Studying abroad is exciting. The opportunities and the skills that you can learn are endless. However, there are so many things to remember that it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
This is why I’ve put together a list of things to sort out before you go for your study abroad.
1. Decide where you want to study
Invest lots of time in researching which course is suitable for your career plan, which country you want to go to and which university you want to study at.
2. Check out the universities available for you to enrol in
You should check out universities according to the ranking of your course in that country and then check if you fit into the eligibility criteria. You should also try to contact some Educational Agents in your nearby town for information and help. They will also be able to help you with the application for your student visa, the English test needed, the health and security check etc.
3. Check visa requirements
Chances are if you are going through your university, you will probably be advised on which visa to apply for and whether you need to fill out any other forms that will make it easier to go to your country of choice.
Visas can often take several weeks to arrive and may take a while to fill out, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get one.
For any English-speaking country like USA, UK, Canada, Australia etc, proof of your English language proficiency needs to be submitted. There are various exams or tests like IELTS, TOEFL and PTE. You are required to pass one exam with a valid score.
4. Remember to sort your accommodation
Most universities may help you sort this, but there is also the possibility that you will have to plan this on your own.
The first step is to have a look at what your chosen university offers. It will most likely have some form of university accommodation that you can live in. Some might even be dedicated to international students. Get in touch and apply for it early to avoid missing out.
If you choose to live in non-university accommodation, start off by researching the area you might want to live in. Again contacting your destination university for help is usually a good start and see what your fellow students might be planning to do.
5. Finance management
Plan your finance well. You can apply for various scholarships, for which, it would be preferable if you contact your university or your agent. If you are taking an education loan, make sure to research the available options before diving into one.
6. Research your destination
One of the most exciting parts about going to study abroad is that you get to explore a whole new country. Look up the main things to see there, research the best local restaurants and see if there are any day trips or weekend trips you can take to really maximise your time.
7. Personal preparations
This is also important to know. In case you have not lived abroad before.
Get your essential clothes ready, such as warm clothes if you are going to cold countries. A laptop and an external drive will be very useful and indeed, essential. Assignments are expected to be generally word-processed.
If I were you, I would learn a bit about food and cooking — how to prepare drinks, how to cook simple meals, and what foods you like and how to prepare them.
I hope you have a great time studying abroad, work diligently, learn a lot and are very successful! Best wishes!