A step by step guide to Studying Abroad

Are you contemplating the idea of studying abroad but feeling a bit overwhelmed by the process? Fear not, as we’ve crafted a guide that breaks down the journey into manageable steps, ensuring you’re well-prepared to embark on your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree adventure overseas.

Let’s delve into the details!

Establish Your Education Budget

Studying abroad is undoubtedly an enriching experience, but it comes with a price tag. While certain destinations may be more budget-friendly, it’s crucial to determine early on how much you’re willing to invest in your education.

Tuition fees for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs vary significantly, providing options for every budget:

Bachelor’s degrees tuition range:

• 0 to 5,000 EUR/year
• 5,000 to 10,000 EUR/year
• 10,000 to 20,000 EUR/year
• Over 20,000 EUR/year

Master’s degrees tuition range:

• 0 to 5,000 EUR/year
• 5,000 to 10,000 EUR/year
• 10,000 to 20,000 EUR/year
• Over 20,000 EUR/year

Consider living costs as well, which can range from 300 to over 1,000 EUR per month based on your chosen city and country.

Tips and Tricks:

• Countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, and Singapore often have higher tuition fees.
• While student loans are an option, exercise caution, as repayment is required even if you don’t complete your studies.
• Part-time work is feasible, but be mindful of regulations and potential stress. International students often have limited weekly working hours.
• Norway and Germany’s public universities offer free degrees to all international students.
• Students from the EU and EEA can enjoy free education in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden.
• France and Austria host numerous public universities with study programs priced under 2,500 EUR per year for international students.

Continuing our exploration of the journey toward studying abroad, we now move to the crucial steps of deciding what to study and where to pursue your education. Let’s delve into these considerations and guide you through the decision-making process.

Determine Your Field of Study

Choosing the right field of study is a pivotal step in your academic journey. While some individuals have clear career aspirations from a young age, others may still be contemplating their options even as they approach the application process. It’s essential to strike a balance between personal passion and potential career opportunities.

Popular Disciplines to Consider:

• Business and Management
• Computer Science and IT
• Engineering
• Law
• Medicine
• International Relations
• Psychology

However, it’s important not to select a discipline solely for financial reasons if it doesn’t align with your interests. To discover a field that resonates with your personality:

• Take Study portals’ personality test.
• Reflect on activities you genuinely enjoy, irrespective of external rewards.
• Consider role models and whether you aspire to pursue similar paths.
• Explore student reviews for various disciplines to understand the curriculum, effort required, and post-graduation outcomes.
• Use a process of elimination to identify areas you don’t want to study, allowing space for clarity on your true preferences.
• Review job descriptions, career paths, and opportunities to identify those that resonate with you.
• Consider taking a gap year for self-discovery through volunteering or entry-level work.

Choose Your Study Destination

Your budget and chosen discipline significantly influence your ideal study destination, but various factors should be considered before making a decision.

Key Questions and Suggestions:

• Are you open to studying in a country where English isn’t widely spoken?
• Do you intend to work during your studies? Investigate countries with favorable policies for international students.
• Assess the importance of social life and extracurricular activities in your decision-making.
• Consider whether you prefer a bustling city or a quiet town for your academic environment.
• Determine your willingness to commute to the university.
• Reflect on your preference for proximity to your home country.
• Factor in your love for travel and choose a country with ample connections and opportunities in that regard.
• Narrow down your choices to 2 or 3 ideal destinations and compare the pros and cons of each.
• Utilize Study portals’ country test for additional insights.

It’s important to acknowledge that the university acceptance process may influence your final decision. If, for instance, you apply to universities in the UK, Finland, and Germany, and only receive acceptance from the UK, consider embracing the opportunity. Remember the adage: when one door closes, another one opens.

By meticulously considering your field of study and the ideal study destination, you’ll pave the way for a fulfilling and enriching international education experience. This comprehensive guide aims to equip you with the insights needed to navigate these critical decisions and embark on your academic adventure with confidence.

Select Your Preferred Study Programmes and Conduct a Thorough Comparison

Now that you’ve identified the country and discipline for your study abroad adventure, the next step is to pinpoint the ideal study programme. This phase requires careful consideration, ensuring that you align with the curriculum and academic goals of your chosen programme. With each university offering one or more study programmes within the same discipline, you must navigate this selection process diligently to prevent the realization, midway through your academic journey, that you’ve enrolled in the wrong degree.

A crucial strategy to avoid such pitfalls is to meticulously examine the programme’s overview or list of courses. Delve into the specifics of what you’ll study and how it aligns with your academic and career aspirations. Some programmes may lean towards theoretical frameworks, while others emphasize practical applications. If uncertainties persist, don’t hesitate to reach out to the university. Their representatives are typically more than willing to provide the guidance needed to make an informed decision.

Additional factors warranting consideration include:

• Duration of Studies: Most bachelor’s degrees span 3 or 4 years, while master’s degrees typically require 1 or 2 years. However, exceptions exist, especially in highly specialized disciplines that may demand 5 or even 6 years of study, impacting both your time commitment and expenses.

• Full-time or Part-time: Each approach carries its own set of benefits. Part-time studies offer the flexibility to work on the side and manage additional responsibilities, while full-time studies provide a more immersive on-campus experience.

For those aspiring to pursue a degree abroad, Study portals provides invaluable assistance. Across their platforms-Bachelors portal, Masters portal, PhD portal – a feature enables quick comparisons of your preferred study programmes. By creating an account, selecting your favorite programmes, you can seamlessly view them side by side, streamlining your decision-making process.

Apply to Multiple Universities

Even if you boast top grades and a compelling motivation letter or essay, it’s inadvisable to apply to a single university. While acceptance is a possibility, considering the competitive nature of international admissions, diversifying your applications enhances your chances of securing a spot in a reputable institution.

Applying to at least 2 or 3 universities is a prudent approach. However, be mindful of country-specific limitations on the number of applications for international students. The application process may vary:

• In some countries, a centralized system streamlines the application to multiple universities.
• Other nations may require individual applications to each university.
• The document submission process also varies, with some universities accepting only digital copies, while others demand physical copies sent via post, in addition to digital scans.

To facilitate your decision-making process, here are recommendations for international universities spanning diverse countries:

• University of California, Berkeley, US
• University of Toronto, Canada
• Imperial College London, UK
• Université de Lyon, France
• EU Business School, Spain
• University of Cologne, Germany
• University of Siena, Italy

By adopting a strategic approach to programme selection and submitting applications to multiple universities, you enhance your chances of embarking on a transformative international educational journey. These steps underscore the meticulous planning required to ensure a seamless transition into the academic and cultural landscape of your chosen destination.

 Excel in Your English Language Proficiency Test

To embark on your academic journey abroad, particularly in an English-taught program, demonstrating proficiency in the English language is imperative. Universities typically accept specific English language certificates, including IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and C1 Advanced. The key is to successfully pass one of these tests before your university enrolment.

The English language exams assess four primary skills: speaking, listening, writing, and reading. While the formats of these tests differ, they all involve tasks such as listening to speakers with various accents, answering multiple-choice questions, composing letters and essays, responding to questions based on different types of texts, and more.

Crucial advice for test success lies in avoiding a superficial approach. These evaluations delve into your grammar, vocabulary, understanding, and various other linguistic abilities. Familiarizing yourself with the test format and engaging in sufficient practice will undoubtedly enhance your chances of excelling in any language proficiency test.

Pursue Scholarship Opportunities

Securing financial aid is a pivotal step in your study abroad journey, intertwining with both budgetary considerations and the university application process. Scholarships, grants, student loans, and military aid constitute various financial aid programs, each with its own unique features.

Scholarships and grants, unlike loans, do not require repayment. However, they are not handed out arbitrarily. Meeting specific application requirements is crucial, and these requirements span diverse criteria such as academic achievement, financial need, research pursuits, and more. It is imperative not to rush the application process; only apply if you genuinely meet the specified criteria to enhance your chances of consideration.

Confirm Your Acceptance After Receiving the University’s Response

Receiving an acceptance letter from the university marks one of the most gratifying and exciting steps in your study abroad preparations. Congratulations, you are well on your way to becoming an international student! However, if you are fortunate enough to receive acceptance from multiple universities, a careful evaluation of your options becomes imperative.

Take the time, at least 2 or 3 days, to reflect on your preferences and make an informed decision. If you already have a favored choice, confirming your acceptance is a straightforward process. In case of indecision, avoid hastiness; weigh the pros and cons of each option before providing confirmation. Following this, ensure the university receives your confirmation and be prepared for potential requests for additional documents or official copies.

Navigate the Student Visa Application Process

While not all students venturing abroad require a visa, for those who do, meticulous research and timely application are essential. The requirements for a student visa vary, and the processing time can range from a few weeks to several months. Commence the application process early to avoid any delays that might impact the commencement of your studies abroad.

For EU/EEA students enrolling in universities within the EU/EEA, the good news is that a visa is unnecessary if you already belong to this region. However, for others, obtaining a visa is a crucial step. Countries like Canada, the US, China, Australia, the UK, and many more often mandate student visas.

The key advice here is to ascertain early whether a visa is required for your chosen destination and to familiarize yourself with the duration of the visa application process. Align your application timeline with the scheduled start of your studies to ensure a seamless transition into your academic endeavor abroad.

Choose Your Abode: Navigating Accommodation Options

Determining your place of residence abroad is a crucial decision that significantly influences both your financial commitments and overall experience. This section explores the most popular accommodation options, shedding light on their pros and cons.

Student Dormitories:

Also known as ‘student halls’ or ‘university halls of residence,’ these dormitories are a budget-friendly option. However, it often entails sharing a room with one, two, or more students. The costs typically include utilities in the monthly fee. Private student dormitories, distinct from university-owned ones, might be pricier. Many students opt for dormitory living initially for the on-campus experience, later transitioning to renting private accommodations. Availability varies among universities, and conditions and facilities differ across countries.

Renting a Private Flat:

The second most popular option involves renting a private flat, often shared with other students to mitigate costs. Prices tend to rise as you move closer to the city center. Utilities may not be inclusive, necessitating discussions with the landlord. A deposit, usually equivalent to 2 or 3 months’ rent, is customary to cover potential damages, refundable upon moving out. Some universities assist in finding private flats to prevent scams, while others necessitate independent research. Platforms like amber, a trusted student housing booking platform, offer personalized assistance in finding suitable accommodation globally.

Living with a Local Family:

Although less common, living with a local family appeals to students on tight budgets or those seeking an immersive cultural experience. Costs can be minimal, and some families even include a daily meal in the monthly fee. Proficiency in the local language or a shared language with the family is often essential, leading to potential language barriers. Shared living spaces, like the kitchen and bathroom, are part of the arrangement, offering opportunities to learn local customs, recipes, and build deep connections. Prices for these accommodation options can range from 100-200 EUR to over 700 EUR per month, emphasizing the need for careful consideration and comparison.

Always approach accommodation decisions with a discerning eye, scrutinize contracts, and engage in thorough market comparisons. An informed decision at this stage contributes to a more empowered study abroad experience.

Plan Your Journey: Deciding on Travel Logistics

With your university spot secured and accommodation arranged, the next step is to plan your journey to your study destination. This involves considering various factors, such as transportation means, travel companions, and potential layovers.

Choosing Your Means of Transportation:

If your study destination is on a different continent or in a distant country, air travel is often the most convenient option. While generally efficient, factors like luggage limits and additional charges for extra baggage need consideration. Alternatively, some students may opt for train or bus travel, balancing comfort with duration and cost. For Europeans relocating within Europe, a car journey presents a viable option, offering the added benefit of traveling with loved ones.

Travel Tips and Tricks:

Ensure your travel aligns with your study start date, providing ample time for acclimatization. Be aware of cancellation or change policies, especially for flights. If there are layovers or waiting periods between means of transportation, plan accommodations and activities accordingly.

Pack Wisely: Essentials for Your Study Abroad Adventure

The final step before embarking on your study abroad adventure is packing. The quantity of luggage depends on your chosen means of transport, but certain items are universally essential:

• Laptop, Power Adapters, and Converters: Essential for academic and personal use.
• Identification Documents: ID, passport, birth certificate, and copies for emergencies.
• Medicine and Prescription Drugs: Particularly vital if you have allergies or other medical conditions.
• Regular Backpack: Convenient for daily use and short trips.
• Personal Mementos: A photo or item to evoke memories of home.
• Headphones: Bring at least two pairs in case of malfunctions.

Toiletries, weather-appropriate clothing, towels, and daily-use items should also be packed. Depending on the climate, consider shipping winter clothes separately if necessary.

As you prepare to embark on this transformative journey, keep in mind that you’ll find numerous shops at your destination for purchasing any forgotten or needed items. Now, armed with knowledge and enthusiasm, you’re poised to create lasting memories in this exciting chapter of your life as an international student. Go forth and embrace the adventure!