Having seen that studying abroad might just be the most life-altering decision you have ever made, the next important question you must ask yourself, pertains to the other factors that should also be considered when deciding which host country will suit your individual needs.
This is particularly important,
Since many are unprepared & realise the implications only when they land in an alien land.
Many are not aware of the different courses being offered the choices are abundant everywhere
Relatives & friends recommend different places based on individual experience or information gleaned, which although important to consider, should not necessarily affect personal decisions.
The entire exercise is very confounding, especially for a student who has to invest wisely in such a course since his entire career depends on it.
I am sure that like me, for most of you, the US, UK & Australia are the only countries we can think of which offer the best options in terms of studying overseas. But this should not be the case. It is best to approach the matter with an open mind & go through various options, since every country has its own set of pros & cons.
Some of the important factors pertaining to the study decisions abroad, that need to be borne in mind are:
The basic academic experience received in the native country- This is particularly important, since the future course considered should in no way be a repetition of the basic course or else it will just become redundant. Although this might be considered a trivial matter, it is a must for the foreign degree to be an absolute value add-on. A good basic academic record will also go a long way in ensuring your selection to an esteemed university. The test scores, personal statements and letters of recommendation prove equally significant.
Availability of courses in the foreign country- Since the courses available are numerous & more practical oriented, it is advisable to find out the one which you are most suited for & which country is most apt in providing it, which will help in better long term career prospects.
Quality of education of the concerned country you are planning to travel- No education can ever be bad, but it always helps to keep in mind that the entire purpose of doing a course abroad is the value-add it gives. Thus apart from only considering known countries like the US, UK for this, it is good to explore a bit & find out about the other options available.
Course fees/ Tuition expenditure- Although mentioned in the prospectus while considering different study options, the course fees need to be properly verified.
According to Pacifica Consultants, an emigrant counselling agency in the US, the tuition cost in USA varies from $5000 to $30,000 per year, while the college tuition costs in Europe rarely exceed $17,000 per year. Just like in the United States, the tuition costs wholly depend on the university. Bigger universities, which are higher in international rankings, obviously charge more. The tuition often depends on the difficulty of the program, its competitiveness, and the facilities needed for teaching which is something, to be carefully considered.
Scholarship programs- These are the first option for a number of students & are offered by a large number of foreign universities. It is easier to get scholarships in the US, than in countries like UK, Canada, Australia & New Zealand. This may be the reason why the US is always the first option of study.
Bank loans- A main concern for students & even more so for their parents, the amount spent on education overseas will be three-fold when compared to an Indian degree. And rather than borrowing or taking a personal loan, an educational loan is the best bet. The number of institutions providing bank loans has increased ten-fold in the last couple of years & the options vary depending on the country selected.
An education loan covers some basic expenses like: fees payable to college/hostel, examination fee, library/laboratory fee, purchase of books & equipment, any security deposits and the purchase of a computer. Travel expenses are also covered for those studying abroad. Interestingly, the State Bank of India also covers the cost of two-wheelers -- up to Rs 50,000.
The loan amount differs in different financial institutions, but the maximum amount is between Rs 15 - Rs 20 lakhs with the interest rates ranging from 11.25 % to 13.5 %. The repayment of a loan generally begins 6 months following completion of courses. The tenure of the education loan ranges between 5 years to 10 years, depending on bank and loan amount.
Visa rules- Owing to a large number of people moving to different countries to work or study, the rules are very strict & having a valid passport & visa well in advance will make you better prepared. It also makes sense to be familiar with the laws & customs of the host country to avoid any unnecessary trouble.
Living expenses- Budget planning & expenditure should be done according to affordability. As the saying goes, "Cut your coat according to your cloth", living within your means will go a long way in teaching you to survive especially in a foreign land.
Cultural encounters- To be open & attuned to your fellow students & the community is one skill that will define your perception in the long run.
Internship opportunities- Giving you valuable experience in a field in which you are interested, internships are a useful resume builder which enhances the value of any degree. They are not only a way to get experience in a field, but also are a big help financially. Some internships offer a salary; while others count towards college credit. A career counsellor at the university is the best person to approach regarding such opportunities.
Work permit access- Prior to the start of an internship or a job, a valid work permit from the concerned embassy of the host country is a must.
Career aspirations- Whether using the international degree to study in your native country or abroad, there will be no dearth of opportunities awaiting you in your chosen field.
Permanent residency options upon graduation- Most of the students have this as their sole objective, & they tailor their choice of course and university with this end in mind. The propensity of many students to seek permanent residency in places like US, UK & Australia is the main motivation for this decision which although sensible, should be done only when taking into account other factors like financial implications & cost of living.
The above factors though not comprehensive, are just some of the things to be considered while taking such a major decision which is far reaching & life altering in many aspects.
Reg Global Education Service
www.india-ges.com
* Study overseas Consultant IELTS Trainning at Kugli.com
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