Getting ready to
study abroad can be a hectic experience at best and an overwhelming one at worst. All that aside, going abroad for your studies is also one of the most rewarding experiences you can ever have in your life.
To get the best out of this experience, you should prepare yourself ready ahead of time thus making the entire process much smoother. Preparations to study abroad should be undertaken at least a month in advance.
So, if you’re looking to continue your studies overseas, here’s a hand checklist that will help you get all of your bases covered.
1. Research Potential Universities/Colleges
Now that you’re looking to further your studies abroad, you’ll need to identify potential colleges and universities that you’d like to attend.
Depending on your country, some institutions offer twinning courses that allow you to complete parts of or all of your degree in your home country without having to travel abroad. This is most definitely much more affordable but may not be an option available at the university of your choice.
Besides twinning programs, you should also look into the graduate programs offered by your university of choice. More often than not, universities tend to specialize in specific areas of study such as science or arts and humanities.
The London School of Economics and Political Science or LSE as it’s more commonly known is renowned for its excellent business and finance undergraduate programs which are recognized as some of the best in the world.
2. Complete an English Language Requirement Program
Because most universities have an English language requirement, you need to prepare yourself by completing a standardized English language test. IELTS, TOEFL and PTE are just some of the more common tests available to potential university applicants.
When submitting your university application, you’ll be required to prove your English competency by completing any of the standardized tests. You would also do well to remember that some universities have a minimum English level requirement for successful applicants.
Given the current COVID-19 situation, test centers are unavailable which means that you’ll likely need to complete a home test instead.
3. Apply For The Program of Your Choice
Now that you’ve completed everything else, the time has come for you to apply to the institution of your choice. Make sure that the program you’ve applied for suits your interests and academic goals - remember that it can be extremely expensive to change your mind halfway through a course.
Keep your eye on application deadlines as you really wouldn’t want to miss an intake. Apply as early as possible and ask plenty of questions. Getting details such as the fee structure, course commencement dates and semester schedules are crucial to ensure a smooth enrolment process.
Next, enquire about any scholarships or financial assistance that may be available. When you take into account tuition fees, housing costs and other expenses, you’ll need all the help that you can get to alleviate your burden.
4. Arrange Accommodation
When studying abroad, you’ll likely be thousands of miles away from home in a strange land. Hence this is why it’s especially important that you have accommodation booked in advance.
The last thing you’ll want to do is to arrive on campus without a place to stay. Fortunately, universities often have student dormitories available on campus, but these are often in short-supply and on a first-come, first-serve basis.
As an alternative, you can always rent accommodation off-campus with other students. Your campus student council can help point you in the right direction when searching for accommodation off-campus.
5. Apply For a Student Visa
Last but not least, you’ll need to apply for a student visa when studying abroad. This is quite likely the most important step as without a visa you will not be able to gain entry into the country.
Different countries have different visa application processes and requirements which is why it’s best to contact representatives of the university you’ll be attending. Oftentimes, universities have a dedicated office or department for foreign students.
You can also contact the country’s embassy or consulate to better understand the visa application process for foreign students.
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