It doesn’t matter if you cross ten time zones or go to the neighboring country. Studying abroad exposes you to new people, a new way of life and a new culture. Our society is more global than ever, and these experiences will expose you to different kinds of people that will make you a better employee, a better student, and a better person in general.
Students of any major can study in almost any country in the world, an advantage that can make researching your options both exciting and daunting. But don’t be discouraged!
This article resents, in detail, the method and the different steps to follow to study abroad.
Interested? Keep reading.
Why study abroad?
You will become more independent
Whether you are traveling out of the country for the first time, or even living alone for the first time, studying abroad pushes you to become independent and self-sufficient. Of course, it comes with challenges, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Students often say that studying abroad has been a period of enormous personal growth for them.
You will distinguish yourself with your future employers
You’ll learn valuable skills while studying abroad, and employers will notice. You will be a better communicator, have better interpersonal skills and gain practical knowledge that will help you to be a critical thinker, whatever your profession.
You will learn more about yourself
When you step away from an environment in which you feel comfortable, you should expect significant personal development. It’s not always easy to leave your hometown and settle in a completely new environment, even if it’s only for a few months! But getting out of your comfort zone can be very stimulating. Even in the most stressful times like homesickness, language barriers, and dealing with foreign currency, you’ll learn to rise to the occasion and discover what you’re truly capable of.
Do your research! Study courses, universities and their locations. Find out about teaching modules, research opportunities, campus life and job prospects before making your choice. You can ask your friends and family or contact alumni of the universities you are interested in to get a broader view. Use Facebook or LinkedIn to connect with them more effectively. Also, remember to consider your budget and available scholarships for your research.
Apply for admission
Once you have chosen your course and your university, it is time to apply.If you have to take an English test to be admitted to your course, practice hard to get good grades. In a test such as IELTS, it is important to have good grammar and a wide range of vocabulary.
Acceptance of offer
Once your application has been received, the university or school carefully evaluates it and communicates its verdict to you. Processing your application may take up to a few weeks (or longer for graduate studies).If your application is successful, you will receive a letter of offer and an acceptance form. Before accepting the offer, review it carefully to see if any conditions apply.If you are accepted into more than one course or school, you will need to choose the best option for you.
student visa
After accepting the offer letter, the most important task is to apply for your student visa . As each country has its own formalities to complete, you should find out about the visa application process and prepare the necessary documents for your application.
Book your flights on time
Be sure to book your flights well in advance. Try to review options with enough time to monitor price changes and book at the lowest rates. Check your host country’s entry requirements and baggage allowance fees.Congratulations, you are off on a great adventure. Before you fly abroad, you will have many small but important things to do. These will include issues such as money exchange, insurance, accommodation, SIM cards, opening a bank account, country rules and adapting to a new culture.