Studying abroad can seem complicated, especially if you don’t organize yourself well to do it. It’s true, the process is laborious and takes time and energy. After all, in the process of discovering how to study abroad, you have to research and evaluate schools, cities and countries, organize your documentation, take exams and prepare to leave.
But all this effort will be worth it when you arrive at your destination! Think of it as an investment and believe me, your life will transform, in every way. What do you have to do for this project to be successful? How to study outside Country? Follow these eight steps and have an excellent international journey!
How to study abroad in eight steps:
1) Define your project – what do you want to do abroad? Why do you want to study abroad?
That’s right, what do you want to study or experience outside country? The projects are the most diverse because people have the most different interests. They are all valid, but understanding what you want to do is essential to follow through on your goals.
See some examples of courses and experiences you can have abroad:
- University exchangesix months or one year
- Specialization
- Postgraduate: MBA, master’s degree, or doctorate
- Short course
- Educational tourism / Backpacking
2) Understand your academic profile – Are you or were you an exceptional, good or average student?
This is an important part of the process of studying abroad, as it helps you avoid wanting what is not within your reach or pushing you to pursue what you didn’t think was possible. By understanding your academic and personal profile, your choices will be easier and the results will be better.
Carry out a self-analysis , evaluate your history and performance as a student . Think about who you are as a person and what type of university you would like to attend. More traditional or more daring? Super academic or more oriented towards practice and entrepreneurship ?
Talk to teachers and other people who can also evaluate you. You will see that with this information your choices will be more accurate.
3) Define the language in which you prefer to study and in which you can develop better academically
This is very serious, especially for those who are going to be outside country for a longer period of time! It’s easier – and more logical – to go to a country where you will study in a language you already know well. Especially because you will have to take a qualifying exam in the language in which you will study. So focus on what you already know how to do best and let learning a new language for later. International universities offer this possibility and it is very worthwhile.
4) Find out about scholarships and how to study abroad in financial terms
The number of international scholarships offered annually is enormous – by universities, foundations or government agencies. Research, read the notices . Do not discard any offer. Organize your documentation, prepare what they ask for, take care. You will only know if you will get an opportunity like this by trying. And every month, we update a list of the best scholarships for those who want to study abroad.
But despite the scholarships, it’s good to plan financially . Remember that expenses are always higher upon arrival. You may have to pay a housing deposit, buy winter clothes, books, a computer and other materials. Another good tip is to leave here knowing how financial transfers can be made. Currently there are a number of options such as MoneyGram, Western Union, PayPal and prepaid travel cards from various banks. See which is the best option for your needs.
5) Choose carefully the countries or cities in which you want to live this experience
Open your range of options, especially since you will go through a selection process and the approval of your application by universities will restrict your choices. But even so, choose places you would really like to live. When you are researching, try to find out more about where the university is located, what life is like there, what activities you can do outside of the classroom… Believe me, your experience will be richer if you are happy with the place you chose to study. !
Important: If you are going to do postgraduate studies, choosing the city is secondary. This is because the university’s faculty and their lines of research will be the key factors in defining your choices for studying abroad.
6) Define the educational institutions you want to study at
– For those who want to do an exchange as an undergraduate:
In general, this process is accompanied by the exchange coordination of the educational institution at which you are studying here in your country. But if your university does not have this facility, look for information on the websites of official international higher education organizations/sources. Some examples: Education USA, Campus France , DAAD , Education UK, Study in Australia, Study in New Zealand etc.
– For those who want to do a specialization or postgraduate degree outside country :
The process is a little more focused. Your choices will be related to your specific area of professional interest. You should research which schools meet your academic needs and investigate the programs on the websites to determine which ones you will apply to. See who the professors are, what their lines of research are. This way you can make the best choice.
– For those who want to take short term courses :
You need to be clear about what you want to study abroad. From there, investigate which educational institutions offer the activity you are interested in. There are thousands of short-term course options around the world. And many of them are exceptional!
7) Start your application process
Once all the above requirements have been defined, you will be able to start your application process : you will organize and have your documentation translated (school transcripts, diplomas and others), prepare and take the requested exams, obtain your letters of recommendation , fill out the necessary forms and wait for responses.
8) Prepare your documentation to study abroad
Once approved by the educational institution, you will have to take care of your passport, student visa, air ticket and accommodation/living. You will have time to do all of this, but don’t leave anything until the last minute. Check if your passport will be valid for the time you are outside country. Start looking for the housing options you will have abroad and, with the university acceptance letter, look for the consulate of the country that will issue your student visa to apply for the papers.
Don’t forget about health insurance, which must be taken out before you travel. Evaluate all available options, compare costs and what they offer. The same should be done with airline tickets, don’t wait until the last moment to buy them. Evaluate different websites, there are always flight offers at great prices. Prices fluctuate a lot, so when you find what you’re looking for, buy your ticket!