There are many reasons why study abroad programs are becoming so popular. For most international students, the appeal is likely to be a combination of gaining a high-quality education, experiencing immersion in a new culture (and often a second language), gaining a global mindset and expanding future employment prospects.
For some, the prospect of leaving home and heading off into the unknown is daunting but studying abroad is also an exciting challenge that often leads to improved career opportunities and a broader understanding of the way the world works.
The type of experience you have during your time abroad will vary hugely depending on where you go, so make sure to pick a study destination based on your own personal interests as well as the country’s academic reputation, in order to keep a healthy work/play balance.
If you intend to study abroad, kindly consider these as some of the key considerations for any destination, Tuition fees, Application fees, Visa fees, Flight fees, Agency fees, Living expenses (Accommodation, Meals, Transportation, Other Personal expenses), Work opportunities after studies.
To work out the cost of studying abroad, you need to consider the average tuition fees for international students in your chosen country, as well as the cost of living.
As a point of reference, the average tuition fees for international students studying in the UK start at £10,000 (~US$14,200) a year, with an additional £12,180 (~US$17,300) per year needed to cover living costs (with more needed if you study in London).
In the US, the average yearly tuition fee is US$25,620 at public universities and $34,740 at private universities with an additional recommended budget of at least $10,800 to cover your living costs. With these yearly figures in mind, remember that undergraduate programs in the US tend to last a full four years. In some countries, there are no tuition fees at all. Notable examples include Germany
Considering your application as early as possible is the best way to go. After all, the sooner you gain acceptance into a university, the sooner you can arrange your travels. To avoid disappointment, note down all the relevant application deadlines (set out by your chosen university) on your calendar.
Application deadlines will be different depending on the school, but, for programs starting in the fall (September/October), applications will generally be open from early in the year (January/February) until the middle of the year (June/July).
Entry requirements vary widely between universities and between countries, so be sure to check or consult. Speaking generally, however, if you are applying for an undergraduate degree, you will be asked to show that you have completed your secondary education to a standard that is in line with the required grades for the program you’re applying to. If you have an international qualification and are unsure whether this is accepted, you should contact our help desk.
For non-native English speakers wanting to study in English-speaking countries, it is also highly likely that you’ll need to provide proof of your English-language proficiency by taking an English-language test such as TOEFL or IELTS. Similar tests may be required for those studying in other languages. For more information about language tests, you should contact our help desk.
You may be asked to provide some supporting documentation as part of your application. Once again, requirements vary depending on the country and university, but international students are often asked to provide the following:
- Passport photos for identification
- A statement of purpose
- CV/résumé
- Academic references/ letters of recommendation
- Certificate and transcripts of your secondary education
- Proof of English-language proficiency (e.g. a TOEFL/IELTS certificate, for schools in English-speaking countries), or other language test
Once you’ve made up your mind about where you want to study, you should start to think about choosing a program and a university, if you haven’t already. Alternatively, seek advice from career experts and education agency staff.
If your chosen institution has readily available campus accommodation, it is likely that you will be able to apply for a place in these student halls. If this is not the case, you will need to find your own accommodation.
If money is no object, you can consider renting your own flat, while those on a smaller budget can find shared accommodation with other students or use spare room listings found online. In all cases, you should make sure you do your research before signing anything or handing over any money. Our team can support with accommodation information.
This will depend on whether or not your student visa allows you to work. In some countries there are restrictions on the amount of paid work you can undertake during your studies. Often there’s a limit of 20 hours’ paid work per week during term time, with full-time work permitted during holidays.
If you don’t need a student visa, it is more likely you’ll be able to work as many hours as you like, as long as this doesn’t affect your studies. If you do work during your studies, it’s not a good idea to rely on your wages to fund living costs, and in many cases you’ll need to prove you already have enough money to support yourself when you apply for your visa.
CLOTHING:
Underwear, socks, undershirts, thermal underwear for the winter, long sleeve shirts, short sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters, jeans, shorts/skirts, belt, set workout clothes for outdoor activities like soccer in the park, pyjamas, swimsuit, winter coat/jacket, raincoat, at least one nice outfit for formal occasions and job interviews, Flip flops/ sandals, sneakers, dress shoes, winter boots, waterproof shoes, • Cold weather gear (i.e., gloves/ mittens, hat, scarf)
BATHROOM KIT:
Toothbrush/toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, feminine products, brush/ comb, razors/ other shaving supplies, contact lenses and solution and your glasses, Nail clippers, Makeup, Medications, if any needed (Of course you will also find those products available at any German drugstore)
EXTRAS:
Purse/ wallet, Important documents (passport, visa, insurance, itinerary, plane tickets, university letters), Notes with your address (host family, hostel, student apartment), USB memory sticks, Adapter, Cell phone (you probably won’t be able to use it in your host country, but it’s invaluable if you’re stuck in domestic airports and need to contact someone for delayed flights, etc.), Laptop, charger and headphones, Keyring, Camera, Sheets/ bed linens, Bath towels, Big nylon bag for carting stuff to the halls’ washing machine or the local launderette, Alarm clock or clock radio, Books, Pencils, eraser, highlighters and notebook