Studying abroad is no longer as complicated as it used to be due to a rapid increase in the interconnectedness of countries and cultures worldwide. More and more students and young professionals are considering studying abroad as a viable option to provide them with immense exposure. Numerous international universities are inviting students from all over the world to be a part of their graduate programs to promote inclusivity and diversity among the student cohort. Study abroad essentials teaches students to be self-reliant and also allows them to form long-lasting connections with like-minded individuals from all over the world.
Choosing the Right University
When choosing the right university, there is more to it than just the rankings and curriculum. However, they are often the primary concerns of students, and rightfully so since their future depends upon it. But because students will spend at least one-two years at the university, they need to be aware of the geographical and climatic conditions of the place. They should be aware of the location of their campus and the accessibility to essential services and facilities in case of an emergency. Additionally, they should be aware of the country’s language, the majority religion, culture, as all these factors will determine how they adapt to the new environment.
Competitive Exams | Study Abroad Essentials
It is recommended to check the admission criteria for international students on the official website once you have finalized the respective universities. Students need to take a few exams depending on their program of choice and level of study. Apart from competitive exams that test their intellectual ability, students must also take a language proficiency test. Here is a list of widely-accepted exams that students will have to take to be eligible for specific programs:
GMAT
GMAT is one of the popular management exams that is a prerequisite for business schools in top international destinations like the USA, the UK, Australia, and Canada. It is accepted by more than two hundred schools worldwide, and nearly two lakh applicants work every year. Students can create their GMAT account and get started with the registration process at the earliest to have ample time for preparation. They can schedule the exam online or via phone and select a date depending upon their application deadline and availability in their regional test centre.
GRE
The Graduate Record Examination is another popular exam taken by students who wish to pursue their Masters or PhD abroad. Students willing to pursue their further education in disciplines like English literature, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and psychology can take the subjective test or otherwise, they can take the general test. Unlike the GMAT exam, GRE is not limited to but also includes business programs.
IELTS/TOEFL/PTE
In addition to the graduate mentioned above entrance exams, students are also required to take a language proficiency test like IELTS, TOEFL or PTE. All three exams follow a similar format and have four main sections: Speaking, Reading, Listening, and Writing. Although the scoring patterns for the exams vary, as do the types of questions asked. The decision to choose between one of these three exams will depend on the university requirements and location. For instance, IELTS is widely accepted in countries like the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Canada. You can schedule the exam that your university accepts and aim for a score according to your program’s requirements.
Financing Your Studies
Studying abroad may seem appealing at first because of the various opportunities and diverse learning atmosphere. Still, many students abandon the idea once they realize how much it will cost them. To prevent this from happening, many international governments and universities offer financial aid to students. This aid may be in the form of scholarships; here is a list of the most common awards offered:
Need-Based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships are offered to students who can demonstrate their financial need. Universities and organizations choose students who are often denied the opportunity to pursue their dreams due to a lack of funds. These awards aim to uplift students who have excellent potential and will be an asset to the community in the future.
Merit-Based Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to students who showcase exceptional academic prowess. It may also be awarded to students who have excellent artistic skills or athletic ability, which will make them a crucial part of the student cohort.
Scholarship for Minorities
This scholarship is specifically designed to uplift minority students who have been deprived of equal academic opportunity. They are awarded based on gender, ethnicity, religion, and students from developing countries might also be eligible for these scholarships.
Visa and Immigration
Once you are affirmative about your decision to study abroad and have the offer letter from the university, you should get started with the Visa application at the earliest as these things usually take months. Firstly, ensure that your passport is valid and won’t be expiring shortly to avoid any complexities. If you have not yet got your passport, you can apply for one by submitting the necessary documents. After that, you should familiarise yourself with the country’s visa and immigration policies. You can get in touch with the country’s embassy to help you out with the process or inform you about any additional requirements.
Conclusion | Study Abroad Essentials
Thus, students must pay attention to the things mentioned above before going through with the application. In addition, students should also set up a bank account to easily manage their funds when they are away from home. If you are currently having a bank account, you can directly notify your bank that you will be relocating to another country and request that foreign transactions be allowed for the same. Other than that, you can make a checklist of the essential things that you need to carry when you are finally leaving for the program. Leaving your home might be more difficult than you anticipated. Still, you need to look forward to the new experiences that your university has to offer and be open to the challenges and perks of studying abroad.
