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Finally, being in the boat that everyone dreams about; studying abroad, certainly feels exciting. However, at the same time, it is daunting because with all the fun comes a lot of planning, organisation, and preparation.
Before making a final decision, there are numerous important factors to think about. Despite the seemingly endless list, we are here to help. Below, we have listed all the crucial considerations that should be made before studying abroad, which will ease your uncertainty.
KNOW YOUR EXPENSES AND BUDGET
Studying abroad can be highly expensive and therefore determining the budget accordingly is ideal. This is one of the things that should not be on your mind all the time while you are abroad especially if you are not planning on working; therefore, you must be aware of your monetary circumstances and finances. Ensure to consider tuition fees, food, and housing to have a rough estimate of your travelling expenses; this way you will be prepared upon arrival.
Furthermore, make sure you notify your bank about your study abroad plans to ensure hassle-free transactions in the future.
Other than that, if you are on a budget, you should be aware of these things:
- Conduct thorough research and look for countries with a tuition fee that will not break your bank.
- If it is way too expensive, you can always choose to apply for a scholarship; some are fully funded while others are partially funded.
RESEARCH SUITABLE COUNTRY, COURSES AND UNIVERSITIES
Choosing the right country is extremely important for your study abroad aim; this will depend on many factors, which may include the following:
- Budget
- Cultural differences
- Climate conditions
- Spoken language
- Job prospects
Though the UK, Australia, Canada, and the USA are the top countries to study abroad, you can always make a decision by considering the course you are about to study and the popular professions in that country.
In the process of making this decision, choosing the right course and university that best suits your preferences and goals is also essential; you can either search on your own or get help from resourceful consultant companies.
No matter what course you choose, be it arts, medicine, technology, or business, studying abroad will give you the opportunity to explore new ideas and experiences.
LOOK FOR AVAILABLE SCHOLARSHIPS
As we have already mentioned, expenses quickly pile up when planning to study abroad but luckily many countries offer affordable scholarships to ease the financial burden of the students.
There are many types of financial support available for international students to pursue their dream of studying abroad.
- Some offer general scholarships which usually do not require specific eligibility criteria.
- Some scholarships are offered by the government or private organisations and may be reserved for certain specific countries or groups – minorities or women.
- Additionally, some are merit-based scholarships which are specifically aimed at students with high potential and academic excellence.
All things considered, take your time, explore all the options and then choose according to your preference and need.
KNOW STUDY VISA REQUIREMENTS
One of the significant things to consider is the visa requirements and logistics of the country you are moving to. In some cases, when you are studying in an exchange programme managed by a university in your own country, the institution will frequently handle all the logistics of getting you a visa. However, if you are choosing to study and travel yourself, this step is often left to you. For this reason, you must start your research beforehand; check country guidelines as all countries have their own requirements and regulations.
LEARN ABOUT CHOSEN DESTINATION’S CULTURE, CLIMATE & GENERAL RULES
Before reaching your desired destination, it is important to learn about their culture, climate language and some general rules.
Some of the key considerations are:
- Learn and familiarise yourself with some common vernacular phrases to communicate with the locals without a hitch.
- Learn some general etiquette, practices, and cultural and social norms including greetings, table manners or gestures. Additionally, educate yourself regarding particular social taboos, religious customs, and political views.
- Research the climate, seasons, and weather conditions of the country; this will make packing easier. On top of that, ensure to understand their local dress codes for locations and destinations.
- Last but not the least, ensure to read their laws, regulations and legal systems including transportation systems and insurance requirements.
CONSIDER JOB PROSPECTS ASSOCIATED WITH YOUR COURSE
While choosing the course, ensure to search for potential job opportunities, salary ranges and industries that have a high demand for professionals with your expertise and skill sets.
On top of that, consider the country’s work requirements, and work rights and determine whether or not there are any restrictions imposed by the country for international students.
By considering these factors, you can surely make an informed decision and improve your job prospects in the desired country.
SEARCH FOR SUITABLE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Start your research early before studying abroad and consider factors like proximity to your university and neighbourhood while keeping your budget in mind. For your convenience, you can utilise social media groups or accommodation websites; and after selecting some options, compare them, read reviews, and communicate with landlords.
CONCLUSION
Nowadays, many students are choosing to study abroad to pursue their dream courses and programmes. However, no matter the course or the country you choose, a lot of planning is required including budget, selecting a course and university, and considering job prospects.