There are countless advantages to studying abroad. These include seeing the world, meeting new people, experiencing different cultures, and (potentially) refining your language skills. The fact that you get to earn a degree too is certainly a bonus.
But there are lots of things to consider before you set off on an international academic adventure. Here are our five top tips for prospective students hoping to study abroad.
(Photo: University of Exeter/flickr)
1. Placement Length
One thing to think about when it comes to studying abroad is how long you want to go for. Some universities offer short-term exchanges and placements, which are perfect if you want to add a bit of travel to your studies.
You can also look for full degree placements for the complete international student experience! And if you’re already studying, it’s worth looking at postgraduate opportunities abroad.
2. Your Destination
When it comes to studying abroad, the world is your oyster. By which we don’t mean that it’s a shellfish. Rather, we’re saying that the opportunities available are almost limitless!
Where you choose to go depends on what you hope to get out of your experience. The degrees on offer are an important factor, but you should also take into account the language (including language of instruction), lifestyle and culture.
3. Funding
You’ll also need to consider how you’re going to fund your studies. If you have access to enough money, this might not be a major issue.
(Photo: Skitterphoto)
Otherwise, there are often grants and scholarships available. But this will depend on where you’re going and the placement type, so the important thing is to do your research!
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4. Applying
Applying to study abroad is often more complicated than applying to study domestically. It will usually depend on your destination and placement.
If you’re going on a short-term placement via a program run by your university, they should be able to provide plenty of help.
For longer full-degree placements, make sure to check the entry requirements for the course. you should also contact the university for information on the application process.
5. Travelling
No need to worry about this yet, but once you’ve successfully applied to a course, you’ll also need to work out your travel arrangements!
This may require a bit of preparation, since you’ll need a valid passport and visa. You should also make sure to work out where you’ll be staying when you arrive.
Hopefully the university you’ll be studying at will offer advice here, but it never hurts to do extra research before booking your flights!
