5 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE SELECTING YOUR STUDY DESTINATION

Studying abroad is an idea that excites many of us simply because it opens up a whole new world of possibilities. We get to experience different cultures, lifestyles and socio-economic elements while improving our opportunities in the employment market. This can ultimately help us be independent, open-minded, and adaptable individuals with a global network of friends and acquaintances.

Being one of the most important decisions in life, choosing a study destination requires your time, effort, and financial commitment. Even though it can be overwhelming at times, with the proper guidance, you will be able to make the choice that suits you the best. For anyone confused about where to begin, here are some key areas you should focus on before starting on your journey to study abroad.

• Courses Available, Universities & Prerequisites

You need to be mindful of several things when selecting the study programme, you wish to follow. If you already have a programme in mind, that will be ideal, but if not, there are ways to figure it out.

The course selection process should preferably start with one’s passion. To start off, list down your future ambitions and areas of study that you have always been interested in or enjoyed learning. Doing so will help you determine the study areas in which you could do well.

Afterwards, do thorough research on relevant courses and institutes and match their entry requirements with your academic performance. This will make it easy to select the choices best suited for your future.

• Location & Culture

Since you would be spending several years of your life there as a student, it is important to learn about the location and its features, especially to understand the differences between your current lifestyle and the one abroad. Therefore, look into different aspects related to the location such as the weather, neighbourhood, transport, living conditions, culture, language, food, etc. This will help you to be well-prepared when adapting and settling abroad.

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• Finances

Depending on the course fees and the cost of living, studying in some cities or countries can be more expensive compared to others, which is why it is necessary to identify them before applying. Once you find the amounts and estimate the total cost, invest your time and effort to identify scholarships, student loans or other grants offered to international students abroad. Moreover, look into policies related to working part-time since it will help you manage your expenses while gaining work experience.

• Safety

When selecting a study destination, your safety is another critical factor which needs to be considered. Take note of the background and the political stability of the country, treatment and racial prejudices towards foreigners, crime rates and any other factor that can impact the safety of your living conditions. Furthermore, search about the quality of life in areas surrounding your preferred university and accommodations. Locating yourself in a safe environment can put your parents and your own mind at ease, which will allow you to wholly focus on your academic and career growth.

• Career Opportunities

With the exposure it provides, studying abroad can improve your career profile and prepare you for globally reputed opportunities. However, certain courses with a higher reach and value in the study destination might not have the same value or popularity in your home country or other foreign countries. Therefore, when selecting a study programme, inquire about its value in the global employment market specifically in study areas such as accounting, finance, medicine, law, etc.