Studying abroad is a life-changing experience that broadens your global perspective. Employers highly value graduates who have studied overseas as it demonstrates adaptability, open-mindedness and cultural awareness.
Studying abroad can also benefit you on a personal level. The enriching experience can cultivate self-discovery, new friendships and a deeper connection to your home country and the world.
But with so many destinations available, what is the best way to decide where to study abroad? To help you identify the perfect location for your academic adventure, we have compiled a list of five things you should consider when choosing your study abroad destination.
Choosing where to study abroad: 5 questions to ask
Which part of the world do I want to explore?
This is a simple but fundamental question you have to ask yourself. Which part of the world do you want to check out? Is there a specific country you have always wanted to travel to? Do you wish to immerse in the breathtaking natural sceneries of Australia and Canada or discover the history-soaked towns and cities of the UK?
Studying abroad not only provides a world-class qualification but also offers an excellent opportunity to explore the country you have always dreamed of visiting. It is worth considering your study destination carefully to decide which country and culture you want to experience to make your academic journey fruitful and fulfilling.
How much am I willing to push beyond my comfort zone?
While your ideal study abroad destination should be a country you've dreamed of discovering, you should also consider how far you are prepared to venture from your comfort zone.
If you are interested in studying abroad, chances are you are an adventurous soul. However, some study destinations require you to be more adventurous than others. Are you ready to experience a completely different way of living from what you are familiar with in your home country, or are you only looking for something slightly different?
How far from home do I want to be?
You may want to consider your desired distance from your home country. This will affect the expenses involved in travelling back home during holidays, and whether or not you can travel home in between semester breaks.
It can be comforting for some students to know that even if they are not in the same country as their family and friends, they are at least on the same side of the world. For those interested in experiencing complete independence, being far from home may not be a significant consideration when choosing a study destination.
What do I want to study?
Your preferred field of study will also influence your choice of study destination. Some countries excel in specific fields due to their integral role in the country's lifestyle, economy, culture or history. Depending on the subject you want to pursue, studying in certain countries may be more beneficial than the others.
For instance, if you are interested in studying agriculture and farming, universities in New Zealand are the ideal choice as it forms a significant part of the country's lifestyle and economy. Similarly, the UK has an excellent reputation in the field of law since many legal systems around the world originate from the British system.
What is my budget? How much will it cost?
Aside from thinking about your preferences, don't neglect the realistic factor of finances. Studying abroad is meant to be an enjoyable experience - you wouldn't want to move to another country only to find out that living and studying there will break your bank.
Before you get too excited about a specific destination, find out how much it will cost to study there. What are the average tuition fees for your preferred courses? What does the cost of living look like?
Start researching these numbers and work out a budget. Think about if those numbers are something you can realistically manage.
If the estimated total cost is within your budget, you can start budgeting for each aspect of your study abroad life, including accommodation, transportation, food, leisure activities and more. Our articles on the student cost of living in Sweden, South Korea and more can help you plan your finances.
Don't forget to research scholarship options to reduce study costs at your favourite destination. Explore government education bodies in your desired countries for awards or grants. Check out our international scholarship page for scholarships tailored to your preferred study location. You might discover unexpected opportunities.
You can narrow down your study abroad options by eliminating destinations that exceed your budget. Then, you will have a better idea of where you can realistically afford to study.
Refine your options
After answering the above questions, try to narrow down your options to no more than two strong contenders. This is an ideal moment to seek external input on your final choices. Consult your parents, study abroad advisors, teachers or professors for their valuable feedback and insights.
At the same time, ask yourself where you envision yourself thriving. Which destination will you look back on with the most excitement in a couple of decades? How might the location influence your future career or post-university decisions? And what does your intuition tell you?
Choosing a city or town to study abroad
After you've selected your host country, the next decision is whether to study in a city or town. Cities often offer high accessibility with well-established transportation systems like those in London, Melbourne and New York City, connecting you to the rest of the country and the world.
Those of you from cities may want to take advantage of your study abroad opportunity and escape the hustle and bustle. Small towns offer a slower pace of life, perfect for language immersion and connecting with locals.
Additionally, living and studying in lesser-known locations gives you the chance for unique discoveries, enabling you to experience a country thoroughly.
So you've put in the effort to choose the perfect destination and programme for your study abroad adventure - well done on making a well-informed decision! Now, it's time to dive in and embrace this exciting opportunity with confidence.
Submit your applications, prepare those scholarship essays and let this unforgettable journey begin. Make the most of your time overseas and create lasting memories.
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