Your best source for planning and getting ready for international education

Studying abroad is a life-changing chance to grow as a person, do better in school and build a profession

This complete FAQ guide covers the most common questions that people who want to study abroad have

 It gives simple useful answers that will help you through the complicated process of getting an education abroad

This article  gives you important information to help you on your quest to study abroad whether you're thinking about undergraduate, graduate or research programs

Why go to school abroad? Understanding the Benefits

Studying abroad has many benefits that go beyond just getting good grades

• Global Education Quality You can go to world-class schools with the best resources and well-known professors
• Cultural immersion Learn how to interact with people from different cultures by spending time in a variety of settings
• Career Advancement Get ahead of the competition by getting international experience that employers all around the world value
• Personal growth Learn to be more independent adaptable and good at solving problems in new situations
• Building a Global Network Make ties with people in other countries that could help your career in the future
• Language Skills Daily immersion and academic study can help you get better at speaking and writing in a foreign language

Which Country Is the Best Place to Study Abroad?

Your personal goals budget and academic interests will determine what the "best" study destination is for you

Here is a comparison of some popular places to visit

Important Things to Think About When Choosing

• Your field of study's academic repute
• The language requirements and how well you speak them
• How well you fit in with the culture and your lifestyle choices
• Job options while you're in school and after you graduate
• Ways to immigrate for long-term plans
• The weather and where it is in the world

How Much Does It Cost to Go to School in Another Country?

To prepare well you need to know the whole financial commitment

Tuition Costs

• For undergraduate degrees the cost varies by country and school although it might be as low as $10000 or as much as $50000 or more per year
• Postgraduate programs cost from $15000 to $60000 or more with professional degrees (MBA medical) at the higher end
• PhD programs In many countries they are often paid for with stipends

Annual Living Costs

• Housing $5000 to $15000 (on-campus housing is usually cheaper)
• Food $2500 to $4500
• Getting around $500–$1500
• Health insurance costs between $500 and $2000
• Personal costs $2000 to $3000

Extra Costs

• Fees for applying $50 to $150 for each university
• Each standardized test costs between $200 and $300 (GRE GMAT IELTS TOEFL)
• Visa fees range from $150 to $500
• Costs of travel $800 to $2000 (round-trip ticket)
• Setting up at first $1000 to $2000 (for deposits winter clothes etc)

Estimated Total Annual Costs

• $35000–$70000 in the US UK and Australia
• Canada $25000 to $45000
• Germany and France $10000 to $20000 (lower tuition but living costs apply)
• Nordic countries $15000 to $25000 (several give free tuition to EU students)

How long does it take to get an international degree?

The length of a degree varies a lot depending on the nation and the type of program

In some nations there may be accelerated programs Co-op programs on the other hand may last longer yet give you significant work experience

How can I get scholarships or help with money?

Getting money takes careful strategy and early preparation

Different kinds of funding are available

• awards for college awards based on merit need or diversity
• Scholarships from the government Fulbright (US) Chevening (UK) DAAD (Germany) and Australia Awards
• Private scholarships These are given by businesses foundations and others
• Assistantships Teaching or research jobs that come with free tuition and a stipend
• Student loans You can get them from banks in your native country or from banks around the world
• Part-time work Working on or off campus while you study

How to Apply

• Get started early (12 to 18 months before the planned start date)
• Look into a lot of different sources like university websites and scholarship databases
• Make sure your applications meet the requirements for each scholarship
• Point out special accomplishments and experiences
• Get solid letters of recommendation far in advance
• Turn in applications that are polished and free of mistakes by all deadlines

The best places to find scholarships are

• Financial aid offices at colleges and universities
• Offices of EducationUSA (for US studies)
• The British Council (for studies in the UK)
• DAAD (for studying German)
• CampusFrance (for studying French)
• Scholarship databases including Fastweb ScholarshipRegion and Scholars4Dev

What Papers Do You Need to Apply?

You should start getting the necessary papers ready early

Documents for School

• Transcripts from all high schools and colleges
• Diplomas and certificates of degree
• Translations that are official (if the documents aren't in English)
• Descriptions of the courses (for evaluations of credit transfers)

Scores on the test

• You must be able to speak English well enough to pass the IELTS TOEFL PTE or Duolingo English Test
• Standardized tests SAT and ACT for undergraduate students GRE and GMAT for graduate students
• Tests for specific subjects MCAT and LSAT (for professional programs)

Materials for the application

• A personal essay or statement of purpose
• A resume or CV
• Two to three letters of recommendation
• Writing examples or a portfolio (for some programs)
• Proposal for research (for programs based on research)

Documents for Identification

• A passport that is good for at least six months after the planned stay
• Certificate of birth
• Pictures the size of a passport

Visa Papers

• Proof of financial help (bank statements letters of sponsorship)
• Reports from medical exams
• Certificates of police clearance
• Paperwork for health insurance

Do I Need a High GPA to Go to School in Another Country?

Different schools and programs have different academic requirements

Minimum GPA Needed

• For competitive universities a 3.0–3.5+ on a 4.0 scale (or the same)
• Schools that are quite picky 2.5–3.0
• Some European colleges may accept students with lower GPAs if they have excellent other qualifications

When GPA Isn't as Competitive

• Doing well in classes that are related to your major can make up for a low GPA
• Work experience in the field that is relevant
• Very good marks on tests like the GRE and GMAT
• A strong statement of purpose that shows development and potential
• Strong letters of recommendation that explain how academic success fits into the bigger picture
• Experience with research or writing articles
• Achievements outside of school that show leadership

Do I need to learn a new language?

The language requirements depend on where you're going and what program you're in

Countries Where People Speak English

• People who don't speak English as their first language usually need to pass an English proficiency test
• Minimum scores differ IELTS 6.0–7.5 or TOEFL 80–100 are common
• Some exceptions if the degree was taught in English before

Countries Where English Is Not Spoken

• Programs taught in the local language Proof of proficiency is needed (for example TestDaF for German or DELF/DALF for French)
• Programs taught in English Still need to take English proficiency exams
• Basic abilities in the local language Very important for daily life and fitting in with the culture

When to Get Ready for Language

• Start 12 to 18 months before the planned start date to learn a lot of new languages
• Intensive courses can help you learn faster
• Language partners and immersion experiences help you become more fluent
• Look into summer language programs in the nation you want to visit

How Will I Get a Place to Stay in Another Country?

Different places and schools have different housing options

Housing on campus

• Dormitories and residence halls Usually guaranteed for first-year overseas students
• Pros easy to use helps establish community utilities are provided
• How to apply Usually through the university housing portal which has early deadlines

Housing Outside of Campus

• Private apartments More freedom but also more responsibility and cost
• Shared housing a cheap way to live with other people
• Homestays Staying with local family to learn about their culture

Ways to Look for Housing

• Get started early (4 to 6 months before you get there)
• Take advantage of university facilities including housing offices and international student services
• Become a member of your university's Facebook groups
• Think about temporary housing while you look for a permanent place to live
• Know the rights of tenants and rental agreements in the host nation
• Plan for deposits and the costs of setting things up at first

Can I work while I'm studying abroad?

Most countries let international students work however there are some rules

Things to think about whilst working

• Balance work and school—your grades must stay up
• Know what taxes you have to pay in the country where you are living
• Look for employment on campus first (they're usually more flexible with school)
• Make connections for internships in your field
• Read the visa rules carefully so you don't break them

Do I need a visa to study?

Different nationalities and destinations have different visa requirements

General requirements for a visa

• A valid passport which usually lasts for at least six months
• A letter of admission from a school that is well-known
• Proof of money to pay for school and living costs
• Health insurance that meets the needs of the country
• Results of medical exams (in some countries)
• Police clearance certificate (in various countries)
• Fees for applying for a visa

Timeline for Applications

• Start the process right away after getting the acceptance letter
• Processing can take anywhere from two to four months depending on the country
• Get ready for the visa interview (certain countries need this)
• Look up the exact regulations for your nationality and destination

Keeping your visa status

• Enroll full-time every semester
• Good progress in school
• Meet reporting requirements
• Following work constraints
• Keeping your passport up to date
• Steps to take if the program is extended

After you say yes what happens next?

After you get your acceptance letter there are a few key things you need to do

Actions to Take Right Away (First 2 Weeks)

• Accept the offer by the deadline in writing
• If you need to pay a deposit to hold your spot
• If you want to you can apply for university housing
• Start the process of getting a visa
• Tell other colleges about your choice

Getting Ready to Leave (Next 1–3 Months)

• Get the paperwork you need to get a visa
• Make sure health insurance meets the needs of the gathering
• Make flight reservations (it's best to have flexible options)
• Set up temporary housing if needed
• Go to an orientation before you leave (typically sponsored by schools)

Last Month's Final Preparation

• Pack the right things for the weather and the culture
• Make financial arrangements (such international cards and wire transactions)
• Learn the basic phrases and cultural norms of the host country
• Check with the university's foreign office to make sure you know when you'll be arriving
• Get ready digitally (unlock phone download important applications)

Getting there and settling in

• Take part in orientation programs
• Finish registering for college
• Set up a bank account in the area
• Get a local SIM card and a pass to use public transportation
• Check out the college and the area around it
• Start making social networks

Where Can I Get Reliable Information?

Official Sources

• Websites for universities (parts for admissions and international students)
• Websites for government immigration (official visa requirements)
• Ministries of education in the host nations
• Embassies and consulates of the host country

Services for Support

• EducationUSA (for studying in the US)
• The British Council (for studies in the UK)
• DAAD (for studying German)
• CampusFrance (for studying French)
• IDP Education (for studying in Australia the UK or Canada)

More Resources

• Forums and social media communities for international students
• Current international students (alumni networks)
• Professional education consultants (check their credentials)
• Fairs and activities for education

Conclusion: Good Planning for Studying Abroad

Studying abroad takes a lot of planning but the benefits for your personal and professional life are worth it

You can do the following by answering some common questions in detail and early in your planning process

• Choose destinations and programs based on facts
• Make a budget and financial strategy that makes sense
• Write strong applications that show off your best qualities
• Know how to handle visa formalities quickly and easily
• Make a smooth move to your new school setting
• Make the most of your time both in and out of the classroom

Keep in mind that every student's path is different

This guide gives you a lot of broad information but you should always check with the schools you choose and official government sources to make sure you meet all the requirements

Studying abroad can be one of the best things you ever do if you get ready for it and keep an open mind