Dubrovnik: Not just about Game of Thrones - Image Credit BilbyandBear ©

Dubrovnik: Not just about Game of Thrones - Image Credit BilbyandBear ©
 
As Ranked by BilbyandBear
Destination: Dubrovnik, Croatia
 
Interesting website for the city: tzdubrovnik.hr
 
Is it easy to navigate around? Beyond the city walls you may need to rely on buses.  Within the city walls it is straight-forward.  Although its a big city, the paths are easy to navigate. 2
 
Hostels and Hotels (few, many, tons): Plenty to choose from.  Dubrovnik is a popular tourist destination. 2
 
Best part of the city? The city walls that face the Mediterranean Sea.  Watch from several meters up as the waves crash against these ancient walls.
 
Interesting Fact: There was a siege here during the Yugoslavian crises.  You'll be able to spot bullet holes on the walls of some buildings.

Istanbul: where Europe meets Asia - Image Credit BilbyandBear ©

Istanbul: where Europe meets Asia - Image Credit BilbyandBear ©
 
As Ranked by BilbyandBear
Destination: Istanbul, Turkey
 
Interesting website for the city: istanbul.com and  ibb.gov.tr
 
Is it easy to navigate around? Its a large sprawling city, so you'll need to rely on public transport. Unfortunately they are not well linked, so it is not too easy. However, some sights are clustered together which makes it not too bad. 0
 
Hostels and Hotels (few, many, tons): Tons, especially in the tourist area around the Blue Mosque. 2
 
Best part of the city? Its tourist attractions are fantastic. But perhaps nothing can beat the vibe on the main shopping street, Istiklal Street.
 
Interesting Fact: This city boasts to be where Europe meets Asia. It might sound over the top, but you do believe it when you are there, such a diverse array of faces and cultures.

How to compare college and university costs:

Cost vs. Quality of Higher education – part 2* Image credit and source: © Sveta Medvedeva - Shutterstock, Inc

Cost vs. Quality of Higher education – part 2* Image credit and source: © Sveta Medvedeva - Shutterstock, Inc

A FirstStep.me feature,

The risk of investing in education, unlike when you take out a home loan to buy property, is that education is not quite as tangible. Simply put, when you graduate or qualify from university or college – the little piece of paper you receive at the ceremony does not guarantee you anything, not even a job. Even if you meet the academic, attendance and financial criteria, there is no guarantee you’ll wake up every morning, sip on a coffee before leaving for your dream 9 to 5. At least with a home loan, if you pay the bond or mortgage you end up with a roof over your head.

Some countries and institutions require students to do a year of study abroad.

This is a really cool concept than helps build a well rounded education. Such programmes are normally setup within the university and involve partner institutions. Then there are those who actively look to study abroad. The same rules apply here when looking for quality education platforms. The thing is to always factor in the cost of living in a foreign country, and what options there are work-wise for students who graduate abroad.  If you are using an agency to study abroad, make sure that the institution is a reputable one that is partnered with accredited higher education set-up's.

Understanding the quality of education: Why comparing student fees falls flat based on the quality of the education and the individual student.

Asking a college or university the questions that they should be answering – an education is an investment – the question is what is being received for that investment.

Understanding the quality of education: *Image credit: Shutterstock, Inc © Digital Storm

Understanding the quality of education: *Image credit: Shutterstock, Inc © Digital Storm

A FirstStep.me feature,

Student debt, student fees, the cost of education – sorry folks these issues aren’t going away for a long time! Unless you follow the Nordic Regions and German free higher education system, students will have the financial challenges throughout their studies. However, even in the free education zones, money issues are still at large. The cost of living, transport and text books, among other things all add up.