For choosing the right country to study abroad, students should be mindful of the admission requirements, educational structure, cost of living, employment opportunities, etc., of different study destinations.
Students around the world wish to pursue higher education from globally renowned institutions, but they are not able to decide on which country, university and academic program they should pursue. We have compiled an article that will assist you in understanding how to choose the right country to study abroad.
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How to Choose a Country to Study Abroad?
There are a couple of factors you should consider before choosing the country in which to study. The list given below highlights the major attributes that should be considered before studying abroad based on the experiences of a number of international students.
- Choosing the right course
- Scope of the selected course
- Admission requirements
- Student visa requirements and policies
- Educational Structure
- Cost of Living
- Employment Opportunities
- Culture
- ROI and Value of Degree Back in the Home Country
Choosing the Right Course
It is a good idea to start with determining your course of preference by identifying your strengths and interests. Do extensive research on the modules, program, and duration offered for your preferred course. As you are doing this, look into employment prospects and long-term benefits as well.
Scope of the Selected Course
Identify the industries where you can find opportunities for employment after completing your academic program. You should identify countries that provide the largest number of opportunities for studying your chosen course.
New Zealand, for instance, serves as one of the best destinations for civil engineering professionals. The expansion of construction projects across the country has created a growing demand for civil engineers with attractive perks. In terms of healthcare and pharmaceuticals, Ireland is the perfect place to study, while Australia is a great place for students looking for research-oriented opportunities.
Admission Requirements
It is very important to check the entry requirements for the programs available in your desired destination. Understand your preferences and choose accordingly. As an example, some universities in Canada offer postgraduate diplomas rather than master's degrees. Similarly, the UK offers two types of master's degrees: taught and research.
Check the necessary academic scores as well. Do you have the required scores? Is there any additional test that you will have to take along with the English proficiency test? Would you be able to find time in your schedule to study for additional tests such as the GMAT, GRE, or SAT? All these admission requirements should be considered in advance so that you can make an informed decision.
Student Visa requirements and Policies
Make sure you check the visa requirements before choosing a country to study abroad. It is important to remember that every country has its visa processes, so the process can sometimes take longer than expected. Visa processing costs also vary from country to country.
Educational Structure
Different destinations have different educational structures, which may or may not be according to your thought process. Check the pedagogical approach used in the classrooms. In many universities, for instance, the weight of practical training is given preference over theoretical concepts. How likely is it that such an approach will work for you? Do you feel comfortable working on research papers and assignments every week?
Cost of living
It is important to consider the overall cost of studying in a particular country. Remember to include the costs of accommodation, utilities, transportation, etc. when calculating your expenses. It's also important to consider the duration of the course, as that will greatly affect the cost of studying abroad. For example, master's degrees in the UK and Ireland generally take just one year whereas master's degrees in other countries like Canada and Australia can last up to two years.
Find out if there are any government and institute scholarships available to study in the desired destination. It can reduce the cost of your studies considerably if you can land one. It is also helpful to see if you can work part-time while studying so that you can manage your day-to-day expenses easily and also gain professional experience.
Employment opportunities
You should choose a course that will help you advance professionally and place you in a position where you can find a job. Consider a destination offering multiple opportunities for employment after completing your course. For example, when it comes to master’s degrees in computer science, the US has endless opportunities.
Culture
The cultural factor may not be a major issue, but as an Indian student, one should keep it in mind. The lifestyle abroad will be very different from that in India. The language, culture, food, way of leading everyday life, all these things will change. In addition, your approach to various situations will also change drastically. So, it is better to invest time in researching each study destination's lifestyle to find out if it matches your aspirations.
ROI and Value of Degree Back in the Home Country
Studying abroad requires a considerable amount of money, efforts, and time. So, it is natural for students to calculate the return on their investment. If you decide to study in a particular country, do you think you will be able to earn the return on your investment you expect?
Is it going to make you job ready? In case you are considering moving to another country, make sure that you take into account the monetary benefit and other opportunities. Consider whether the degree has value back in your home country, especially if you plan to return. Students planning to pursue niche courses should also consider this aspect.
Best Countries to Study Abroad
Top study abroad destinations offer a variety of benefits, including world-class education, great career prospects, extensive networking opportunities, socializing, and much more. Now that you know what factors to consider for choosing the right country to study abroad, let us look at some of the best countries that you can consider for pursuing higher education overseas:
- The United States of America
- The United Kingdom
- Canada
- Norway
- France
- Germany
- Japan
- Australia
- Singapore
- New Zealand
Read More: Best Countries to Study Abroad
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