A new year means new opportunities, new aspirations, and newer challenges. And if studying abroad is on your list of New Year’s resolutions, here are a few things that could help you kickstart that dream of yours-
• Choose the country carefully:
The first and most crucial step is deciding the country you wish to study in, as it will have a significant influence on your academic career. You must weigh several factors while choosing a country, including the cost of living, the environment (climate), economy, culture, safety, infrastructure, etc. To make the adjustment smoother, try to choose a country where English is the official language. Language lessons are essential for nations where English is not an official language.
• Plan your budget:
You’d need to make a list of all the expenses that you will have to bear while studying abroad. The possible expenses include travel expense, tuition fees, accommodation, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses. Once you have a clear idea of your expenses, it will be easier to manage your finances and plan accordingly. Also, learn about the scholarships and loans available with easy and manageable EMI options to finance your education. Most study abroad programs will require you to prove that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your time abroad, and this may include a bank statement, scholarship letter, or sponsor letter.
• Choose the right program and university:
There are different types of programs that you can choose from, including master’s, bachelor’s, and diploma programs. Consider your academic goals, career aspirations, and course duration to make the right decision. Also, there are short-term programs, semester-long programs, and even multi-year-long programs. So, choose the one that’s right for you.
• Make a checklist of all the important documents:
You will need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your program’s end date to study abroad. You must apply for or renew your passport if you do not already have one or if it is about to expire. You might also need to apply for a student visa, depending on your citizenship and the country where you plan to study. The application procedure can be time-consuming, so be sure to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting for specific needs and start researching visa requirements well in advance of the start date of your program.
• Research the internship and job opportunities:
As a student in a new country, you might depend on part-time jobs to earn money and manage expenses. To get a general idea about part-time jobs, try to get in touch with the students studying at the university of your choice.
Apart from part-time opportunities, you would also require internships to understand the industries and network. Learn as much as you can about the employment prospects available to you once you graduate because this is the crucial step in launching your career, repaying student loans, and securing your future.