By Patriek Karayil
Education is not confined today, and to educate themselves in the best possible way, people also move outside of their borders. Gone are the times when going abroad to pursue education was a hard nut to crack. But the scenario today is quite different. A large number of students in India
The Open Doors 2023 report reveals that India was the second-largest country in terms of sending students abroad. It reached an all-time high of 2,68,923 international students in 2022/23, an increase of 35% year-over-year.
However, going abroad is just not enough. You need to select the right college that can help you hone your skills and add value to your abilities. There are certain factors that you must keep in mind to choose the right college for yourself outside of India. Here are some factors that can help you in choosing the right college for yourself outside India.
Clarity about Career and Aspirations
First of all, make sure that you are clear about what you want to pursue. Ensure clarity regarding your aim in life
Now overlay this with the job markets, both in India and abroad, and have a point of view on the kind of employability options you would have after you graduate. For example in the U.S. STEM (Science, Technology
Evaluate your interests, abilities, talents, and strengths to determine which career path you want to pursue with the career ahead in mind, which will further help you in deciding which college would be good for you.
Choosing Colleges in Your Desired Country
Another important factor which you must consider is which country you want to go to. Before making decisions about the college, first decide which country you want to study in. Choosing the country first makes the shortlisting of colleges easier. Think about which country will give you better ‘stay back options’, better employment options for work experience, and a better pathway into becoming a permanent resident (if that is important to you).
For example – In Canada, once you graduate with a master’s degree, you are allowed to work in Canada based on the length of the program. After just a year of Canadian work experience, you can directly apply for your PR (residency/green card), and get the residency within 3 years. However, in the U.S., a similar process will take 12+ years.
Financial Factors
Studying abroad is financially very demanding. Financial factors therefore have an important role to play in determining your choice of college. Start by creating a budget for yourself and then look for options that can provide you with financial help like scholarships and student education loans. This is a stark example of where the destination country decision becomes important, as the kind of scholarships/assistantships available to students differs by country.
In the U.S. for example, students have scholarships, graduate assistantships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships, which may not be available in other destinations. Finally, the most important factor that is overlooked is your housing and living expenses. Analyse all the factors to ascertain the cost of living in the area where you chose to study.
If your chosen university is in a big city then be prepared to spend quite a bit more than if the university is in a small town. Talk to other students who may have lived in that city/town, be resourceful, reach out to alumni on LinkedIn, and get very certain about what the cost of living is.
Checking the Rankings
Before finalising any university, make sure that you check its rankings to determine how it measures up with other options. Also, be sure to check the program rankings as well. However, don’t obsess over rankings, your life trajectory will not materially change for selecting a university that is only slightly ranked higher than your other choices. Pay more attention to financial affordability, and career prospects after graduating from that university with your chosen field of study.
Language Considerations
If you are going to a country where the language spoken is completely new to you, then make sure that you determine whether you are willing to learn the new language or not and whether or not English-taught programmes are available there. Language can either be a barrier or an asset in your career journey, so make sure that you make your decision wisely. This is very much the case for EU destinations.
Admission Requirements
Another important factor to be considered is the admission requirements. Different countries and educational institutions have different requirements, however, almost all will require English language testing as part of the university application. The U.S. has been historically more rigid when it comes to standardised testing than other destinations given the requirement for GRE/GMAT/SAT, although post-covid many universities have made these tests optional.
Make sure that you are well familiarised with these tests and that you spend adequate time preparing for them. In the U.S. for example, most universities will automatically consider you for a scholarship based on your GRE/GMAT score and your undergraduate GPA.
Choosing the right college involves a lot of factors, each of which must be given due consideration. Studying in a college that aligns with your aspirations can significantly help you excel in your career. Investing in the right college is investing in your future so make sure that you make that choice wisely. This is not a decision that you want to make lightly!
(Author is President of American Colleges)