The UK has some of the finest universities in the world, with three UK establishments in the global top ten, including Oxford and Cambridge. America holds the top spot, with six universities in the top ten lists, such as Harvard, Stanford, and MIT.
There are many reasons to consider studying abroad, and if you are considering it, then that is great news; it is now easier than ever before to study abroad.
Here, we’ll discuss some of the steps you need to take when it comes to studying in a foreign country.
Whatever your reason for studying abroad, it is always best to thoroughly research universities overseas offering the best courses and facilities. It is not always the most well-known university that offers the best choice.
Researching your chosen university’s country, city, and culture is essential. Studying internationally should not be a rash decision. You will be living in a different country for at least three months, so it is important to know about the culture and city you will be living in.
If you choose an American university, you don’t have to worry about learning the language, which you should consider if you choose a university in a non-English-speaking country, but there are other cultural differences to consider. Student visas, healthcare, and finance are just a few examples.
If your main reason for choosing to study abroad is the language, then studying in an English-speaking country will free you up to focus on the course and the university itself. Although there are many academic institutions where you can learn in English – John Cabot University in Italy and Maastricht University in the Netherlands are just two of the most popular. You must check the university website to be 100% sure of this fact before you start packing!
If you can get the timing right, it might be worth visiting and attending the University open days or special events. This is invaluable for learning about the university, the social experience students have and for checking out the accommodation available through the institution.
International students are big business for most universities, and they will likely be more than happy to show you around, even if you can’t make one of their scheduled open days. Some universities even hold special Open Days for International students or offer online campus tours and open days.
When you study in the UK, you can be sure that the government will pay your multi-thousand-pound fees for the three or four years you wish to study as part of the student loan programme, but if you’re going to study abroad, you will often need to find the funds yourself.
Although study abroad can often be cheaper with Germany offering higher education at almost half that of a UK university, it is not always possible to benefit from these reductions as a UK student. You will need to research the criteria for international students and decide if the savings or the additional cost is worth it for you.
Although there may be a variety of scholarships and bursaries available overseas, as a foreign student, you may not always be entitled to them. Spend some time looking into these as you may find you are eligible for one or more.
The UK government’s Turing Scheme is designed to provide funding for international opportunities in education and training across the world and is a good place to start when looking at funding options.
Consider how you will support yourself regarding accommodation, shopping, and entertainment. It will not always be possible to work when studying abroad; this will depend on the terms of your Student Visa and the restrictions placed upon you as an international student by the government of the country you are studying in. You may even be asked to provide financial proof of how you plan to do support yourself before you are accepted onto a course. Planning financially will therefore be essential.
If you plan to study in a different language, you are expected to prove that you have a good understanding of the language that won’t hinder your studies. Your GCSE and A-Level results aren’t always guaranteed to be valid in certain countries, and you may even have to complete prior studies to meet that country’s educational standards.
Send your application off early for the best chances of acceptance; competition is often high for places on courses that offer international spaces; places are often reserved for students who are already residents in that country, so they may naturally be given a higher priority.
Spending time abroad for longer than a few weeks or months, particularly for study, will mean you need to obtain a specific educational visa to ensure you can complete your studies. You will probably be asked to provide proof of this before being formally accepted onto a course in a foreign country. Legislation regarding immigration is fluid and subject to change, so always keep an eye on this through the relevant government portals.
Always get comprehensive medical and health insurance before you leave the country for prolonged periods; once you leave the UK your access to the NHS will be limited unless you are studying in the EU and have a valid European Health Insurance Card. Some countries may even require you to be vaccinated accordingly before you are given the all-clear to become enrolled as a student. It’s always best to get a full health check from your doctor before you leave and make sure your health and travel insurance is updated accordingly.
Once you’ve been accepted onto a course in a foreign country and have jumped through all the hoops, you can breathe a sigh of relief and break the good news to your family and friends. Think about what you will need to pack and how long you will be away, and pay special attention to the kind of clothing and electrical adaptors you will need. Book your flight as early as possible to get the best deals – why not fly out a few weeks early to allow yourself time to acclimatise to the new culture?
Almost all universities will have special clubs and offer additional support via the Student Union or equivalent department for international students. It is always a good idea to research these clubs and groups and, if possible, join them ahead of the term starting; this will allow you to make friends and find people with whom you will have a shared experience.
Want to study abroad but don’t want to commit to 3 or 4 years?
Many universities now offer studying abroad for a semester or for one year of your course, it is worth considering this option if you are not fully committed to the idea of living in another country for three to four years.
Some language courses will recommend or require a year abroad in order to immerse yourself in the country and the language, but this is not always the case. If you want to spend part of the course abroad, then it’s best to check out the university website or speak to the head of the department. Many institutions do now offer exchange programmes; if this is the case, then studying abroad will be much easier as it means the university sends students regularly and will have a formal process, meaning you will be supported at every step of the way.
Studying abroad can be quite a challenging but very rewarding experience at the same time. It’s likely to be full of ups and downs, but you are gaining valuable life experience along the way and you’ll make memories you will never forget.
Check out our site, blog, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more information on how to make the most out of your time at university, at home or abroad.
You may also find this interesting: Living At Home Whilst Studying At Uni: Pros & Cons.
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