Studying in a different country whether it is under-graduate, post-graduate or professional degree and certification, is, no doubt, an exciting experience. Apart from planning for financials, lot of other things should be planned meticulously.
Selection of Destination: Make sure to do extensive research about your destination before applying for studies abroad. One can consider following factor while selecting a destination:
- Budget consideration: Budget considerations: Consider your budget and the cost of living in different countries and the tuition fees.
- Cultural Compatibility: Research about the culture and traditions of the countries you are considering. Make sure you are comfortable in terms of language and lifestyle before picking a country
- Quality of education: You should research about the quality of education, the syllabus, and the rankings of universities in the countries on your list.
- Ease of Visa: Make sure that the country is providing adequate visa support.
Selection of Course: The selection of a course is paramount while opting for study abroad, as it determines the curriculum, the length of the course, and other details. It is essential to pick a course that fits your requirements and aligns with your career goals. Here are some points why selecting a course is important:
- Understanding the curriculum: The selected course will provide an in-depth examination of the subject through its curriculum. It will guide you at every step, making your learning process structured and organized.
- Course duration: The duration of the course can vary widely. Make sure to check the duration and whether it suits your timeframe appropriately.
Funding Options: Searching for funding while opting for study abroad is an important step as it can determine the feasibility of studying abroad. Here are some tips to search for funding:
- Research Funding Organizations: There are various funding organizations that offer financial aid and scholarships for studying abroad. Make sure to research these bodies and their eligibility criteria.
- Research University Scholarships: Universities offer various scholarships and funding opportunities for students studying abroad. You should take a look at their scholarships and apply for those that suit your profile.
- Research National Scholarships: Government bodies also offer various scholarships and grants for studying abroad. Research the eligibility criteria and apply appropriately
Apply early: Apply for admissions well in advance, since the application process can take a lot of time. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting your desired university. Here are some important reasons why applying early for study abroad is crucial.
- Increase acceptance rates: Applying early increases your chances of being accepted as most universities give priority to early applicants.
- Early preparation: Applying early enables you to prepare for exams, visa application, and other processes well in advance, making things less hectic.
- Better planning: Applying early allows you to plan your expenses, accommodation, and other details well in advance, making it easier for you to manage your funds and make better decisions.
Preparation for Visa: One can keep the following points in mind while preparing for visa application:
- Check the visa application process and requirements: You should familiarize yourself the visa application process and the requirements required to secure the visa. This includes the documents, the timeline, and the fee.
- Prepare documents accordingly: Once you are familiar with the process and requirements, you should gather the necessary documents and ensure that they are ready well in advance.
- Prepare for the Visa Interview: Most visa applications require a visa interview. Make sure to prepare for it effectively, including practicing some common questions.
Sorting out Accommodation issue: Following are few tips to sort out your accommodation issue while studying abroad:
- Know your budget: Before looking for accommodation, it is important to have an idea of your budget. This can help you choose your accommodation more effectively.
- Research accommodation options: Once you are familiar with your budget, you can start researching accommodation options. This can include various options such as rented hostels, shared apartments, private rooms, etc.
- Consider location: Location plays a prominent role when choosing accommodation. Ensure it is convenient and close to your educational institution.
Sorting out Health & Travel Insurance: One can focus on following points to sort out health and travel insurance for studying abroad:
- Understand travel and health insurance policies: Before you embark on studying abroad, it is important to understand the insurance policies. This includes the different coverage, eligible conditions, and any exclusion.
- Make a budget: Health and travel insurance premiums can vary widely. To avoid overspending, make a budget for the same and choose a policy within it.
- Research insurance providers: Research various insurance providers offering health and travel insurance for studying abroad. Compare different policies and ensure that you are selecting the most suitable one.
Tick on final checklist: Before embarking for study abroad, do not forget to tick on the following points in your final checklist:
- Check your papers: Ensure that your visa, passport, and important documents are all in order before your departure.
- Pack your luggage: Make a checklist of items that you’ll need and ensure that you have packed all of them correctly.
- Prepare your travel itinerary: A proper itinerary ensures that you can reach your destination safely and without any trouble. Make a list of the places you plan to visit along with the timings.
- Foreign currency: Do not get to carry foreign currency so that you do not need to ruch for exchange as soon as you reach the foreign soil
- Have copies of important documents: Carry photocopies of all your important documents including passport, visas