Top 7 things to Consider Before Applying To Study in a University Abroad

Are you planning of going abroad to study? This is a journey that comes with a lot of considerations and careful planning. Studying abroad might seem like an easy ride, especially when you see photos of other international students you follow online. Trust me, there may be so many regrets behind those smiles you see, things they wish they had known before moving abroad to study.

While studying abroad can come with a lot of exposure and opportunities, you should make proper findings and planning before embarking on your study journey to avoid making costly mistakes others made. We at Booklab24 have spent the past months speaking with different international students in different countries, inquiring about their progresses, challenges and regrets, and from my findings I am able to put up this article to direct aspiring international students on the direction to go.

Things to Consider Before Applying To A University Abroad

Here are top 7 things to consider when deciding to take up a course of study in another country;

• Language
• Relevance of course in your home country
• The right university for your study
• Budget and cost of living
• Job opportunities for students
• Family
• Life after graduation

Language

The first thing you should take into consideration when applying to study in a university abroad is the spoken language in the country of choice. If you do not consider this, one of the first regrets you may have as an international student may be not understanding what people say around you. You have to consider the official language of the country as this would be the language used in teaching in the university. You should also consider the native language of the country or the most spoken language in the country as this would make life in the country generally easier for you.

Some universities may require you to take up a 1 or 2 year language class before beginning your main course of study if you are not fluent in the official language of the country and I am quite sure this is not something you would want to do.

Relevance of course in your home country

Another factor you should consider when applying to study in a university abroad is the relevance of the course of study in your home country. Sometimes, people try to use studying abroad as a way to try to relocate abroad and therefore fail to consider the relevance of the course of study in their home country.

While planning to study abroad with the hope to continue living there after graduation, you should also consider the possibility of things not going as planned and you may have to move back to your home country after graduation. Change in government policies and standards, failure of eligibility, deportation and other factors can bring about moving back to your country of origin after graduation.

With this in mind, you should consider what relevance would your study be to you should you move back to your country after graduation. Imagine going abroad to study Oil and Gas Refining when your home country has no oil reserves and imports refined petroleum products.

The right university for your study

Is the university you are applying to the right one for your chosen course of study? this is another factor to consider when applying to study in a university abroad. Some of the things to look out for here include;

• Cost: When applying to a university abroad, you have to consider the cost of running the chosen discipline in your university of choice and compare it thoroughly to what it cost to do the same course in other universities.
• University Ranking: When applying to study in a university abroad, you should consider the reputation of the university you are applying to. You should look for schools that are renowned for excellence in your field of study.
• University/Campus Location: Another factor to consider when applying to study abroad is the location of the university. Would you want a university in the urban or remote areas? Some people may thrive better in busy environments while others may prefer less busy areas. Consider the opportunities present for you in the location. Consider the cultural and religious activities in the area and ensure they align with your interests.

Budget and cost of living

When applying to study in a university abroad, it is important to make detailed analysis of what it would cost you to finish your studies. Consider applying to universities in countries with cheaper tuition fees. Ensure to inquire about accommodation costs and how the standard of living in the country is generally.

Also, compare the study duration of different schools offering the course you want to study and opt for the ones with shorter completion period if possible. Also inquire about scholarship opportunities in the country and school you are applying to abroad.

Job opportunities for students

Most international students who do not have the luxury of someone sponsoring them tend to support themselves with paying of tuition fees through working while schooling. Before applying to study in any school abroad, do well to find out if international students are allowed to work while studying. Ensure the type of study visa being issued to you allows for a student work permit.

It is not only important to inquire about the job opportunities present for international students, it is also important to look into how much money you may be able to make and how many hours your are allowed to work and see if it would be able to take care of your study fees.

Family

One of the most important things to consider when applying to study abroad is the opportunity available to your family. Are you planning to continue residing abroad after your studies? If this is the case, then it is paramount to consider your family before applying.

Some countries allow international students to bring their family members and dependants over while studying. If you would ever want to relocate your family to join you abroad while studying, you should sort for countries that allow such privileges.

Life after graduation

Another thing to put into thorough consideration when applying to study in a school abroad is life after graduation. Most students want to stay back and pursue their career after graduation. With this in mind, it is important to apply for courses in demand in the labor market of the country you are applying to study.

It is also important to apply to schools that offer good internship opportunities, social and professional networks and have joint projects with potential employers to help student get jobs after graduation.