Study Abroad

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Going by the definition, study abroad is used to determine an academic pursuit in a foreign country. Although it is not just limited to that.

When an Indian student opts for a study abroad program, it is essential to understand that it goes beyond academic transformation. The journey can be compared to an adventure of endless possibilities where students get an opportunity for discovery, growth, and self-development.

With the help of external support, proper planning, and serious preparation, you can embark on your journey of transformation too. As daunting as this feels, it is now quite reachable. Looking at all the instructions might intimidate you, but international exposure opens a plethora of opportunities and career prospects for your growth ahead.

Join us as we explore in this article the basics of studying abroad to help you make an informed decision.

Why Should You Study Abroad?

Although there are several reasons for studying abroad, it primarily depends upon a candidate’s preference and goals. Here we are listing down the most common parameters that are associated with studying abroad,

1. Academic Enrichment: Academic enhancement through specialized courses, research projects, or application-based pedagogy in reputed global institutes is one of the most notable benefits of studying abroad and the capacity to reach your intellectual potential.
2. Global Networking: You will get the chance to connect with friends, colleagues, and professionals from various backgrounds. These are key to securing internships, jobs, and even research collaboration and they will enlighten you about different cultures and the society.
3. Enhanced Career Prospects: Employers will favour applicants possessing global exposure and diverse skill set. Through a study abroad venture, these personal characteristics such as adaptability and understanding of different cultures as well as intercultural communication skills are tested, which are the most preferred traits by employers.
4. Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity: Through interaction with individuals from different backgrounds, you will have a higher level of appreciation for cultural identity as you participate in cross-cultural communication.
5. Language Proficiency: Immersing yourself in a diverse multilingual environment is the most efficient way of improving your linguistic abilities.
6. Personal Growth: Studying abroad forces you to get outside your comfort zone and live in a new environment. Adapting to your independence, you will become more resilient as you overcome new obstacles and get involved in different activities.

Types of Study Abroad Programs

There are numerous programs for studying abroad that one can choose depending on academic objectives, interests, and preferred duration,

1. Regular Programs: These are the most sought-after study abroad programs where students decide on their choice of course, and select their preferred country and institution for a full-term course such as UG/PG as applicable.
2. Semester or Academic Year Programs: These are study abroad programs where students devote a semester or even a whole academic year to an international institution. The students get registered in the regular classes, and on completion, the university usually credits them, which they then further use in their home university.
3. Short-Term or Summer Programs: Short-term or summer study abroad programs usually last for a few weeks up to several months. These programs are individualized to a subject/field and are for those students who want a study abroad experience but within a limited time.
4. Exchange Programs: The exchange curriculum helps a student to substitute themselves with another student from a partner university elsewhere abroad. Students will be paying the university allowance where they are affiliated and still attend the host university classes while staying in the on-campus student hostels.
5. Internship or Work Abroad Programs: The programs for internships abroad or work abroad provide a practical job opportunity in a foreign environment. Undergraduates can use their experience, enhance their language proficiency, and explore a different culture, all the while getting their educational credits.
6. Research Abroad Programs: Abroad research programs provide students with an opportunity to engage in research projects collaborating with foreign researchers at universities, research institutions, or laboratories overseas.
7. Dual-Degree Programs: Dual degrees are considered an amazing experience during which students receive two certificates – one from the home university and another from the partner university abroad. Such programs often consist of integrated study, which means that students spend a significant time at each of the universities and thus enjoy full academic and cultural integration.
8. Specialized Programs: Interests and specific field programs for professionals and students are available abroad. A few of them are areas like art and design, food and eco-studies, or LGBTQ+ studies.

Universities have developed a wide range of study abroad offerings that enable students to choose a program that meets their specific academic goals, interests, and preferences. Therefore, the study abroad opportunity has become an accessible and meaningful experience for learners from different backgrounds.

Top Countries to Study Abroad

Deciding on your choice of country is governed by various factors such as academic reputation, cultural experience, affordability, language proficiency, and personal preference. Meanwhile, some of these countries repeatedly end up as the most appealing destinations for international students. Here we are discussing the top 5 countries that continuously rank high,

US

The United States has a variety of premier universities and colleges with an exceptional teaching environment such as the Ivy League institutes – Columbia, Harvard, and Cornell among others along with MIT and Stanford. With around one million global students per year, America is still a top pick among international students. This is for students who want to experience a multicultural environment along with potential job opportunities.

Tuition fees: $30,000 – 70,000 $/year (INR 2.4M – 5.7M)

UK

The UK is widely known for its Russell Group Universities: Imperial College London, London School of Economics, Oxford and Cambridge, University College London, and Warwick. These are leading global institutions comprising areas such as law, engineering, politics, finance, etc. UK’s strength lies in its applicability and research-based pedagogy which attracts students in pursuit of the best career offerings and top degrees.

Tuition fees: £10,000 to £38,000/year (INR 1.06M to 4.03M)

Canada

Top universities like the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill, and McMaster offer STEM courses in science, social studies, and environmental studies. Along with the option of a post-graduation work permit and permanent residency, international students see Canada as a good place for both academic and cultural immersion.

Tuition fees: CAD 1,07,959 to CAD 3,37,401/year (INR 6.7M – 20.7M)

Australia

Australia through its G08 universities namely – Monash University, University of Adelaide, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, and University of Queensland, amongst others attracts international students. From engineering to ecology, to management, a wide range of programs are offered. Students enjoy a high-quality education, while they use the well-organized networks of the industrial sector to secure multiple job opportunities.

Tuition fees: AUD 30,000 to 50,000/year (INR 1.64M to 2.74M)

Germany

Students often pick Germany as their study destination for the best Public and Technical Universities, and Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) among the various available options. It has a mix of academic excellence, affordability, and global cultural exposure. With a stay-back option of 18 months, Germany is one of the most favourable destinations among students all over the world.

Tuition fees: Free tuition in public universities; private university fee ranges from 10,000 to 20,000 Euros/year (INR 0.94M to 1.8M)

These countries only portray a glimpse of all the other possibilities that are available for students who want to study abroad. In the end, the most suitable destination is a matter of one’s personal taste, academic expectations, and career requirements.

Eligibility Requirements for Study Abroad

1. Academic Eligibility: Candidates need to fulfill certain academic requirements to be admitted to a study abroad program. You need to acquire a minimum GPA, complete prerequisite courses (for PG programs), and provide your scores in entrance exams like GRE/GMAT.
2. Language Proficiency: If the program you want to go for is not in your native language you may have to demonstrate your competency through standardized language tests like the TOEFL and IELTS.
3. Study Abroad Application: You may need a formal application including an application form, academic transcript, recommendation letters, a personal statement or essay & other additional documentation required by the program.
4. Passport and Visa: For some countries, you may have to acquire a passport and student visa while others will require additional documents if your stay is of short duration.
5. Financial Documentation: To meet the budget for studying abroad, you also need to produce proof of your financial status to cover tuition fees, accommodation, and health insurance costs. This can range from the bank account statements to the scholarship award letters, or the financial aid letters.
6. Health Insurance: A lot of countries require international students to have medical insurance for the whole time they spend in the foreign country
7. Housing Arrangements: You will need to sort your housing situation out while you are abroad, whether it is university housing, private rentals, or homestays.
8. Travel Documentation: Apart from a passport and a visa, you may also have to provide travel documents such as flight itineraries, travel insurance, and proof of return or onward travel.

To adequately prepare yourself for the study abroad program, you should spend enough time reading about the particular deadlines and application instructions for the selected course and the destination you intend to choose. Besides, counseling with your academic advisor or international office is a powerful way to acquire a professional approach throughout the application cycle.

Conclusion

Studying abroad is a life-changing experience that results in personal, academic, and cultural development. Surrounded by a new world, you will increase your viewpoint, gain invaluable knowledge, and collect memories that will be cherished forever.

Apart from academic eligibility, language proficiency, passport and visa requirements, financial documentation, and health insurance, there are many aspects to consider while planning your study abroad experience. It is paramount to look into the distinct necessities for the selected program and destination and seek help from academic advisors, student exchange offices, and other sources at your disposal.

Despite the fact that the demands of pursuing an educational program abroad may look hard, they are the first steps to an exciting and life-changing journey. By meeting these necessities and embracing the challenges and chances that comes with studying abroad, you will establish relationships with people of different backgrounds, and see the world in a deeper and broader view.
Nevertheless, the process of applying for study abroad can be confusing; it entails a diligent process of planning, preparation, and details. At Manya – The Princeton Review, our experts can help you throughout the application process of studying abroad. With customized guidance, you will be able to prioritize your choices and make an informed decision.