Selecting a Country for Studying Abroad

While planning which country to study in is an amazing experience. It is easy for images of living in a foreign country, visiting famous landmarks and studying in historic or exotic locals to overshadow more practical considerations such as the cost of living, quality of education and visa requirements. Most students will probably have an idea of what countries they would like to study abroad in but may not have thought through all the issues that should be considered at when making this decision. This article discusses topics that students should consider when choosing a country in which to study abroad.

Visa Requirements

In some places, obtaining a visa can be arduous and time-consuming.

Most countries require that international students obtain a visa which is usually specific to students and typically defines a maximum amount of time the student may stay. Some countries have a separate visa for short-term students and for those studying in the country for more than a year. Visa requirements vary by country and in some places, the process can be arduous and time-consuming. Some typical requirements are discussed below:

 Fluency of language – Some countries including Australia, Canada UK require students prove English fluency by obtaining a minimum score on a English language test. Some schools set language requirements as an admissions requirement. Most students can take foreign language exams in their home country to prove language proficiency.

Medical Insurance – Required almost all countries in the world to have proof of medical insurance and proof that the insurance is valid in that country. Some countries offer students the option of buying health insurance within the country.

Financial Resources - proof of student has the financial resources required to study and live in that country. Documents required may include a bank financial statement etc

Residency requirements – Residency requirements for students who want to enroll as a full-degree student are rare but in some countries, students who want to study as a full-degree undergraduate student need to reside in the country for several years before they can enroll. In other countries, international students are limited to short-term studies.

  

Cultural Differences

Someone who finds it difficult to acclimate should choose a similar culture to their own.

Individuals assimilate to other cultures with differing amounts of ease – some are very flexible while others find it very stressful. Being cognizant of one's own level of comfort in new situations will help students choose a country that suits their personality. For instance, someone who finds it difficult to acclimate should choose a culture similar to their own while someone else may get the most out of their experience by choosing a country where the culture is completely opposite from their own. 

For further information about higher education in individual countries, visit Future Concern Associates (Pvt) Ltd 

Overview of World Regions for Studying Abroad

A very simple thing that Pakistani students have to consider when deciding where to study abroad. With locations in America, Europe, Canada, Australia becoming more open to international students, the options are more varied than ever. Understanding higher education in various regions of the world will help Pakistani students narrow down their choices. This effort may be most helpful for Pakistani students considering direct admissions to higher education institutions in the regions that are the most commonly chosen by study abroad students. 

Europe

With its well-respected history of higher education, Western Europe has remained the most popular region.

A bonus for EU students is that the Bologna Agreement of 1999 standardized degrees so that all degrees are comparable among the signatory countries, making it easier to attend graduate school and find jobs after graduation.

Home to centuries-old universities and a long, well-respected history of higher education, Europe has remained the most popular region for students to pursue international studies. Well over a million students from around the world leave home to study in a European country each year. Many of these students are European Union residents who can now enroll in any other EU country's university and pay local tuition rates.

Each country has its own admissions policies and within each country, institutions often have their own admissions policies as well. Students typically need to prove their fluency in the foreign language that classes are taught in and are typically required to possess health insurance.

Admission to the highest ranking universities in Western Europe can be very intense as they are some of the best in the world. In some cases, students will need to have completed some higher education before being admitted. Quotas that limit the number of non-EU international students that can study in a country exist in a number of countries.

America & CANADA

America is a very popular region for study-abroad students given its reputation for high quality universities and colleges. The United States hosts over 500,000 foreign students a year while Canada hosts over 100,000 students annually. Admissions to American universities are run by each institution individually but they almost universally require submission of results from some tests. Fluency in English is required except in some Canadian schools where fluency in French is needed instead.

Tuition in the United States is among the highest in the world so international students who study independently in the US need to take this into consideration.

Australasia

Australia and New Zealand offer high-quality education and a familiar culture.

Australia and New Zealand are appealing locations for English speakers to study abroad, offering high-quality education and a familiar culture for United States  and United Kingdom students. In recent years, about more than 18 percent of higher education students in Australia were from abroad - the highest percentage in the world. Since these countries are in the Southern Hemisphere, their school year runs from late January through early December. Students from the Northern Hemisphere need to plan carefully when scheduling a short-term study abroad experience into their regular school schedule. Tuition for international students is only slightly lower than what they may pay at a school in the US. 

For further information about higher education in individual countries, visit Future Concern Associates (Pvt) Ltd