All parents want only the best for their children, especially when it comes to their education. Many families all over the world dream of having the students in their household study abroad. If you’re one of the many eyeing an international education, it may not be that easy, but it is certainly possible.
Different educational institutions provide the knowledge and skills any international student is longing to have. More so, there are various organizations in this field, too, that will help an individual achieve his dream of completing an international education in his choice of country.
Indeed, your ardent dream of becoming an international student can come to reality but first, here are five things to consider:
1. The Course to Take : It is important that you know your career or professional path. This way, you’ll be able to determine the course you’re taking in the international school you intend to enroll in.
For high school students entering college, this may be quite a challenge. If you’re experiencing any difficulty choosing your course, we recommend that you discuss your concern with a career coach or education consultant who can guide and help you. A good recruitment agent would also know the best options for would-be international students.
2. Your Opportunities for Scholarships and Financial Support: This is one of the first and most important considerations when opting for international education. You may even ask yourself, “Can I afford it?”Â
According to an iQuanta report, Australia, Singapore, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom are the top countries where tuition fee is quite expensive.
International programs in these countries can be costly especially when you factor in tuition fees and rent, among other related expenses. You’ll find several options that can help you lessen all those apprehensions.
Find out if the college you’re eyeing is offering some scholarships. And if it does, it is best to spend some time for review. Some colleges and universities are also offering scholarships based on merit.
Other than that, you can apply for a student loan, as well. This will help you with your tuition fees and other school expenses. Again, education consultants or recruitment agents can help point you in the right direction.
3. Local Communities in the College or Univesity of Your Choice : Other challenges of moving to a new country to study are understanding the language there and adapting to their culture. Being adjusted to local communities and new friends will make settling in easier and quicker.
Find out if there is a local community in the college or university you’re choosing. Search online for more information about studying abroad. This will also help you find and connect more easily with more local communities that will make your life away from your country home easier than you’ve ever expected.
4. Student Employment Opportunities: It’s never easy being an international student. It may even be tougher for students coming from developing countries to the United States or Europe.
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, an individual who would like to study as a full-time student in the U.S. will, in general, need a student visa.
As earlier mentioned, the cost of living for overseas education is significantly high considering the groceries, rent, and utility bills, among other related expenses.
To ensure you can settle your financial obligations as an international student, some colleges are offering job opportunities for students and these are chances you should not miss.
5. Language and Culture in Your Choice of Country : Find out what language is used in the course you’re taking. For you to not experience difficulty understanding the language, better choose a college in a country that uses the same language you’re speaking.
These are only a few of the many considerations to take when choosing a school to go to as an international student. Certainly, such factors to consider depend on the needs of a particular family.Â
For parents, we recommend that you involve your child in the decision-making process, if he is old enough or of the right age, because eventually, he will be the one studying in that college or university.
Sources:
Qureshi, S. (2022, September 16). Top 5 U.S. national universities for 2022-2023. M Square Media. Retrieved from https://msquaremedia.com/research/top-5-u-s-national-universities-for-2022-2023/Â
Sachdev, P. (2022, November 30). Study abroad in 2023 – step-by-step guide to plan your higher education. iQuanta. Retrieved from https://www.iquanta.in/blog/study-abroad-guide/Â
US Citizenship and Immigration Services. (2020, August 13). US Citizenship and Immigration Services. Students and employment. Retrieved from https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/students-and-employmentÂ
