Guide to Studying Abroad:- You want to see the world and gain a new perspective, but you also need to keep your GPA up. What do you do? Study abroad! Studying abroad is an excellent opportunity for you to take your education to the next level while broadening your worldview at the same time.
You’ll get the best of both worlds with a study abroad program that combines self-guided independent learning with structured classes led by local instructors.
If you’re ready to take your education to a whole new level, read on to discover everything you need to know about studying abroad.
Guide to Studying Abroad
1) What is studying abroad
Studying abroad is when a student travels to another country to attend a university or language school and lives there for an extended period of time.
Students who study abroad are typically enrolled in degree-granting programs, either during their junior year or after graduating from high school.
Students can also choose to study abroad for non-degree programs, such as a language course or cultural exchange program.
A study abroad program can be short-term or long-term, during the school year or summer, in-person or virtual, fully funded or self-financed.
Most programs are affiliated with a university or language school near the host city. Studying abroad can be an enriching and rewarding experience, but it also comes with challenges that may not be present in a domestic setting.
2) Pros of studying abroad
Studying abroad has tons of benefits that make it worth the extra effort and expense. Here are a few of the major pros of studying abroad:
You’ll grow as a person: Studying abroad will test your character and help you grow as a person. You’ll be thrown into a new culture and have to adjust your lifestyle and expectations.
This can be both frustrating and rewarding as you figure out how to navigate a new place while maintaining your roots.
You’ll gain global perspective: By studying abroad, you have the unique opportunity to learn about new cultures and perspectives, both inside the classroom and out. From tasting new types of food to interacting with locals to traveling to nearby cities and countries,
you’ll learn so much just by living abroad. – You’ll become a more well-rounded student: As a student studying abroad, you’ll be forced to grapple with new concepts, subjects, and perspectives that go beyond your normal coursework.
This gives you the opportunity to apply what you’re studying to a new context and opens up new career opportunities. – You’ll improve your language skills:
If you’re studying abroad in a foreign language, you’ll have the chance to improve your language skills.
This is the perfect opportunity for you to practice what you’ve learned in the classroom and apply it to a new, dynamic environment.
3) Cons of studying abroad
While studying abroad has tons of benefits, it also comes with some challenges that may not be present in a domestic setting. Here are a few of the major cons of studying abroad:
You might feel homesick: While you’ll be surrounded by new people and experiences, you might miss some of the comforts of home,
like a certain food or your friends and family. This is a normal part of studying abroad and something that you’ll need to learn to deal with.
You might have to adjust your academic expectations: Some degree programs are less rigorous than others,
so you might need to adjust your expectations as far as what you’ll learn and how you’ll learn it. You may need to take more responsibility for your own learning and push yourself to succeed.
You might have to take out a loan: Study abroad programs are expensive — about $10,000 for every month abroad — and most financial aid does not cover study abroad programs. This means you may have to take out a loan to pay for your studies abroad.
4) How to choose a program
Choosing a study abroad program is an important step in your journey abroad. You want to make sure you find a program that provides a valuable experience and meets your goals and needs as a student.
Here are some tips for choosing a program: – Make a list of your goals: What are you hoping to get out of studying abroad?
Do you want to improve your language skills, study a specific subject, or gain a new perspective on life? Make a list of everything you hope to accomplish while abroad.
Set up campus visits and talk to alumni: Seek out nearby schools that offer study abroad programs and set up campus visits.
This is the best way to see what life is really like studying abroad. Talk to alumni and current students who have studied abroad and learn about their experiences and advice.
Evaluate program eligibility: You can use a program eligibility tool or spreadsheet to track your different options and compare them based on important factors like cost, location, language, and academic level.
5) How to prepare for studying abroad
Before you leave for studying abroad, you’ll want to make sure you’re fully prepared for all of the challenges and opportunities that await you.
Here are some tips for preparing for studying abroad: – Build a support system: Most people assume that studying abroad will be a solo journey,
but you’ll want to build a strong support system at home before you head out. This can include friends, family, and mentors who can offer advice and support if you need it.
Be prepared for culture shock: The experience of culture shock is very real and can happen to anyone, regardless of how much experience you have.
Culture shock is when you experience feelings of confusion, anxiety, and unease when transitioning to a new environment.
It happens to almost everyone who travels abroad and is a normal part of the process. – Start saving money:
You’ll want to start saving as early as possible so you’re prepared for any potential expenses while abroad.
Many students choose to take out loans to cover the cost of their program, but you can also get a scholarship if you’re eligible.
6) 3 Steps to successfully studying abroad
When you’re about to embark on a journey like studying abroad, it’s important to prepare for the best experience possible.
Here are a few tips to help you successfully study abroad: – Research the program: Research the program to make sure it’s the right fit for you. You can use the tips above to help you find a program that’s right for you.
Stay healthy: While you’re abroad, you’ll be in a new environment that may present new health challenges. Make sure you’re prepared for anything. Bring a first aid kit with essentials like Band-Aids, Benadryl, and Pepto Bismol.
There’s also a Traveler’s Health mobile app you can use to help you stay healthy while abroad. – Stay safe: While you’re abroad,
you’re in a different environment and culture. Make sure you’re taking the proper precautions to stay safe. Stay informed about current events in the country you’re visiting. Follow the U.S. State Department’s travel alerts and travel warnings for the country you’re visiting.
Also Refer :- Guide to Studying Abroad
Conclusion
Studying abroad is a life-changing experience that can benefit you both personally and academically. It’s an excellent way to grow as a person and gain a new perspective on life.
However, studying abroad also comes with its fair share of challenges. You might feel homesick, have to adjust your academic expectations, and take out a loan to cover the cost of the program. Thankfully, these challenges can be overcome by staying prepared and making sure you’re ready for anything that comes your way.
If you’re ready to take your education to a whole new level, read on to discover everything you need to know about studying abroad.
