Preparing to study abroad is an exciting yet daunting experience. Here are five essential tips to help students make the most out of their study abroad journey:
Studying abroad opens the door to infinite career options and opportunities for growth. Nowadays, almost every other teenager has a wish to study abroad, hoping for a successful future. As per the Bureau of Immigration, the number of Indian students who went abroad for study purposes was 7.65 lakh in the year 2023.
These statistics themselves showcase the demand for studying overseas among Indian students. However, the path of studying abroad is not as easy as it seems to be.
The first few days can be pretty difficult as a student needs to adjust to the new environment and get used to the college culture, which eventually requires time. As a result, students must prepare themselves in advance for studying abroad, as there may be other important issues in addition to the language barrier.
Amit Saneja, CEO, of Educate Online, has shared some of the things to consider while taking off for studies abroad:
1. Ideal college
Evolving situations and the need for specific skill sets which increase the efficiency of a person are altering the selection criteria in employment marketplaces worldwide. According to the 2023 report of the World Economic Forum, in 2020, analytical thinking is considered a core skill by many companies and constitutes on average 9% of the core skills. The need for highly educated, talented individuals with good analytical skills is likely to rise and recruiters also favour students from prominent international universities. As a result, students who intend to study abroad must carefully choose the sort of institution they will attend. If they have the possibility, they ought to pursue college or university. Thus, students can give nations a larger weightage based on available resources, safety, and proximity, but an optimal plan should always prioritise education.
2. University rankings
There is little doubt that rankings have a purpose in higher education, but they also have limitations. When considering the enormous discrepancies in the rank given to the same universities in other tops, it may become tougher for students to judge the true worth of that university. As a result, students are urged to assess niche ratings that evaluate the worth of the program depending on characteristics such as research facility, faculty, employment prospects, etc.
3. Preparation of admission
Students can begin properly preparing for the program and university while they are still in high school. For example, extracurricular activities are frequently weighted up to 40% at US institutions. As a result, it is critical to find an excellent information partner during the entire procedure of selecting the best institution or college. This partner will be able to advise on the most effective strategies to grow the portfolio and avoid the herd's tendency to adopt popular but unsuccessful approaches. Students must understand how educational institutions function to control expectations of a new manner of teaching.
4. Personal skills
Life will be significantly different from the protected atmosphere of family homes when a student steps out of his comfort zone into an entirely different world. This might lower student morale. Therefore, students need to prepare for an independent schedule that may entail washing, cooking, and cleaning while juggling a part-time job and, most significantly, a class and study plan.
5. Financial planning
According to UNESCO data, over 6.4 million students are pursuing their further education abroad. Every year, many Indian students embark on an international educational journey. This change requires a cultural and scholarly shift, as well as a major financial investment. Exchange rate fluctuations may impact costs, making proactive financial solutions essential. Unexpected costs, such as medical crises or travel, might occur, thus a cushion fund is recommended. In essence, effective financial planning facilitates academic journeys to run smoothly and without unexpected financial issues.
Aside from rankings, credibility, and program offers, one of the most significant quality elements to examine while looking for the ideal master's program is accreditation. Global, regional, and national accrediting authorities review whether a higher education institution satisfies specific quality requirements.
Source Credit : indiatoday
