Studying abroad may look like a cup of tea but the real menace only begins once you actually start looking for the ideal country to study in. Going abroad may seem dreamy, but if not done wisely, the process can end up being a nightmare. To speed up your study abroad dream then you need support from reliable study abroad consultants in Kochi, Kerala. Also, there are many things that you must take into consideration to make your BIG move, SMOOTH!
Finding and deciding the course/program you want to study
Before even choosing the country or the university, the first thing you need to decide is what course you want to study. I know choosing the most ideal program out of 400+ courses can be a bit overwhelming, but if done correctly, you will be able to narrow down the program that aligns best with your future goals and aspirations. There are certain things which you might have to take into consideration before selecting a course such as; your area of interest, programs that will help you polish your existing skills, subject areas where you can ace, your strengths and weaknesses. Don’t just choose a program that everybody else is choosing or is popular nowadays. What works for others might not work for you, so you need to realize your own skills and shortcomings.
Choosing the perfect university
Once you have decided upon the course, look for the same course in different universities in different countries. You should compare the same course offered by different universities. You can do this by comparing the fees structure, the syllabus, the modules, etc. Find out whether the university offers any part-time job opportunities, internships, scholarships, placements, and employment opportunities. You can visit the university websites and look for course details. Universities put everything on their website, right from the fees structure to the hostel facilities. You can also look for university rankings on online portals.
Is the country affordable?
Going abroad is definitely costly. You will be spending a lot of time, money, and effort in a completely foreign place, so you must calculate the overall expenditure. You have to estimate the money you will be spending on the eggs to the money you will be spending on the university. You must take into account:
- The overall tuition fees
- The accommodation cost
- The food cost
- Transportation cost
- Scholarship offered
- Hospital bill
- Insurance policy
- Extra expenditure such as buying books, clothes, WIFI bills, etc.
- Employment wages
Is there any scholarship option available?
Many countries and universities offer scholarships that nearly cover your entire tuition fees. It is not an uncommon fact that many people drop off the country they want to study in, the university they want to go to just because it is not affordable for them. So, it is important to explore universities as well as countries keeping this factor in mind. If the scholarship program is offered by the government itself, the better! This way you will be able to get into your dream university without spending a fortune!
The visa process of the country
While some go abroad for studying purposes only, others want to settle in. Canada is famous for its immigrant-friendly work permit program along with a post-graduation work permit program but countries like the UK did not have the same option up until recently. The UK has very recently become quite generous with the duration of the work authorization permit. The Post-Study Work visa which began with the 2020-2021 intake of students allows eligible students to work, or hunt for work, in any career or position for two years after completing studies. With proper education and work experience, foreign students can even gain Permanent Residency (PR) status in Canada, Australia, Germany, New Zealand a lot more easily compared to countries like the UK and US.
Native language
English is the most widely spoken language in the world. You would be able to easily adjust to and find employment opportunities in English-speaking countries no matter whether you are a native or a non-native speaker. But the same is not the case for countries like France, Spain, Germany, and Norway, where it is important for you to know the basics of the language even to get a part-time job! If you find it difficult to speak these languages, choosing an English-speaking country would be the best option for you.
We have only listed 6 factors for you. There are many other pertinent factors that you must go through before you narrow down the perfect country for your higher education. These factors include weather conditions, the standard of living, career opportunities, and many more.
The sheer number of possibilities is intimidating, but you must begin somewhere soon. To begin the shortlisting process, select a course that best fits your future objectives. This will assist you in narrowing down the nations which best offer the course you are interested in.
If you are still confused, don’t hesitate to reach out and seek help from Immigration consultants in Kochi.
