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Travelling to a different country to study is a huge but very exciting challenge. Right from your food and stay to your cost of living, everything is going to differ. But you will be in for an experience of a lifetime. Before you pick a destination of your choice, we’re sure you will want to conduct in-depth research, weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each country. To do this all by yourself, from scratch is an enormous task and so we’re here to help. The following are the factors you need to look into before deciding your destination:
The beginning of your path is to determine which course you want to study. Find out what course suits you based on your interests and strengths. Analyse course, duration, modules and course details for your preferred field of study.
After selecting which course to study, investigate the reach of your course in different countries. For example, engineers may be in demand in some countries whereas other countries have more opportunities for doctors. Learn about how your industry functions in countries and their scope of operations. Also, check for the extent of openings available for fresh graduates from your course and if any training is provided.
Your course should not only make you academically strong but also should make you job-ready in the country you study. Multiple opportunities for employment must be accessible to you at the time of your graduation. For example, if you study medicine, your country should have a growing healthcare system where you can find a job without a question.
The structure of education systems is different all over the world. Some countries follow an exam-based approach and some follow a practical knowledge-based approach. A lot of universities worldwide value hands-on experience over theory and exam scores. Look into the way education systems work in different countries and see if their methodologies suit you.
The entry requirements for different courses in different countries vary. See if the country offers courses at levels you are eligible or desire to take. There are graduate courses, diplomas, master’s in research and master’s in taught. Check for the dependency the courses offer – some programs like bachelor’s will be dependent and others like master’s in research will require you to have a higher level of independence.
Admission conditions in most countries will depend on your academic scores. Additionally, you will be required to take an English proficiency test in English speaking countries or have a native language certification in non-English speaking countries. Some countries will conduct entrance tests in their own universities whereas others require scores of GMAT, GRE or SAT.
Studying abroad is an expensive affair, no doubt. Apart from the tuition fee for your course, there are a number of other expenses you will have to take care of. Your overall expenditure will include stay, food, utilities and travel for the entire duration of your course. The length of master’s programs in some countries like the UK is 1 year and in countries like Canada, it extends to 2 years. It is wise to consider the duration of your stay while calculating your costs.
There are a lot of scholarship opportunities for students with promising profiles. Scholarships are available at institutional levels as well as government levels. If you are eligible for a scholarship, the financial burden of your tuition fee will be considerably reduced. Working part-time while studying is a common practice and it will help you manage your daily expenses smoothly.
There are majorly 2 intakes in universities abroad unlike in Sri Lanka. Some countries also offer 3 intakes in one year. The academic year officially begins in Fall and there is another intake in Winter in case you missed the first one. Universities may or may not have multiple intakes depending on the countries and courses. Check your timelines and figure out which intake is suitable according to your schedules. For example, if your visa hasn’t been accepted in time for the Fall intake, you can opt for the next intake which is Winter. This way, you will not have to wait one whole year to join the course.
Read more about the benefits of different intakes here*.
Student visa requirements vastly vary according to countries. Each country has a different set of rules, regulations and formalities to follow. Most countries will require proof of enrolment in universities and proof of financial cover for your expenses. Visa processing timelines may be longer than you expect and costs will be different. Our team will stand by you through the whole process and will make it as smooth as possible.
Though lifestyle is not a primary factor to consider while choosing your destination, it is definitely relevant. The way of living abroad will be very different from your home country. Food, climate, language, culture, beliefs, standards of living, behaviour and opinions will be new to you. Research the lifestyle of different countries and see if you can adapt to the new ways of living.
While looking at the scope and job opportunities in your country of study, you must also consider how valuable the course is in Sri Lanka. You will be spending a lot of resources to complete your course in an international country. If you are planning to return to Sri Lanka, ensure that the course you study will be recognized and beneficial in the country. Analyse if it gives monetary returns on investment in the country you plan to live in after completion of your course, be it your study country, your home country or a different country altogether.
Moving to a new country is no easy task and has its own series of difficulties. The above-mentioned factors are very essential in deciding which country you should study in. Our consultants will help you match your interests and goals with scope and opportunities in various countries to understand which is the ideal destination for you.
Due to the impact of COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown in Sri Lanka, the event will be re-scheduled to a future date. Dates for the re-scheduled event will be announced soon in our website! Check our website for further updates. Stay tuned, Stay safe!
