7 Essential Questions to Ask Yourself When Searching for a Study Abroad Program
All of us have heard the too-good-to-be-true success stories about an experience abroad, but for some reason, none of them seem to work out for you. The process doesn’t stop there; however. It can be hard to deal with rejection and disappointments, but in order to avoid wasting your time and budget on something that might not work out, it is important to conduct a thorough search and evaluation before applying to any study abroad program. So, what should you really take into consideration when looking for a program? Read on and find out the 7 essential questions that you need to ask yourself!
1.What field do you plan on studying abroad in?
There are a few specific questions you should ask yourself before beginning your search for a study abroad program.
First, what field do you plan on studying abroad in? This is important to consider because not all programs offer courses in every field of study. Narrowing your search to programs that offer coursework in your area of interest will save you time and energy.
Second, what type of program are you looking for? Are you interested in a semester-long program or an eight-week summer program? Do you want to study abroad in a country where English is the primary language or are you open to learning a new language? Once again, narrowing your search is most important.
2.Major or Degree: What degree (or major) will you take while abroad?
If you’re planning on studying abroad, one of the first questions you’ll need to ask yourself is what degree or major you’ll pursue while you’re away. Not all programs offer every degree or major, so knowing what you want to study will help you eliminate some options right off the bat.
your major or degree will play a role in determining how much credit you can earn while abroad. Some majors may require more credits than others, so it’s important to make sure you’ll be able to earn enough credits in your chosen field of study.
your major or degree will also affect the cost of your study abroad program. Programs that offer degrees in popular fields like business or engineering may be more expensive than those that offer fewer common majors. So, if cost is a concern for you, be sure to keep your potential major in mind when choosing a program.
3.How long are you looking for?
When you’re searching for a study abroad program, one of the first things you need to consider is the duration of the program. Are you looking for a short-term program that lasts a few weeks or months? Or are you looking for a long-term program that lasts a year or more? Once you’ve decided on the length of the program, you can cross out the courses you don’t need.
Some countries offer the students to stay back in the country after their course completion. This helps the students to further explore options to study further or find a job to gain some professional experience.
4.When do you want to go abroad?
When considering a study abroad program, one of the things to keep in mind is when you want to go. Programs start at different times throughout the year, so it is important to make sure the timing works for you.
Some programs have very specific start dates that you need to be aware of. For example, many programs that take place during the summer start in May or June. If you are not available to start at that time, then you will need to look for a different program.
Other programs are more flexible with their start dates. Some programs allow you to choose when you want to go, as long as it is within a certain time frame. This can be a great option if you have a specific date in mind but are not able to commit to a specific program.
Once you have an idea of when you want to go abroad, you can begin looking for programs that fit your criteria. There are many different types of study abroad programs available, so it is important to do your research and find one that is right for you.
5.What is your budget?
The most important question to ask yourself is how much are you willing to spend for your education abroad. Make sure to research the cost of living in the country or region you are considering. Also, be aware that some study abroad programs may be more expensive than others. Make sure to compare the cost of different programs before making a decision.
If you plan on taking a student loan, get help from a financial advisor to understand the interest rates and repayment policies of different banks. This would help you choose the best bank for your money lending needs.
6.Housing?
Each student would have their own housing preferences and they would most likely want to live somewhere that reminds them of their home. Single rooms or shared rooms along with meal choices and WIFI are something to be kept in mind. The cost of the room or building is also very much important. However, the most important question to ask yourself is how far can you stay from your college or university? Are you willing to take a public transport or would you want to just walk to your classes?
7.Visa Requirements?
Once you have selected the course and the country of your choice, the next step is to understand the VISA application process.
Some countries provide VISAs without much paperwork or requirements but some countries need a lot of information from you before you can be granted a VISA. Financial Support during your period of study, housing arrangements, course start and end date are some of the key factors considered before your application is approved.
Make sure to contact your agency or your immigration lawyer and understand the process well before applying and to avoid getting any VISA rejections.
In conclusion, asking yourself these questions before beginning your search for a study abroad program will help ensure that you find a program that is right for you. If you are looking for a helping hand to start exploring your career options, our counsellors are always ready to connect with you. Don’t wait for tomorrow, Start today!