Believe it or not – we had quite a debate at Nerdify reviews when we had to choose only seven of the most unusual universities worldwide where the international students can get a prestigious degree. We have intentionally chosen the entries that may be not so famous for the masses, yet they represent a great opportunity to travel and learn about unique world cultures. Isn’t it just great to study in the middle of a beautiful forest or to join a university with a laboratory that shapes the future? Of course, it is up to you to decide! Just remember that great life opportunities for international students with amazing scholarships and exchange programs are worth checking out!

Universidad de Los Andes, Colombia.

If your future degree deals with Latin America, Conflict Resolution, Tourism, Business Management or Spanish language, there is no better fit than joining Uniandes. A unique university campus located in the middle of Bogota’s historical center, surrounded by the beautiful mountains, open-air terraces, modern gym, labs, computers, classes, and probably the most delicious food ever! Join this wonderful world even for a week and you won’t regret the choice!

University of Houston, USA.

As one of the best public research universities in the United States, it offers innovative and unusual programs like Master of Science in Foresight. What it means in practice is that one learns how to shape the future and share the ideas to make a positive change. If you have heard about how professional futurists work, this may sound close to you. If not, however, you can join this amazing program to see how major businesses all over the world follow the influencers and listen to motivational resources on a daily basis.

The Evergreen State College, USA.

While this institution may be virtually unknown to the general public, it offers one of the most unique degrees and departments that deal with somatic studies. In most of our nerdify review posts, we aim to connect education, healthcare, psychology, and arts to explain the way things work. Just the same way, somatic studies course invites both American and international students to learn about mindfulness and the vital connections of mind and body that is so crucial in the digital age.

La Trobe University For Molecular Science, Australia.

Based in Melbourne, this unique university is an institute that researches applied sciences, quantum mechanics, the molecular sciences, and architecture of the future. While it sounds complex and only suitable for the geeks, we at nerdify reviews can prove you otherwise because this amazing university offers a 3D modeling course and an opportunity to learn about how all the SFX in Hollywood movies are made!

The Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

Ranging from Computer Sciences, Programming, School of Art, and Design & Media, this particular university fascinates with the great scenery that reminds of a Sci-Fi movie scene. Joining the campus feels like a trip to the future where a student is allowed to shape the way everything looks and functions. The ideas and innovations are implemented right on the spot, so you are free to test your knowledge in practice. It is truly an experience to remember! So, if you are a geek like us or an aspiring inventor, give it a try!

OCAD University, Canada.

A great place for international students to learn art and design. As Canada’s largest and oldest school for all things Arts, it offers unique courses for those who want to try something different and learn mostly with the help of team presentations, participation in the world’s exhibitions or the fashion shows. Of course, some assignments will have to be written, yet it takes a free form where a student has to show dedication and passion for the subject.

University of Helsinki, Finland.

As we shape our Nerdify reviews, we always turn to scientific publications and look for universities that offer a great research base. One of them is the University of Helsinki, which serves more than 17.000 international students and produces around 10.000 publications a year. Yet, what makes it unique is a great location. This is where the past and the present meet as the Gothic, Neoclassical, and Countryside styles mix with the present and high-tech architecture. Then, there is a Senate Square with its Modernist approach that is worth the entry place alone. If you are up for research and getting your works published, look no further!

Language Courses & Scholarships

If the idea of studying abroad sounds frightening to you, do not be! There are always great language courses for foreign students and, in some cases, entire courses are taught in English. Moreover, there are special scholarships and accommodation help programs that must be studied before you decide on the program that fits your objectives.

This time the team at Nerdify reviews decided to take a leap forward and think about the ways how an average person can help to save the planet on a daily basis. Some of us join different campaigns or participate in voluntary activities, but the problem is that it is the little things that we all do (or forget to do!) that matter even more. There is a lot of talk on TV about the things that international corporations do to raise social awareness about wildfires or pollution of the oceans, but very little is said about basic education or the rules that every person should learn as a child.

Use the bike instead of driving. Thinking about the things a person does daily, travel responsibility is an important aspect that cannot be underestimated. A number of emissions from the cars, let alone the noise, is a serious issue that most of us seem to ignore in favor of comfort. Even though the bike may not get you anywhere or act as the fastest means of transport, it is also good for your health and can work out for the daily travels to the office or school. Moreover, biking makes your bodywork and improves the heart rate, reduces stress and anxiety.

Plant a tree. The trees are our silent helpers that help to provide not only oxygen, as we remember from the school years, but also supply food and energy for the soil to recover crucial chemical elements. Planting a tree at least once a month makes a major difference to the climate changes that speak more than words and political agendas. Researching various campaigns that help to reforest the planet, the Nerdify reviews came upon American Forests organization that helps to restore our forests for over 140 years. Alternatively, there are many reliable ways to donate at least one dollar to help other people plant a tree and keep it protected. In most cases, these donations go to local schools or kindergartens where the youngsters have fun while keeping the neighborhood green.

Conserve water. This one may sound a bit tricky because some of us are not used to using less water on a daily basis. The same can be said about the use of a large number of chemicals while taking a bath. It does end up in the ocean in the long run, so we are actually the ones who can make it less without spending a dime or even going outside. Thinking about how to implement it in practice, our nerdy team decided to make a personal plan for everyone to consume less water on a daily basis when busy with the usual tasks. It takes one person to start a campaign that the planet Earth will hear and feel right away!

Educate people via social media. The popularity of Facebook and Instagram should be approached by any responsible person. Social media is the best way to educate people about the ways to save the planet and reduce the waste and pollution of our waters. Just think about Instagram – instead of taking pictures of a new dress or a fancy sports car, take a picture of planting a tree or using reusable shopping bags instead of plastic. Alternatively, you can also take pictures of urgent problems in your area and bring social attention to an issue. Help people in your neighborhood to unite efforts and it will bring you much more “likes” and following from the future generations.

Shop wisely. There is a lot a person can do while shopping! Starting from the energy-saving light bulbs to vegetarian foods, the ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and bio waste are virtually endless. As Nerdify reviews found out, there are also sustainable foods. What it means in practice is food from the farmers who use little to no chemicals and depend on human labor instead of heavy machines that destroy the soil, making it unusable for the future. Showing recognition for the sustainable food market, we also support the methods used for the recovery of the soil and research in the field of environmental sciences.

As one can see, there are simple old rules that still work today and will always work in the future no matter how technologically advanced we become. The things that we all learn at school are as relevant as ever! While politicians decide how to challenge greenhouse gas emissions or make a change by spending time at the luxury hotels, we all can make a difference by starting the day in a new way. Even following these simple rules will make a difference for the children of the future because it is created right now, the moment we live.

Go eco!

Nerdify Reviews Team

Sleep is important, we love it (especially here at Nerdify), we spend a third of lives doing it and yet lots of people have a problem waking up every morning.

Lack of sleep is a real problem and has been linked to short-memory loss, difficulty concentrating and depression. According to a recent study, from the Rand Corporation, United States economy loses staggering $411 billion a year due to lack sleep among the working population.

An average person needs roughly 7-8 hours of bedtime to be in tip-top shape. But simply lying in bed won’t cut it. The quality of sleep is equally important.

We’ll share some tips with you, on how to get the best sleep possible every single night:

1. Keep a constant sleep cycle

Our bodies have a natural biological clock, called “circadian rhythms” that basically say when you should be awake and when you should be sleeping. Messing with it will make you tired all day long. Try focusing on going to bed (and waking up) at roughly the same time. That way, your body will adjust its melatonin production ( the hormone responsible for making you feel sleepy) to your sleep cycle.

2. Switch off your laptop/mobile phone

Our screens emit “blue spectrum light” which makes our bodies think it’s “daylight” suppressing the melatonin production, hence you stay awake past midnight checking your FB or watching YouTube. This is EXACTLY the reason why staring at your mobile phone or laptop when going to bed, is a terrible idea. Thus, 1 hour before bedtime – put your mobile phone away and switch off your laptop!

3. Take a shower and cool your room

Various studies have shown, that the best sleep comes at around 68 degrees °F (approx. 20 °C) room temperature. So try cooling your room before bedtime. Another thing you can do is taking a quick hot shower. This will help you relax and let your eyes rest before going to bed.

4. Read a book or meditate

The last 30 minutes before bed should really be all about relaxing and preparing your mind for sleep. Clearing your mind with meditation or yoga, reading a book will quickly take a toll on you and you’ll be falling asleep shortly. You can also sniff some lavender essential oils! Many studies have indicated that breathing in lavender help people relax and get better quality sleep.

5. Once you wake up – get some sunlight

As discussed previously – melatonin is the hormone that makes you sleepy. Our body starts producing it when the sun goes down. To STOP melatonin production – get some sunlight right after you jump out of bed, production of the melatonin will stop and your body will know that it’s time to wake up!

Here at Nerdify, we help you succeed during your academic years. We think it’s incredibly important students achieve their goals because education is one of the biggest investments one makes in his life. If you feel like the pressure is mounting up and you need a helping hand – get in touch and we’ll make sure you have enough sleep today 😉