Why study abroad?
Looking outside your home country for your studies offers a world of opportunities. Not only does it give you full immersion into a new culture and new people, but it also helps you stand out from the crowd, which can increase your employability. As well as your “on-paper” qualifications, you’ll be well-traveled, exposed to new languages, and experienced in different cultures.
Guides to why you should consider studying abroad
What types of degrees to study abroad?
It’s easy to get lost in the world of degrees. Undergrad, postgrad, BSc, BA, MA, MS, PhD - there are so many different types of degrees, is it any wonder? Once you’re abroad, you may find even more opportunities than the ones available in your home country.
If you’re a new school leaver, then the undergraduate degree is the one for you. It’s your first step into higher education and you often need to have completed undergraduate study before postgraduate study. Within undergraduate degrees, you can explore bachelor’s associate, certificate and diploma opportunities - all designed to suit your skill and experience level.
From there, postgraduate degrees open up specialist qualifications that help you to become an expert in a particular field of study. They build on the knowledge you’ve already acquired at the undergraduate level, so you’ll normally need a bachelor’s degree to be accepted.
Here you’ll have the opportunity to study for a masters of doctorate qualification.
What to study abroad?
The most important question to ask yourself is - what do you enjoy learning about? Whatever your interests and ambitions, there’s a degree program to match. You just need to know how to find it. Beyond that, ask yourself these questions:
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What’s your dream job?
Some professionals, like doctors, lawyers, and architects, must learn specialist qualifications before they’re allowed to practice. So, if you want to enter a similar field, you’ll need to follow a specific route. Higher-education expectations for most other jobs are a little more flexible. You can also keep your options open by choosing a versatile and transferable course like business, economics, or management. These subjects are valued by employers across several industries and sectors.
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What are you good at?
Figuring out where your strengths lie can help you narrow down your degree choices. Every university program requires hard work, but you’ll be off to a headstart if you choose a study abroad program you already excel in. It’s always good to challenge yourself, but try to avoid applying for a course if you think you’ll be out of your depth.
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What current knowledge do you have?
Most university programs specify the subjects you should take and the grades you need if you want to be offered a place. Make a list of the disciplines you’re currently studying and research the types of programs you’d be prepared for. Then look at the grade requirements and compare them with your predicted grades. It’s important to be realistic. There are thousands of programs out there, so don’t worry if every search isn’t a match.
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What more do you want to know?
Although many courses have the same name, the content of each program can vary wildly. Spend some time reading course descriptions and looking at the modules you’ll be studying. Make sure the classes excite you and align with your interests. It’s also sensible to look at the extra opportunities offered as part of programs too. Industry placements, guest lectures, and study abroad opportunities could sway your decision.
Guides to deciding what to study abroad
Where to study abroad?
With the entire globe as your playground, choosing where to study is no easy task. It’s helpful to ask yourself these questions:
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Where do you want to travel?
Thinking about the countries or cities you’ve always dreamt of visiting is one of the best ways to shortlist destinations. This is your chance to tick these places off your travel bucket list while earning a top-quality education.
On top of that, have a think about the people you’ll meet (who do you want to learn from), the climate (do you like it hot or cold?), and what there is to do there (are you a city traveler or do you prefer rural areas?).
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Can you study your subject there?
Knowing what subject you’d like to study can really help you narrow down your shortlist of study abroad destinations. Some countries are renowned for their expertise in particular fields and industries, so you’ll know where to go for world-leading teaching and research.
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What are the career opportunities?
Whether you’re planning to stay overseas after completing your degree, or think you’ll be heading back home, it’s still wise to look at the career prospects in different countries. Look at the graduate employment rate in your subject area and explore the industries you could apply your skills to.
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Where are you from and what languages do you speak?
It’s possible to study almost anywhere in the world, no matter your nationality. However, international agreements between your home country and other nations could make the process much easier.
You should also think about the destinations where you can already speak some, if not all, of the local dialect. You’ll be able to interact with people more easily, and carrying out daily tasks will be simpler. You’re also less likely to experience the negative effects of culture shock.
Guides to deciding where to study abroad
How much does it cost to study abroad?
Studying abroad is a priceless experience. But let’s be honest - not literally! Thankfully, with tuition fees and living costs varying a lot between universities, cities, and countries, there’s a study abroad option to suit every budget. In some cases, you could actually wind up saving money.
Here are some budgeting considerations:
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Tuition fees
These vary between countries, so there’s no definite cost associated. One of the biggest considerations is the type of degree you’re studying. As a general rule, master’s degrees have a higher annual cost than three or four-year bachelor’s programs. However, their shorter duration means that they can be cheaper overall.
Some subjects cost more (or less) than others. For example: psychology, computer science, education, mathematics, and English are all on the more affordable end of the scale. Meanwhile, engineering, business, health sciences, and art tend to be more expensive.
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Accommodation
After tuition, accommodation is normally the second-largest outgoing for international students. If you’re looking for a housing option that won’t break the bank, consider applying for a place in your University’s residence halls. If you’d prefer to rent privately, try finding a house or apartment on the outskirts of the city. Properties located in or near city centers are usually pricey, so renting in smaller towns or villages can help you save.
Finding yourself a roommate or some housemates will save you even more money. It means you won’t have to cover the rent bill alone, and you can split the cost of utilities.
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Cost of living and supplies
Here, we’re talking about your groceries, your essential items, your luxuries, and your study supplies. The cost of living varies from country to country, so take this into account when choosing your place of study.
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Visas, insurance, and transport
Most students studying abroad need a visa to grant you permission to remain in a nation for the duration of your program. Again, these vary between countries.
You should also consider the cost of health insurance (we’d always recommend making this investment), and how much it will cost to travel to and from your study country if you plan to go home during the holidays.
Guides to the cost of studying abroad
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