does make mistakes". How to get started Dr Sweaney recommends people begin by using AI tools in low-stakes ways in their personal lives. If you're keen to experiment with it at work, low-risk tasks are the best place to start, she says. Experts tips on how to start using AI tools: Start with simple and low-stakes personal tasks Identify tasks you can explain easily to others and don't enjoy Try using different free systems and find one you prefer When deciding the tasks that could be delegated to AI in your life, Dr Sweaney suggests making a list of the tasks you do often, which could include responding to emails, prioritising your workload, or writing the grocery list. If you could explain the task to someone, highlight it. Give it gold star if you don't enjoy doing it. Dr Sweaney says these tasks are "prime territory" for delegating to generative AI. Dr Peter says if she were a beginner, she would divide her daily tasks into categories "and think about how [AI tools] can help me in those different areas". Planning and preparation tasks are often good candidates. She suggests people try out different tools to see what works best for them. "I want to encourage [people] to experiment in very simple, straightforward ways." For example, you could start by asking a system to proofread some text. How do you use AI tools to make your everyday life easier? Email everyday@ Dr Sweaney doesn't advise paying for an AI tool. Most large language models have free versions and most people "won't be able to tell the difference". "It's just about finding one that you enjoy using and then learning to use that well." When not to use AI tools Dr Sweaney says some people make the mistake of directing these tools as if they are using a search engine. "It's much more like having an employee or an intern," she says. You're likely to get better results if you show the tool an example, and describe what you do and don't like. Zena Assaad says there are risks involved when using AI programs and tools. ( Supplied: Zena Assaad ) Dr Peter says these tools don't excel at maths and recommends you use a calculator instead. "Don't use it as an accuracy machine," she also warns. These tools are better at summarising or critiquing content you offer up, she says. Zena Assaad, is a senior lecturer at the Australian National University's School of engineering on Ngunnawal Country, in Canberra, whose research interests include the safety of AI systems. She encourages caution when using these tools, especially in work settings or when sensitive information is involved. Dr Assaad says while these tools and systems can be very helpful, a lot of people are using them when they shouldn't be. "I do think that we're seeing a loss of critical thinking skills by using these tools,: she says. "It's your conscious choice whether or not you use it, and how you use it." What about the information I input? Dr Assaad says that when we engage with these systems, our personal information is being used to improve them, and these systems can then be used in ways we might not be comfortable with, such as in You can usually opt out of your data being used to train the AI model, Dr Assad says, but it is often "hard to find" out how to do so, with many users "opting in" by default. Dr Peter encourages people to consider and be "very mindful" of what you're submitting, particularly if any information is confidential, or not your own work or data. Dr Sweaney says: "If you want to be really safe, turn data sharing off, and if you wouldn't put it on a public forum maybe think twice about whether you want to use AI." Other ethical considerations Dr Peter says there are myriad of ethical considerations that come with these tools and systems. While you may use it to check spelling or for feedback, "you don't want to pass off AI work as your own". Also, if you're using these tools to recreate work in the style of an author or artist, they are "not being renumerated", despite some of these systems