Choosing which higher institution to attend is one of the most important decisions in one’s life, and choosing to study abroad is quite a difficult one. No matter how enthusiastic you are to have a change of environment and leave the confines of your home country, you can’t quite stifle the feeling of impending longing after you’ve left home.
Getting ready to study overseas is a very demanding procedure. There are so many destinations to choose from, paperwork to complete, and airline tickets to buy that you may not have had time to think through some of the more specific issues surrounding your international adventure. I’ve put up a list of some of the most important factors to think about before deciding to travel.
1. Standard of education
The quality of education should be your number one priority when deciding whether to study abroad and where to study. Look for a country with a good standard of education, much better than the one your country home offers to make it worth your while studying there. What good is leaving your comfort zone and spending all that money when you can get a better education right at home?
The course you’re studying is also very important. The country and school you decide to study in should have the resources to accommodate your curiosity. State-of-the-art studying facilities, well-endowed research equipment, nurturing teachers and an enriching environment should be provided. If not, then there’s not much of a point in studying abroad.
2. Economic considerations
“Can I afford it?” is a common question that many students have while looking at study abroad options and with good reason. The cost of living in a foreign nation might vary significantly based on your preferred country and the way your home currency is valued there. Exchange rates are subject to frequent fluctuations based on a range of economic variables, including supply and demand and inflation. For example, if you decide to study abroad in a country whose currency has a higher value than your home country, it will result in somewhat more daily expenditure than you may be used to.
Making a budget is the first thing you should do before committing to anything in particular. The amount in your bank account shouldn’t terrify you into giving up your wanderlust, but you should be reasonable. Although studying abroad might be costly, it can be easier to handle if you are aware of the costs ahead of time. The following should be the main components of your projected study abroad budget:
- Tuition: Tuition fee is the major deciding factor on whether you can afford to study abroad or not. As a rule, studying abroad is usually more expensive than studying at home. However, some universities collaborate with foreign partners to give tuition rates comparable to those at home; while others offer scholarships to help offset some of the tuition.
- Airline tickets: Since they make up a significant portion of your expenses, try to discover cheaper flights during odd hours of the day or week. To avoid having to pay more the next time you search, utilize incognito mode on your browser and use sites like Google Flights to compare airlines and travel timings.
- Housing: Your options in this area may vary depending on where you travel. The cost of living might vary greatly depending on whether you choose to live in an apartment, a family, a dorm, or with other students.
- Fun: Just like at home, you may not realize how quickly amusement can drain your finances. Furthermore, you’re not as likely to control yourself by using your unique experience as an excuse. Making some advance plans can ensure that you have enough money when you return home.
- Cost of living: Day-to-day expenses could take a chunk out of your budget if you’re not careful. The cost of living in the country you’re going should be an important consideration. You should set some money aside before moving and consider getting a job to help with the expenses.
3. Language barrier
The potential language barrier presents another practical challenge. You may wish to immerse yourself in a foreign language if you’re majoring in international studies or language. If not, however, this concept could scare you.
You may be able to get by in many countries without knowing much about the local tongue. Almost all countries have a sizable population of nearly competent English speakers, and as long as you have a translator app on your phone, communicating with the locals will not be too hard. However, it is still much better if you have a basic understanding of the language.
Before you go, you might enrol in language courses or use online resources like Duolingo to review common words and phrases. To provide a more immersive experience, several organizations also provide language-intensive classes before you go or while you’re overseas.
4. Cultural Differences
The differences in cultures can be quite shocking and can make for a very uncomfortable experience. Even if you’re expending a lot of effort honing your language abilities before you go, are you conversant with important facets of the culture of the country you want to study?
For instance, there are certain hand gestures used in South Korea for beckoning humans to you and another for beckoning animals. In the US, either one may be used for either purpose, but if you use the incorrect one, you might not get along with people in that country.
Even while the majority of people in other countries are quite tolerant when visitors make errors, it’s still advisable to familiarize yourself with these details to prevent unintentionally upsetting locals.
5. How different are you from the natives?
Do you feel ready to be treated as an ethnic minority if you decide to go to a nation where you are identifiable as one? Even if you have lived as a member of an ethnic minority at home, studying in a nation with a higher degree of homogeneity may make it worse.
You could be the target of strange looks or awkward inquiries, find yourself in a difficult position, and wonder, for the first time in your life, whether this is the reason why you were treated this way just because you are not a native.
Even if they’re unpleasant, these priceless experiences may teach you a lot about developing empathy for those in similar circumstances if you’re willing to do so.
6. Nutritional limitations
While some people can eat anything they come across, others are more picky with what they eat. If you’re a vegetarian, have food allergies or cultural and religious restrictions to what you eat, adjusting abroad may be a bit difficult.
Having an open mind about the things you decide not to consume could be a good idea. Taking a food allergy/dietary restriction card overseas is an excellent way to manage allergies. To ensure that nothing is lost in translation, be sure to provide all the information in both the host language and English.
7. Distance
If you’re going abroad for the first time, then maybe opting for a country not far from home will be a good option. Preferably somewhere on the same continent. This will ensure that although you will be exposed to a foreign environment, the differences will not be too stark.
Flight tickets will also not be too expensive as the distance is not too far. You can easily visit home during the holidays and breaks in between your school year, or invite some friends and family to explore your new destination with you.
However, if you’re confident enough to be able to travel far, then go for it. You could experience an interesting culture that you might never be exposed to otherwise, and make connections in a country so far from yours.
8. Future career aspirations
The experience of studying abroad could do wonders for your resume and open you up to a world of opportunities. Employers will be more willing to hire you for the rich experience and unique knowledge you possess. If you end up learning a new language due to your decision to study abroad, it could mean more job opportunities.
If you plan to relocate abroad, education is a popular route. A lot of countries offers international students work opportunities when they graduate, while others are not so generous. You should put this into consideration before choosing a study abroad destination.
9. Visa requirements
Obtaining a visa to study abroad is one of the most daunting experiences for students, as there is always the possibility of being rejected visa. It is best to go to a country where you don’t need to go through the trouble of obtaining a visa for, but unfortunately, your dream country might require a visa.
Before applying for any school make sure to research the visa requirements and migration rules for that country. If it feels too stifling for you, then the best way forward is to find another country to apply to.
10. Work opportunities
Tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses cost a lot, so having a job could help offset some of the expenses. However, countries like China and Egypt forbid international students from working while studying.
This will make it impossible to foot bills on your own, so you will need outside help. If you don’t have a sponsor willing to foot your expenses, then it is best you consider other countries where gaining employment as a student is not so hard.
Conclusion
Studying abroad is a rewarding experience even though it can be a path lined with difficulties and uncertainties. The best way to deal with this is to do adequate research and think carefully through your decision. Hopefully, this article will help you in making one of the most important decisions of your life.