Welcome to your study abroad adventure!
Leaving home to study in another country can feel overwhelming, but there’s so much to look forward to. Studying abroad opens up a world of life-changing opportunities and unforgettable experiences that you won’t find anywhere else.
Before you take your first steps to becoming an international student, you might be wondering what’s ahead of you. In this guide, we’ll take you through all the essentials you need to know to prepare for your study abroad journey.
There's a lot to consider, but don't feel overwhelmed! This guide offers advice for every stage of your journey. We don't expect you to think of everything right now, so it might be helpful to bookmark this page and return whenever you need it.
In this guide we'll cover:
Why study abroad?
- Travel the world
Life is never boring when you study abroad and there is always something new to discover. This is the perfect opportunity to explore parts of the world that you’ve never seen before, visit the landmarks and landscapes that you’ve always wanted to see, and gain experiences that are unique to the country that you are studying in.
- Experience different cultures and people
Every country has its own customs and traditions. As an international student, you’ll witness firsthand how diverse the world can be and have the chance to immerse yourself in different walks of life.
Studying abroad is one of the best ways to meet people from various cultures and make lifelong friends with people you never would have crossed paths with otherwise. Many universities have programs designed to help international and domestic students integrate with one another and learn how to empathize, communicate and connect with people from different backgrounds.
- Broaden your horizons
Education systems differ widely from one country to another, so the way you study at home might not be the same as how you study abroad. An international university could offer unique programs and state-of-the-art facilities that aren’t available in your home country. By choosing to study abroad, you open yourself up to opportunities that better align with your skills, aspirations, and learning style. Don't limit yourself to what's available at home; the perfect program for you might be waiting overseas.
- Unlock new career opportunities
Moving to a new country opens up exciting opportunities to pursue your dream career. You can discover programs, internships, and job opportunities tailored to your field of study and unlock career paths that you might not have considered before.
Certain countries are particularly strong in specific fields. For example, if you want to pursue a career in business, consider enrolling at a university in the UK. London, the capital city, is home to many high-profile companies and is a leading global financial center.
Studying abroad will also give you a competitive edge when looking for jobs. Employers often value the diverse cultural experience, adaptability, and global mindset that come from living and studying in a different country.
- Learn a new language
There is no better way to learn a new language than by living in the country where it is spoken. It’s normal to feel nervous about moving to another country when you don’t know the language, but it’s a great opportunity to learn. Many universities that welcome international students offer language courses to help you integrate more easily and feel more comfortable communicating. Knowing multiple languages is also a valuable skill when looking for employment, especially if you decide to stay in your host country after graduation.
Study abroad myths debunked
There are many misconceptions about studying abroad that might leave you wondering if it really is the right choice for you. Let’s separate the fact from the fiction.
Myth:
Studying abroad is too expensive
Reality:
Some countries are more expensive to study in than others, but don’t let that put you off embarking on the experience of a lifetime.
Universities are keen to make studying abroad as accessible as possible for international students, which is why so many offer financial aid such as bursaries, scholarships, and grants. Countries like Germany, Norway, and Finland offer tuition to international students at a low cost. Research and compare what is available to you and how much you could save depending on where you study and what you’re eligible for.
Work-study programs are another common way international universities help students manage their finances. Not only do these programs provide valuable professional experience to enhance your resume, but the job opportunities are often relevant to your program and contribute toward your degree.
Learn more about what financial support is available to international students here.
Myth:
You need to speak the native language
Reality:
It’s useful to have a basic understanding of your host country’s main language if you’re going to be living there, but it’s not a requirement.
The only exception to this is when a university asks you to take a language proficiency test. Most foreign universities offer programs taught entirely in English, so it’s crucial that you have a confident grasp of reading, writing and speaking in the language before you begin your studies.
If your university wants you to take an English Language Test (ELT), do plenty of research to prepare yourself beforehand. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are the most widely used tests, but there are others that your university might prefer.
It’s also important to bear in mind that the minimum score you need to get on your ELT test can not only differ depending on the university you apply to, but on the program you apply to. It’s important to check the specific requirements of each program you are interested in so that you know what is expected of you.
Spending time in your local area is a great way to pick up the native language. Whether you’re shopping for groceries, ordering at a restaurant, or grabbing a coffee, learn some basic phrases that will help you to interact with the people located in and around your campus. If there are language courses available nearby, don’t be afraid to get involved.
Myth:
It's hard to make friends in another country
Reality:
If there’s one place where you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet new people, it’s at university.
Whether you’re studying in your home country or as an international student, everyone starting university for the first time is in the same situation, navigating this new experience together.
Whatever your hobbies and interests, there will be plenty of student societies and organizations for you to take part in and connect with students just like you. Universities often have programs to help international students feel more at home on campus, and international student services to support you with any issues you might have during your time there.
Myth:
It's harder to find jobs as an international student
Reality:
Studying abroad opens up opportunities to work all over the world and foreign graduates are just as valuable to the workforce as local citizens. International students tend to graduate with a broad perspective of the world, equipped with the skills to communicate and form relationships with people who have different experiences, backgrounds, languages, and views. This makes you highly attractive to employers in any country and will undoubtedly help you to stand out from the crowd.
If you want to stay and work in the country that you studied in, some countries like Canada, Germany, the USA, and Australia have policies, programs, job opportunities, and internships in place to encourage international graduates to stay and work.
Where available, a graduate visa will allow you to stay in the country for a specific period after graduation. This will give you time to look for permanent work or gain temporary employment, and in some cases, can be offered directly as part of your university program. However, keep in mind that when applying for a student visa, you may need to prove your intention to return home. Evaluate your options long before you complete your studies to give you time to plan for the future.
Myth:
Only students with top grades can study abroad
Reality:
Academic performance isn’t the only thing universities consider when assessing your application. Extracurricular activities, work placements, recommendation letters, and personal statements are all also taken into account.
Just like at home, international universities offer programs for people of varying grades, abilities, and experiences. If you’re struggling for options, take a look at our website or get in contact with our student advisors. Your perfect university is out there; you just haven’t found it yet.
Study abroad timeline: What should you expect when you study abroad?
So, you’ve decided to study abroad, but what happens next?
1. Make your choice
Choosing where to study abroad might feel challenging when there are so many great choices around the world, but doing your research will help you to make an informed and confident decision. Considering the following factors can help make this choice easier:
The university: This is where you’ll be studying for the foreseeable future so it’s important to feel comfortable and happy with where you enroll. University rankings are a great way to determine what areas universities excel in and what reputation they have. Whether it’s student satisfaction, teaching quality, or subject accreditation, the league tables will give you a useful outlook on how universities perform in the areas that matter most to you
The subject: You’re far more likely to enjoy your time at university when you’re genuinely interested in your subject. Start by considering your passions, hobbies, strengths, and career goals, and use this to narrow down what programs will allow you to pursue them further at university
The program: Every university program is unique and the same subject can be taught in various ways. Program descriptions are readily available online and provide a detailed overview of the curriculum, including the topics covered, teaching methods used, and how you will be assessed. Think about how you want to learn and how each program can accommodate this. Explore the resources and facilities available to support your learning, and research the potential career paths that your program might open up for you. This will help ensure that you choose a program that aligns with your skills, needs, and career aspirations
The country: Your study abroad country will quickly become your second home, so make sure to choose somewhere where you can feel comfortable and safe. Familiarize yourself with the local culture and languages spoken. Evaluate the safety of the location, and the climate, and consider whether these align with your personal preferences and lifestyle. Seek out countries that will be easy to adapt to and offer a supportive community for international students
Your budget: Before you start applying for university, make sure you have a clear idea of your budget and what you can afford. Consider costs such as tuition fees and living expenses and research any financial aid options such as scholarships, bursaries, and grants that are available to you should you need to raise the funds
Entry requirements: All universities have specific requirements that students must meet to enroll in their programs. You will need to have certain grades, qualifications and certifications, and in a lot of cases, will ask international students to complete an English language proficiency test such as TOEFL or ESL. Register and prepare for any tests in advance so that you are ready to meet any deadlines and can avoid the disappointment of having to retake
2. Start your application
Your application is one of the most important parts of your study abroad journey. Before you apply, make sure you have all the necessary documentation. This could include exam certificates or predicted scores, letters of recommendation, a personal statement or academic profile, and proof of funding.
Be aware of any deadlines you need to meet so that you’re not in a rush to complete your application. Leave plenty of time to apply for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid you might be eligible for as these can take time to process and arrive.
If you need support with writing your application, preparing tests and interviews, or gathering documentation, don’t be afraid to ask for help. International universities often have dedicated staff to talk students through their application and ensure they have everything they need.
We partner with universities to make the study abroad application process simple and stress-free. Our student advisors will help with your application from the moment you apply to the moment your university admits you. Most of our advisors were international students themselves, so they know exactly what you’re going through and what you need to submit an exceptional application.
There are also plenty of resources online to give you advice and support on your application. Take a look at our guide on study abroad essentials for more information.
3. Prepare for interviews
Some universities will ask students to complete an interview as part of the application process. Prepare as much as possible to give yourself the best chance of passing. Find any information you can on the format of the interview and practice common interview questions for your chosen program. You can often find practice questions online. Ask friends and family to test you so that you feel confident and comfortable with answering interview questions and presenting yourself out loud.
4. Accept your offer
If your university has offered you a place, congratulations! You should now receive an offer acceptance letter confirming your admittance and outlining the details of your enrollment. Bear in mind that once you formally accept this offer, you will enter a contract with your university, so study the details of your offer letter carefully to ensure that you are happy with it.
If you have applied to more than one university and received multiple offers, study each letter and compare your options. Once you’ve made your decision, contact the university to confirm your acceptance.
5. Apply for your student visa
You will need a valid student visa to study abroad in most countries. An unconditional offer from your university is typically required before you can apply for a visa.
Make sure you have the required documents to submit your application. This will usually include a passport that has been valid for at least six months, recent passport photos, proof of admission to your university, evidence of your finances and of any financial support you will receive, your birth certificate, and previous university records if you have already been to university. In some countries, you will also need to purchase health insurance.
You could be expected to attend a visa interview at your nearest embassy or consulate. Be prepared to answer questions about the university, program, and country where you want to study, as well as what your plans are during and after your studies, what your academic capabilities are, and what your financial situation is.
You can then complete your application form and pay your application fee. Double check that you are able to meet any deadlines to submit and pay for your visa. It can take several weeks for your visa to be assessed and approved. For example, if you are applying to study in the UK, you will usually hear back about your visa status within 3 weeks. It's vital that you leave enough time to apply so that you can enter the country before the university semester begins.
Students must follow certain rules to keep their visa. You must only work for a limited number of hours in campus or part-time jobs, must attend all your classes, and leave the country once your visa expires, unless you apply for a graduate, work, or resident visa once your studies are completed. Failure to do so could result in your visa being canceled.
6. Organize your accommodation
Now it’s time to find somewhere to live. Universities often offer affordable accommodation to students either on or close to campus, or will partner with local housing providers to reserve accommodation for their students. Students are usually housed in dormitories, houses, or apartments and can choose from private or shared rooms depending on what is available.
University housing can sometimes come on a first-come-first-serve basis so the earlier you apply and receive your offer, the better chance you will have of securing your first choice.
7. Make travel arrangements
Whether you’re traveling halfway across the world or to the next continent, chances are you’ll be using public transport to get to your university. Make your travel arrangements as far in advance as possible to get the best deals and guarantee you don’t miss out on tickets.
Research to see if your university has any partnerships with airlines and bus companies to give international students discounts on their travel fairs and provide transport between the airport and campus. Some airlines may even offer passes and travel perks for international students who regularly fly with them.
8. Settle in
Your first time at university in a new country can be a scary and lonely experience, but a lot of universities will have dedicated orientation programs to help international students integrate into your new community before you begin your studies.
These are designed to familiarize you with the university, campus, country you’re studying in, local culture, your academic program, and your fellow students. Orientation often takes place before the semester begins so make sure you’re aware of when you are expected to arrive on campus.
9. Study
How you study will depend on your university and your chosen subject. For example, if you are studying a science program such as chemistry or biology, you’re likely to spend most of your time studying in a laboratory or outside doing fieldwork. On the other hand, subjects like history and English are usually taught in seminar rooms and lecture halls.
Some programs may also offer hybrid or remote learning so that you can study flexibly on campus or from the comfort of your home, and fit your studies around your personal schedule. Explore campus before you begin your studies so that you know where you will be studying and what facilities are available to you.
The do’s and don'ts of studying abroad: What do universities expect from you?
DO meet entry requirements
DON'T miss payments such as tuition fees and living costs
DO make sure you have the relevant documentation to study abroad
DON'T forget to attend class and participate actively in your lessons
DO maintain good grades throughout your studies
DON'T miss important deadlines for exams and coursework
DO develop your proficiency in any required languages
DON'T plagiarize, cheat, or commit academic misconduct
DO seek help and advice from academic advisors and university support services when needed
DON'T disrespect the local culture and country you’re studying in
DO enjoy your studies abroad
This is where Studee comes in. We make studying abroad easier by helping you find, apply and enroll at the right university for you. We’ll send you reminders about any important application deadlines, fees, and documents so that you don’t miss out and have everything you need to apply on time.
Ready to start your study abroad journey? Tell us your study plans and we’ll help find your ideal program at the perfect university for you.