Choosing what to study abroad:
Asking yourself why you want to study is the most crucial factor when choosing a course. Will expanding your skill set help you advance in your career? If this is the case, you should select a course in a field that is a logical extension of your present knowledge and credentials. Choosing a course that is pertinent to your work is advised if your goal is to advance with your current employer. Finding out what degree will benefit your career can be determined by talking about study options with your peers, colleagues, or employer.
Are you looking to broaden your knowledge or completely alter your career path? If you’re looking to change careers, studying might be crucial. Consider carefully what career you want to pursue if this is your reason for studying. Be sure to thoroughly research any potential career because studying can be expensive. Thinking about your interests and the courses you want to take is very important.
Is it because you have a glamorous, exciting career in front of you? Or perhaps it’s because your parents want it that way. Asking yourself these questions will help you determine the precise direction you want your course to take you in. Also, consider asking yourself where you would most like to spend a few years. This is a chance to experience a different way of life, meet new people, and learn a new language and culture. And if you’re content with your life, your academic success will reflect that. Now that you’ve discovered your dream, let’s take a moment to confirm its viability.
Can you afford the airfare, the cost of living, and the education? Are there prerequisites you must meet, such as English language proficiency or a certain GMAT score? Don’t give up; a pathway program might be all you need to get over those obstacles. If you can demonstrate in your scholarship application that this is truly your passion, you might be eligible for financial aid.
Realistically, consider how long you want to spend studying right now. Here are some sample study periods for full-time study to help you make a decision:
- Six-month Postgraduate Certificate
- 3-year undergraduate program
- MA: one year
- A four-year PhD
To get a true sense of it, read student blogs.
Glitzy prospectuses don’t always give you the full picture, so ask friends who have studied in that country or city for more information about what it’s really like there. I sincerely hope the reply isn’t “by sleeping” or “by crossing my fingers as I walk into the exam room.” And I sincerely hope the answer isn’t “by sleeping” or “by crossing my fingers as I walk into the exam room.”
Some people prefer final exams, while others are occupied by their daily tasks. Some people enjoy working in groups, while others prefer working alone. Some people prefer theory, while others prefer real-world, hands-on application. Choose a course that fits your learning style, and your chances of success will increase. You’ll feel more confident about succeeding if you enroll in a course that fits your preferred learning style. Or, if you want to challenge yourself, choose a course that will take you out of your comfort zone! You’ll come up with a variety of different standards to use in evaluating a college or course as you do your research.
So make a shortlist of the top three features you’re looking for. These may include things like the academic standing or reputation of the university, research opportunities, internship costs, services for supporting students, safety, and social life. Because there are so many different variables, what is right for you might not be at all right for someone else.
Since it can be expensive, think of studying abroad as an investment in your future. This has an impact on both your career and your income. Discover whether there is a vibrant alumni community, whether you will have the opportunity to interact with business executives while taking the course, and where other international students from that university have worked after graduating. Because there are so many options for each subject, it’s crucial to be aware of your area of greatest expertise. Engineering students can choose to major in anything, from biomedical to civil. So if you’d rather build bridges than human body parts, be aware of that before enrolling.
It’s possible to change your mind. Indeed, this is a crucial choice. It’s still possible to change your mind if you arrive and realise you made a terrible error. Find out if there are any better options for you by speaking with the student counsellor on campus. Spend the next five years of your life doing something other than staring at textbooks. Keep the excitement going and you will succeed; just remember that it all comes down to your passion!
Choosing the right University:
Studying abroad has many benefits: It’s an awesome way to develop new skills, make lots of friends, and boost your employability. Choosing the right university is crucial to getting the most out of studying abroad. With thousands of incredible universities across the world, picking the right one can be mind-boggling.
Think about the following factors to help choose the perfect university for you:
Many universities offer combined programs that let you study more than one subject, such as business and finance or history and art, if you’re unsure what to study. Making studying worthwhile requires choosing a subject you enjoy because it can be difficult. Once you’ve decided on your dream program, you can eliminate colleges that don’t have it. Your decision-making process will be simplified by the shorter list of options. The place where you study will serve as your new home, so choose somewhere that makes you feel safe and comfortable. Consider your ideal destination, such as a thriving city, an exotic paradise, or a tranquil scenic refuge, to help you choose a location. Think about things like language, regional culture, weather, and job opportunities.
Check to see if you have friends or family you can turn to for support in the country you’ll be studying in. Additionally, learn how the nation views the communities and groups you are a part of, as your rights may be impacted, such as networks for LGBTQ+ and women’s rights.
Think about Extracurricular Opportunities: To decide if a university is the best fit for you, look into the programs, amenities, and services it provides. Find out what’s available in terms of sports, clubs, societies, and events. Also, check what the university provides to help you achieve your career goals. Lots of universities have handy careers advice services that offer tips and workshops to help you find amazing internships, placements, jobs, and other types of work experience.
Find out if the modules are of interest to you and how flexible they can be. For instance, in the US, you can take courses that have nothing to do with your major, creating a diverse learning environment. In Europe, most universities only let you pick modules related to your program. To make sure the course material is what you expect, take a look at the delivery method, such as lectures, seminars, and workshops.
Knowing your method of evaluation—whether it be through exams, assignments, or both—is also beneficial. It’s worth checking how universities rank for your chosen program. Rankings based on the subject you want to study can be more useful than ones that rank universities as a whole. Graduating from a highly ranked university can give your career a real head start. Companies may happily sponsor you to stay in the country to work if you’ve studied at a top institution.
Calculate the cost of studying overseas: Examine your financial situation before considering studying abroad because it can be expensive. Other expenses like travel, lodging, and daily costs should also be taken into account. Funding opportunities like grants, loans, and scholarships may be available to you. Read the requirements carefully because financial aid varies between nations and universities.
Research the relationship between your home country and your potential study destinations. The application process can differ depending on where you’re from. For example, if you’re from the European Union (EU), you can study in other EU countries without a student visa. You may need to complete a language proficiency test, depending on where you choose to study. For example, most English-speaking universities require international students to pass the IELTS or TOEFL
If you know any current or former students, ask them about their experiences at the university to determine if it is the right choice for you. Online reviews and recommendations are available if you don’t know anyone. Consult with experts for insider tips. Additionally, you can contact the Back2Study Student Advice Center. Our friendly, knowledgeable advisors are here to help you in your search for the ideal university.