A Complete Guide for Studying Abroad
Studying in a foreign country can be a life-changing experience and also a dream to most of the students. Studying in a different country opens up the horizons for the students and gives them a chance to the world from a different perspective, learn about new ways of life, and cope with skills that can help them acquire good jobs. The following blog discusses the advantages of studying in any foreign country, work opportunities abroad, and scholarship options for international students. the cost of living in any foreign country.
Advantages of Studying Abroad
- Global Perspective
Studying in a foreign country encourages international students to dive into new cultural beliefs, which can be an exciting and important experience. An international exposure allows the student to explore different languages, ethnicities, cultures, traditions, and the different ways people think, helping them develop a global perspective. Such kind of exposure creates opportunities for students to have open-minded thinking, and they learn to adapt to new environments. Students learn problem-solving skills that help them to navigate through social and academic settings. These experiences make them capable to compete in the global market.
- Language Skills
One of the important aspects of students studying abroad is that students are exposed to new languages. When students are around native speakers they learn in depth the culture of the people around which facilitates them to grow a deep connection and also understand the country and its culture. Proficiency in a foreign language before going to a particular country for education can also serve a lot of benefits. For example, if a student plans to go to Germany, France, or Italy to learn their particular languages like German, French, or Italian can be a very strong point for them. Having known these languages by the student makes it easier for them to acquire a part-time job off campus. Speaking the native language also makes it easy for them to adapt to that particular country. It becomes easy to communicate and also expands the horizon for the student for future job aspects.
- Personal Growth
Living and studying in a foreign country can be a roller coaster ride for an international student but it is also essential for their personal growth. Students who live in foreign countries learn the art of problem-solving for their day-to-day lives. Living in a foreign country makes the student independent, they learn how to plan their schedules including the study time along with chores to be taken care of. They learn how to manage their finances and live their lives fully. Overall, this experience boosts their self-confidence and helps them prevail in life.
- Academic Excellence
Many of the countries are home to amazing universities like Haward University, Stanford University, Columbia University, University of Oxford, Imperial College London, University College London, University of Manchester, University of Amsterdam, University of Leeds, Trinity College Dublin, Technical University of Munich, University of Paris and many more. These are some of the top-ranking universities. Studying in such universities gives access to high-quality education. The education system in foreign countries is more research-oriented and practical. Such kind of education opens new doors and opportunities for the student in the global market. Different kinds of teaching techniques and academic approaches exponentiate learning.
- Networking Opportunities
Studying at some of the top universities students meet a lot of people coming from different parts of the globe. They get the opportunity to network and bond with them. This international exposure helps them to be in a cordial environment and they learn to accept and adapt to all the people. Some of the connections they create can last for a lifetime with other students as friends, professors, and various professionals as mentors. These connections are very important for their future career opportunities. These connections open doors for collaborations and also enhance personal growth.
Work Opportunities Abroad
- Part-Time Jobs
International students are allowed to work part-time in most of countries like Australia, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Canada while they are pursuing their education. The students are allowed to schedule their working hours as per their college lecture hours and vice versa. International students can work in the hospitality, retail shops, or industries, and also can be given administrative roles. Part-time jobs provide an opportunity for students to earn a part of their living expenses.
- Internships
Many international universities join hands with local companies and international brands also to provide their students with hands-on experience in the field the student is getting an education. This hands-on experience is very crucial in the student’s life and career as it gives them an opportunity to take a step in the global market under the guidance of their mentor and also the company professional. This helps them to create a strong and professional network in the global market.
- Post-Graduation Work Visas
After studying in a foreign country an international student looks out for hands-on experience in the country they have studied. Many foreign countries provide a post-study work visa to international students to enter the global market and gather experience in the same field as the field of their study. For example, a student who has completed their education in the UK gets a 2 years post-study work permit, the USA gives a work permit of 1 – 3 years depending on the course they have studied, while on the other hand, Canada provides a post-study work permit of 3 years. These visas can also help the student in the future to acquire a permanent residency.
- On-Campus Employment
International students who are enrolled in some programs can have the option of On-Campus Employment. These positions are often paid which can be assistantships in research under their mentor or professor. These are very common when it comes to PhD students, psychology students, and many more. These students can work simultaneously while they are working. The universities allow the students to select the hours they would like to study and work. This flexible nature of work makes on-campus employment more desirable to international students or students in general.
Scholarship Opportunities Abroad
- Government Scholarships
Many governments in foreign countries offer a variety of scholarships to international students. By doing so the government attracts more talent and this also promotes cultural exchange. For example, the Fulbright Program in the United States of America is a government-sponsored educational exchange program whose main focus is to increase understanding between the USA and other countries. The other example is the Chevening Scholarship a British-sponsored scholarship, the Australia Awards Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship for international students.
- University Scholarships
Universities in foreign countries often provide scholarships to students. These scholarships act as a helping hand to those who are in financial constraints and might need assistance with the same. These scholarships are often provided to students on the basis of their merit, financial requirements, or any particular criteria set by the university. For example, students receive scholarships on the basis of their field of study and also on the basis of the country they come from. So it is always recommended that the students are through with their research of scholarships provided by their aspired universities.
- Private Organizations
In many countries, private organizations such as the Rotary Foundation provide scholarships to prospective students for their international study ventures. The Rotary Foundation generally offers scholarships for international students for a bachelor-level program and also for research programs through their Global Grants program which is spread across 226 countries of the globe. These scholarships are mostly given on the basis of the student’s academic merits or their financial requirements. There can be some requirements to qualify for such kinds of scholarships namely a certain level of education or diploma. Another example of such private organizations providing scholarships is the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship which helps aspiring students with a scholarship for a program that lasts for approximately a year. The Aga Khan scholarship helps students for a postgraduate program by helping them cover the costs of tuition and living expenses.
- Country-Specific Scholarships
Some countries like the European group of countries have country-specific scholarships. The Erasmus Mundus scholarship is a program offered by the European Commission-funded program that helps students obtain high-quality study programs. The main aim of this program is to promote high-quality education throughout Europe.
Top Course Options Abroad
- Business and Management
Foreign universities provide a variety of course options to students. Business and Management are some of the most popular options students select. Some very famous business and management courses are Masters in International Business, Business Analytics, Business Management, Supply Chain Management, Masters in Management, and Engineering Management are offered in most of the top universities in the USA, UK, and Canada. 1 of the most famous courses is Master of Business Administration (MBA).
- Engineering
Countries like Germany, the USA, and Australia are very famous for studies in the field of engineering. Some of the most famous courses in the engineering field are mechanical engineering, civil engineering, structural engineering, automotive engineering, and aeronautical engineering. Companies like BMW Group, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen Group, Audi, Porsche, Lufthansa, Airbus, Bosch, and ThyssenKrupp AG.
- Computer Science and Information Technology
With the growing demand in the technical fields, the need for people to work in the technical department is also growing. For this, the students prefer technical courses like computer science, software development, AI, UIUX, graphic designing, data science, and cyber security. These highly technical courses are taught and are very famous in the USA, Canada, and Singapore.
- Medicine and Health Sciences
Medicine and health sciences can help students to yield a great career out of it. Courses such as physiotherapy, clinical psychology, and industrial and operational psychology are some good options in this field. These courses are famous in the countries like the USA, UK, and Australia.
- Social Sciences and Humanities
Countries like the UK, France, and the Netherlands offer great courses in the field of social sciences and humanities. Some of the courses these countries offer are preventive law, languages, philosophy, political sciences, anthropology, economics, art, music, and many more.
Cost of Living Abroad
- United States of America
The cost of living in the United States of America can be differentiated according to the areas in which you decide to live in. For example, if a student decides to stay in New York and San Francisco the cost of living can go higher as compared to living in areas like Atlanta and Philadelphia the cost of living can be much lower. On average, a student can expect to pay around 1000 USD – 2500 USD per month for their rent, transportation, and day-to-day living expenses.
- The United Kingdom
Living in the United Kingdom for an international student can be expensive especially if they decide to stay in areas like London. There are much more affordable options in the UK and the students can opt for Portsmouth and Sheffield. On average an international student can expect to pay approximately 1000 GBP to 1500 GBP per month for their rent, transportation, and day-to-day living expenses.
- Canada
Canada can be a great option when it comes to studying abroad as the cost of living in Canada can be comparatively less than in the USA and UK. The famous cities in Canada like Montreal, Ottawa, and Calgary are also very affordable. An international student can expect to pay around 1000 CAD – 2000 CAD for their rent, transportation, and day-to-day living expenses.
- Australia
Australia has a high quality of life, but this results in a higher cost of living too. Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Perth, and Adelaide. Living in such areas students can expect to pay around 1,500 AUD and 2,500 AUD per month for their rent, transportation, and day-to-day living expenses.
- Germany
Germany one of the popular destinations for international students due to the cost of living being low. Germany is a country that offers low tuition fees and sometimes no tuition fees at all, this becomes an attractive factor for the students. The students can expect to pay 800 EUR – 1200 EUR per month for their living expenses, rent, and transportation.
So all in all studying abroad can provide ample opportunities and experiences to the students which plays an important role in shaping their future. Studying in a foreign country can prove to be an excellent choice for personal growth, networking opportunities, academics, and career options, and the benefits are beyond count. Preparing on time and being careful during the planning process is very important. The student should do their thorough research in terms of work opportunities, scholarships offered, and cost of living in the country they are planning to study. With the right amount of preparation and an appropriate mindset, the dream of studying in a foreign country can be a life-changing experience with a world full of opportunities and possibilities for the future.
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