Have you ever thought about taking a vocational course abroad? Even if you already have an undergraduate or graduate degree in your own country, investing in another type of education in a new country can make all the difference in your career and in your life experience.
Due to the needs of the labor market and the demands of class institutions, it is common that, in countries such as Australia and New Zealand, people engage in vocational education before attending university. These courses are very practical, and professionals learn to carry out the daily activities of the profession.
In New Zealand, for example, to work as an electrician, mechanic or plumber you must have a license, which is only obtained after completing vocational courses. Understand, therefore, the importance of this type of training if you plan to spend time in a foreign country. In addition, courses like this can help you get back into your country’s job market.
For those of you who are thinking of living overseas for a while, this post will show you a very interesting study option. Read on and understand why taking a vocational course abroad can be an excellent option for you and a unique opportunity to boost your career. Check it out now!
Why take a vocational course abroad?
An important piece of information you need to know is that in Australia and New Zealand there is not the same professional status relationship as here in other countries. Therefore, there are few higher-level professions that will yield more than technical-level professions. There, the important thing is for you to have a job, perform your duties well and be able to pay the bills at the end of the month.
Furthermore, in New Zealand, for example, most jobs offered are at a technical level. This is essential to consider if you chose this country as your study destination, as with a vocational or vocational course done there, your chances of positioning yourself in the market will be greater.
It is also worth bearing in mind that vocational courses in Australia, for example, are monitored by the government and, therefore, have a high level of quality. Mentioning such training on your resume will make you a differentiated professional, which will yield new job opportunities upon your return. And that’s not counting the command of English, which will be at a new level after the experience of taking a professional course abroad.
How to choose the best course?
To take a vocational course abroad, you must demonstrate an intermediate-advanced level of English (IELTS average 5.0 at least). Some institutions offer English classes programs integrated with technical courses. Thus, it is possible to prepare your English level in a way that meets the necessary language knowledge requirements for entry into the technical course.
After considering the issue of English proficiency, it is important to keep in mind some peculiarities of each country. Get to know the specifics of courses in Australia and New Zealand.
Australia
In the land of kangaroos, technical courses are known as VET (Vocation Education and Training). They range from basic introductory courses to specializations for technicians and professionals, and are highly rated in the country for training really qualified professionals.
This is facilitated by the strong links that exist between technical schools – which can be public or private – and the industries and companies that hire the workforce formed by the schools. Thus, it is possible for future professionals to meet the needs of the market, with practical training and focused on the functions they will perform.
This partnership can be seen in TAFEs (Technical and Further Education), public institutions. The courses offered there, as mentioned above, are monitored by the Australian government, which ensures the quality of teaching. Good examples of TAFEs you can check out are TAFE NSW, TAFE Queensland and Kent Institute Australia.
To be accepted into an institute like these, you must be at least 18 years of age and have completed our high school education. This type of course is so well-regarded there that it can help you earn credits at local universities.
New Zealand
As in Australia, in the land of the Kiwis, vocational courses are an excellent professional option. The courses offered there are of high quality and also aimed at the needs of the job market.
There, the institutions are divided into Polytechnic Schools (Polytechs) and Private Training Institutes (Private Training Providers). The polytechnics are maintained by the government and offer courses equivalent in merit to those offered by New Zealand universities and issue a certificate. Some even offer full undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Private institutions, in order for their courses to be valid and recognized, must be registered with the NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority). This is a fundamental point to be observed when looking for a professional course abroad, after all, if the institution is not registered, you may have problems with your documentation.
The requirements needed to enroll in these courses vary according to the type of training chosen and the institution, but they are practically the same as those mentioned above. Therefore, you must have completed high school. Some institutions require an average of 5.5 on the IELTS test, others only an upper-intermediate level of English.
Good examples of institutions in New Zealand are the Southern Institute of Technoligy and NZIE – New Zealand Institute of Education – in this you also have English classes, which start every two weeks, so you can improve your language while waiting for the start. of the technical course.
Some interesting areas for you to invest in a technical course in Australia and New Zealand are: administration, accounting, photography, information technology, health and social welfare, advertising and marketing, hospitality and tourism, horticulture, marine studies and massage and aesthetics. If you identify with any of these areas, want to improve your English and qualify even more, taking a professional course abroad may be your great opportunity.
The international education system is usually quite different from the Brazilian one, which is why technical courses are great opportunities for professional training. This is an exchange modality that is not always explored by those who intend to spend time in another country and can be an excellent opportunity for you.