Embarking on a higher educational journey marks a pivotal and exciting milestone for any student. The aspiration to expand academic horizons, develop an international outlook, cultivate cultural intelligence, and build global careers are some factors influencing global student mobility.
According to the latest reports, around 1.3 million Indian students were studying abroad in 2023. As students set out on a thrilling journey, meticulous planning and preparation become essential.
One crucial step for students in this journey is familiarising themselves with the intake seasons of universities across their target destinations. Unlike a centralised system, universities worldwide operate on individual schedules. Some offer Fall (September/October) intakes, while others have Spring (January/February) or even Summer (May/June) intakes. Understanding these timelines is pivotal for effectively managing the application process.
What to do for a seamless transition into the overseas academic journey
Research thoroughly: Students should carefully choose a program and institution that matches their academic objectives and passions. It’s essential to explore curriculum specifics, faculty backgrounds, and student feedback to confirm that the course is well-suited. Moreover, students must analyse career opportunities in their host country as launching their jobs
Appear for the standardised test: As a part of the university admission process, students will have to appear for English proficiency exams such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Entrance exams such as Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
Application process: College application deadlines are typically stringent. Therefore, students must keep all the documents ready, including academic transcripts, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letter of Recommendation (LOR), resume and results of English language exams & entrance exams. Therefore, visiting the university website to learn about university-specific requirements and application deadlines is recommended. This ensures a seamless application process for them.
Financing for study abroad: Students these days don’t want to depend on their parents to achieve their academic aspirations. Hence, they turn to education loans, which bridge the financial gap between them and their study-abroad dream. However, they must thoroughly research loan options from various lenders, repayment terms, and loan amounts.
Also, it is crucial to remember that interest rates should not be the only determining factor when shortlisting an education financing partner. Factors such as features and benefits, turnaround time, and customer service are crucial, too. Responsible borrowing is key, so the applicant must understand all terms and implications before committing.
Cultural and social adaptation: Students must acknowledge and adapt to the cultural subtleties of the host nation. Therefore, students should familiarise themselves with basic phrases in the local language (particularly if travelling to a non-English speaking country), explore customs and traditions, and remain receptive to novel encounters.
These efforts significantly enhance everyday interactions and reflect respect for the local culture. Investigating customs and traditions aids students in confidently navigating social scenarios, enriching their social circles, and enhancing their overall living experience. Ultimately, cultural intelligence can be valuable when building a global career.
Studying Abroad Pre-departure checklist
Accommodation: This is a crucial step for the student’s study abroad journey. They must focus on researching housing options and securing accommodation well in advance, especially in popular student cities.
Medical considerations: Students should ensure that they have adequate health insurance
Financial management: Opening a bank account in the host country is an important step. Students should also research currency exchange rates for a seamless experience. Planning a budget for daily expenses and factoring in potential fluctuations in living costs is paramount for proper financial management.
Visa regulations: Students must thoroughly understand all visa requirements for their chosen destination well in advance. They must work towards gathering the necessary documents and applying for their visa in advance to avoid delays.
Post-graduation opportunities: The most important factor when deciding on the choice of destination is the potential career prospects in the host country after graduation. However, students must check if the jobs align with their chosen field of study.
Preparing for studies abroad requires careful consideration. By engaging in thorough research, detailed planning, and adopting a proactive attitude, students can greatly improve their prospects for a successful transition academically and personally. Each preparatory action serves as an investment in their future academic accomplishments, establishing a sturdy groundwork for a rewarding intellectual expedition. Through diligent preparation, students equip themselves to not just surmount obstacles but also to capitalise on the distinct opportunities that studying abroad offers.