6 Common Questions About Studying Abroad
Moving abroad to study can be both thrilling and scary. Thrilling due to the new experiences and opportunities overseas such as meeting new friends, experiencing another culture, and visiting places one can usually read online or in books. Scary due to the challenges international students usually have to face such as living independently far from home, and adjusting to a new culture or language.
Because of these concerns, students have a lot of questions related to study overseas. Here’s a quick look at some of the common questions students ask before they start their journey abroad.
What are the benefits of studying in another country?
Studying abroad can provide both professional and personal benefits to those who choose it. Below are some of the most common benefits of studying abroad:
- Increased self-esteem
- Better career opportunities abroad and in your home country
- Experiencing world class education
- Expanding your perspective and learning about different cultures
- Learning a second language
- Creating valuable relationships
- Learning to be self-reliant
- Greater access to many financial assistance
Where do I start?
The first thing to do is decide best destination for study abroad and in which country you want to study in. Once you have done that, check the top universities or the most affordable universities in that country plus the programs they offer. After deciding on the country, institution and program, check your chosen institution’s application process and prepare the documents that the institution requires, and the documents you need to apply for a study visa.
After successfully getting into your university of choice, check out the available scholarships from the institution or the ones offered by your home country and your potential host country’s governments so you can finance your education.
How much do I need to study abroad?
The cost of education in each country differs. The US and the UK have some of the most expensive tuition fees among popular study destinations in the world. In the UK, tuition fees might cost around £10,000 to £38,000 per year. However, in some parts of Europe such as Germany, Switzerland and France, tuition fees are cheaper or even free. In Malaysia, another popular study destination, tuition fees might only cost around $6,000 to $28,000 for three to five years. Can I work while studying abroad?
In general, this will depend on the country and their policies for international students. Luckily, there are many popular study destinations that allow international students to work while studying. Below are some popular study destinations that allow international students to work.
- France
- Malaysia
- Russia
- Australia
- Canada
- Ireland
- Switzerland
How old should I be to study abroad?Â
There is no age limit to education, and this includes international education—as long as students pass the required documents and eligibility for their chosen program. However, there are some scholarships or financial aid that require students to be under a certain age limit. For example, the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) for postgraduate students only accepts students under the age of 40.
Are there affordable programs abroad?Â
Yes. Contrary to popular belief that all programs studying abroad are expensive, there are some countries that offer cheap or even free tuition fees to international students. For example, Germany has already abolished its tuition fees for most of its public higher educational institutions. In Switzerland, education is free because the government subsidizes it. In Spain, both its tuition fees and cost of living are some of the lowest in Europe.
Moreover, students outside of the EU may have to pay more than international students within the EU. However, it is still lower compared to other countries in Europe.
Want to learn more about studying abroad including tips on packing before you go to another country? Check out more articles here at MSM Unify, overseas education consultancy.
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