Studying abroad is undoubtedly the experience of a lifetime. It’s a dream come true for many students who have always wanted to broaden their horizon for a unique field of study or an experience of a different country and culture. This isn’t to say that studying abroad is always better than staying in local schools. But, there’s just something else about the exposure, training, and opportunities you’ll have when you take the brave choice of stepping out of your comfort zone.
So, congratulations on making that choice. Now comes the hard part of setting those goals into motion. Preparing to study abroad has already been inherently difficult, and this is even more so now that the challenges of the pandemic are here. You don’t have to let those little hurdles prevent you from turning that goal into a reality for as long as you’re guided with the must-dos for studying abroad.
You can start by viewing through platforms like Uniqway to guide you, then continue reading below. To start, here’s an ultimate study guide to help you through the process.
Find Ways To Finance Your Education
New normal or not, one of the very first steps that have to be taken before you proceed with studying abroad is to find ways to finance your education. If you’re not going abroad on a scholarship, you’re certainly going to need money to sort the finances out.
Typically, if this is your first university degree, your parents will be there to help you out. Then, it’s on you to help out with the other expenses related to your education by working while in school.
Fortunately, student grants are now more available and extensive to reach, given the economic problems that hit the whole world because of the pandemic. Universities have recognized this need and are there to provide it to families who can use international student grants.
Choose A Country With An Affordable Cost Of Living
Apart from the tuition fee, one of the most expensive costs inherent in studying abroad is the cost of living. This pertains to your housing and food expenses for the number of years you’re in the university.
If your family is still recovering from the economic challenges brought by the pandemic, you have to be more practical with your decision. This entails choosing to study abroad in a country where the cost of living is also more reasonable.
Remember that you don’t have to break the bank just to study overseas. If you can find a school with excellent quality and reviews in a more affordable place, go for that choice. This will also help you focus better at school because you don’t have to worry too much about catching up with the other financial expenses of studying abroad.
Be Ready To Learn How To Budget
If you haven’t exactly been on top of your budgeting skills when you were still living with your parents, this time, it’s a must for you to learn how to do so. One of the top advantages of studying abroad is that your skillset drastically improves. Hence, your resume becomes more engaging. It’s not just the knowledge you’ll have from being in a good school. There’s also the skills and character building you have.
Those skills include budgeting. Otherwise, it can be so easy to blow off your entire budget in just a week and then have very little left to live on, the remaining days. When budgeting isn’t your forte, take time to learn from your parents. Sit down and ask for tips.
When you finish your university studies, you’ll be more equipped to face the challenges that being a working professional brings. It’s no longer something new for you when you’ve been budgeting successfully and living independently during your undergraduate studies.
Research On The Local Customs And Traditions
Studying abroad means you’re going to make that foreign country your home for at least four to five years. If that’s also where you’ll find employment, who knows, you may see yourself staying even longer.
Before you embark on that adventure as an overseas student, research local customs and traditions. This is very important, so you’re confident you’re not going to find it hard to fit in. Moreover, the last thing you’ll want is to put your academic journey off on a bad start by finding it difficult to find new friends. The more you know about the country you’re going to study in, the easier it’ll be for you to settle down as a student.
Conclusion
It’s normal to have many questions running on your mind when you decide to study abroad. It’s expected that you’ll have so many concerns and questions to be sure that you’re making the best choice. Moreover, once you’ve arrived abroad, there’s no turning back. So, it’s a decision you need a lot of guidance on to get right from the very beginning. The tips above are only a few, but they can give you that first step to planning for this pursuit of overseas studies.