Study abroad gives students the chance to immerse themselves in a new culture as well as another language, gain a global mindset, and also expand employment prospects in the future.
Furthermore, students will have the opportunity to investigate the opportunities within a new country, obtain a high-quality education, and experience a new way of life. Finally, one can greatly improve one’s future employment prospects as study abroad signals greater breadth and depth of knowledge to employers.
Furthermore, students will have the opportunity to investigate the opportunities within a new country, obtain a high-quality education, and experience a new way of life. Finally, one can greatly improve one’s future employment prospects as study abroad signals greater breadth and depth of knowledge to employers.
When selecting a country to study, one should think about practical considerations such as: tuition/living costs, career prospects following graduation, etc. One’s lifestyle during one’s studies are important considerations. There is a big difference between living in a big city as opposed to a university town.
After choosing a country, one should then think about what particular university to study in. World rankings, such as those published in the QS World University Rankings, might be one start. In addition, national rankings of universities within the country in question are also helpful.
Once an academic institution is selected, then one should examine the application process. Each institution will – on their official website – usually detail how to submit one’s application.
There are typically more procedures required for international students as a student visa is required. Often times one is not able to apply for a student visa until a letter of acceptance has been issued from the select university. This can often take months and as such, one should allow for ample time for this process.
Once an academic institution is selected, then one should examine the application process. Each institution will – on their official website – usually detail how to submit one’s application.
There are typically more procedures required for international students as a student visa is required. Often times one is not able to apply for a student visa until a letter of acceptance has been issued from the select university. This can often take months and as such, one should allow for ample time for this process.
In the United Kingdom, the typical length for an undergraduate degree is three years while in the United States, the norm is four years. A masters degree will take one or two years typically while a doctoral program (such as a Doctor of Philosophy) takes three to four (or even more) years to complete.
In addition, there is often the option of study abroad within many universities for a shorter period of time. This information is usually posted on the website of the university in question. Thus, it is prudent to do one’s research when examining opportunities.
In addition, there is often the option of study abroad within many universities for a shorter period of time. This information is usually posted on the website of the university in question. Thus, it is prudent to do one’s research when examining opportunities.
It is imperative to apply early in order to leave adequate time for travel, visa, and other appropriate arrangements. Application deadlines typically open anywhere from early in the year (or sooner) – i.e., January and close often in the middle of the year for programs starting in the Fall.
Entry requirements can vary often and involve different standards or examinations between countries and even institutions. Thus, it is important to check with your targeted university when applying.
On a general basis however, for an undergraduate degree, you will need to show completion of secondary education to a standard that is in line with the required grades for the program you’re applying to. Often times those with an international qualification can find and are unsure whether this is accepted, you should contact the admissions department of the university.
Non-native English speakers will likely have to provide proof of English-language proficiency. This is often done by showing appropriate results from an English-language test such as TOEFL or IELTS. However, it is important to check with the institution in question to make sure.
On a general basis however, for an undergraduate degree, you will need to show completion of secondary education to a standard that is in line with the required grades for the program you’re applying to. Often times those with an international qualification can find and are unsure whether this is accepted, you should contact the admissions department of the university.
Non-native English speakers will likely have to provide proof of English-language proficiency. This is often done by showing appropriate results from an English-language test such as TOEFL or IELTS. However, it is important to check with the institution in question to make sure.
It is important to check with the institution in question for precise documentation required. However, generally, the following is required:
Statement of Purpose/Admissions Essays
Passport-style photo
CV/résumé
References
Certificate as well as transcripts of one’s education (secondary, post-secondary)
Proof of English-language proficiency (e.g. a TOEFL/IELTS certificate, for schools in English-speaking countries), or other language test
Examination Results (such as the Graduate Record Exam or Scholastic Aptitude Test)
Statement of Purpose/Admissions Essays
Passport-style photo
CV/résumé
References
Certificate as well as transcripts of one’s education (secondary, post-secondary)
Proof of English-language proficiency (e.g. a TOEFL/IELTS certificate, for schools in English-speaking countries), or other language test
Examination Results (such as the Graduate Record Exam or Scholastic Aptitude Test)
Typically, admissions interviews are not required. However, for some competitive or unique programs (such as undergraduate admissions at the University of Oxford), they are required. Often times, for programs that require interviews, these interviews are held throughout the world or through video interview.
Once getting a letter of acceptance, one then needs to prepare to apply for a visa, pack appropriate, research accommodation, and sort out financial issues.
A valid passport, travel and health insurance is often required for a student visa. It is imperative to have sufficient time to process all of these requirements. It is important to check with both the consulate of one’s chosen country for study in order to get the details behind a student visa. In addition, the international students’ office of one’s chosen university can often provide guidance.
A valid passport, travel and health insurance is often required for a student visa. It is imperative to have sufficient time to process all of these requirements. It is important to check with both the consulate of one’s chosen country for study in order to get the details behind a student visa. In addition, the international students’ office of one’s chosen university can often provide guidance.
Generally, if one is studying outside of one’s chosen country, one would need a student visa. The only exceptions would be those from a country in which there is already an arrangement in place (such as Australians studying in New Zealand and citizens of the EU studying in another EU country).
Generally, as well, this requirement applies to longer periods of study. A shorter exchange may only require a tourist or visitor visa. It is important to check with the consulate or embassy of the country in question as to the visa requirements in question.
Generally, as well, this requirement applies to longer periods of study. A shorter exchange may only require a tourist or visitor visa. It is important to check with the consulate or embassy of the country in question as to the visa requirements in question.
The cost of studying abroad involves not only tuition fees as well as travel/lodging fees but also any administrative costs (such as visa fees) as well as even clothing adjustments (for students moving from a warmer to a colder climate requiring winter clothes for instance).
Average tuition fees in the United Kingdom range from £10,000 (~US$14,000) plus a year. In addition, it is estimated that another £12,180 (~US$17,000) per year is required to cover living costs (with some areas of the UK being more expensive, like London).
Within the United States, the average yearly tuition fee is as follows: US$25,620 for public universities; $34,740 for private universities. There is also a recommended allowance of US$10,800 for living costs. Furthermore, undergraduate programs in the US tend to last four years as opposed to three years in the UK.
Please note also that some countries – such as Germany and Norway – do not have tuition fees at all.
Average tuition fees in the United Kingdom range from £10,000 (~US$14,000) plus a year. In addition, it is estimated that another £12,180 (~US$17,000) per year is required to cover living costs (with some areas of the UK being more expensive, like London).
Within the United States, the average yearly tuition fee is as follows: US$25,620 for public universities; $34,740 for private universities. There is also a recommended allowance of US$10,800 for living costs. Furthermore, undergraduate programs in the US tend to last four years as opposed to three years in the UK.
Please note also that some countries – such as Germany and Norway – do not have tuition fees at all.
Though international students find it difficult to get a loan to study abroad, there are other options. Such options to make study abroad more affordable include grants, scholarships, , fellowships , studentships, bursaries, and sponsorships.
The first (and often best place to start) is to examine the funding available at one’s chosen university. Your chosen institution’s website and funding/financial aid office should be the first place to examine such opportunities. In addition, other external organizations can be found, such as the Fulbright Program in the US, that provide funding for international students. Scholarships are often given on academic merit. Thus, they are often highly competitive.
The first (and often best place to start) is to examine the funding available at one’s chosen university. Your chosen institution’s website and funding/financial aid office should be the first place to examine such opportunities. In addition, other external organizations can be found, such as the Fulbright Program in the US, that provide funding for international students. Scholarships are often given on academic merit. Thus, they are often highly competitive.
Scholarships for study abroad can be found within numerous sources. One’s chosen university will often list external scholarship programs that student from their institution have achieved or can apply for. Government programs such as the Fulbright in the USA or the Chevening programme in the UK – are often available to provide grants or scholarships to students. Funding organizations for particular fields of study (such as an engineering firm offering an engineering scholarship) often exist.
Many institutions offer student dormitories or halls for their international students (and domestic students as well). However, some institutions do not offer such student accommodation. As such, if this is the case, you must find your own accommodation.
The search for overseas accommodation depends on one’s living requirements as well as budget. As such, this can range anywhere from living alone in one’s own apartment to those on a more limited budget who may have to share their apartment with other students. Before signing or spending money on any accommodation, it is vital to do one’s due diligence. One’s chosen university often has an outreach or student housing office that can provide advice or tips to search accommodation in the local housing market.
The search for overseas accommodation depends on one’s living requirements as well as budget. As such, this can range anywhere from living alone in one’s own apartment to those on a more limited budget who may have to share their apartment with other students. Before signing or spending money on any accommodation, it is vital to do one’s due diligence. One’s chosen university often has an outreach or student housing office that can provide advice or tips to search accommodation in the local housing market.
This will depend on the particular policies in question and the terms of one’s student visa. Often times there is a limitation, such as a 20 hours limit per week during the school year, with full-time work permitted during holidays. However, as school studies and satisfactory academic progress is vital to a student visa, it is not advisable to rely on work during one’s studies to provide a large portion of the funding for one’s education abroad.
If one holds permanent resident visa or another status (like Optional Practical Training in the United States), one is able to work as many hours as one likes.
If one holds permanent resident visa or another status (like Optional Practical Training in the United States), one is able to work as many hours as one likes.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any more questions with regards to studying abroad.