Are you thinking about studying abroad? Many UK students look to America, places in Europe and even places further afield like Australia to study and this can bring many benefits. Including, seeing more of the world while earning a qualification that will boost your career prospects. It is a major decision, though, and one that needs to be carefully considered. Here are a few of the key considerations if you are thinking about studying abroad.
The Country
First, you will want to think about the country that you study in. You may choose somewhere that you have always wanted to visit/live or it might be somewhere that is known for your field of study. Obviously, language is an important consideration if you are studying in a non-English speaking country and you may need to learn before you go.
The University & Course
As with studying in the UK, you must also carefully consider the university and course. A degree from a good university can take you places, so you will want to research your options and find a university with a good reputation, particularly in your chosen field. Similarly, you need to take your time to find the right course and one that will put you on the right pathway for your chosen career.
The Costs & Visas
You must also consider the financial aspect of studying abroad bearing in mind that tuition costs can be high to go along with the various other costs involved in moving and living abroad. There may be a scholarship, grants and offers that you can take advantage of, but you may also need to find work in addition to studying to keep you afloat. Depending on where you study, you may also need to obtain a student visa and some countries have strict requirements, so you should get the ball rolling on this process as early as possible.
Moving, Finding Accommodation & Living Abroad
Moving to another country is a major undertaking and you will need to secure your accommodation before you move whether this is in student halls arranged by the university or private accommodation. Once you have secured accommodation, it’s time to use an international shipping service to ship your belongings to your new home.
Distance From Home
You may also want to consider the distance from home, especially if you have not lived away from home before. Keep in mind that it can be hard to take time to come home, so places like the US or Australia might not be ideal for those that are likely to get homesick and/or want to visit on a regular basis.
These are the main considerations if you are thinking about studying abroad, which can be a fantastic and life-changing experience but also one with many factors to think about.
