The right study abroad destination and program can be selected by considering factors like program requirements, living costs, employment opportunities, etc.
Studying abroad is a dream of many young people. It is an exciting journey and once-in-a-lifetime experience; you can always learn something new and implement those learning in your daily life. Studying abroad opens doors to many opportunities and guarantees you the exposure you need to grow your career. Nevertheless, you experience the diverse culture and become more versatile in your extra curriculum activities. Living in a foreign country allows you to work and study together, which helps you manage your finances and teaches you to grow independently.
The first step of studying abroad is planning and gearing information. Before moving to a new country, you must do all the possible research. Your ignorance of their system and policies might trouble you later. Doing your research beforehand is better than worrying in a foreign country without any help.
How to Select the Right Study Abroad Destination and Program
Now the question is how to find a perfect study abroad destination. There are some specific things you should consider before choosing your dream destination. One should always be prepared in situations like this, so here are some key elements that might help you do your homework.
What to Study
The first and most important decision is what you want to study abroad. You must put all your focus into researching what program is suitable for you. Most students continue their previous specialisation subject and look for its major courses. You can always make a listicle of your interests and try to identify your preferred course, and this will help you find the best suitable program.
If you still need clarification about how to filter your research, try looking for their modules, program duration, and subjects. Figuring out what to pursue is challenging. However, the process has to be thought through carefully since you are investing your precious time and money in it.
Best University and Entry Requirements
After deciding what to study, you need to look into the best university that provides your desired course and has a good ranking, do not forget to check whether your course is significant enough at that university. The entry requirements depend from country to country because the education policies followed by every country are different.
Check how much of an academic score is required and if there is any need for prior work experience. Most colleges in the western country ask for English proficiency tests or entry exam tests like GRE, GMAT, SAT, etc. Check for those and prepare accordingly.
Estimate Cost of Living and Expenses
Studying in a foreign country comes with a substantial financial responsibility compared to your country's education cost. You can always inquire about the tuition fees with the university itself. It's always better to make an estimate structure of your expenses, starting from tuition fees, visa/tickets, and student housing.
The cost of living and how you are going to manage your finances are also very important; since you are moving to a new country, you have to be prepared for at least the first three months so that you can comfortably look for a part-time and stop depending on your parents for daily needs.
Safety and Security
Safety and security are essential factors to consider when choosing a destination for international studies. Every nation has its own set of policies, rules and regulations; it is always better if you do your research before making your final decision. For example, South Korea has a crime rate of 0.60 per 100,000 people, and it is one of the safest places in the entire world.
Safety is not only limited to the crime rates or the cultural regulations but also to consider the climate condition. Things might go wrong for your body if you are uncomfortable with the climate.
Employment Opportunities
Last but not least, employment opportunities after completing your program is a must. If you end up not finding your dream job, then what is the point of moving to a whole different country and working all that hard? The course you choose to study should help you grow professionally and find suitable employment opportunities. This also applies to working and studying together.
Find a place where you can earn while studying so that you can manage your finances since foreign education is expensive. For instance, if you plan to study MBA, Canada has endless opportunities to help you build your career. The same goes for their students' part-time jobs; Canada has an extensive amount of vacancies for students to earn money.
Finding the right study abroad destination and program to pursue your academic goals is really important. Follow the abovementioned factors and research well, so you find the perfect destination. When you finally decide where and what to study, you can seek help for international student housing at Amber student.
