Choosing the right study abroad program is a dream of every parent for which they build savings from an early age. For a student, it is the chance to live out their fantasy of exploring different cultures and exotic locations and become an independent adult.
One must, however, start on the exciting journey by going through the turmoil of making critical decisions such as to which country? Which university and can all of it be financed affordably?
The most important question of all: How do I choose the best study abroad program that will ensure smooth sailing in the sea of life? The good news is that we have created an ultimate guide for you that will answer your burning questions and ensure you are well-equipped to start your journey.
Here Are The Ultimate 8 Tips For Choosing The Right Study Abroad Program
Tip-1 List the Countries for the Study Abroad Program
As an international student, the first idea that pops into one’s head is to go for the countries that are well known to you and have a well-treated-trodden path. The reality is that international students have far more options than they can imagine, and there are unique programs that can accelerate your journey manifold.
Here are some uniquely flexible and cost-effective countries for international students-
Lithuania
The country has beautiful scenic European architecture and natural highlands aside; it is one of the cheapest places in the European Union. The average cost of living for international students is a mere EUR 1000 to 1500, allowing them to work 40 hours during their studies. After passing with flying colours, they can spend a minimum of the year looking for employment.
You will also get ample scholarship opportunities and loans to get your education.
United Arab Emirates
International students often need to pay more attention to the country as it is a relatively new nation with no robust educational legacy. One must recognize that it is the hub of entrepreneurs and business leaders and provides students access to high-net-worth individuals.
The country attracts a wide range of cultural personalities, which will ensure you get greater real-life exposure.
Germany
Did you know that German Public universities’ tuition fees are free, and the administration amount is only EUR 100 -150, a meagre amount that international students can easily cover? International students are selected based on merit, and such programs ensure you are not burdened with student loans.
Furthermore, you get all the benefits of the traditional EU visa, including the freedom to travel within multiple nations.
It is essential to contact the best study abroad consultants and help explore all the possibilities.
Tip-2 Get your expenses right
Getting expenses right can be complicated as students want to enjoy their time travelling but must also cover the comprehensive costs of day-to-day living. Considering the international system, one needs to look at how many hours of side jobs are permitted within the system.
According to World population review, Australia, Luxembourg, New Zealand, France, and the Netherlands provide students with the highest hourly pay, ranging from $15- $11.[1]
Every country allows you to work from 10 to 40 hours and earn side by side while providing many accessible facilities to save money. Furthermore, some nations like Canada have started implementing a system allowing international students to only pay tuition fees after getting their visas.
Read more: The Benefits of Studying Abroad: A Comprehensive Guide
Tip-3 Strong Relationships With Your Home Country
Every student that goes as an international student to another country represents their nation’s values and culture. The global academic community constantly exchanges ideas and policies that ensure strong relationships are established.
International students can partake in these policies and get the opportunity to upgrade their careers. Here are some options that one can avail to improve their credibility-
- Student exchange programs– Being able to select a study abroad program and travel to other countries can allow them to have substantial exposure. The programs ensure you get valuable credit for future programs and improve your chances.
- Transferable credit– Whether you are going for a short-term or long-term course, the ability to go through a program and have it applicable in various countries provides immense flexibility.
- Uniform Accreditations– If you are going for master’s or bachelor programs, having your educational institution uniformly recognized will ensure minimum hiccups and maximum exposure.
Tips- 4 Length of the Program
When selecting the best study abroad program, it is essential that one can maximise the experience from it. If you can gain all the knowledge and skills quickly, why bear the costs of extended programs that only partially translate?
A short-term program might seem enticing, but it provides little time to give proper foreign experience and needs to add up for future job profiles.
Investigating your larger goals is essential, and you are completely clear about your program. If you want to brush up or upskill yourself at a reasonable cost, the short term is the way to go.
If you are relatively new and want to experience and build yourself in a long-term program field, that is the way to go.
Ultimately, the journey one is on is entirely upon them.
Tip- 5 Explore Testimonials and Reviews
It is often said that there are no bad students, just bad teachers, and when going abroad, you want to be free of one. Today’s Students can figure out what they are looking for and use reviews as guiding principles to understand their institute better.
You can always look into the universities and go in-depth into students’ experiences with various professors. Hiring the best study abroad consultants can help find universities thoroughly vetted for their professionalism and ensure you are given the full suite of options.
Tip-6 High Paying Programs for Students
Getting a high-paying job right out of college is an important metric, especially when students take a lot of educational loans. The STEM( Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) graduate study abroad programs are considered the gold standard and highly in-demand certification for getting an education.
Furthermore, the master’s programs in engineering, MBA, management, computer sciences and international relations are highly in demand. Average salaries start from $ 50K to 100k, with a lucrative growth path in front of you.
Outside of the unique opportunities, you can grow immensely in every field with many possibilities.
Read More- Travel on a Shoestring Budget Across USA When Studying Abroad
Tip- 7 When to Apply For Study Abroad Programs
Students often ask us the question: when to apply for study abroad? And like all significant decisions in life, timing plays a crucial part in ensuring that you are at the right time and place to start your journey.
On average, you need at least 1 and a half to 2 years before you start your college program. During this period, you will be required to prepare for many things, and you must simultaneously prepare for all the aspects to avoid any delay.
Ensure that your application is ready early for the fall season(August- December), as the seats are often offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, so always keep that in mind.
Read More: Study Abroad Finance Tips
Tip- 8 Focus on What you want
Being an international student requires one to be extremely hardworking and diligent about their college life and maintaining their finances on the side.
If one chooses a program just because they are being guided by society or parents, they might end up faltering, but if it is their genuine passion and where they see themselves, they will succeed no matter the hardships. It is vital to have a genuine interest in whatever study abroad program one is applying for and have a clear sense of how this program feeds into your larger goals.
Another aspect you must remember is the various extracurricular activities concerning your programs. The ability to have different, unique, like-minded individuals work together on group projects and explore other facets can increase your learning and help you build projects showcasing to companies. Look into how your college creates a culture of creativity and innovation that you can carry for a lifetime.
Read More – Do I need a Career Counsellor to Study Overseas?
Conclusion
The journey to becoming an international student is one of being a global citizen and an honour to represent your country. Selecting a program requires being conscious of every aspect, whether the government, university or how to secure the finances.
The process can be long, but in the end, the result is a transformation of a person’s personality and a professionalism that remains with one always. One becomes a more affluent person with varied experiences, culturally and financially.
When all the factors align, then your success is inevitable.
FAQ
Q1) What is the best year to study abroad?
Answer: A foreign study program is transformational and foundational to a student’s professional record. The earlier you can go, whether in junior or senior year as an undergraduate foreign exchange student, the better it is.
Q2) How much percentage is required for study abroad?
Answer: The primary 60% to 85% is the minimum to study abroad, and having an average score should encourage everyone to expand their horizons.
Q3) How many Indians go to us to study?
Answer: The last official figure is 200,000 people and many go on to study MBA in abroad to better enhance their career. Regardless of which stage of the educational journey, you can be one of them, too.
