Things To Consider If You Are Planning To Study Abroad

Many people ponder on the question that why they should study abroad? There are many reasons for studying abroad such as gaining a high-quality education, experiencing a new culture, wider exposure, and expanding future employment prospects. However, it is a matter of fact that studying abroad is also an exciting challenge that leads to better career opportunities and exploring the world in a new way. Moreover studying abroad offers a different experience to everyone so if you are planning to study abroad consider some of the factors mentioned below.

Choosing Country

Choosing where you want to study is one of the most important factors to consider. Choosing the country depends on the personal interests, practicalities, graduate career prospects, overall safety, and welfare of the candidates. Moreover, you must also consider the lifestyle and other interests before the selection of a particular country so that you can go for a suitable study destination that offers you the best experience and remain memorable for a lifetime. So if you need help making up your mind then have a look at some of the popular destinations across the world such as Australia, Canada, Germany, the UK, and the US and check the university rankings in these countries before making the final decision.

Length of Study Abroad Programs

The length of study abroad programs depends on the program and level of degree you have chosen. The candidates enrolled in the undergraduate degree have to spend three or four years of full-time study in order to complete their degree program. On the other hand, a graduate degree such as a master’s degree or equivalent degree program will take one or two years to complete. A doctoral (Ph.D.) program will generally take three/ four years or more depending upon the completion of the research work. There are many universities in the world that also offer the option of studying abroad for a shorter period of time. Besides this, there are also several student exchange programs that allow the students to study abroad for a few weeks, a semester, and even for a year. The candidates should also check about the shorter study abroad programs that are usually announced by many universities in the world

Start Applying

If you have set your mind to study abroad then start applying for the abroad study programs as early as possible. It is a long process so it is better to start applying without wasting any time to the offered degree programs according to your interests. The candidates can apply for the undergraduate, master's, Ph.D., and many other courses. The sooner you will submit the application form the sooner you will be able to gain acceptance into a university and manage the other expense. Moreover before applying make sure to note down all the relevant application deadlines. The application deadline varies for each university such as programs starting in September/October, applications will generally be open from early in the year in the months of January/February until the middle of the year.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements differ for each university and to get selected for the offered study programs the candidates have to meet the mentioned requirements. Moreover, the candidates are instructed to check the information properly provided by the university before submitting the application form. For example, if you are applying for an undergraduate degree then you should have completed your secondary education or equivalent degree program. In case of a foreign qualification, you must contact the admissions department of the university for required guidance. The non-native English speakers have to provide proof of English-language proficiency by taking an English-language test that includes TOEFL or IELTS. Other tests may be required from the candidates for those studying in other languages.

Required Documentation

Along with the application form the candidates have to submit the supporting documents as required by the university. The required documentation varies for each university and program but the candidates have to provide the supporting documents that include Passport photos for identification, A statement of purpose, CV/résumé, References/ recommendation letters, Academic Certificates of required education, Proof of English-language proficiency (a TOEFL/IELTS certificate), or other language test and Admissions test results (e.g. GMAT/GRE results). It is compulsory for the candidates to meet all the mentioned requirements in order to get the admission in study abroad program.

Admissions Interview

If you are applying to study abroad then it is not possible for you to attend the in-person interview conducted by the university. Many universities hold international interviews in various locations; around the world and because of the growing trend of using video interviewing it has become very easy for the candidates to attend the interview. The university provides the schedule for the conduction of the interview that the students can attend online via applications such as Skype.