• Study Abroad

The Best Time to Study Abroad: A Comprehensive Guide

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By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Jan 22,2024 03:57 PM IST

Determining the optimal time to study abroad differs for every person, but it generally depends on various factors such as academic progress, language proficiency, financial situation, personal objectives, and external influences. Comprehensive research and planning can help students make informed decisions that align with their goals and situations.

Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience that offers opportunities for personal growth, cultural understanding and academic enrichment. However, deciding the right time to start the adventure can be overwhelming. Should a student go during their undergraduate years, as a graduate student, or even after starting their career?

In this article, let’s explore the factors that can help students determine the best time to study abroad and how different stages in life can offer unique benefits for this endeavour.

How to choose the right time to study abroad?

Thousands of students want to study abroad after 12th but don’t know the ideal time to fly and, therefore, need a guide to help them. Exploring the perfect time for studying abroad demands thoughtful consideration. One must begin by assessing their academic goals and personal preferences. The following are the various factors one must consider to determine the best time to study abroad.

how to choose the right time to study abroad.webp

Timing	Timing is one of the important things to consider while planning to study abroad. When is the start and end of the school year for the desired school? Also, the academic calendars of many schools worldwide may overlap with the students' home school year.
Duration	Students must also determine the time period for which they want to stay in that country. Do they want to go for one semester? If so, then which semester? The full year? Six to eight weeks over the summer? These are common questions which they must answer, and for this, they can anytime contact India's leading study abroad consultant – Canam.
Academics	Before studying abroad, students need to consider if there are any prerequisites or any equivalent courses that need to be completed. It is also essential to consider how studying abroad at a particular time could delay graduation. To ensure that all necessary courses are completed, it is recommended that students must connect with an expert counsellor at Canam and discuss their academic requirements.

Studying Abroad as an Undergraduate Student

Studying abroad as an undergraduate is an enriching experience. The following are the various reasons why undergraduate students must study abroad.

Academic Flexibility	Undergraduate students can explore diverse subjects, cultures, and perspectives while completing their degree requirements through flexible course selection.
Cultural Immersion	Studying abroad as an undergraduate allows for a more profound cultural immersion experience as students can live and interact with locals and other international students.
Personal Growth	Traveling abroad while young can foster personal growth, independence and adaptability, providing a chance to step out of one's comfort zone and gain valuable life skills.

Studying Abroad as a Graduate Student

Some students do their masters after pursuing bachelor’s in their home country while others do both in a foreign country. No matter which path they choose, it’s going to benefit them immensely for sure. Here is a list of various benefits students can get while pursuing graduation abroad.

Specialization	Pursuing a master's or Ph.D. abroad can provide access to specialized programs, expert faculty, and research opportunities
Networking	Graduate programs attract diverse students and offer international networking opportunities that benefit long-term careers.

Studying Abroad after a Gap year or Career break

For those who have finished their formal education or are taking a break from their careers, studying abroad during a gap year or career break may be an ideal opportunity.

Self Discovery	Taking a break to study abroad offers a chance for reflection, gaining new perspectives, and re-evaluating life goals.
Diverse Experiences	Returning to one's career as a student can offer diverse experiences that enrich both personal and professional life.

Things to Consider When Planning to Study Abroad

Below are the things that a student should consider while planning to study abroad:

Academic Goals	Students should align study abroad plans with their educational goals and degree requirements. They must ensure coursework fits the program without delaying graduation.
Language Proficiency	Another factor to consider is language proficiency. While some study abroad programs may require language proficiency, others provide language courses.
Personal Readiness	Applicants should assess their ability to adapt to a new culture and environment when considering international travel and living.
Financial Considerations	Carefully plan the budget, including tuition, accommodation, travel and living expenses. They must research scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities to help fund study abroad expenses.
Study Destination	Students must consider their academic and personal interests when choosing a study abroad destination. Also, research the country's safety, political stability, and cultural aspects. To know about the best country for study students can connect with Canam consultants.

Most Popular Study Abroad Destinations & Intakes

Embarking on a global academic adventure is a dream for many, and choosing the right destination is a pivotal step. Explore the most sought-after study abroad destinations and their popular intakes that align seamlessly with educational aspirations. Following is the list of different study abroad destinations and their popular intakes.

Country name	Popular Intake
Canada	The September intake is the most sought-after semester for international students planning to study in Canada. This intake is scheduled at the beginning of the academic year and offers a diverse range of programs and courses from the top Canadian universities and colleges.
Australia	The primary intake for Australian universities is the February intake, which is considered the best time for international students to apply as most programs are available during this time.
USA	Fall is the most popular intake for international students in the USA. It offers a wide range of programs like MBA, MS, and MA. Universities offer a full range of courses during this intake, and it also provides students with an extended period to adjust to the new environment.
New Zealand	The July intake is preferred by international students because it offers a wider selection of universities and courses, resulting in a higher volume of applications.
UK	The fall intake in the UK is held in September or October and is the largest intake for universities to attract international students. It offers a variety of courses and is popular among overseas students.

Conclusion

Determining the optimal time to study abroad depends upon various factors such as objectives, situation, and aims. Whether an applicant is an undergraduate student in search of academic enhancement, a graduate student seeking expertise in a particular field or an individual who wishes to take a career break for personal development, there is no universal solution that suits everyone's need. Studying abroad is a unique chance for students to broaden their horizons, develop cultural competence, and gain a deeper understanding of the world. To know how to study abroad students can visit the nearest Canam office today or connect with the Canam consultants online.

FAQ

Why study abroad?

International students seek high-quality education, immersion in new culture and language, global mind set, and better job prospects.

How long do study abroad programs take?

The duration of studying abroad depends on the program and degree level. Typically, a full-time undergraduate degree takes three to four years.

What are the entry requirements for study abroad programs?

Before submitting anything, make sure to check the entry requirements provided by the chosen university, as they tend to vary widely between universities and countries.

How much does it cost to study abroad?

To calculate the cost of studying abroad, students must take into account the average tuition fees for international students in their chosen country as well as the cost of living.

What is needed to study abroad?

Students who wish to study abroad must take language exams like IELTS, TOEFL and PTE, as well as general exams like SAT, GMAT, GRE and ACT to be eligible for admission.

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The Best Time to Study Abroad: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

How to choose the right time to study abroad?

Studying Abroad as an Undergraduate Student

Studying Abroad as a Graduate Student

Studying Abroad after a Gap year or Career break

Things to Consider When Planning to Study Abroad

Most Popular Study Abroad Destinations & Intakes

Conclusion

FAQ

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland

Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales

Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia

Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

University Canada West British Columbia

University of Windsor Ontario

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia

Carleton University Ontario

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia

University of ottawa Ontario

University of saskatchewan Saskatchewan

University of regina Saskatchewan

University of guelph Ontario

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland

Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland

Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland

Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay

Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland

Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland

New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland

The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

University of Warwick England

De Montfort University England

University of West London England

University of Strathclyde Scotland

Aston University England

University of Bath England

University of Liverpool England

Durham University England

Newcastle University England

Kent state university Ohio

San Jose State University California

Wright State University Ohio

Clark University Massachusetts

Rowan University New Jersey

Arkansas State University Arkansas

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois

University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams