HOW TO CHOOSE WHERE TO STUDY ABROAD?
Studying abroad is a life-changing experience, so take your
time and do your homework before jumping into the first location that comes to
mind. It’s critical to consider all of the advantages and disadvantages of a place
where you want to advance your career. We understand how daunting it might be,
which is why we’ve created this guide to assist you in deciding on your next
study location.
What are your plans for the future?
To begin, make a list of your interests and talents to help you determine your preferred route of study. Examine the modules, programs, and durations available for your chosen subject in depth. Also, while you’re doing it, look at career opportunities and long-term benefits.
What is the scope of the course you’ve chosen at your target location?
Learn about the sectors that are available to you if you finish your study and want to look for work. Consider which nations provide the most opportunities for students pursuing your chosen course. Check to see whether the destination has a significant presence in your business and if any type of industrial training is offered.
For example, if you want to pursue a career in civil engineering, New Zealand is one of the greatest places to go. With the present rise of building projects around the country, civil engineers with attractive benefits are in high demand. Ireland is a fantastic place to study healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
Is the destination’s educational system appropriate for you?
Distinct places have different educational structures, which may or may not correspond to your thought process. Examine the instructional methods used in the schools. Many colleges, for example, priorities practical instruction above academic notions. Do you think a strategy like this would work for you? Would you be willing to work on research papers and tasks on a weekly basis?
Do you meet the prerequisites for admission?
Always check the admission criteria for the programs offered in your chosen location. Is there a program available at the level you want to start? Is it a certificate or a degree program? Recognize your preferences and make your choices appropriately. Several colleges in Canada, for example, offer a postgraduate certificate rather than a master’s degree. In the same way, the United Kingdom provides two types of master’s degrees: taught and research.
Check the needed academic scores as well. Are you able to do the same? Would you have to take a second exam in addition to the English proficiency test? Do you believe you’d be able to carve out time in your schedule to study for other exams like the GMAT, GRE, or SAT?
What would it cost you to study at your chosen location?
It is essential to examine the whole cost of learning at a given location. Don’t forget to factor in auxiliary fees like lodging, utilities, and transportation when determining your charges. Consider the length of your course, since this will have a significant impact on the entire cost of studying abroad. For example,
master’s degrees in the United Kingdom and Ireland are only available for one year, although master’s degrees in other countries such as Canada and Australia might last up to two years.
Find out whether there are any government or institute-level scholarships available to study in the targeted location. If you are successful in obtaining one, it will significantly reduce the cost of your courses.
Have you made up your mind on which intake you wish to take?
Did you know that university academic years in other countries differ from those in India? Consider your current situation: will you be able to gather all you need and apply for the next intake? When applying to a university, you’ll need to gather all of your documentation (such as a Statement of Purpose, Letter of Recommendation, Curriculum Vitae, Transcripts, and so on), and make sure you have everything ready before the start of your selected intake. Consider going for the following intake if you don’t have enough time to complete all of these prerequisites.
Is it possible to find work in your destination?
Your selected education should enable you to advance professionally and place you in a position to obtain work. Consider a location that provides a variety of job prospects for your course. For example, if you want to pursue a master’s degree in computer science, the United States will provide you with a plethora of options. San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, and Silicon Valley, for example, are all tech hubs.
What are the rules and procedures for student visas?
Check the visa entrance criteria for the place you want to visit. Each nation has its own set of procedures to follow, and visa processing might often take longer than planned. In addition, the cost of obtaining a visa varies per nation.
Is your chosen place conducive to your preferred way of life?
Although not a huge element, it is something to consider as an Indian student. The way of life in other countries will be vastly different from that in India. Everything will change, including the language, culture, food, and way of life. Your approach to certain circumstances will likewise shift dramatically.
Consider exploring each destination’s way of life to see whether it aligns with your goals.
What is the return on investment and value of your degree in India?
It is normal for an Indian student who would be investing a lot of money, effort, and time to assess the return on investment (ROI). Is the location providing you with the type of return on your investment that you’re looking for? Is it preparing you for a job? If you’re thinking about moving to another nation, think about the prospects and financial benefits. Consider the worth of your degree in your native country, particularly if you want to return. Students considering specialist courses should think about this as well.
In addition, your IDP counsellor will walk you through the logistics of when you may apply to study and when you can start your course in various locations.