Studying abroad is an experience of a lifetime. It’s full of excitement, trepidation and sometimes sheer panic as you weigh the pros and cons of leaving your home country behind. But there are so many reasons why you should study abroad. We know you have reflected on the idea before and need to justify it to others.
The experience you’ll gain from it will help dictate the rest of your life. However, it can be immensely stressful to plan and execute. I’ve put together an easy-to-follow guide that breaks down how to study abroad in a step-by-step process.
As per research conducted by Top Schools in Sarjah
Why study abroad?
There are many reasons why students choose to study abroad, from the opportunity to immerse themselves in a different culture to the chance to learn another language. There are also some practical benefits: many universities give credit or exemptions for studying abroad, and some even offer financial aid or scholarships.
The most important reason is that it’s a fantastic experience! You get the chance to see the world through a new lens, meet people from different countries, travel to new places with your friends—and maybe even learn something about yourself along the way.
We advise you to study abroad because it’s a great way to develop your foreign language skills and an opportunity to experience another culture.
How to Choose the Best Program for You
Choosing the best study abroad program for you can seem daunting, but with some research and planning, you’ll be able to make the best decision for your needs.
The first thing to consider is how long you want to spend abroad. If it’s a summer or semester program, that will be easier to arrange than if you want to do something more permanent like an exchange or degree program.
You should also consider what kind of experience you’re looking for—a language immersion program might be better suited for someone who wants to learn a new language than one focused on culture or history.
If you’re looking at colleges and universities and programs abroad, ensure they have a good reputation.
That will help ensure that you’ll be treated well while abroad and have access to good resources when it comes time to return home.
Financial Information and Scholarships
Are you worried about affording your study abroad experience?
Don’t be.
There are plenty of scholarships available for students who want to study outside. Some programs offer financial aid to cover travel costs, living expenses—or even both!
Some scholarship programs will help pay for tuition and fees if they accept you into the program.
Another option is an individualised funding package from an external source, such as a non-profit organisation or agency within your country of choice. These organisations often offer scholarships for students who have demonstrated leadership skills or community involvement in their home country.
Preparing Logistics
Studying abroad is not just a great way to get a degree and an opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime.
There are many things to think about when it comes to logistics: How will you get there? What kind of housing do they offer? Will they help with visas? How will you pay for it? These are just some questions you’ll want answers to before committing to a program.
Find out about visa requirements for travel to another country. You won’t be able to leave the country without a valid passport or equivalent form of ID—and if you’re under 18 years old, you’ll need an adult with you every time you leave campus in case an emergency arises while travelling abroad!
Addressing Your Concerns
Studying abroad is a great way to expand your horizons and gain a new perspective.
But it can also be intimidating, especially if you haven’t travelled outside before.
It’s not just about learning new things and meeting new people—it’s about leaving home, which can be scary! Here are some tips for how to prepare yourself for the emotional and logistical challenges of studying abroad:
1. Figure out what concerns you about studying abroad and write them down in a list.
2. Address each concern with a solution or plan of action.
3. Work on one item at a time until you’re satisfied with your answers (you can always come back later).
4. Once you’re ready, go for it!
Packing Tips
Packing abroad can be exciting, but it can also be stressful. We have some tips to help you get ready for your trip!
- Pack light. You don’t want to be lugging around too much stuff while abroad. If you think of something you need, you can always buy it there!
- Pack clothes that are versatile and easy to mix and match with other pieces in your wardrobe. That way, if you need something specific (like a swimsuit), you’ll be able to pick something up at your destination that will match what’s already in your luggage.
- Make sure that everything has tags on it; so it’s easy for customs officials to identify what belongs to whom!
- Pack an extra pair of shoes or two for walking around campus in case one gets wet or dirty—and make sure they’re comfortable enough for long walks around town!
- Keep food and water on hand. It’s always good to have a snack or two handles in case you get hungry while on the road. And don’t forget about water—you need it to stay hydrated!
- Make sure everything is charged up and ready for use. That includes cell phones (make sure they have international calling plans), laptops (bring an extra charger), tablets, and cameras. Anything that needs power will need it while you’re travelling.
- Bring along a first aid kit! You never know when something might happen that requires some quick medical attention, so be prepared for any situation with bandages and antiseptic wipes (and maybe even some antibiotics).
Conclusion
Studying abroad can be a rewarding experience if you make sure to be as prepared as possible.
Studying abroad is a significant step in developing yourself as a global citizen, but you ensure that you prepare for your destination country. It takes time and effort, so be sure you get the most out of your experience.
Also, try as much as possible to connect with your new peers. When abroad- don’t stick with those from your home country, which will most likely result in the same sort of culture shock from studying abroad anyway.
For parenting or schooling-related tips, click here to check out our latest blogs.
