Did you know… more than 50% of the Indian population have been going abroad for higher studies over the last few years. This statistics is slated to increase even more in the future. With advancements in technology abroad, education system is reforming in top-notch universities, everyone seems interested to move abroad for pursuing higher studies and make a future for themselves.
Do you want to write your future? We have compiled an easy-to-follow guide on how to go abroad for studies. Let’s have a look.
What to Study Abroad
If you have already decided on what to study abroad, then kudos to you! More than half of your stress is gone. But, in case you are scribbling, here we are.
Look into the mirror.
Ask yourself. What was I made for? (in Billie Eilish way)
Popular fields like MBA, Engineering, Art, Design, and MBBS study abroad are enormously searched. But always remember to ensure pursuing something you enjoy.
How to Choose a Course to Study Abroad?
Here are some easy-to-follow tips that will help you choose a field of study to pursue abroad:
- Conduct a career compatibility test
- Introspect about what you enjoy doing inherently, without thinking about the results
- Talk to your relatives or friends who share similar interests and are studying abroad. You’ll get a fair idea about what life is like there.
- Explore the official websites of each university and participate in forum discussions to understand the ground reality.
- After you have narrowed down your interests, chuck out those that you deem unnecessary.
- Inculcate good habits, pursue a hobby that you’ve always loved, and contribute to a noble cause. This is not just good for your personality but your application as well.
If you are still unsure, consult with expert study abroad counsellors of Educafic, who are highly skilled in giving you the best advice to pursue your dream career abroad.
Where to go abroad for studies?
Know your study programme? Congratulations. Now it’s time to decide on where to pursue your course. Which country attracts you the most? Well, it’s not always about the TV soaps or films you enjoy from different countries, but where you’d feel at home away from home.
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing your preferred country for study:
- Italy, France, Germany, Japan, China, Russia, Spain, and many other countries do not have English as their official language. However, you’ll still find English-taught courses in many universities in these countries to help you feel at ease. Ensure carrying out thorough research to avoid any unprecedented issue at the end moment.
- Going to a different country to study is a whole new ball game. Many students choose to work part-time to support their education and livelihood. If you have similar requirements, ensure you check in with your study abroad advisor or search on the internet for those universities offering that flexibility.
- Your choice of country directly influences your budget and lifestyle. Hence, consult with your study abroad counselor and carry out your own research too to see which countries have education and living costs as per your budget.
- Not every person can adapt to the sudden weather change when you clock so many miles in a flight to travel and settle in a different country. It is important to know beforehand what kind of climatic conditions you can expect in a different country.
- A culture shock is real, and we understand how common it is among study abroad aspirants. Ensure that you research thoroughly and connect with communities staying abroad to get familiar with their daily life activities.
A golden tip: Ensure you select more than one country to make it easier for you to choose. If one fails, the other one is there for backup.
Most important step: Consult with a study abroad expert
We know how intimidating it is to relocate to another country, miles away from home. Consult with a friendly team of study abroad counselors like, Educafic who will guide you through the entire process and have 1-on-1 counselling sessions with you whenever on doubt.
A study abroad consultant will help you with the next steps that we have mentioned below. Please note, you can also carry these out independently. However, since there are monetary transactions involved, we’d suggest you take professional advice.
Apply to multiple places- not just one!
It’s good to have a dream university, but it is also important to have a plan B. We advise you to apply to multiple universities. A study abroad counselor would know the best suitable university to apply to. They’d guide you through the entire process, be it sorting out SOPs, LORs, and other documentation processes. It is very important to be practical and apply to only those universities where you have a fair chance to get in.
Take a Language Proficiency Test
When you’re going abroad to study an English-taught programme, you need to present official documents to prove your English speaking abilities that would help you in your day-to-day life activities.
You need to qualify either from IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, CPE or Duolingo test based on the university’s individual requirements. IELTS is accepted by every university so we’d suggest going for that and try to score a minimum 7.5 band to secure spots at the best universities around the globe.
If your English needs improvement, take at least a few months to prepare before applying.
On the other hand, if you want to pursue courses in German, French, Latin, Japanese, Mandarin, kindly ensure that you comply with all the rules and regulations on the respective universities’ language requirements before applying.
Received your offer acceptance letter after applying? Congratulations!
Apply for a student visa
Every country has its visa norms. Ensure that you go through them before applying. Here’s a quick visa checklist to guide you through the process in brief.
- Provide a valid copy of your current passport.
- Submit copies of your academic marksheets and documents.
- Provide a copy of residence permit (only if applicable).
- Submit transcripts of language proficiency (if required).
- Provide an official undertaking from your parents (if you are a minor, i.e., under 18 years of age)
- Show your bank statement that shows you’ll be able to cover the costs of studying and living abroad. (This will vary for those seeking financial aid/scholarships.)
- Always include passport-sized photographs
Book a place for accommodation
It is important to find a rental accommodation for your study abroad programme. Many universities provide on-campus accommodation. It is much cheaper than the ones outside. We recommend the same, especially keeping in mind your safety and an easier commute.
However, you can always reach Educafic. Their comprehensive counselling programmes will enlighten you about the best possible accommodations in a budget on or off campus.
Also Read: Can I study abroad for free?
Last but not least…
Book a flight for your dream study abroad destination and voila! You are ready to soar higher with success, confidence and glory.
All the best!
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