For the past years, students aspiring to study abroad have been struggling when it comes to choosing the right college or university in the country they want to go to. More often than not, they find a particular nation very impressive in terms of tourist destinations, cultures, and traditions but are clueless about the education system there.Â
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Are you one of the many who are in the same struggle? Worry no more because this article will help you determine and choose the right school for your dream international education. According to The Economic Times, in the past years, we’ve witnessed an increase in the number of students, specifically Indian students, applying to universities all over the world.
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Even during the past two years which are considered the peak pandemic years, universities got surprisingly overwhelmed with a record number of international student applicants.
5 Considerations for Choosing the Right College or University Abroad
There are many things to consider when choosing the right school or university as an international student. Here are five (5) of them:
1. The Course/Program/Degree Offered : This is the most important consideration as this is where your future begins. Why do you want to go to college? Isn’t it because of the successful person you want to be years from now?
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If you do know the field of study or course you want to take like music, art, or science to name a few, then, you need to find out if the university you’re eyeing offers the course, program, or degree. It is also important to know how established or well-regarded that particular program is, in that college or university.
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2. The School Itself :Â You may be surprised that more important than location is the school itself, considering you are about to spend the vast majority of your time there. Therefore, this factor is definitely taking up most of your time for research.
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When you look for the right college or university, there are several factors to consider such as the number of students going there, how well it is recognized, its reputation, and its educational system. You should also consider the programs that the school is well-known for.
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3. Where is the School Located? : It is essential to consider the things you want in the location you’re living in for several years. An article published on the Study And Go Abroad website specifies that when researching the location, consider your passions, hobbies, and interests which can thrive according to the environment you’re engaging yourself in. These are also things that you should not sacrifice just because you’re in another country away from home.
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4. Cost of Studying Abroad : You don’t have to belong to a wealthy family to study abroad. Students whose parents don’t have the financial means to send their children to school overseas can still fulfill their dream of obtaining an international education.
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Several scholarships are available online, and many colleges and universities are offering them to attract students from abroad. Canadian student loans, for instance, are available too, and they support not just national, but international studies, as well!
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When assessing the cost of studying abroad, it is important to realize too, that tuition is not the only expense. The cost of living abroad varies considerably depending on the location and country. For instance, the cost of food and transportation is likely to be the bulk of your expenses and thus, it’s worth knowing this ahead of time.
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5. Job Opportunities
US News reports that one reason an individual goes to college is to prepare for a job and thus recommends that each school is considered a career center. You’ll know whether the college or university you’re eyeing is the one, or you need to continue searching, if you know some important details like job fairs and on-campus job interviews, among other things.
References:Â
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Bhargava, P. (2022, May 25). How to choose the right study abroad destination. The Economic Times. Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/study/how-to-choose-the-right-study-abroad-destination/articleshow/91593571.cmsÂ
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Hopkins, K. (2022, April 13). 10 Steps to Choosing the Right College. US News. Retrieved from https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/slideshows/10-steps-to-picking-the-right-school?slide=9Â
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Sykora, S. (2015, July 29). Five factors to consider when choosing a University abroad – A student’s perspective – Study and go abroad. Study and Go Abroad. Retrieved from https://www.studyandgoabroad.com/study-abroad/program-types/study-articles/five-factors-to-consider-when-choosing-a-university-abroad-a-students-perspective/Â