Investment in education is one of the most beneficial and life-altering assets we can make. Global transportation and information technology have ebbed physical distances and blurred nation-state boundaries. By integrating cross-cultural references and a global outlook, students can acquire a pragmatic approach to international educational applications.
So you know for certain that you want to study abroad; so you also know that it is an extensive sphere of the real world and there exist several opportunities. Despite this, there are worthwhile and strategically sound ways to kill two birds with one stone - choose a country wisely! When you choose the right study destination, you will get to experience a range of life-changing experiences in addition to placement opportunities that will help you make a name for yourself in your chosen field.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing the Right Country to Study Abroad
Here is a list of essential factors that any international aspirant must consider before finalising their study abroad destination:
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Your Reason for Studying Abroad or Interest Areas
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Education System of the Country
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Cost of Study and Return on Investment (ROI)
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Employment Opportunities for International Students
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Safety in the Country for International Students
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Experience of Other Students in the Country
Keep reading to understand these factors and their effects in detail.
Our study abroad experts have helped thousands of students looking to get admitted to the top universities all around the world. The vast majority of them today have been able to gain admission to their dream universities.
Looking for Advice on Choosing a Study Abroad Destination?
What Are Your Areas of Interest to Study Abroad?
Your priority should be selecting a course that suits your interests. If you know which area/course you want to pursue or you find interest in, you will be able to narrow down the countries.
As a prerequisite, you must:
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Be open-minded while picking a career path.
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Take a look at the activities, hobbies, and topics that naturally catch your attention and that you enjoy.
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The skills/activities that highlight your personality.
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Acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses.
The cost and programs of different countries vary. If you know which course best fits your goals, you can choose the destination.
Education System of Foreign Countries
Before you move on to choosing the right university or college abroad, ensure to examine different countries' education systems. For example, many universities focus on practical research rather than theory; therefore, whether you are capable of adapting to that kind of system is important. Every university will have its own grading system and pedagogy. As such, it is better to prepare your mind before time rather than to find yourself caught off guard later.
Admission Requirements to Study Abroad
Researching the admissions requirements in the country where you wish to study helps find out what they are. Check whether you ought to sit for additional exams, such as the GMAT or GRE, or the SAT or whether you need an English proficiency test to qualify.
Aside from academic qualifications, the United States has the most comprehensive selection process that evaluates captaincy, analytical skills, social welfare, leadership skills, and so on. Many factors contribute to a successful application to a top US college, including appraisal like the AP, SAT or ACT, admission essays, instructor reviews, and interviews.
In the same vein, application procedures are much easier in the United Kingdom. UCAS allows applicants to apply to up to five UK universities with one Statement of Purpose and one teacher recommendation. In contrast, Canadian applicants are required to proffer respective applications to each university. In addition to academic transcripts and letters of recommendation, each university may also ask for a few essays and/or videos.
ROI and Post Study Options for International Graduates
A student who chooses an overseas location for education has certain goals in mind. After completing their education, almost everyone hopes to advance in their career. There might be few students who wish to pursue further study, while others may want to begin to decide on a specific course at a university, one must consider all of these factors.
Needless to say, if someone is pursuing a fashion designing course in the European countries, they will not have to travel to another continent for seeking job opportunities; students can get it right in France, Italy, or any other country. Therefore, a coveted location should be viewed through the lens of the possibility of employment in the future. Because the ultimate purpose of taking out loans of such a high amount is to get a job and start repaying them.
Is Your Desired Destination Expensive to Study In?
A student's overall budget should be considered when selecting a destination for study. Remember to include ancillary costs such as utilities, transportation, food, accommodations, etc. when calculating your costs.
Studying abroad costs are heavily affected by the length of your course. For example, the length of a master's in the UK and Ireland is just one year, but it can take up to two years in other countries like Canada and Australia.
Investigate whether there are any governmental or institutional scholarships available for studying in the desired destination. Funding your education abroad might seem like a daunting task. Check out how to raise funds for your overseas education to find out proven ways and tips to help you through this step in your study abroad journey.
How much does your degree in India return in terms of ROI and value?
How much return on investment (ROI) can you expect from the destination? As an Indian international student, there is a tendency to calculate the return on investment because you have put a lot of time, energy, endeavour, and money into your program.
Consider the monetary and personal benefits of moving to another country if you plan to immigrate. Be aware of how valuable your degree will be back home, especially if you intend to return to your home country. Those opting for niche courses should also bear this in mind.
Part-time Employment Opportunities
During your studies, check if you will be able to work part-time as well, as that will allow you to manage your everyday expenses more conveniently. Check whether or not it is a job-ready destination:
Is Your Destination an Employment Hotspot?
In choosing the right course, you want to be able to grow professionally and find employment after graduation. If you're taking a vocational course, look for a destination with multiple employment opportunities. A master's degree in computer science, for instance, will open up a wide range of career opportunities in the US. Indeed, it includes tech hotspots like San Francisco, Chicago, San Diego, Boston, and Silicon Valley.
How Broad is the Scope of Your Chosen Course at Your Desired Destination?
Learn about the employment opportunities that await you after you complete your programme. Make note of countries with the greatest number of opportunities for students studying your chosen course. Identify how well-equipped the destination is for your specific industry base and whether it offers any level of industrial training.
For example, it is no secret that New Zealand is one of the best destinations for those who wish to make it big in civil engineering. Construction projects are expanding across the country, which is causing the demand for civil engineers with attractive benefits to grow.
Wondering whether or not studying abroad is worth it? Check out the 5 valid reasons to study abroad to affirm your decision of the much-needed international exposure.
How Safe Is the Country?
Let us face it in tandem, we live in a world where crime rates are surging like never before, and parents are concerned about their little ones' well-being and safety. Map a country that records lower crime rates and look for universities that are located in safer areas. There are security measures and strict guidelines for students' on-campus housing at universities.
Be sure that the destination offers 24-hour support, transportation, emergency services, and emergency resources when choosing a specific university. Get to know the safety of your prospective location by connecting with students who have already travelled there with the help of social media or by checking reviews on the university's official website.
Questions To Ask Yourself Before Choosing Your Study Destination
Before you finalise your study abroad destination, make sure to ask yourself the following questions:
Are You Willing to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone?
You probably are interested in being adventurous if you've decided to study abroad. Other individuals, however, are venturesome or daredevils. International students might experience a different lifestyle than what they are used to in their country of residence, while others are looking for just a slight change which will suffice for them.
Would You Prefer to be Close to Home or Far Away?
As mentioned above, some students prefer to remain close to their home country. The price of coming home for holidays and their ability to travel home during term breaks will be greatly affected. Having the contentment that even if you are not in the same country as your family and friends, you are not exactly on the other side of the world gives you a sense of security.
In Which Language Does the Country Speak?
The English language is the language most widely spoken worldwide by both native speakers and non-native speakers alike. The most commonly spoken language, however, is Mandarin Chinese, which is spoken by the vast majority of native speakers. If you are going to be spending time in a foreign country, whether in Norway, Spain, Sweden, or France, it is vital to understand or know the language partially.
Basic education is essential when you travel outside of the university or when you apply for a job. You should know a few words of the language even before you travel abroad since continuously using Google Translate is exhausting. In this way, you will display respect for the culture and demonstrate your commitment to learning, which will enable you to fit in better.
In contrast, if learning a foreign language is not something you are particularly interested in doing, you might want to consider studying in countries like the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, etc.
Lastly, Checking Out Study Abroad Experiences Shared by Others
In case you are uncertain about interrogating educational disciplines and universities that fit your requirement criteria on paper but still seem wrong, you should review previous international student experiences at universities that have been similar to yours.
Some people can offer specific tips and advice based on their own experience, or the ways they have dealt with provocations, common cultural shocks, misconceptions, confrontations as well as erratic challenges.
ProTip: If there is a particular university you want to get admitted to, find out where the headquarters are located or where their offices are pinpointed, and also look for nearby universities. Learn more about the individuals you aspire to be like; what were their educational backgrounds? You might be lucky and find that institutions in this country have relationships with companies that can assist graduates in obtaining employment and work experience.
To conclude, the decision of your study abroad destination should not be made all of a sudden or instantaneously. Be sure to plan every detail of your study destination. Do your research before settling in. Aside from the cost, consider the stay-back period, networking employment options and the climate crisis or breakdown.
Plan your future and make sure you make a well-thought-out decision about your career to elevate and escalate it. Enjoy your stay there! If you are still not sure which country is the best for you, drop us a line at abroad@collegedekho.com. Our experts will help you find a suitable country and college for you.
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