Foreign Education Tips: Factors to consider when studying abroad

The Preface

Almost every university on the planet has international students. Particularly, countries such as the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, China, Japan, and Germany, which each year draw thousands of international students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. So, what’s going through international students’ minds as they prepare to arrive at the Host University where they will live and study? Let’s make an idea on the Factors to consider when studying abroad.

An Overview on Abroad Study

Studying abroad is a dream that many students have. It both excites and puzzles them. While the outward bound are enthralled by the American Dream, many students are left wondering which country to visit. True, each country offers a unique set of opportunities, and each promises a plethora of benefits such as a better quality of life, better employment chances, and, for a select few, even immigration and permanent residency. So, as we look around the world at the various countries that provide enticing packages… How do you select the best study abroad location? Continue reading to learn about the five questions to which you must seek answers in order to select the best country for you.
We will go through and emphasise the issues that international students consider before leaving their home country to study in a public or private university or college abroad in this practical guide.

Which course do you intend to take?

The first consideration for any student, regardless of the expected return on investment, is the course they intend to pursue. While most top institutions in many countries provide excellent prospects, the reality remains that there is always one course that would be more advantageous in one country than another. That’s why it is necessary to know how to decide to study abroad or not. Consider the top courses that students apply for at institutions throughout the world. According to a study, at the post-graduate level, more students choose MS courses over MBA courses. While the United States continues to be the first among equals for study abroad locations, we cannot overlook countries such as Germany and even Australia, which provide high-quality education at a fraction of the cost (for Germany!). Also, if you want to take a French language course, France and Canada, for obvious reasons, provide more chances and credibility than any other study abroad destination.

Have a look on the university’s reputation

“Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit and lost without deserving”
Shakespeare, William, was a British poet, playwright, and actor.
Each year, prestigious universities attract a large number of overseas students. Because the acceptance rate of some educational institutions is relatively low, overseas students see this as a sign of high-quality education and an excellent academic background after graduation. Furthermore, the institution’s reputation is influenced by elements such as international university rankings, research and projects undertaken by the university to help the local community, and the country in which the university is located.

What is the industry base of your chosen course in the city or country you intend to visit?

We frequently encounter students who are more concerned with the college’s rank than with the types of opportunities available in the area. What’s vital to remember is that the reason you want to go abroad is to change your lifestyle, which comes with a dream career. Now, if that’s the case, how would enrolling in a course like aeronautical engineering in some faraway nation help if no industry exists nearby?
Every course necessitates industrial experience. Whether it’s at the undergraduate, postgraduate, or research level, the truth remains that there are top companies that attract the best. Even while the top corporations hire the finest, they frequently turn to local colleges for interns and specific training.
As a result, once you’ve decided on a course, take a look at the cities where the universities/institutes are located and the industries that make up that region. It should be as close as possible to the prominent names in the industry of your choice. Not only will this help you find a better job after you finish the course, but it will also help you adapt into the culture of the region, which will help you perform better at work.

Safety measures must not be over looked

“You can be sure of succeeding in your attacks if you only attack places which are undefended. You can ensure the safety of your defence if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked.”
Military general, strategist, and philosopher Sun Tzu.
When it comes to safety when studying abroad, students evaluate crime rates and public safety indicators in college towns or cities where colleges are located. No student wants to be damaged or victimised as a result of criminal activity perpetrated by others.
Parents are particularly concerned about this issue since their child/children may put themselves in grave danger if they study in towns or cities where criminal acts are common and the local community, university, and police are unable to prevent them.

What is the ROI (Return on Investment) on your investment?

The estimate of cost – cost of tuition, cost of living – is sometimes a typical mistake made by students, when what they should be concerned about is the return on investment.
Simply explained, a return on investment is the predicted profits following completion of the course divided by the cost of obtaining the required education. To elaborate, while the cost of an MBA is significantly greater, the degree’s returns are even better. However, the student should think about doing the same for different countries.
Researching the country’s job and wage statistics by industry is an excellent way to start. The required statistical data is frequently readily available to the astute. So, before you choose a country, find out what kind of compensation you can expect from the career you want once you finish your study. You should compute the predicted pay until and until your ambitions are strictly academic. Even if the pursuits are academic, a return on investment can be evaluated by understanding the kind of research facilities accessible in the country you plan to visit and the collaborations the university has with regional research centres.

Diversity really effects

“Real cultural diversity results from the interchange of ideas, products, influences, not from the insular development of a single national style”
Tyler Cowen is an economist, professor, and author from the United States.
International students take into account the variety of the universities to which they apply. “How many foreign students study at my institution?” and “What is the percentage of international students here?” are two of the most frequently asked inquiries by international students to university advisers or to check up on university websites. It’s true that knowing there are other internationals who left their home countries for studies in the same way they did, invested time, money, and energy leaving behind the lives and comforts they had in their home countries, and took similar risks by starting a new life from scratch makes these students feel supported or welcomed.

What options do you have for your spouse or family members?

The other item a student should consider is the alternatives for spouses in the country, which is perhaps more significant for those looking for post-doctoral studies rather than undergraduate ones. While some countries recognise that you may want to bring your spouse or child, they may not have many options. As a result, it becomes a crucial determinant that must be taken into account. Understanding this is especially important for students who are in the middle of their careers and have a working spouse, because you may want to add your spouse’s income rather than forego it while increasing your own.

Job opportunities while studying

“Stay hungry, stay foolish”
Steve Jobs was an entrepreneur, marketer, and inventor from the United States.
In order to meet living expenses, tuition fees, and other charges that may arise while studying abroad, international students frequently seek out job openings with flexible shifts. Furthermore, there are overseas students who hunt for major-related job openings in order to obtain practical experience in their field of interest or other major-related professions. In any event, overseas students are encouraged to work while studying because the benefits they receive are far more than just financial.

In India, what is the worth of that degree?

The final thing and arguably also the first thing a student must evaluate is the value of the country’s degree in India. Needless to say, we cannot forego the worst situation and the possibility of your returning back to India if nothing goes as per plan. If a student does not check the credibility of the degree he or she is intending to pursue in India, you might end up with a huge student loan, no relevant work experience and a degree that does nothing to your future prospects. This is especially important for students planning to take up accounting courses, medicine and even law. These practices are rather country specific and it is necessary to pick a country that offers to acceptable degrees so that you always have a fall back option. Even for more acceptable degrees like MBA, we still recommend you check the value of that MBA. These techniques are quite country specific, therefore choose a place that offers them to acceptable degrees so that you always have a backup plan. Even for more acceptable degrees, such as an MBA, we urge that you examine the MBA’s value.
There are definitely additional factors to consider, such as cost of living, security, and ease of admittance, but we prioritise the above for the apparent reason that all of the top locations are quite similar in terms of higher education. One country may have a lower cost of living but stiffer entry standards, whilst another country may have a lower cost of living but easier admissions. Regardless, we believe that these are factors that one cannot fully avoid, but when picking which nation to study abroad in, consider the first five questions and chances are that no matter which country you choose, it will provide you with the most value for your time and money.

Second language fluency

“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his mind. If you talk to him in his language that goes to his heart”
African anti-apartheid revolutionary politician and philanthropist Nelson Mandela.
Because they are unable to speak their home languages, most students who choose to cross national borders to study in foreign educational institutions face language hurdles. Students can overcome these barriers by regularly practising their foreign language abilities with their classmates and teachers, committing to projects and presentations, and participating in class. As a result, international students are not only competitive students who earn good grades, but they also connect with native speakers and the local community in the country where they live and study.

Networking is more than important

“My Golden Rule of Networking is simple: Don’t keep score”
Harvey Mackay is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and author from the United States.
International students take part in social activities hosted by the institution or student organisations in order to meet and engage with people from all over the world, thereby expanding their network of contacts. Furthermore, they are in a position to form deep bonds with individuals who share comparable experiences, as well as to establish bridges with others with whom they share little in common.

Student life and involvement

“The master of the garden is the one who waters it, trims the branches, plants the seeds, and pulls the weeds. If you merely stroll through the garden, you are but an acolyte.”
Vera Nazarian is a writer who is Armenian and Russian.
International students consider student life when applying to universities overseas. International students want to get involved and actively participate in student associations related to their majors, athletic teams, and other groups, not only to learn about and enjoy different aspects of their student life, but also to put their experiences and influences to use by demonstrating their ability and willingness to contribute to the development of the teams and groups they are a part of.

Entertainment is also a part of student life

“Anyone who tries to make a distinction between education and entertainment doesn’t know the first thing about either”
Canadian philosopher and public intellectual Herbert Marshall McLuhan.
As we previously stated, student life is not solely about academics. But it is a required thing to know about the important factors to focus on apart from academics for your education abroad. Students feel compelled to socialise with their classmates, have fun, and interact with people off campus by attending concerts, going shopping, strolling downtown, or planning short visits to other cities through public transportation, trains, or car rental. We must remember that kids feel calm when they are able to occupy themselves, relax and spend time with friends, participate in activities they enjoy, and generally escape from a routine that includes schoolwork or tasks.

Choose where to study at the very first

Countries are similar to persons in that no two are identical. When it comes to creating friends, you’ll likely find it simpler to connect with others who share your interests. You’ll want to do the same thing, but in the form of research, when choosing a country or place where you wish to spend a considerable amount of time living and studying.
First, familiarise yourself with the country’s language, culture, religion, habits, food, and other aspects so you don’t go in blind. It’s also OK if you want to go in with no preconceived notions or expectations. Whatever the case may be, it’s always a good idea to know what you are up against beforehand so you don’t end up regretting your choice afterwards.

Weather and clothes- make a little knowledge on these facts

The weather is something to think about. Look into the climate and average temperatures of the location you’ve chosen. I’m from Malaysia, where the average temperature is 37 degrees Celsius all year.

Budgeting and finances

While it may not be something on your mind all the time when your parents are present, you must be conscious of your financial situation and budgeting while studying abroad. Make sure your bank, like your mobile service provider, is aware of the situation before you leave so that your payments aren’t declined when you go out to buy coffee.
If you haven’t previously, you should be aware of the following:
• The current exchange rate between your home countries.
• The country you’re going to the monetary system of your new home your bank’s international charge cost.
For example, when I lived in America, it took me a long time to adjust to their currency system, and it was humiliating at times as I fiddled with my wallet to find the correct pennies. So make sure you understand the system so you don’t become “that person.”

Culture shock and homesickness

Many of Indian students went through culture shock when they first started studying abroad, and many of them are homesick throughout the academic year. If you follow the first guideline, you should be able to prevent culture shock. Unexpected circumstances may, however, cause you to be alerted, so you’ll have to adapt. To do so, keep an open and optimistic attitude about what’s going on around you and ask for aid. Don’t isolate yourself and wait for someone to approach you. Because you’re now a young adult, you must accept responsibility for yourself.

Ascertain that all of your paperwork is in order

Get your passport as soon as feasible, and apply for your visa(s) as soon as possible (if you’re asking, “Visa? Please open a new tab and look up the visa requirements for your desired country right now). If you have a passport, be sure it’s up to date. Make sure it’ll last you past your semester abroad.

Make arrangements for your classes, travel, and lodging

Although each study abroad programme is unique, the majority of them include regular courses. Know what classes you’ll be taking, when they’ll be held (so you can organise activities around them), and where you’ll be lodging (to determine your commute). That’s fantastic if you’re going on a trip before the semester starts! Just make sure you have a flight booked to your study abroad location. Don’t leave things to chance because that’s the whole goal of the vacation.

Keep up with the latest currency exchange rates

Many students consider daily costs when determining where to study abroad, yet some of the cheapest nations to visit are also the least stable. If your country’s economy is unusually volatile, don’t expect that the US dollar will have the same worth when you’re studying abroad as it had when you checked the exchange rate five months ago. When you’re budgeting for months rather than days, even tiny changes might add up, and you could find yourself spending Western Europe money in what you thought was a budget-friendly place.

Keep an eye on the news for any changes to your destination

You’ll want to know if your study abroad country’s economy is failing, if their metro system is crumbling, if huge political upheavals are taking place, if they’re dealing with a health crisis, and so on. Some of the best countries to study abroad are in the midst of economic or political upheaval, so don’t get too worked up over little mishaps. Simply incorporate new information into your current study abroad plans. In the worst-case situation, the country’s borders are closed, and your study abroad programme is halted.

Read: How to Study in Germany for Free in 2022? Application Process All Details Covered

Read Also: EMILE BOUTMY Scholarships in France for International Students 2022

Conclusion

There are no better words to describe how exhilarating it is to study abroad. It’s been the best period of my life, and it can be yours as well, as you meet people from all over the world, obtain life-changing experiences, and create new memories. If you’re unprepared, though, the move from comfortable family life to independent living can be tough and unpleasant.

FAQs

What factors should students consider when choosing a country to study abroad?
The main concern is the language that is prominent in the nation where the student is going for study. Thereafter it is important to look the programme criteria of the course for the foreign study.

What should I look for when studying abroad?
Choose the subject you are desired to learn and the institute you want to get the admission. Apart from that, the budget must be in mind before planning for the abroad study.

What are the important things to consider when a study abroad program is developed?
The university that you are choosing for your further study is most important thing to consider. Apart from that, the location, language used in that nation, weather, culture, budget- all these are really important to look after before entering the study process.