If you're thinking of studying abroad, you are likely to have a lot of questions. That's why so many international students make arrangements to visit an education counsellor. These experts are there to answer all your enquiries – but of course, they'll have some for you, too. Before you book your session, consider these common questions that an education counsellor may ask, as confirmed by IDP.
What subject do you want to study?
Few things are more central to studying abroad than your course. Whether you already know your specialism or are yet to narrow down your options, anything you can tell your counsellor about your preferred subject will help. It will make it easier for them to recommend universities with suitable courses and areas of expertise.
For some inspiration, try our advice on choosing a university course.
What is your academic history?
Counsellors need to understand your educational background in order to connect you with the right courses and institutions. The qualifications you have will indicate your potential study level, and your grades can be compared directly against universities' entry requirements.
Not sure whether you should be looking at undergraduate or postgraduate courses? Get to know the different study levels in higher education.
Where do you want to study?
You don't need to have decided on a study destination by the time of your first counselling session, but any thoughts you have on the matter will be useful. With an indication of your general preferences, your counsellor can help you identify suitable countries or cities. Perhaps you want to study somewhere with a large international student community, or a place with strength in a particular job sector. Either way, they should be able to help.
Try our tips on choosing where to study abroad.
How good is your English?
If you wish to study in one of the countries covered by IDP, it is likely that you will need to meet English language ability requirements. These are set by universities and sometimes governments, and often apply even if English is your first language. Counsellors can clarify the situation, and advise you on common English tests such as IELTS.
Counsellors may also be able to point you towards programmes that prepare you for studying in English. Find out more about your options with our guide to pre-sessional English courses.
How will you fund your studies?
Talking about money isn't always easy, but it is an unavoidable part of studying abroad. If you already have funding or a budget in place, counsellors can use this to help you find a destination, university and course to match. If you are more unsure at this early stage, they will still be able to help. Counsellors are well placed to inform you about tuition fees and living costs, and can point you towards student loans and scholarship opportunities.
Discover the various costs of studying abroad.
What are your career goals?
Getting an international education can open up huge job opportunities. If you have already thought about your post-graduation career path, your counsellor will be glad to hear it. They can use this to match you with suitable courses, institutions and destinations. For example, they could recommend a university that offers work placements with top employers in your field. They could also tell you which countries offer favourable post-study visa terms to graduates of your subject.
Think big with our guide to the top employers around the world.
Do you plan to bring dependants?
Leaving your family behind while studying abroad is not easy to do. If you would prefer to bring your partner or children with you, that may be possible. The rules around doing it vary by country, and this is something on which counsellors could advise. Relatedly, they may be interested to know if you already have family or friends abroad. This can help you settle in a new country.
Discover the rules around studying abroad with family.
Do you plan to work while studying?
Part-time work can help you fund your study abroad and provide valuable experience. Even if you have not yet considered finding a job during your studies, it may be worth doing so. Counsellors can give you an idea of the possibilities and the rules in different destinations.
Get to know your international student work rights.
Do you have any work experience?
No matter what jobs you have done – paid or voluntary – work experience can strengthen your university application. After discussing it with your counsellor, you may have a greater appreciation of how valuable yours is, and the transferrable skills it offers. Counsellors can also compare it against courses that make it a requirement, such as MBAs, and scholarships.
If you have no work experience, don't worry. It's not often compulsory. Put your best foot forward with our guide to writing a CV with no experience.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
It's not just work experience that can support your study abroad dream. Your personal interests can add great weight to your university application, and especially so if they relate to your study subject. With an understanding of what you enjoy and how you pursue it, your counsellor can help you develop a powerful personal statement (also known as a statement of purpose or SOP).
In addition, your counsellor may be able to advise you on universities and destinations where you could keep up your interests and hobbies – or expand them. Take some more advice on this with our guide to choosing a university society.
How to book a study abroad counselling session
If our insights into what education counsellors ask have made you feel ready to meet one, you are in the right place. You can sign up for a free counselling session with IDP experts now.
With more than 50 years' experience of helping international students achieve their dreams, IDP is a leader in global education. By arranging an in-person or virtual appointment with your local office, you can take your first steps towards studying abroad with confidence. IDP's services come with no costs, but lots of benefits.
If you would like to read more about counselling, try our articles on preparing to meet an education counsellor and reasons to use an education counsellor. Alternatively, you can get a headstart by looking for courses to study abroad with our simple search tool.
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