People are often indifferent when we talk about relocating abroad because they believe they don't have what it takes financially to travel. Beyond having the finances, another prevalent route people ply is applying for an undergraduate/postgraduate degree in universities overseas.

What if I told you there was a way you could travel abroad almost for Free and without needing a university degree? Unbelievable? Let's get into it!

Vocational Schools 

A vocational school is a kind of educational establishment that, depending on the nation, may refer to either secondary or post-secondary education meant to teach vocational education or technical skills necessary to accomplish the duties of a certain employment.

Given the great demand for vocational workers, one major benefit of vocational training is that it can help people find employment more quickly. In relation to the overall cost of education, these programs are frequently relatively affordable and take only a short period of time to complete. 

Additionally, because vocational schools customize their curricula to match the needs of companies, a significant percentage of graduates find employment following graduation.

Some of the skills taught in vocational schools include those for veterinary assistants, accountants, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, tailors, welders, chefs, and others.

The most effective way to relocate to Europe for FREE is through vocational studies.

Travel destinations available using the vocational pathway

The following nations are accessible via the vocational pathway:

• France
• Finland
• Germany
• Japan
• Lithuania
• Australia

1. France

In France, apprenticeship entails working alongside academic courses through a three-way contract. This means that you will be a part-time student and a part-time worker. The working and training schedule will vary depending on both the training center and the employer. This vocational practice is a good way for the student to integrate into the work market and discover the French work culture at the same time.

This is also a great way to fund your studies because your employer will pay for your tuition and you will be paid on a monthly basis. Employers typically pay between €900 and €1500 per month. Your employers would also pay the cost of moving from your country. According to the French Government, the program is originally for people aged 16 to 29.  

However, if you’re above 29 years, the apprenticeship program can also be open for you under the following conditions:

• When apprentices prepare for a diploma or title higher than the one already obtained (you have a bachelor's and apply for a Master's degree in apprenticeship)
• Disabled workers, 
• People planning to create or take over a business 
• And finally high-level athletes.

The following are the requirements needed by immigrants to take the French-Work Pathway:

1. International Passport.
2. High school grades (at least 3-5 credits depending on the school)
3. Certificate of experience (A letter from your Boss/employer)
4. IELTS (Not for all schools though)

A few renowned institutes in France that offer the Apprenticeship Pathway include:

• EDF-Electricite-de-France
• IFP School
• IESEG School of Management
• Paris School of Business

2. Finland

Finnish people don't understand and speak English quite well. Therefore, if you’re thinking of relocating to Finland via the Vocational Studies Pathway, then, you must take some time to learn the Finnish Language. You could use apps like Pimsleur, Mondly, FinnishPod101, Duolingo, and many more.

The most popular institution that offers vocational training for free in Finland is Vamia University.

VAMIA is a multidisciplinary vocational education organization with approximately 5000 students per year (3000 full-time) and was founded on the 1st of January 2017. Vamia offers vocational education to youth (16-19 years), to adults, to working life, and to the industry. Vamia offers programs in Finnish, Swedish, and English. 

Vamia offers nearly 60 different vocational qualifications and over 40 different study programs. The school has two campuses in Vaasa (Hansa campus and Sampo campus) and six fields of education: energy services, technology services, welfare services, Business services, Tourism services (hotel, restaurants, catering, tourism, cleaning services), and General Education Services.

The Entry Requirements for International Students at Vamia University include:

• All nationalities can apply to the programs.
• When you begin your studies, you must be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit.
• Qualification equivalent to nine years of basic education in Finland. You will require hardcopy of your certificates (translated into English, Finnish or Swedish).
• Certificate of the International English test (e.g. IELTS)
• Enough funds on the applicant's account for living expenses to be presented to the immigration office for the resident permit. (Proof of Fund for Finland is €6,720)
• Good physical condition to study and work.

3. Germany

Even non-EU nationals have the legal right to pursue vocational training in Germany in order to work there. With the aid of vocational training, international applicants can obtain an official German degree certifying them as "skilled workers" in more than 300 different professions.

In Germany, interested foreigners from all around the world can begin their vocational training (apprenticeship). Apprenticeships are a form of dual vocational training (in German: ‘Duale Berufsausbildung’). In contrast to other nations, Germany pays apprentices for completing their vocational training. The starting monthly wage is about $800 USD.

Moving to Germany is not prohibited if you are from an EU nation. However, non-EU citizens who wish to begin vocational training in Germany must get a visa in order to enter the country.

How to get a visa for German vocational training:

1. Search for a job in a vocational training program in Germany on websites like Make-it-in-Germany.com or Arbeitsagentur.de.
2. Submit an application for one or more German apprenticeship openings.
3. Interview with prospective employers online.
4. You can apply for a visa at a German embassy or consulate for Ausbildung in Germany along with the contract, your German language certificate, a CV, and other documents. (This visa application may take 2-3 months to be processed.)

4. Japan

In Japan, professional training schools are higher education institutions that provide hands-on vocational training with the goal of assisting individuals in obtaining the knowledge, abilities, and skills required for employment and general education advancement. A variety of disciplines, including medicine, technology, culture, general education, business, nutrition and personal care, welfare and education, fashion and home economics, and agriculture, can be studied in professional training institutions.

In Japan, professional training institutes, which provide occupational training at the level of higher education, are recognised as institutions of higher education, just like universities and two-year colleges.

A diploma is currently awarded to students who have successfully completed a program at a professional training college that lasted two years or longer (i.e., at least 1,700 hours of instruction), while an advanced diploma is awarded to students who successfully completed a program that lasted four years or longer (i.e., at least 3,400 hours of instruction). Students with diplomas can enroll in graduate programs, while those with advanced diplomas can transfer to universities.

The direct route to a professional career is the primary benefit of attending a Japanese professional training college. Colleges for professional training are set up to help students develop a high-level speciality in any subject. They still play a significant role in higher education today, just like universities.

Nearly 83% of international students enrolled in professional training institutes have part-time jobs, according to a JASSO poll. The majority of occupations are in the restaurant industry, with sales, teaching/research assistant, and hotel/hall personnel coming in next. For a job in a restaurant, the hourly pay ranges from 800 yen to 1,200 yen, with occasional variations depending on the position and the region. You might expect to make between 80,000 and 120,000 yen per month if you work the legal maximum of 28 hours per week.

There are various schools in Japan where many foreign students congregate. These institutions provide students with the chance to pursue professional career studies. The top three vocational schools in Japan for foreign students are shown below:

1. Vocational schools in Kagawa.
2. Nissan Automobile School
3. Senmongakkau School

Application requirements as an international student going to Japan through vocational skills include:

• Those who have completed a curriculum equivalent to 12 years or more of school education in Japan in a foreign country
• Those who have proved N2 or higher or equivalent Japanese proficiency in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test

5. Lithuania

In Lithuania, Education is free of charge and compulsory from the age of 6 or 7 to 16 years which covers "primary" and "basic" education, as stated in the national Law on Education. Technical studies typically last three to four years (at least 120 national credits). Students must have a Maturity Certificate or a comparable qualification to be admitted. Studies lead to a professional qualification, which is followed by a higher education diploma.

The following are the General Requirements for international students looking to enroll in vocational schools in Lithuania:

• Admission requirements: High school diploma (certificate).
• Language requirements: To speak English, French, or Romanian or Bulgarian.
• Entry regulations: A valid passport.
• Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Maths.
• Medical requirements (Health state).
• Self-finance.

The school year is divided into semesters and holiday periods. Each school of higher education determines the start and end of an academic year and semester, as well as holiday periods. Students are entitled to at least one month of uninterrupted vacation during the summer.

The classes include both lectures and hands-on instruction. You must be prepared to study extensively outside of class. The literature and classes are both in English. If you are interested in technical studies, the studies will not be a problem.

Private universities have more options. English is the language of instruction at these universities. Private programs are more expensive than public universities. Private programs require tuition, which varies by university but is typically between €3,000 and €5,000 per year.

6. Australia

In Australia, VET (Vocational Education and Training) courses are a professional training system that concentrates on practical preparation for students to work in their desired occupations.

VET training is an excellent option for international students who want to start working in their dream job right away because qualification training is frequently mandatory in Australia. Furthermore, when compared to other forms of education, schools are better prepared to deal with local employment conditions in a shorter period of time.

Accredited Australian educational institutions, such as Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes and private colleges, provide VET training. Furthermore, some universities offer VET courses in addition to higher education courses.

In Australia, there are a plethora of vocational training courses to choose from. They are divided into levels, and completing one unlocks the next degree level. VET courses usually last 6 to 18 months and can be taken individually or in combination. Face-to-face classes typically last 20-25 hours per week.

For international students, VET training is one of the first steps toward obtaining a permanent residency visa in Australia. When selecting a field of study, you can check to see if the profession you want is on the list of the most desirable in the country.

The cost of VET training in Australia varies greatly depending on the course, the city, and the type of school. Prices per year range from AU$ 4,000 to AU$ 22,000, including training materials. Fees for high-level vocational courses are typically higher.

Foreign students must meet the following basic conditions (which vary slightly depending on the school and course) in order to be accepted for VET training:

1. A valid passport is required.
2. You must have a completed degree of at least Australian year 10, 11, or 12, depending on the level at which you wish to begin your education.
3. You must provide proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)

Conclusion

So far, I strongly believe I’ve been able to convince you that travelling overseas is very possible! All you have to do is conduct some research to determine which country you can enroll in a technical or vocational school and work in while studying. Also, don't forget to consult with Jenreel for your immigration plans. I wish you all the best!