Will your single decision affect your entire future? Choosing to study abroad is a daunting decision but If you are scared of the outcomes of your study abroad decision, you are not alone. Who wouldn’t want a luxury lifestyle, premium education, and new landscapes to concur but is it worth it to leave your loved ones and your country for this? Studying abroad is a significant step in any student’s life and to make such a big decision you will need to answer many questions to yourself. From choosing to study overseas, finding a destination to fulfilling the requirements, and dedicating your prime years to hard work, we have structured the best questions that you can ask yourself and clear your thoughts on your study abroad journey.
Question 1 – Why Do I Want To Study Abroad?
Understanding your motivations to study abroad is crucial. It will help you in your decision-making processes and you will understand your aims better. Think about what your goals are. Do you want academic excellence and you’re seeking the best universities for it? Do you want to explore the world and grow personally as well? Or you want career advancement starting from the best education available. Reflecting on your answers to these questions you will be clear on why studying abroad is a must for you and how you will align your aims with your study destination.
Question 2 -What Are My Academic Goals?
Think and research what subjects you want to continue, which major you want to choose, and what field of study you want to carry your education in. Think about why you want to study your decided courses and what you want to academically achieve from those courses. Always align your goals with your strong interests and top-performing academic options. Look beyond your education and think about how your education will affect your career overall.
Question 3 – Which Country Will Benefit Me The Most?
Different countries offer unique academic excellence in various subjects. There are many pros and cons of every country and you will need to consider all of them. Check your language comfort, cultural adjustments, and cost of living other than the cost of academics as well. Search top countries for Indian students to study abroad that will ensure your growth aligns with your resources and is safe for you to travel to.
Question 4 -Can I Arrange Sufficient Funds For My Travel?
To travel abroad and continue your study there for 2-4 years is a costly process. Financial limits are the primary reason why many students fail to study abroad. Be in touch with professional study abroad counselors and get a proper estimation of the total cost of your tuition fees, cost of living, traveling, and any unexpected costs. You can also try for scholarships, student education loans, and student financial aid that will help you collect sufficient finances for your study abroad journey.
Question 5 -Do I Fulfill The Requirements Of The Country And University To Which I Want To Travel?
Every country has its specific requirements for academics as well as for visas. You need to check your eligibility and ensure you comply with them to travel abroad.
Some general academic requirements are as follows:
- Admission deadline or intake deadlines
- Academic Qualifications to meet the minimum requirements for admission into your chosen program.
- Language Proficiency proof and legit scores in language proficiency tests.
- Additional Requirements: letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, or university entrance exams.
Some general visa requirements are as follows:
- Valid Passport
- Proof of financial funds
- Statement of purpose
- Health/Travel insurance
- Language proficiency exam results
Question 6 -Will I get a Visa?
There are various requirements to get a visa and it is still not 100% sure if your visa will get approved. It is suggested to get help from a study abroad consultancy to ensure your process goes smoothly and your visa gets accepted under guidance with all updated visa norms.
Here are some general Visa requirements for Indian students:
- Verify Eligibility Criteria for age, education, health, and criminal record for your specific country.
- Obtain an acceptance letter from the university in which you applied.
- Provide proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses for your travel and study.
- Provide results of Language Proficiency like PTE, TOEFL, and IELTS and submit the results with your visa application
- Complete any required medical examinations and vaccinations that need to be attained.
- Collect all necessary documents, including your passport, photos, application forms, educational certificates, and proof of enrollment.
- Follow the Application Process.
- Prepare for the Interview (if applicable).
- Consult Experts to stay updated on any changes in visa regulations.
Question 7 – What Can Be My Accommodation Options?
Housing or accommodation is one of the biggest decisions that the students have to face. You need to be careful about your housing choice because it can significantly impact your studies. Many study abroad consultancy has tie-ups with foreign universities that can help the student to get on-campus accommodation options if available. There are also options available for private rentals, dorm rooms, and homestay which you can get placed in with the help of housing officers of the universities.
Question 8 – What Are the Language Requirements if I Want to Study Abroad?
The ability to understand the language in which you will study can significantly impact your study abroad. There is a need to learn English at every university as English is the most common language in which students are taught. Research language requirements for your chosen program and destination and prepare by taking language proficiency courses.
Question 9 – Will I Get Any Assistant Abroad While Studying There?
When studying abroad you don’t need to get tensed for getting additional support for your journey. There are plenty of International Student Offices that will help you in every matter that you might face while studying abroad. You can get help from Academic Advising, Counseling Services, Language Support, Housing Services, and various Cultural diversity bodies which will help you to stay focused on your studies and live comfortably in a foreign nation.
Question 10 – Will Studying Abroad Help Me To Achieve My Long-Term Goals?
While studying abroad you get exposure to the best education and advanced study options. You get to learn many skills like a new language, any new course for better skills and you have many many connections which can help you to get better work opportunities after your studies. You grace your resume with a top university and a futuristic course that gives you career advancement for your future goals and you can achieve the best while studying abroad.
Question 11 – Can I Transfer My Academic Credits Back Home?
To get your credits to transfer to another foreign country you need to consult with your university and academic counselor to make sure your university transfers your credits and has policies related to safe and complete course credit transfer policy. Ensure you check this before taking admissions and keep a record of all your documents. Ensure you are known of important International student policies that will help you to have a hassle-free study abroad journey. This will help you to transfer your credits to another university whenever you plan to change the institutes.
Question 12 – What Financial Resources Can I Get While Studying Abroad?
Other than university scholarships and student loans to support your education while studying abroad. You can also get yourself full-time and part-time jobs on-campus or off-campus depending upon availability of time according to your courses. Universities often help international students get internships and extra scholarships that can help the student in their study abroad journey.
Question 13 – How Can I Connect With My Counselors and Advisors?
Thanks to technology, being in contact with your counselors and advisors is easier than before. You can directly contact your friends, family, and counselors through video calls, messaging apps, and social media. There are a lot of advisors and counselors who are present on campus with whom you can share your thoughts directly while studying on campus. Participating in such online gatherings and support groups can help international students get emotional support and practical advice during times of need.
Question 14 – What Are the Challenges While Studying Abroad?
There are many potential challenges associated with studying abroad. These can include minor culture shock, occasional homesickness, language barriers, difficulty in making friends, and difficulty adapting to a new academic system. To deal with these challenges you can stay in contact with your counselor and discuss any problem you face, you can also stay in contact with your family, you can also join many hobby groups which will help you to make friends easily.
Question 15 – What Measures Should I Take to Ensure My Safety While Studying Abroad?
It is one of the most important things to keep yourself safe while living abroad. Try to get familiar with local laws and customs to ensure you understand emergency procedures and have all emergency contact information present with you. Keep yourself registered with your country’s embassy as a safety measure to keep yourself updated and registered for contact.
Conclusion
Studying abroad is a significant, life-changing decision that has its pros and cons. Making informed choices on your study abroad journey is the key to ensuring good academic resources and ensuring to align your goals with your education. It is essential to make sure you have all the requirements ready to ensure your journey goes smoothly and keep in touch with your support systems to keep yourself motivated and happy throughout the study abroad journey.