- Start by selecting the college and country that meets your academic requirements.
- Engage with people in your destination country through online channels. Try learning the language or some phrases to help you communicate.
- Make sure to plan your finances in advance to avoid problems in your application process. Consult Prodigy Finance for loans without collateral or co-signers.
Thinking of studying abroad? It can turn out to be a great decision for your career. As an international student, you get global exposure to different academic programs, world-class faculty, and infrastructure. Plus, you get introduced to people from different cultures and academic backgrounds to create a professional network.
However, studying overseas comes with both excitement and challenges. Whether it’s selecting the right program or planning finances, everything counts. In this article, we are going to give you 10 helpful tips you need while preparing to study abroad.
1. Selecting the Right Program and Destination
This step requires the utmost research, as it will lay the foundation for your study abroad experience. First of all, note down the names of the countries you want to study in. Then, start researching potential institutions in these countries where you can find the courses that align with your interests, career prospects, and study background.
In addition, check the eligibility criteria and admission requirements for the institutions. Go the extra mile to check the legitimacy and reviews of the educational institutions. As an example, while applying for a Canadian study visa, you can check whether your destination institution is recognised under Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) or not.
2. Understand the Visa Process
Every country has different application requirements for issuing visas. Hence, it is important to familiarise yourself with the visa application process and deadlines for your destination country.
For instance, while applying for an Australian study visa, you need to apply for an Immiaccount, while the processes may be different in other countries. You may look for the destination country's government websites to find out details specific to study visas.
Based on the requirements, gather all the important documents needed, such as a passport, academic transcripts, financial statements, etc.
3. Cost and Financial Planning
Studying abroad can be a costly investment due to high course fees and the cost of living. For example, pursuing higher education in the USA can be very expensive for students from developing countries. Take the cost of living and tuition fees in your chosen country into account.
You may apply for scholarships at your university or even get financial aid from private companies. Prodigy Finance offers education loans to students pursuing master's programs at selected universities. Based on the student's requirements, the loan amount can vary from $ 10,001 to cover the full cost of attendance.
4. Health and Safety Considerations
Next, assess the health and safety standards required for the chosen country. Make sure to check for necessary vaccinations and health insurance, as in some countries, you may have to submit receipts for your medical reports. As you will be residing in a foreign country for a long time, it is important to assess the healthcare services and medical facilities in that country as well. In particular, look for:
- Quality of healthcare services
- Cost of general healthcare
- Language and communication barriers
5. Accommodation and Travel Arrangements
In some countries, universities may have a big selection of on-campus accommodation, while others may not. When there is no on-campus accommodation available, you have to make your own living arrangements off-campus. It’s important to plan for rent and commute expenses, as this can add up very quickly.
Look for accommodation as close to the university as possible to save on transport costs and the general stress of travelling. It is always wise to reach your destination country early to avoid any last-minute hiccups.
6. Cultural Adaptation and Language Learning
In order to communicate well and become a part of a community in a foreign land, adapting to the local language and culture is beneficial. If you are going to a non-English-speaking country, learn some basic or advanced phrases in the local language. This will help you in the long term, especially if you plan on relocating full-time, as people who speak more than one language have a higher chance of getting more work opportunities.
In addition to this, start familiarising yourself with the culture of the destination country. Gain knowledge of the cultural norms regarding greetings, dining, and social interactions so that you can make valuable connections abroad. Last but not least, be open to new experiences.
7. Plan for Communication Back Home
Being away from your home can be emotionally challenging, so it is important to consider how you will communicate with your family and friends back home. One option is to look for international roaming plans from call service providers, allowing you to use your existing SIM card to keep in touch with your loved ones.
Alternatively, you can explore other options - like getting a new SIM card as an international student or using wifi to make calls via Whatsapp or WeChat. Although you can access free Wi-Fi in numerous spots like the school, your place of stay, and probably at a lot of public places, it’s still helpful to have a way to stay connected when you’re not near a hotspot.
8. Start Packing
Make sure you're aware of the climate conditions and cultural norms of your destination country. If you are planning for a September intake in Canada, the weather conditions will be different than they are in January.
While packing, bring along any necessary electronics like your laptop, phone, chargers, and a universal power adapter. Additionally, it’s important to carry your prescription medicine (if required). At least enough to hold you over until you can arrange a prescription in the destination country. Always be sure to keep them in their original packaging in case of security checks during travel.
9. Leverage Other Helpful Resources and Support
Keep in touch with your university's study abroad office, as it can be a helpful touchpoint for gathering more information about the institution. You can also seek their guidance and support to find good accommodation in the destination country.
It’s a great idea to create your network before you reach your study abroad destination. Explore online communities with similar students studying abroad and establish connections with them. For example, the Prodigy Finance Mentorship program connects experienced international students with aspiring students to provide guidance and support in navigating the complexities of studying abroad.
You should prepare for emergencies by registering with your embassy and understanding local emergency procedures beforehand.
10. Get Ready to Embrace the Experience
Lastly, understand that studying abroad can be a life-altering experience, both personally and professionally. You will experience a lot of new things out there. You may also face unexpected challenges once you’re away from home. But it all boils down to embracing the change for the better. Be ready to be flexible and patient in unfamiliar situations. Focus on opportunities and growth and make your dreams work.
Conclusion
To sum up, we have talked about 10 preparation tips for studying abroad. Following these tips can be beneficial for you in terms of your finances and your academic progress. You can stay informed and proactive throughout the process and make informed decisions.
To handle your finance-related decisions like student loans, always contact professionals for financial assistance, like Prodigy Finance. You can start your preparation early and seek support in your favourite study destination.
FAQs
What are some ways to make friends in a new country?
There can be a number of ways you can be friends with people abroad. If your friends or family are already out there, you could ask them to introduce you to their friends and colleagues. Alternatively, online communities are a great way to meet new people, especially places like Reddit, where there are thousands of forums based on location and interests. Once you are there, you may make an effort to introduce yourself to your classmates and neighbours for better interactions.
Will my study credits transfer back to my home university?
The norms for transferring credits to a local university may vary from one institution to another. Therefore, you are advised to consult your academic counsellor about this. It would also help to review your university's credit transfer policies for more clarity.
How can I estimate the cost of studying abroad for a degree program?
The cost of studying depends on several factors, such as the type of course, destination country, cost of living, travel cost, and technical equipment required for your study program. So, while calculating the estimated cost, it’s important to consider these aspects.
Can I work while studying abroad?
Based on the destination country's visa criteria, you may or may not be allowed to work while studying abroad. In Canada, you can work up to 20 hours a week. While in the USA, an F1 visa holder may be allowed to work on campus as well. For more information, read the visa-related laws for the destination country.
How long does it take for education loan approval?
An education loan has a few stages, from document submission to the processing stage, that may take time. Generally, the final approval may take up to 2 weeks.