Ecole normale superieure

The Ecole normale supérieure is an number one college in France as well as in Europe overall. The ENS has held this prevalent position for quite a long time running and is broadly thought to be the most particular and most difficult establishment of higher learning and research in France. Established in 1794, the ENS has long been a national legend. Unrivaled in preparing driving French savvy people in all fields the ENS checks amongst its graduated class such figures as Henri Bergson, Jean-Paul Sartre, Michel Foucault, Louis Pasteur, Paul Langevin and Laurent Schwartz. In math all French Fields Medals are held by ENS graduated class, just like every one of the 12 French Nobel prizes over all orders. Since 1945, the ENS has gathered 50% of the National Research (CNRS) Gold Medals, France's highest examination grant. Nearly every field of knowledge and research is represented at the ENS. It numbers over 2500 students.

Most research focuses and offices, even understudy quarters, are arranged in the chronicled structures of the mourn d'Ulm, situated in the heart of Paris' understudy Latin Quarter. Unlike the other French colleges, the ENS prides itself on encouraging a genuine group of understudies and a rich grounds life. Scholarly and social occasions proliferate, from gatherings, movies, shows and level headed discussions, to athletic and social occasions.

The ENS covers a wide range of academic disciplines in both the humanities and sciences. It has six humanities departments (Philosophy, Classics, History, Literature and Languages, Social Geography, Sciences) and six science departments (Mathematics, Computing, Chemistry, Biochemy, Biology, Land-Atmosphere-Ocean). In each of these departments, the activities of teaching and research are closely interlinked. The initial task of the Ecole, to form the teachers and professors of the future, remains its fundamental vocation; but this has significantly widened in recent times, and pupils now go on to a wide range of future careers.

Pros
Vast spectrum of academic disciplines, number 1 university in France, it holds alot of famous scientists, it is situated in beautiful city of Paris.

Cons
You need to know basics of french, humanities lectures can be really boring.

Overall rating 7.5/10

University of Sydney

The University of Sydney is an Australian state funded college in Sydney. Established in 1850, it is Australia's first college and is viewed as one of its most prestigious, positioned as the world's 27th best university. Seven Nobel or Crafoord laureates have been partnered with the college as graduates and faculty. The University includes 16 facilities and schools, through which it offers, master's, bachelor's and doctoral degrees.
The University has about 35000 local students. Additionally, there are about 3500 international students every semester. The administration really cares about you and you come to know to many people from all parts of this world - not only at university, but also in town. It's a multi-culti population.

The course is on average 20 hours a week. You'll usually get at least one full day off, but a lot of the work is off campus work (readings, assignments etc). The Education side of the course is constantly changing. The lecturers/tutors in both faculties are excellent, and knowledgable in their area. Support is great if you seek it. Definately value for money, especially if you are doing history courses, they are top notch.

Campus life at Sydney is fantastic if you get involved. Heaps of places to socialise and eat in campus, and it's close to Broadway and Newtown. Libraries are excellent especially. Once you get used to the system, it's pretty easy. As daggy as it sounds, take a library tour straight away or you won't get it. Sydney is awesome for that mix of the social and academic.

This university is very close to the shops and close to the city - good location. Easily accessible by public transport (train and bus). Uni facilities were ok. Better in the newer buildings. Accomodation on campus appeared to be a bit expensive. It was cheaper to rent off campus and it is possible to find part time work.

Pros

Excellent lecturers and tutors, this uni is situated in very good area, easily accessible transport, alot of courses to offer.

Cons

Expensive, confusing library system, you need to put alot of time learning in home, the building looks like a prison.

Overall rating 8/10

Harvard University

Harvard University is a private Ivy League research college in Cambridge, Massachusetts, built in 1636. Its history, impact and riches have made it a standout amongst the most prestigious colleges in the world.

The University is composed into eleven different scholastic units—ten resources and the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study—with grounds all through the Boston metropolitan area: its 209-section of land (85 ha) primary grounds is focused on Harvard Yard in Cambridge, pretty nearly 3 miles (5 km) northwest of Boston; the business college and games offices, including Harvard Stadium, are situated over the Charles River in the Allston neighborhood of Boston and the restorative, dental, and general wellbeing schools are in the Longwood Medical Area. Harvard has the biggest budgetary blessing of any scholarly establishment on the planet, remaining at over $35 billion.

Harvard is a huge, residential exploration university. The ostensible expense of participation is high, yet the University's substantial enrichment permits it to offer liberal money related help packages. It works a few expressions, social, and logical galleries, close by the Harvard Library, which is the world's biggest scholarly and private library framework, embodying 79 individual libraries with more than 18 million volumes.

The campus is gorgeous, there are colorful chairs for students and visitors to sit on. There is beautiful church/chapel nearby. The grass is nicely manicured, there are usually tours given by Harvard students to what looks like parents of to-be students or tourists. I haven't had too much interaction with the students.

Pros
According to most people it is the best university in the world. Highest level of education, you can be sure about finding job after finishing this unviersity, you can meet some of the greatest and famous scientists and even have them teach you.

Cons
If you arent genius you will probably get rejected, high living costs.

Overall rating 9.5/10

University of Auckland

University of Auckland is the largest and leading university in the country New Zeland, and is ranked in top 100 worldwide universities. Established in 1883 as a constituent college of the University of New Zealand, the college is made from eight faculties over six campuses, and has over 41 thousands students.
The University offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across its nine faculties – arts, business, creative arts and industries, education, engineering, law, medical & health sciences, science and theology.

Whether you're going for an education or to make some fun, The University of Auckland is excellent. The lifestyle of this university is very different to other campuses, because it's not really a campus. There are so many people here it can seem quite daunting, but it also makes it very easy to keep to yourself, if that's what you want to do. There is many really excellent lecturers but there are some you would rather want to avoid.
The distance between classes can be frustrating. Sometimes it can feel like going from one side of the city to the other. The quad back is always filled with people and things going on; there were always markets, rallies, performances, the works. The Thursday Markets are great and you will probably spend lots of money on records and little badges, trying to be cool.

Pros
Auckland university is NZ's top university and it is a great place to work if you are interested in academic research. There are a lot of resources available and many knowledgeable professors to learn from.

Cons
The fragmentation between different buildings can be quite annoying. Walking from the Engineering building to the Business building requires crossing heavy traffic etc; Parking is expensive and Auckland's public transport system can make the commute to University quite tedious.

Overall rating 8/10

Peking University

Peking University is a major Chinese research college situated in Beijing and a member of the C9 League. It is the best modern national college created in China, established as the "Magnificent University of Peking" in 1898 as a substitution of the old Taixue or Guozijian, or Imperial Academy. It likewise served as the most elevated organization for training in China toward the start of its founding. By 1920, it had turned into an inside for dynamic thought. Nearby Tsinghua University, Peking University has reliably positioned as the top higher learning organization in territory China. .

This university is particularly known for its traditional architecture of its campus buildings. However, that is all you can see and experience - walking around a lake and seeing the architecture. Unfortunetely as a visitor you cant go inside some of the buildings, such as the Main Library, to see what student life is really like. The lake is a nice and huge, situated in the middle of the campus with some traditional Chinese buildings around. It is very peaceful because of traffic restrictions inside the campus, which is a respite from the chaos on the streets. It's not in the very centre of the city, but very prestigious and famous, not only in China but worldwide. There is so much non-chinese students. Very interesting place to see.

Pros
The Chinese language course is phenomenal, most prestigious university in china, very good quality of education especially science, more foreign students then you think.

Cons
Extremely long line (waiting time: 30 minutes) to get into the college grounds and other restrictions, alot of students - halls are always full, its easy to get lost there.

Overall rating 7.5/10

University of Bologna

The University of Bologna, established in 1088, is the world's most seasoned college, situated in Bologna, Italy. As of 2013, the University's peak conveys the adage Alma mater studiorum and the date A.D. 1088. The University has around 85,000 understudies in its 23 schools. It has branch focuses in Imola, Ravenna, Forlì, Cesena and Rimini and a branch focus abroad in Buenos Aires. It likewise has a school of perfection named Collegio Superiore di Bologna. It is perceived as the most seasoned college in continous operation, considering that it was the first to utilize the term universitas for the enterprises of understudies and masters which came to characterize the foundation.

Due to the fact that English not is very useful in Italy, its is great oppertunity to learn the local language even faster. Even though it can be difficult in the beginning, the experience of social obstacles and not knowing a language is very important. Furthermore you can be supported and well understood by native speakers and staff at the university that shows great understandning.

Orgnaization is pretty well done; courses are crowded, exams can last up to three days if many students register for the same date; oldest european university with corresponding atmosphere and prestige; very good learning environment and many recreations and socializing opportunities; very satisfies with all aspects of student and academic life.

Pros

Bologna University has high standards, excellent studying possibilities and professors. There are a lot of Erasmus students in Bologna University so professors and students are used with having foreign students around (they are helpfull and considerate).

Cons
If you want more authentic experience and to mingle more with locals, Bologna isn't always the best place because you have to work hard not to pump into other foreign students all the time. Also you have to keep in mind that it is quite hard to find a living space in Bologna (especially for Erasmus students) and it costs a lot to live there.

Overall rating 7.5/10

University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is a university research college situated in Oxford, England. While having no known date of establishment, there is confirmation of instructing as far back as 1096, making it the most seasoned college in the English-talking world, and the world's second-most seasoned surviving university.

The University is comprised of an assortment of foundations, including 38 constituent schools and a full scope of scholastic divisions which are composed into four Divisions. All the universities are controlling toward oneself organizations as a component of the University, every controlling its own particular participation and with its own interior structure and activities. Being a city college, it doesn't have a principle grounds; rather, all the structures and offices are scattered all through the metropolitan focus.

Oxford is regarded by many as the oldest and best university in the England and quite rightly so. Good education, however, comes at a price. Living expenses are quite high and international fees are very dear. However, the opportunities available make it worth every buck. It is a phenomenal place to be, interact with the best minds from the world over and simultaneously have a bustling social life.

Pros

One of the best universities in the world, very high education level, alot of famous professors and scientists, great research facilities.

Cons

Very expensive, extremely difficult to get in, you need to work really hard and put alot of time learning in order to not get kicked out.

Overall rating 9.5/10

New York University

New York University is a private, nonsectarian American research college situated in New York City. NYU's fundamental grounds is situated at Greenwich Village in Lower Manhattan. Established in 1831, NYU is one of the biggest private philanthropic establishments of American higher education.

NYU is sorted out into more than 20 schools, universities, and institutes, situated in six focuses all through Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn, and more than twelve different destinations over the world, with arrangements for further expansion. According to the Institute of International Education, NYU sends a larger number of understudies to study abroad than some other US school or college, and the College Board reports more online scans by worldwide understudies for "NYU" than for some other university.

Despite the fact that not one of the extremely popular Ivy League colleges, New York University is regardless positioned among the world's best universities. Strikingly, New York University has a solid concentrate on internationalization, with various branch grounds far and wide and a noteworthy study abroad program. And helping its own particular understudies invest energy abroad, NYU additionally numbers countless understudies among its vast understudy group.

While NYU has a few New York grounds, its principle center is its Washington Square grounds, in Greenwich Village. Named 'the Village', this region of Lower Manhattan is famous as one of New York's most innovative and bohemian regions, offering an incredible air for NYU understudies. Through the years the school has pulled in a varied blend of scholars, craftsmen, musical performers and scholarly people to study in New York – and probably this is all piece of the request for some imaginatively minded understudies making a beeline for NYU.

There are amazing internship opportunities, volunteer programs, intelligent professors who are the top of their fields, and a vibrant social scene, but only if you choose to seek them. That said, bringing your A-game everyday is hard, and if you ever feel like you're about to become extinct in the concrete jungle, look for help from people who will gladly come forward to provide it - friends, family, faculty, and even the Wellness Center.
The school is very expensive, and you should not attend if you do not receive any financial aid, are the sole provider for your family, who is racking up insane medical bills.

Pros
One of the best universities in america, very reputable professors, alot of different courses.

Cons
Very expensive, its rather difficult to pass exams.

Overall rating 8/10

Moscow State University

Moscow State University is a coeducational and open examination college situated in Moscow, Russia. It was established on January 25, 1755 by Mikhail Lomonosov. MSU was renamed after Lomonosov in 1940 and was then known as Lomonosov University. It likewise claims to house the tallest instructive building in the world.
This university has over 19000 employers, 5,000 scholars work at the university's research institutes, over 40,000 undergraduates and 7,000 advanced degree candidates participants. Around 5,000 specialists participate in refresher courses for career enhancement. Annually, the university hosts close to 2,000 students, graduate students, and researchers from around the world.

The State University is one of Stalin's Seven Sisters buildings and its lovely to see them in the Moscow skyline. If you are in Moscow for quite some time It is recommended to take the metro to either the Universitet stop or the Vorobyevy Gory stop. The Vorobyevy Gory stop would be less walking in order to get out in front of the university and to the great park in front. Make sure to go the right way out of University metro stop if you do take that way. Once there, you will see locals and students out on the grounds and it is a great place for a quick rest and a snack while enjoying the beauty of this massive building.

Pros 

Huge and majestic building, it has the best russian language learning courses, from prestige perspective its like oxford of russia.

Cons

Students there are mostly russians, low education level, this building looks more like a church.

Overall rating 6/10

Australian National University

The Australian National University is a state funded college in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Situated in the suburb of Acton, the principle grounds incorporates seven showing and exploration universities, notwithstanding a few national institutes. 

Established in 1946, it is the main college to have been made by the Parliament of Australia. Initially a postgraduate exploration college, ANU started undergrad educating in 1960 when it coordinated the Canberra University College, which had been built in 1929 as a grounds of the University of Melbourne. ANU enlists over 10 thousands undergrad and postgraduate understudies and utilizes almost 4000 staff members. The college's enrichment remained at A$1.13 billion in 2012.

ANU considers six Nobel laureates as a real part of its personnel and alumni. Students entering ANU in 2013 had a middle Australian Tertiary Admission Rank of 93, the equivalent most astounding among Australian universities. ANU was named the world's 7th most universal college in a recent report by Times Higher Education.

The ANU is a world class university known for its research profile and teaching. It is a really beautiful campus with stunning parkland gardens right on the edge of the city centre. It is really close to all the national institutions eg Library, museum etc and has several interesting art galleries - The Drill Hall Gallery and the School of Art Gallery. There is also an ANU International Sculpture park and walking tour

Pros
Very beautiful place, high education level, alot of prestige.

Cons
Very difficult math and statistics, its rather hard to get in.

Overall rating 9/10

Jagiellonian University

The Jagiellonian University is an examination college established in 1364 by Casimir III the Great in Kazimierz (since 1791 an area of Kraków). It is the most seasoned college in Poland, the second most seasoned college in Central Europe (after Charles University in Prague) and one of the most seasoned colleges on the planet. It was situated by QS World University Rankings as the best Polish college among the world's main 500 and the ARWU as second-best Polish larger amount establishment. 

The college fell upon tough times when the control of Kraków by Austria-Hungary amid the Partitions of Poland undermined its presence. In 1817, not long after the formation of the Duchy of Warsaw the college renamed as Jagiellonian University to celebrate Poland's Jagiellonian tradition, which initially restored the Kraków University in the past. In 2006, The Times Higher Education Supplement positioned Jagiellonian University as Poland.

The university is very well prepared to welcome and host international students. It offers a wide variety of courses to chose from. The incoming people really arrive from every corner of Europe, and even other continents so it is guaranteed that you will have a truely international experience. The ESN group is very active and the volunteers at my time were generally very helpful.
The city itself is an amazing choice as it is the cultural capital of Poland, and offers very divers entertainment.

Pros
Very high cultural value, low living costs in Kraków, alot of foreign students, high education level, alot of different specializations, situated in one of the most beautiful cities in Poland.

Cons
Long procedure during registration, it is rather difficult to get in.

Overall rating 9/10

University of Copenhagen

The University of Copenhagen is the most seasoned college and research institute in Denmark. Established in 1479 as a studium generale, it is the second oldest establishment for advanced education in Scandinavia after Uppsala University. The college has over 24 thousands college understudies, and over 17 thousands postgraduate understudies. The college has four grounds situated in and around Copenhagen, with the base camp situated in focal Copenhagen. Most courses are taught in Danish; but, numerous courses are likewise offered in English and a couple in German. The college has a few a huge number of outside understudies, of whom about half originate from Nordic nations. 

The way the university cares for its international students is exemplary. From the introductory week through language classes and office staff to cultural events everything is very well done. The academic level of teaching is very high as well.
At the same time the city of Copenhagen is a wonderful place to life. Beautiful, diverse, open-minded and directly at the Baltic Sea. The only downside is the high living costs (rents, food, etc.).
For an international student its quite easy on the social and academic side to get along in Copenhagen. Even supermarket staff order people at the local bakery will answer you in English. Learning Danish is culturally enriching but necessary for living there. There is a housing shortage in Copenhagen and only two dorms are available for students.

Pros
High Education level, frequent events, most students speak english fluently.

Cons
High living costs, it is difficult for many students to find housing in Copenhagen, not much interaction between the international students and the local students.

Overall rating 7.5/10

University of Tokyo

The University of Tokyo is Japan's top college, a world-class place for examination, and a lively scholastic group. World-class research Todai's scientists have been at the front line of their fields subsequent to our establishment in 1877. Today, their forefront investigate routinely shows up in top global diaries and has earned various Nobel prizes. Research at Todai over expressions of the human experience and sciences is both expansive and profound, as master learning is imparted crosswise over conventional limits to further human comprehension. A powerful training Todai's undergrad instruction accentuates the human sciences for the securing of solid relational abilities, a sound moral structure, and interdisciplinary mindfulness, together making a strong establishment for particular learning. Volunteer exercises, temporary jobs and other off-grounds encounters are an undeniably essential piece of a Todai training. A dynamic group Todai is an energetic group in which world-class specialists cooperate with phenomenal understudies from Japan and more than 100 different nations.
Graduated class fill driving positions all through Japan, Asia, and progressively as far and wide as possible. Mission Todai expects to be a world-class stage for exploration and training, adding to human information in organization with other driving worldwide colleges.Todai plans to sustain worldwide pioneers with a solid feeling of open obligation and a spearheading soul, having both profound specialism and wide learning. Todai intends to extend the limits of human learning in organization with society.Graduated class fill driving positions all through Japan, Asia, and progressively as far and wide as possible. Mission Todai expects to be a world-class stage for exploration and training, adding to human information in organization with other driving worldwide colleges.Todai plans to sustain worldwide pioneers with a solid feeling of open obligation and a spearheading soul, having both profound specialism and wide learning. Todai intends to extend the limits of human learning in organization with society.

Pros

Creative environment, many intelligent researchers. Besides having access to cutting edge technology you will work in a great campus, good experimental equipments, could publish high quality paper, good working environment. Flexible office hours. The staffs are kind and helpful. The benefits are good for students.

Cons

Could be difficult to reach a permanent position, high pressure, non-sense competition between lab members, conservative supervisors, professors not helpful in research, no motivation for publishing international journal papers but only attend conferences.

Overall rating 8.5/10

Heidelberg University

The Ruprecht-Karls-Universität is an open examination college spotted in Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Established in 1386, it is the most seasoned college in Germany and fifth most established in Central Europe. It was the third college built in the Holy Roman Empire. Heidelberg has been a coeducational foundation since 1899. Today the college comprises of twelve resources and offers degree programs at undergrad, graduate and postdoctoral levels in the range of 100 disciplines. It is a German Excellence University, and additionally an establishing individual from the League of European Research Universities and the Coimbra Group. The dialect of guideline is generally German.

Pros
Huptstrasse Heidelber is an extremely well know place where you can essentially stroll around and go and have a few beverages with companions. There is a restaurant nearby which is considered one of the best by students.  In Heidelberg you need to visit the Castle, it is astounding and there are constantly some social action. There is the greatest wein barril of the world. Heidelberg University is the most established one in Germany. Besides, the perspective to the waterway is exceptionally decent. Added to that, there are 25,ooo understudies whcih make this little town an amizing spot to live and to study.

Cons
Lodging at this college is definitely not one of the offering focuses. The rooms are little, old and the bathrooms and kitchen need repair. The instructive experience was crazy, however!! I would say to anybody anticipating going, be arranged for horrendous rooms and a great time. Focus on the positive!

Overall rating 8/10

National Universities in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City is the largest national university in Vietnam. 

The university provides graduate and postgraduate (master, doctor education) education to over 35 thousands students. The education professionals cover technology, different kind of sciences (natural, basic, social, humanity), literature, foreign languages, and business.

This university was founded on 27 January 1995 by merging nine universities. On 12 February 2001, Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Văn Khải signed a Decision on reorganization of this university.

Vietnam National University, Hanoi has 10 faculties and colleges. This is one of two national universities and also one of the two largest universities in Vietnam, along with Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City.

The university had several name changes in history: the Indochinese University (established in 1906); Vietnam National University (November, 1945); the University of Hanoi (June, 1956). In 1993, Vietnam National University, Hanoi was made by consolidating the University of Hanoi, Hanoi University of Education and College of Foreign Languages.

The organization additionally has two secondary schools for talented understudies in remote dialects.

University of Toronto

University of Toronto has one of the largest research and showing resources in North America, introducing top understudies at all levels with an erudite domain unmatched inside and out and broadness on whatever other Canadian grounds. With more than 80,000 understudies over three grounds (St. George, Mississauga and Scarborough) and near to 500,000 graduated class dynamic in every district of the world, U of T's impact is felt in all aspects of human try.

For an out of town work experience, the University of Toronto couldn't have been more user friendly. This in town college is very easy to get to. The staff is more than accomodating, even with college related security issues. It has a semi private feel to it even though it's massive.

The buildings are charming; just the architecture alone keeps you looking up while you're walking for blocks. Their Faith Cultural Building was beautiful and the varsity stadium was state of the art. 

All the students are friendly and form quite a wonderfully diverse group. From a teaching perspective this place seems to have it all.