With the rise of global education, students look forward to engaging in higher studies that involve a lot of international exposure and secure their academic and professional careers.
The decision to pursue a study abroad comes with a lot of inhibitions. Many students are worried about the cost structure, social security, navigating a foreign culture, and many more. However, if you are ready to take the risk and give it a shot, this article is for you!
Agreeing with the concept that deciding to embark on an international academic journey requires a lot of preparation and support, it is also true that now taking into consideration the ever-demanding aspect of foreign education, you can avail a lot of external support to get this in reality.
With all the available education aids and programs internationally, studying abroad is more affordable than what you perceive it to be. As intimidating as it might sound, international exposure helps you gain an in-depth understanding of concepts and helps you open a lot more opportunities for your career.
Now, you might have several questions related to studying abroad – what to do? Where to begin? And most importantly what is needed? – This is where we bring you this article to discover the world of global education and decide for yourselves,
Study abroad as its name suggests is a method to live in international countries and pursue academics. It can be through your school-led programs or an entirely individual venture that allows a candidate to live abroad for a semester/year-long study or oftentimes also have full-fledged degree programs as per requirements. You can live in hostels, or rented apartments, or arrange for your own in groups for better financial stability and complete your degree with global exposure.
Study abroad programs can be of different forms. There are direct options coupled with unique opportunities and externally based types that you can avail,
Many universities have their own customized study abroad programs for their students with a unique opportunity to avail an international academic exposure through guided assistance. A student can reach out to their own university admissions office (college counselor) and request a query on this available feature. Oftentimes, you might also come across study exchange programs with universities having an international partner that allows you to immerse in a global learning experience for a short period. This is where you will exchange seats with a candidate abroad and will get a chance to join a class in their place for more exposure.
This also reduces your stress in terms of living arrangements and expenses. Most often, if it’s your university-led program, you do not need to worry about rent or accommodation as such.
In recent times, there has been a surge in international admission requests and this has inadvertently resulted in multiple organizations that solely work to guide a student with their application process. Here at Manya, you can get customized service as per your requests where our expert advisors will help you navigate your choices, identify the best as per your profile, and guide you accordingly. Keeping in mind that the application process might seem daunting, it is great to get external help where you can completely trust the process and achieve your dream schools.
Students who do not have the opportunity through their school/university, often prefer this path. This is the most availed route after a university-led program. This is where you do your own research, and select the institute that best fits your ambition and choices. You can get help from a third-party consultancy to navigate the processes more easily. These are generally for degree-based programs and have durations of more than a year.
However, you can also enroll in language-based programs or research programs that do not require a longer commitment but can be completed in a stipulated time. This is definitely for students who want to get global exposure but not stay in the country for a long time.
Apart from mainstream academic courses, a student can also opt for courses that are field-based. This means that you will be part of programs that will require a practical approach and help you get hands-on experience in your domain. This can be achieved through internships, professional experiences, internships, research work, etc.
This is an answer that only you can suffice for yourself. Your reasons for selecting a study abroad have to be personalized and are generally influenced by a passion or career. No amount of photographs or scenic locations should attract you to pursue this if you are not mentally prepared. Most often we see students getting themselves involved in an international experience for a global outreach and realizing their dream. Here we have laid out our top 5 observed reasons for studying abroad,
Even in cases where you have had international travels, studying abroad and staying in a different country is a totally different experience. For this, you need to be well prepared and adjust to new surroundings, all while living independently. Here we are listing down a few key things to remember before you start your journey,
With social media doing the rounds, you might feel a lot of pull toward exploring a particular country and getting inspired by its culture. Here what we need to remember is that new explorations come with their own challenges. A familiar feeling that most students experience especially in their initial days is homesickness.
To get over homesickness, try involving yourself the most at your host institution. You should always look for events that help you network with people and immerse yourself in diverse cultures for more exposure. Events like freshers’ week or social and community services give you a chance to elevate your team-building skills and make new friends in the process.
A prominent tip would be to first learn their language. While English may be the primary mode of communication for you daily, you should be aware of the local language for easy communication. This also helps you to avail rare opportunities and often delve into stories and suggestions that make you more familiar with the place. A global education brings about a lot of excitement and exploring a different culture should be on your bucket list!
While international study options sound lucrative. It is also quite heavy on your pockets. Always make an informed choice and select the program and the country where your affordability suits you the most. Despite the availability of different financial aids, it is still necessary to pursue a program that satisfies your budget. Since, it is not only tuition fees that you will cover but also your travel, accommodation, and overall living expenses.
If you are applying through a university-led program, you might avail options for scholarships and get substantial relaxation in the cost structure. However, when applying individually or through third-party assistance, always make sure you look for available financial assistance and use it to your advantage
Look for online scholarships. Several Government and Private agencies offer scholarships based on merit, specialized programs, and laid-out eligibility. Some of the well-known ones are the National Overseas Scholarship, Erasmus Mundus, and direct opportunities through the Ministry of Education, Indian Government.
You can also make this cost-effective decision based on your choice of country. Few countries like Germany and Austria have very low tuition and living expenses compared to their UK, and USA counterparts. The fees in that case extend up to 1500 euros a year and you can manage your expenses based on your lifestyle. Apart from that students often get a chance to work part-time during summer/semester breaks which adds to your financial stability.
As exciting as it sounds, studying abroad also requires a few key requisites before you think of applying,
Apart from these, remember a few other essential ones like your phone coverages, bank accounts, student visa processes (as applicable by the country), coupled with other relevant identification documents.
Navigating this step might feel a bit overwhelming. At Manya, our experts help you with end-to-end service and complete once you finish your visa processes as well, making the procedure easier for you.
While your home country might have a plethora of options to choose from and can help you significantly grow in your career, it is inevitable to note that an international experience elevates your vision and helps you stretch your career to new heights.
Having said that, every student has their own priorities. If your decision to pursue a study abroad is supported by your finances and dream program, you should give it a shot. Other than that, this exposure not only helps you appreciate a different pedagogy but ensures your holistic development.
It is found that students who live abroad independently, have inculcated a respect for their as well as other cultures from a deeper perspective, understand and value diversity, learn new languages, explore the global scenario, and are industry-trained.
An international study also provides you direct access to the ever-evolving global job market and kick-starts your career with the industry giants. Not only mainstream degrees but other industry-based programs, and research programs can also prove beneficial in this case.
This article provides you with a concentrated idea on the global academic landscape to help you select what’s best for you!
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