Do you intend to study abroad? Here are 13 essential tips and tricks

Education plays an important role in the life of every person today, and sometimes studying abroad will give you better knowledge and skills. Studying in a foreign country is a dream for many students and getting the right university for the right degree is sometimes a challenge. According to a UNESCO survey, 750,000 out of 5 million students in 2018 were Indians. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), as of July 2019, more than 1 million Indian students are studying abroad.

Covid-19 Pandemic has expanded the scope of study abroad with various countries offering low-cost post-study work visas, courses and online programs. However, going to study in one's own country is one of the most difficult stages for a student. Proper planning and effective strategies are required to qualify for this process. Here are 13 tips for students who want to study abroad.

Which country would you like to study?

You must first understand the different countries that offer the course you want to study.

You cannot select a country based on weather or other reasons.

The education system and the educational environment are different in each country.

However, some of them may have precise mechanisms, and some may not be so good for you personally.

Therefore, it is clear that it is not wise to choose a university based on the climate or other insights of a country.

To overcome this, take suggestions from your friends who have studied in that particular country.

Through this, you will get some insights from their experience or advice.

Another option is to consider education counselors - seek them out for your educational needs.

They will advise you on the most suitable countries for your study.

Of course, there are some countries that have the best education systems and they are considered the best countries.

Some of them include the USA, Australia, the UK and Germany.

To learn beyond the traditional choices, you can go with countries like Ireland, NewZealand and Canada.

They provide excellent employment opportunities after graduation. Choosing one of these countries may be the right decision.

Choosing the right university

When choosing the right university and the right course, doing the right research is an important factor. In-depth research of the universities you want to apply for is required. Students should conduct research on university programs, course curriculum, eligibility criteria, selection process, fee structure, and accommodation.

You should take a virtual tour of the university campus and go through the prospectus carefully from the website. Do not be fooled by the attractive advertisements of the universities you are applying for, try contacting the university alumni for more information.

Check your qualifications before you choose a degree program:

This is one of the most important factors to consider if you want to study abroad.

Different universities have different admission requirements. This means that not all qualifications are acceptable for some courses.

Therefore, it is very important that you check directly with the university before applying.

Here are some of the major course eligibility requirements:

For undergraduate courses:

If you are looking for graduate courses, you must have completed Higher Secondary School.

After completing Standard XII with at least 80%, you can apply for the first year of graduate courses.

However, some management degree courses require at least 85% in at least two subjects.

For postgraduate / research courses:

If you are planning for a postgraduate course, you must have a first class degree from a reputed university.

In addition, applying for MBA courses requires at least three years of postgraduate work experience.

Career counseling

Approaching a career counselor can help you make the right choice. They help in understanding the selection process and doing paperwork and documentation. You need to choose a reliable career counselor as they can mislead you to fulfill their interests.

Apply as soon as possible

Applying early is crucial as there are many details to consider before studying abroad. If you apply early, you have a high chance of getting a scholarship.

Make a strong SOP

If you want to gain admission to your favorite university in the US, UK, Canada, or Australia, it is essential to prepare a strong SOP. This is a very important document as the authority can know the overall profile of the student through it. A good SOP includes course-related accomplishments and experiences, interest in extracurricular activities, and objective and unique cultural ethnicity. Adding a good audio or video document to your SOP will increase your chances of choosing a profile.

Education Expenditure:

The cost is undeniably high on the list of factors to consider when planning to study abroad.

Look for scholarships and financial aid to get an idea of how to finance your studies abroad.

Consider not only the tuition you have to spend, but also other factors related to living and studying abroad.

These factors include visa, accommodation, food and travel.

Although there are many financial aid options, many students do not want to study abroad because of the high cost.

It is important for each student to remember the financial aid options available in that particular country where you want to study.

Surf various websites that give an idea about the courses and universities, as well as the average cost of living in that city.

If you are confused with programs studying abroad or need expert help, overseas education consultancies will give you the best ideas.

These consultancies will help you to better understand what you need to study abroad and compare between different options.

Learn the local language

If you are going to study in a country where people do not speak English, learning the local language is crucial. You can enroll yourself in an online course to learn a new language. Learning and learning the local language will make your life a lot easier and make new friends easier.

If you are fluent in one language, you should be fluent in another. But if you are not one of them, it's scary.

It is also useless to pack and move to another country until you have a basic understanding of the language.

Regardless of the language you speak, check to see if the country of your choice offers courses in it.

Instead, if you have enough time to learn the language you are interested in, start learning it.

You may have to take a language test and submit your score to the university to gain acceptance from the university of your choice.

You can take a language test and submit your score to the universities for admission to the course. Therefore, it is worth keeping in mind.

Ability to clear English language test:

Almost all foreign universities require proof of English proficiency test.

Students wishing to study abroad are required to appear for any of the following standard English language proficiency tests:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

English Test as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Pearson Test of English (PTE)

The above examinations are required for admission from colleges abroad.

To apply for any undergraduate or postgraduate program, you must submit your score from one of the standard graduate admission tests.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

All these tests follow different formats and structures.

They even differ in different ways; Colleges require a large number of candidates for these examinations for admission to the Institute.

Students looking for study opportunities abroad are required to write a language proficiency test.

The selection of the exam is based on the course request and the candidate's choice university.

Visa rules for studying abroad:

Check visa requirements in advance

Be sure to start visa processing work early to avoid delays. Also, you should check the country-specific visa requirements. An SOP is also required for visa approval. So, write SOP well.

Studying abroad requires careful planning.

Students who wish to study abroad are advised to plan their admission process keeping in mind the university time limits.

According to the university's specific policies, the student must complete the English Eligibility Test before attending university.

Therefore, it is essential to plan 3-4 months in advance to avoid last minute rush.

Based on the duration of your course, plan for a visa. Some courses are short-term and others are long-term.

Plan your visa preparations accordingly so that you and your family do not have last minute surprises.

If you are looking for scholarships, financial aid, or education loans, the process may take a few more months to complete as it takes longer.

Scholarships and Loan Facilities:

Browse the University website you are applying for. Almost all universities have information on scholarship programs, financial aid, and other funding options. There are many types of scholarships available for those who wish to study abroad; Merit Scholarships, Scholarships for research or athletic achievements, Scholarships for low-income students, Scholarships for unrepresented groups.

What is the exact cost of studying abroad? There is no exact answer to this.

Similarly, admission requirements, cost of living and tuition fees vary between universities and countries.

In addition, it is important to explore scholarship or financial aid options.

Don't worry; Most foreign universities offer financial aid to international students based on their educational standards.

Education loans for studying abroad are one of the many options available to students, especially for higher studies from India.

Various banks offer clear loans and other services so that students can bear the expenses.

Loans can also be taken for living expenses, tuition fees, travel and health insurance.

Some national and foreign financial institutions offer education loans to students who want to study abroad.

Some of the special features of education loans abroad are: -

A co-applicant is required, which is offered only to Indian citizens

Higher education only (degree programs and above)

Foreign English language proficiency exams such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, SAT, GRE and GMAT can be paid for ... It serves as a 'proof of availability of funds' required for admission to various foreign institutions.

Can be taken against various collateral options (not limited to savings, assets, securities, etc.)

Part time job opportunities:

Can I work while studying abroad? The answer is yes.

Working part time while studying is a great decision because it will add extra money to your cash needs.

It will also provide a unique learning experience at the same time.

Finding a part-time job is an invaluable way to dig into the local culture and make a lot of money.

However, some countries have certain rules and regulations. Don’t forget to check the necessary restrictions before joining a job.

Another important thing to consider is that some courses may have in-built internship programs.

These programs usually do not allow students to work part time.

Regardless of the rules, if the course does not allow a student to work part time, you cannot do so.

Therefore, it is important to check with the university of your choice about the same.

Postgraduate Career Opportunities:

Students and parents are concerned about studying abroad.

Everyone wants to work at the destination to gain any international work experience.

Students plan to recoup most of their study expenses.

The fact is that most countries tighten their visa and immigration laws more than ever.

But skilled and qualified students and professionals will continue to enjoy postgraduate employment abroad.

Therefore, it is important to choose the right university and the right course.

Final decision:

The decision to study abroad is a big deal in anyone’s career.

Regardless of what, when, and which country you choose - the most important thing to consider is to push yourself into a comfort zone.

At the end of the day, your experience of studying abroad is yours, but no one else’s.

In order to make the right decision, it is beneficial for foreign studies to consider the above factors.