You want to study abroad, but not sure what it involves? First of all, congratulations! You have taken the first step towards your dream of studying abroad.
Deciding to study abroad is only the start of this enthralling but tedious journey. However, if you know the detailed plan and which steps to take to get there, you will find yourself studying a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree abroad sooner than you think, and without all the complications the journey might entail.
Here are the 10 steps to plan for studying abroad in 2022:
1. Plan what you want to Study
Some people have a very clear vision and goal when it comes to deciding what they want to study. For others, it takes a long time to decide what they want to specialize in.
The aim should always be to opt for the study stream that you are passionate about. For example, if learning a new language is what excites you, you should enroll in a translation studies program, or if you are not good at numbers, you probably should not apply for an Engineering program.
You can always choose one of the general but popular disciplines. This often guarantees that you will be in-demand on the job market and the skills will most often be transferable. Some of the international programs have a pre-requisite course that you should have studied while others accept education from any background.
Having said that, some of the more popular disciplines out there in majority of the countries are:
- AI – Analysis Design 7 Implementation
- Computer Science and IT
- Cyber security Analytics & Ethical Hacking
- Drama
- Graphic Design and Illustrations
- International Business and Management Studies
- Engineering
- Law
- Marketing and Communications
- Modern and Contemporary Art and Design
- Medicine
- International Relations
- Psychology
2. Plan where you want to Study
With your discipline zeroed in and an estimate of finance figured out, it’s now time to decide the country for studying abroad.
The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Singapore are all top destinations and current favorite among students for studies, as these countries not only house a myriad of top University and Colleges to choose from, but also boast of a multi-cultural environment students can thrive in.
Obtaining student visa is easier in some countries than others. There are also some countries like USA, UK and Canada that provide you with work permit opportunities, letting you work in the country for a few years post study, which is also a factor to consider while deciding on your destination.
You also have to consider on the stream of study. Does the country that you are applying for have demand for what you will be studying?
Keep in mind that if you have multiple destinations in mind, you can also apply to educational institutes in multiple countries and take it from there.
3. Plan your Finance
As a first step, you must determine how much you want to spend on your education abroad. Because the idea of studying abroad is exciting and empowering, but the reality is not exactly cheap.
Before finalizing on a program in your preferred college or university, estimate how much money you will need during your time abroad. Estimate finance for not just tuition, but also accommodation, transport, and other living expense.
One way to finance your education is through education loans. There are also college sponsored scholarships and financial aids available specifically for international students.
Tuition fees for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs vary significantly, but there’s always something that will fit everyone’s budget.
Intstu Aspirations also guides you with getting the financial assistance with and without collateral from renowned banks and financial institutions.
4. Plan the duration of your studies.
The duration of your study depends on your individual goals. Different courses run differently in different countries. You can study abroad anywhere from two weeks to even as long as four years. However, the answer to how long can you study abroad isn’t always the same as the answer to how long should you study abroad.
There are multiple course options in the field of your choice. Both undergraduate (Bachelor’s degree at a college or university) and graduate (Master’s and Post-graduate degree) programs are popular among students.
Some students choose to pursue continuing education abroad right after 12th std., while others opt to only go abroad for a Master’s degree.
5. Plan your Application to Colleges/Universities
It is a possibility that you will not get admission to the College or University of your choice, even if you have the best motivational essay or personal statement. Which is why, it is advisable to apply to at least 3-4 universities or colleges that offer the program which you want to study.
For example, you can apply to maximum five different universities for the same course. In Canada, you can apply to a maximum of 3 program choices at any 1 university.
Some countries used a centralized system through which you can apply to multiple colleges or universities while in other countries, you will need to apply individually to each college or university.
6. Plan your English Proficiency Exam
The medium of instruction at a college or university abroad will be English. As a part of your application process, you will need to provide proof of your English language proficiency.
Most universities accept one of the following English language certificates from an international student:
- IELTS Academic
- TOEFL
- PTE
You will need to appear and get the required bands or score, before enrolling in a university or college.
The format of each test is different, but it mostly involves four modules – speaking, listening, writing and reading.
Intstu Aspiration can help you prepare for English Proficiency exams. With IELTS, PTE, TOEFL and DET coaching facility in Surat where the teachers stay on top of your progress, hard work will result in flying colours.
7. Plan to apply for Scholarship
There are two ways to apply for a scholarship. In the first case, you apply for a scholarship during your university application and in the second case, you apply for the scholarship after your place is confirmed.
Listed below are some of the financial aids available with most educational institutions:
Scholarships
Grants
Student loans
Military aid
Student loans need to be paid back after education is complete, but scholarships and grants are given away based on academic and extra-curricular merit and there is no requirement to pay them back. You need to meet the application requirement and there is a big checklist of do’s to tick off.
8. Plan your acceptance to College/University
This is the most worry-free step in the process of becoming an international student. Once your application process is complete, you should hear back about the status about your application from your college or university in a couple of weeks.
You might be accepted into a program of your choice in one or more universities. Doesn’t that feel rewarding? Now it’s on you to decide which university to pick, and then send them an official confirmation to confirm your spot in the program.
You will also have to pay for your first semester tuition fees after confirming your spot.
9. Plan for Student Visa Application
Check if the country you plan to study in needs a student Visa. You will need to officially apply for a student visa before you make your move abroad.
With Indian passport, you will need student visa in most international countries:
- To study in the UK
- To study in the USA
- To study in Australia
- To study in Canada
- To study in Singapore
You will need your academic documents, offer of admission from your university, valid passport, your and family’s financial documents, LOR an SOP to name a few, when you apply for a student visa. The checklist of documents varies for each country. With 98% visa success ratio Intstu Aspirations proudly stands tall and help their students throughout the visa process.
10. Plan for your accommodation abroad
There are a variety of options when it comes to planning your accommodation abroad. Where you live will have a major impact on your experience and your expense.
You want to make sure you live not too far from your campus to save time and expense, also while making sure the neighbourhood is safe and accessible to public transport and other amenities.
Some of the accommodation options are:
- Living in the campus dormitory
- Renting a private flat
- Living as paying guest with local family
- Sharing accommodation with other students
Intstu Aspirations has partnered with Ocxee a leading post-landing service provider with more than 1.5 million beds inventory and hence provides aspiring students with all pre-landing and post-landing services at one place without any hassles.
Conclusion
Studying abroad can be a challenging and overwhelming process due to the length of planning and multitude of steps involved. You need a mentor who can guide you through the difficult decisions and complex procedures. Which is why Intstu Aspirations – a top study abroad consultancy in Surat can help you through all of the steps listed above to study, stay and settle abroad.
All you need is one appointment to change your life!