6 Things to Consider Before Deciding to Study Abroad
Studying overseas is an exciting step in your academic journey. Of course, one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make before embarking on this adventure is where to study. From the bustling streets of the UK to the beachy, coastal cities of Australia, you have countless options available - which can make the decision tricky.
Fortunately, we’ve gathered our top considerations and tips on how to decide where to study abroad. By weighing up these factors, you’ll ensure you pick the right destination for a bright future abroad.
1. The education system
A great starting point for your research is looking into countries that provide reputable and high-quality education. Consider things like international university rankings - such as the QS World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings - as well as the quality of facilities, teaching staff and internship/work experience programs.
You’ll also want to consider the duration of different courses and programs, which will likely vary depending on the country you choose. For example, undergraduate courses in the UK generally only take three years to complete; however, in Australia, Canada and the US, they typically take four years to complete.
Not only can you look into the education system of a particular country, but also the reputation of the degree/field you want to study. Some countries and/or cities are known for having top business schools, while others are renowned for arts and creative industries. Whatever your focus area, take some time to research the countries and locations that rank highly.
2. Employment prospects
When you finish studying, you might want to stay in your host country and look for job opportunities. Before you make your decision on where to study abroad, look into the career prospects of your chosen field in various countries and cities. This will give you an idea of the job market and employment opportunities in the future.
Maybe you want to study Business or IT in San Francisco to have proximity to Silicon Valley, or maybe you dream of working as a consultant for Deloitte and want to study in London. Thinking carefully about your future career can help guide your choice of study destination.
3. Cost of living
Studying abroad comes with financial commitments. How much you pay for tuition, rent, public transport, or even your daily coffee will vary depending on where you live.
Major cities - such as London or Sydney - are of course going to have a higher cost of living, particularly when it comes to accommodation. However, if you’re looking to spend less, you may want to look at smaller cities, some of which may even be in remote or regional areas.
Be sure to carefully consider what matters most to you in a study destination and what you can realistically afford in your budget.
4. Scholarships
When considering your options, you may also be wondering: where can I get a scholarship to study abroad?
Many countries offer scholarships and bursaries to study abroad. These are typically provided by federal governments and education providers. It’s worth doing your research into the scholarships available and which ones you may be eligible for.
Your eligibility might be based on:
The country you are from,
The course you want to study,
The country you want to study in, and/or
Your academic performance.
It’s also worth considering what financial assistance may be available through the government in your home country as it may have partnerships with foreign governments or institutions.
5. Lifestyle, culture & geographical location
When deciding where to study abroad, it’s important to consider your lifestyle both in and outside of the classroom. Be honest with yourself about the lifestyle you want to have as an international student, which will be shaped by factors like climate, language and culture.
You may be motivated to live in a big city, with access to museums, cafes and an efficient public transport system. Alternatively, you might be looking for a small-town feel with a close community and access to nature on the weekends. There is no right or wrong decision - it’s simply about what suits you best!
6. Language
Picking a university in another country will often mean studying in a language different from your home country. If this is the case, spend some time finding out the language requirements for your prospective study destinations. Give yourself the time needed to improve and pass any exams that are required.
Many countries - including Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK - require international students to prove their English proficiency by taking an English language test, such as PTE.
Accepted by over 3,300 institutions globally - including 100% of Australian universities and 99% of UK universities - PTE is the go-to choice for international students around the world.
PTE also offers many preparation resources for test takers, including scored practice tests, online courses and a self-paced study app. With the help of these resources, you’ll not only improve your skills but boost your odds of getting a great PTE score.
Author: Aaron Bell
