How to choose the right country to study abroad

How to choose the right country to study abroad

So you have decided to study abroad and are now searching for a country that could offer the best educational opportunities suitable to profile. But no matter how easy it may sound, searching for the right country is a question far away from simple. It takes thorough research and scrutiny of the prospective places before finally choosing one. But first, let's answer the primary question. 

Why is it necessary to find the 'right' country? 

While there are many countries that offer world-class education, only a few fit right to the individual academic needs of students and offer opportunities that can perfectly shape their careers and life abroad. Hence, it is important for students to list down all these factors before finalizing a place to study.

What should be kept in mind before finalizing the right destination?

Here is a list of some of the factors that every international student should consider:

Find the right course and its scope

Identifying programs that best match student's field of study and interests is the first thing to consider. It is only after discovering such programs can a student look for their scope abroad. Such a listing of programs should be based on the possibility of gaining practical exposure through internships or projects during the academic years.

Inquire about the educational structure

The next step is to find the educational structure followed in the colleges and universities, as every country differs in one way or another in terms of its learning environment. Before choosing one, students should learn more about the teaching pedagogy followed in the institute, the flexibility offered in programs, the scope of participation in cultural and extra-curricular activities, etc.

Search the entry requirements

There is no point in considering a university if the student fails to meet its entry requirements, hence it is important to carefully examine the selection procedure of the chosen institute. While every institute has its individual admission criteria, some standard requirements that students should look into are previous qualification details, proof of language proficiency, common entrance test scores, work details, justification of gap year (if any), and more.

Check the affordability of chosen course

One of the most challenging parameters of planning to study overseas is analyzing the total cost involved in applying for a program and finding ways to arrange sufficient funds. Paying for the tuition fee is just one part of the list of expenses, students need to consider hidden expenses, including health insurance, traveling, accommodation, food, and other miscellaneous expenses. Applying for education abroad is a huge investment for anyone to make and so students should compare the total cost with the return on investment they will get after the course completion.

Inquire about the scholarship options

Once calculating the total cost of studying abroad, students should explore scholarship options offered in different countries as it can help them save on the expenses they incur in the process of studying abroad. Every country offers scholarships or other financial aid options to deserving international students, which students can apply for and cover the expense of their tuition fees, accommodation, etc.

Choose intake wisely

The academic year in foreign countries differs from the one in India. Since applying to a university or college abroad involves submitting multiple documents, students should search in advance about intakes and make an application accordingly.

Learn about the employment opportunities

The ultimate goal of applying for education abroad is to grow both personally and professionally, which is why students need to choose a country that supports long-term professional growth and offers them the right career opportunities.

Find out about the community and language

While it is obvious for students to experience a different lifestyle studying in a different country, having prior knowledge of its language, culture, food, way of leading everyday life, etc., can help them to adjust better. Therefore, it is suggested to consider researching the lifestyle of each destination to understand if it lies in sync with their aspirations.

Check visa requirements and policies

Finally, what's left is to inquire about the visa entry requirements of the chosen country since each country has distinct rules to abide by and varying visa processing fees.

To have an expert point of view on such career-shaping decisions is always better as they can guide students about the timeline to apply for study and begin their course abroad. Connect with the expert counselors of Canam today to get a free profile assessment that can help you select the best study destination overseas.  

FAQs

Which is the perfect age to study abroad?

Generally, students prefer to opt for a bachelor's or master's course after gaining the required education in their native country. Therefore, the average age for joining any course abroad ranges between 17 and 28.

Which country is the best to study abroad?

There are many countries where international students prefer to study as these are home to world-ranked institutions and offer advanced learning opportunities. Some of the popular destinations are:

• United States of America
• United Kingdom
• Canada
• Germany 
• Australia
• New Zealand and more.

What are the downsides of studying abroad?

While choosing to study abroad is beneficial for student’s future in the long run, there are certain struggles that students have to face during their stay:

• Adapting to new culture and environment. 
• Dealing with culture shock.
• Trouble communicating due to language barrier.
• Juggle between classes, assignments, tests, exams, and more.
• Managing living expenses.  
• Search for employment opportunities post-course completion.

How do I choose to study abroad?

Choosing what to study and where to study is a difficult decision as it holds the power to alter an individual's future, which is why it is suggested to take the help of study abroad counselors. They are the experts who first assess the student profile and suggest programs that match their education, interest, and potential.

If you are also planning to take your education journey abroad visit the nearest Canam office today or visit the website to book a slot for online counseling.

Is it better to study abroad or study in your own country?

Both studying in your country or abroad allows you to meet new people. The significant difference between the two options is that studying abroad helps you meet acquaintances from different countries and brings new perspectives, which widens a student's career opportunities to a great extent.

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