Your study abroad journey does not begin until you’ve chosen your study abroad program and destination. The decision to study abroad is indeed a life-changing one with various perks. You get to view the world from a different perspective and learn through the lens of unfamiliar people.
Additionally, when it comes to education, there’s a broad range of topics and issues to be touched on. Hence, the process of selecting the right study abroad program can seem like a Herculean task. But to maximize your time abroad, and to enjoy your study abroad journey, you must select the right course, and not just the right course but the right school in the right destination. Below is a step-by-step guide to choosing the right study abroad program:
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Table of Contents
1. Clearly define your academic and career goals
The first step to choosing the right study abroad program is having a clear understanding of your academic and career goals. No doubt studying abroad costs a lot of money, and making the wrong decision can be detrimental. Start by asking yourself these questions:
- What do I want to become?
- Where do I see myself in the coming years?
- What am I passionate about? What’s my area of interest/strength?
- What are the skills in demand in the world today?
- Can I start a career in my area of interest? etc.
Answering these questions will give you an insight into what you expect from yourself in the coming years. You can make a list of the areas that are of interest to you and the research courses/programs that will help improve your skills in that line.Â
Also read: Study Abroad: Discover The 1% Secrets For A Successful Application
2. Define your reason for going abroad.
Look beyond your academic goals and list out your reasons for studying abroad. For some people, the aim of studying abroad is not only to bag that degree, but to work in that country and with time become a citizen of their host country. For others, it’s to sharpen their skills, network, or learn a new language. Whatever your reasons are, list them out. Considering these options will help you streamline the options available and guide you to choosing the best fit.
3. Consider the options available
There are hundreds of schools scattered across the globe offering thousands of courses. You can adopt tools like IIE and Diversity Abroad for a broad view of the thousands of programs available globally. Use the filter option to screen and find programs that are very similar and go in line with the interests and goals you outlined earlier. Do this over and over again until you have just a handful of courses to choose from. This process might take time, but if seeking the best fit is your aim, you have to give it all it takes. While you search, also keep factors like language, location, and education cost at the back of your mind. All these have to fly with the goals you wrote out earlier.
4. Check the program details
Generally, every program has its unique requirements and this is dependent on the school and the country. Choosing a program outright without digging deep to consider the details might not be the best thing to do. Some programs have course requirements. In this instance, it is expected that you must have done a particular course in your undergraduate years or have a certain experience or skill before you can apply for the course. Some of the information you’ll likely see when you check through the course details includes:
- Course requirement
- Subject-specific requirements (if any)
- Skills you’re likely to learn when you apply for the course
- Tuition fee
- Language requirement
- Standardized test requirement
- Application fee
- Application date (both the opening and closing dates)
- Areas you’re going to cover in the course etc.
5. Choosing the right course
As soon as you’ve streamlined your search to about 10-15 available options and you’ve thoroughly examined their details, it is not time to pick the best option. When seeking for admission abroad, it’s important to note that you can always keep your options open. You can apply to more than one school if you can afford the application fees or if the application is free. At this point, the ball is in your court to make the right decision. You can trust your intuition or seek the help of a study abroad counselor to ensure that you end up with the best options.Â
Also read: Discover Why A Study Abroad Counselor Is Essential
FAQs related to choosing the right study abroad program
Below is a list of frequently asked questions related to choosing the right study abroad program for international students:
1. How early do I begin my search?
It is advisable to begin your search early, from 10-12 months before you travel. If your desired course is a popular one, there will be many other students applying for the same spot and you do not want to miss out because of inadequate preparation. Research way before you begin the application process so that you can gather all the necessary documents and resources needed beforehand.
2. Do I need to learn another language to study abroad?
In some cases, you will have to take a language test. It will be required in your application. However if your native language is the same as the one spoken in your host country, then there will be no need to take any language test or learn any language. You can just brush up your communication skills. Additionally, look for the medium of Instruction that will be used during the class, if it’s different from your native language, then you’ll have to learn a new language.
3. What do I do when I can’t make up mind mind on what program to pursue?
Sometimes, after your research and streamlining exercise, you’re left with two or maybe three options and you’re finding it difficult to pick from them. At this point, look beyond the obvious criteria and consider things like the differences in the program structure, duration, accommodation arrangement, and the types of students. However, note that sooner or later you’ll still have to make that decision. So like Nike, why don’t you just do it?
Also read: Ask These Vital Questions Before STARTING Your Study Abroad Journey.
4. What is the duration of my program?
The duration of your program is dependent on the school’s schedule. It is also dependent on the course and program type. Undergraduate degrees will take three to four years for full-time students. Master’s degree will take one to two years and doctoral programs (PhD) will take three to four years. This is also dependent on the school and the study destination.
In conclusion, choosing the right study abroad program is a crucial aspect of your study abroad journey and should be taken seriously. If you’re an aspiring international student desiring to study abroad, you can contact us at EdXtra Associates to guide you through the process of selecting the right study abroad program for you.
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Do you want to study abroad? Note that obtaining a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in this field helps to improve your chances in the labor market. Studying abroad is no joke for international students due to the cost. However, you can achieve your dreams without breaking the bank by applying for student loans, which you can pay for as long as 10 years.
MPower Finance and Prodigy Finance are some of the best student loan providers for international students. They also do not require a cosigner or collateral before an application. Reach out to us today, and let’s help you get started.
