3 minsAll school and college students who have just completed their exams and are on the verge of graduating suddenly seem to be all worked up, rushing behind something.
We realised that they are looking to study abroad so they are in a rush to register themselves on our website, downloading prospectuses and gathering as much information as possible that would help them chalk out an effective plan. Our counsellors have been answering queries after queries, but still a lot of questions are arising in students’ minds, across all age groups.
Recent school and college graduates should get ready a checklist first, if they are looking for their higher education abroad.
The checklist to guide students thinking of a degree abroad must include the following:
Can you transfer credits?
When you sit down to chalk out a plan on how to study abroad, one major point that you shouldn’t miss enquiring about is ‘how many credit hours the university will be able to transfer towards an equivalent programme’. You should also enquire the maximum number of credits that can be transferred.
When you apply through our counsellors, they provide such basic details so that you get adequate time to make decisions.
Speak to your seniors who studied abroad
Seniors always play a major role, from transferring valuable knowledge to their juniors to advising on matters that juniors often struggle with. Similarly, when you struggle with getting any information out from a university abroad, you can always have a word with seniors who have experience studying abroad. If you can’t think of anyone, you can speak to our counsellors.
Think about your finances
With the rising debts in the education sector, it is imperative that you look for colleges and universities that focus on affordability and accessibility. The more affordable the education, the more happy a student life is. However, there are a number of scholarships and grants available to support your education abroad.
Gather all necessary documents
A passport and visa is must for entering into another country. But is there anything else that you missed? Make sure you have every document with you when you apply at a university abroad.
Get insurance
Get yourself insured when you are planning to study abroad. Travel and health insurance are two major plans that you need to think of. There are policies specific to overseas travel that you can apply for.
Read about the country
You must know about the country you have selected as a study destination. When I say read, not just about the climate, stay and food options that would help you survive, but you must know a bit of history and politics of the country. This will help you get in touch with locals. As an outsider, if you show deep interest in the culture and heritage of another country, you can strike an effective conversation with people around.
Another important criterion is language that you should be aware of. You don’t have to learn the official language of the country you have chosen, but knowing the local slangs always help.
Find a bank
Finding a bank could be tedious, but not difficult. The way you use your credit and debit cards in your native country could change when you travel overseas. So a better way to deal with such situations is to open a bank account in that country. Our advisors guide a lot of students helping them with information on how to open a bank account abroad.
Know safety laws
Since you are going to be a lonely bird in a foreign country, you should be wary of the local and regional laws. Each country has its own set of laws for various activities, including driving, drinking and smoking.
Also, if you research about the food and drinks that fall under the category of health hazards, you can save yourself from spending money for doctor visits and also protect your health from any foreign body.
You can keep a note of the emergency numbers, too, that you might need in any unforeseen situation.
Pack light
Packing light and tight helps! If you are heading to a country that keeps you warm throughout the year, you should avoid increasing your luggage carrying all your winter clothes along.
Speak to them
Because they matter! The people who help you in the process of getting an offer from your dream university. They could be your parents or friends or advisors. Keep in touch with them. Homesickness is a household term that people living in a foreign land often use when they tend to miss their families or feel lonely.
It could be hard for you to spend days in a different country. Not every day is going to be the same. Make sure you don’t confuse yourself too much. If you feel that things are not working out as you planned, try speaking to someone close in your family or friends.
Our counsellors can give you more advice and tips on how to get going with your abroad study plans. They can help you get in touch with universities and colleges abroad. Get ready with your queries and call us. We’ll give you the best possible answers, and help you make informed decision for your future.
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