Choosing the right study abroad country is not simple. There are a lot of factors to consider, some of which are cultural, economic, and political. This can make the whole process overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. Here is a Guide to Choosing the Right Study Abroad Destination. Studying abroad is an incredible experience, but it is important to pick a location that fits well with your goals and lifestyle to make the most out of it.
How to Pick a Study Abroad Destination
Confused about where to study? We will help you find the country that’s right for you!
Studying abroad is a life-changing experience. Before you plunge into the first program that pops into your head, sits back and research because it’s not an easy process. There are several factors you should consider before finalizing your destination. These factors are:
- Your interested Courses
- Scope of your selected course
- The educational structure of the destination
- Entry Requirements
- Cost of studying abroad
- Study intake
- Employment opportunities
- Student visa requirements
- Return on investment
Before we get into the specifics, here are some general points to bear in mind throughout:
- Listen to both your heart and your head
- Be honest with yourself
- Research carefully, and use multiple sources
- Identify your “essential” requirements
- Choose your subject
- Attend university fairs and open days
- Get personal advice through a webinar
Factors You Should Consider to Choose Your Study Abroad Destination
It is crucial to weigh all the pros and cons of a country where you plan to further your career. We know it’s overwhelming, that’s why we have discussed in detail the above factors to help you decide on your next study destination.
- Your Interested Courses
It’s time for you to start building your Study foundation. Narrow down your interests and strengths and research the various degree programs available for the subjects that you have listed in your interests. Take into account everything from employment prospects to average salary and long-term benefits and finalize your course.
- Scope of your Selected Course
Once your course is finalized, shortlist the countries where you have the scope to grow your career with the specific course. Shortlist the best countries to study abroad after understanding the industries that are open for you to explore employment opportunities once when you will be completing your program. Check how strong the destination is in your industry base and if any level of industrial training is available.
- Educational Structure of the Destination
Different countries have different educational structures, which may or may not be in match with your thought process. Check for the teaching structure followed in the classrooms. For example, a lot of universities add weightage to practical training over theoretical concepts. Do you think such an approach would work for you?
- Entry Requirements
Always look for the admission requirements for the programs available in your chosen destination. Do you fulfill the requirements of the particular destination and university? Also, check for the academic scores required. Would you be required to appear for any additional test other than the English proficiency test? Do you think you’d be able to extract time from your schedule to prepare for additional tests such as GMAT, GRE, or SAT?
- Cost of Studying Abroad
It is essential to consider the overall cost of studying at a particular destination. When calculating your costs, don’t forget to consider ancillary expenses such as accommodation, utilities, traveling, etc. Consider the duration of your course as that will majorly affect your overall cost of studying abroad.
Find out if there are any scholarships available to study in the desired destination at both government and university levels. If you can obtain one, it can help bring down the cost of your studies considerably. Check if you will also be able to work part-time while studying so you can manage your daily expenses easily and also gain some professional experience.
- Study Intake
Did you know that the academic year in universities abroad differs? Considering your current situation, does it allow you to assemble everything and apply for the latest intake? Applying to a university requires assembling all your documents such as Transcripts, Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation, Curriculum Vitae, etc. Make sure that you have all documents ready before your chosen intake begins. If you don’t have enough time for all these formalities, opt for the next intake.
- Employment Opportunities
Your chosen course should help you to grow professionally and put you in a position where you can find employment. Consider the best places to study abroad that offer multiple employment opportunities for your course. For example, if you are getting a master’s in computer science, the US will offer you unlimited opportunities. After all, it is home to tech hubs such as Boston, San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago, and Silicon Valley.
- Student Visa Requirements
Check for the student visa entry requirements of the destination you are interested in. Each country has a different set of rules and regulations, which means that sometimes visa processing takes more time than expected. Also, visa processing costs vary for each country. If you would require it, our expert advisers can help you understand the visa processes with ease.
- Return On Investment
As an international student who will be spending a lot of money, effort, and time, it is realistic to calculate the return on investment (ROI). Does the destination offer you the kind of return you would want on your investment? Does it make you job-ready? If you are planning to move to another country, check upon the opportunities and monetary benefits. Consider the value of your degree back home especially if you intend to return to your home country.
Conclusion
Picking a study abroad destination is a very important part of the study abroad process. There are so many places to visit, so many things to see, and so many different languages to learn, that it is easy to become overwhelmed or confused. It is important to choose a destination that will help you reach your study abroad goals and be an exciting and rewarding experience for you. We hope you have found our blog post on choosing a top study abroad destination helpful and informative. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
