Studying abroad can be a life-changing opportunity, but also extremely overwhelming. International students have to thoroughly research and follow regulations to get their education in a foreign country. Although an exciting moment, it can cause stress and self-doubt. If you’re thinking about studying abroad, but you are uncertain about what guidelines to follow, we’re here to give you an easy-to-follow checklist.
Take a look at the guide below to help you navigate through the process easily.
Pick your study destination and apply for Visa
First of all, you’ll have to decide on the desired country where you would want to extend your knowledge. There are plenty of great educational programs around the world, and deciding on a country can be closely related to what you want your education to be.
You might want to think about applying for a Visa early on since it can be a tricky process. You’ll need certified translation services to translate your birth certificate, transcripts, and other important documents. If you’re thinking of applying at a university in the U.S. you’ll need professional translations to all documents to avoid visa rejection and lengthening the already tedious process.
Choose your study preference
Once you’ve decided on a country, it’s time to look for a specific university and study program. Browse through the list of all the institutions at your preferred destination and their study programs. You can make your list of study preferences in order to decide on your most desired one, but having a specific program in mind can help you greatly.
If you have a problem choosing where to apply, you can always choose one of the most desired disciplines. Just think about whether you want it to bring you a good salary once you’ve graduated, or you can also enjoy it. Choosing to study something you don’t like only for financial reasons isn’t always the wisest choice.
Apply at multiple universities
If you still haven’t decided on a university, and want to keep your options open and give yourself a chance to choose, you can apply at multiple universities. You might want to think about the possibility of not being accepted at your desired one, so it’s always good to have a Plan B. You can apply to 3 or more universities, but keep in mind that in some countries, international students can only apply to a limited number of universities.
It’s easier if you apply to institutions in the same country, but you can also apply to different ones. Just remember to follow the procedure and carefully read the requirements. For example, some universities operate only electronically, meaning they will only ask for digital copies of your documents, while others require physical copies sent via post additionally to the digital ones.
Choose the study programs and compare
When you’ve reached the point where you know the country and discipline you want to study, it’s time to compare different study programs in the same discipline. Universities usually offer one or multiple study programs and each one has a specific curriculum and different academic goals. Just be careful choosing because you don’t want to end up regretting halfway through the course.
The best thing would be to take a look at the programs and see what you’ll study and how. Some are focused on theory, while others are on practice. Bear in mind to look for a representative who’ll guide you and answer your questions. Other factors to look out for are the duration of the studies, and whether you can choose full-time or part-time.
Apply for scholarships and look for accommodation
Applying for scholarships is closely connected with your budget. If you are not able to pay in full, you can apply for a scholarship during your university application. There are different types of financial aid among scholarships, including grants, student loans, and military aid.
You should also decide where you’ll stay because it has a major impact on your expenses and experience. You can choose a student dormitory, renting a private apartment, or living with a local family. No matter what you choose, the prices will range widely. Also, pay attention to the contracts you sign and don’t take the first option you find. Remember to first compare, then decide.
Final thoughts
There are plenty of other important things one should consider when thinking of studying internationally, but these are some of the basics. Once you’ve received your study acceptance you can start planning your trip and remember to get health insurance and advice on all relevant travel requirements. One last thing, don’t forget to enjoy studying abroad.
Hope this article proves to be helpful to you.
Best of luck!
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