TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING YOUR STUDY ABROAD

Many people want to study to obtain their degree, master’s, or doctorate qualification in a particular field of study they are interested in outside their country. With the rising of the internet, this seems not to be a big deal. You can apply online for your program of interest. However, travelling to another for studies has more factors to consider for a better experience. You must be prepared for any adventure along the way of your academic journey.

The article provides sheer tips you should consider before you travel abroad for studies

1.  Language

Communication is key when you are traveling abroad. You should consider how you will be communicating along the way, at airports, and where you are going. At least know any international language used in that particular location. For instance, you cannot despise the English language if you want to travel abroad because it is the language that is mostly spoken across the world. 

2.  Culture

Be aware that where you going you will not meet your culture. You will meet people from different nations as well who have different cultural lifestyles from your own. Significantly, your destination country has its own culture. Some of the cultural factors you should consider are values, beliefs, attitudes, language, food, and dress. You should be prepared to copy, tolerate, respect, adopt and even assimilate the counter-culture to enjoy both your studies and environment.   In other words, you should avoid the tendency of ethnocentrism. Learning about other people’s cultures is one of the benefits of studying abroad. You can make all these searches on the internet.

3.  Weather

Be aware of the climatic conditions of your destination in advance. Places along the equatorial region are mostly very hot during hot seasons when compared to places aware from and in polar regions, these places are slightly hot. On the other hand, places, in the polar regions are very cold most of the time as compared to equatorial regions which are slightly cold. Make use of the internet to make find out the location of your destination between the regions and prepare in advance for any weather inconveniences in a country of your choice.

4.  Major requirements

Find out what you need to proceed with your studies abroad. Take some time to think about how much your plan will demand. Think about traveling costs, and make out if you can manage. There are international loan institutions or sponsors you can contact for help if you are not on a scholarship. Additionally, your program of study can bear other requirements. Requirements such as computers, tablets, and smartphones have to be accounted for.  Above all resources required, money is the key to anything you will need in your studies.

5.  Travel

Can you imagine how far is your destination from your country? Whatever the distance is it will determine your means of transport.

6.  Food

Do not expect to find the food you like in India, the US, or Europe. Some food is not common.

7.  Accommodation

Do not forget to think about the living situation. Are you going to stay in the hostels or dorms on campus or outside? In both cases, it will depend on your choice and the situation at hand. Your financial muscles will determine whether to stay at the campus college hostel or not. Most of the time, campus accommodation is cheaper than private accommodation. Sometimes accommodation at campus cannot cater to all students, another credible reason that could define your accommodation choices. Make sure you are aware of your living situation needs in advance.  

Benefits of studying degree program abroad

·       You learn another language if you are interested

·       You establish international relationships

·       You learn a new culture

·       You gain prestige, a pulling factor of employment

·       You have global skills, that attract personal and professional opportunities

My opinion is that if you consider those tips you will probably sail through your studies without challenges of communication, cultural difference, and ethnocentric biases. Additionally, you will be more experienced with other languages, and lifestyles. It is not strange to make new friendships in these situations.