What makes the selection process for your study destination, the most crucial part of it is the very fact that this is going to be one of the most important decisions of your life and you better be well researched and informed before you are ready to take the plunge. Needless to say, you must carefully measure and compare all the pros and cons of studying in a particular country and this comes with proper guidance and reading material, which we aim to provide you! So here is a comprehensive guide on how to go about selecting your right study destination – your decision for life!
Define the Course You Wish to Pursue
This is the whole purpose of taking this big step of your life – the course you wish to pursue. It is extremely important to know the feasibility of the course as compared to your interests, strengths and career aspirations. Study about the modules offered at various universities and shortlist the ones that resonate with your interests the most. Study all that you can about the course as this is the foundation step of identifying your study abroad destination.
Study the Feasibility and Scope of your Shortlisted Course in Your Study Abroad Destination.
You have to thoroughly understand the employment opportunities the country offers for a particular course. You must choose a country that provides maximum avenues for your choice of subject. Industry experience is as critical as the education itself and thus, it must be one of the most important deciding factors.
Study the Teaching Style of Your Preferred Study Destination
Different countries follow different education structures, which makes it imperative for you to study these in detail and then decide on the ones that suit you the best. Many universities follow experiential learning, that is, to teach through practical examples and scenarios. A few focus on industry exposure, while a few may just be a fan of text book teaching. It is you who has to decide what you are looking to achieve through the course of your choice.
Check for the Entry Requirements
Always check for the entry requirements of the program you are looking to study at a particular university and whether you fulfil them. Check the level of the program whether it is a diploma course or degree. Also confirm the academic scores required for admission into the program. Any additional tests you would be required to take besides the English proficiency test. All these factors are extremely critical to consider before you decide on pursuing a course at a particular university.
How Much Would it Cost You to Study at Your Selected Destination?
The overall expense of studying at a particular destination is also one of the deciding factors in the whole process. While calculating the cost, you have to consider expenses like accommodation, transportation and other living expenses as these form a part of the expense involved in studying at that location. The course duration also defines the expense you are looking at. Naturally, a one year course would cost you less than a two-year course. So you have to be mindful of this factor. Also find out if there are any scholarships being offered to students, both from the university and the government. Also check on part time work options. This will help you ease out the expense load while providing you with industry experience.
Know the Intake
Applying to a foreign university is not just a task but a process. And this process takes time. It requires you to organize yourself and prepare extensively. Be aware of the intake the university is offering and if you have the time to get sorted in terms of collating documents such as the resume, statement of purpose, recommendation letters, transcripts, etc. If you don’t think you have the time to get prepared, go for the next intake.
Employment Opportunities at Your Study Destination
If you are making this kind of an effort and going for a study abroad destination, it better give you wholesome study opportunity including industry experience. So choose a destination that offers multiple employment opportunities. For instance, pursuing a computer science course in the USA can land you in companies housed in Silicon Valley, Chicago, San Francisco, etc. These places have numerous reputed technology firms you can be a part of.
Check the International Student Visa Requirements and Other Policies
It is vital to check the visa entry requirements of the study abroad destination you have selected, just for the reason that every country has a different set of rules to follow which varies the visa processing time. Also check for the documents required for visa.
Check the Lifestyle the University and Country have to Offer
As an international student, you must carefully analyze the lifestyle and culture you are venturing into and make sure it does not prove to be a hindrance to your learning and aspired student life. Though being able to adapt to varying environment is something you should work towards attaining, being aware of the difference in language, culture, food, way of leading everyday life, never hurts.
You Must Know the Value of Your Degree Back Home in India
If you are going to spend this whole lot of money, time and effort, it is imperative to calculate the value of your degree aka return on investment when you finally return to India. You have to know the employment opportunities in India after pursuing your particular course in a particular study destination.
Now, all this and more may seem like a mountainous task to complete, Study Destinations counseling experts will guide you to be well researched on all these aspects. They will be with you at each step like a guiding force and help you get to your preferred study destination. With this, Team Study Destinations wishes you all the luck for this important milestone of your life!
