Top 21 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On Study Abroad

For everyone, studying abroad is a life-changing experience. Many studies have shown that students who study abroad perform better academically and have lower attrition rates than those who do not. If you need help figuring out where to begin, quickly go through the frequently asked questions (FAQs) on studying abroad to find out all you need to know about this beautiful venture.

Frequently Asked Questions On Study Abroad | All You Need To Know

Here’s a rundown of the most asked questions about studying abroad and precise answers to each.

What Is Study Abroad?

‘Study abroad’ is simply an opportunity to pursue education in a foreign country.

Why Should I Study Abroad?

There are numerous reasons why study abroad programs are becoming increasingly popular. The appeal for most international students is likely a combination of obtaining a high-quality education, immersing themselves in a new culture (and often a second language), developing a global mindset, and expanding future employment opportunities.

What Are The Benefits Of Studying Abroad?

Here are a few reasons why you should consider studying abroad:

1. Gain a global perspective

Studying abroad exposes you to a brand new country, customs, and reality. According to a survey of study-abroad alumni conducted by the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES), 95% of 3400 respondents stated studying abroad significantly impacts their worldview.

In a survey of study abroad alumni conducted by the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) of over 3,400 respondents, 95% stated that studying abroad had a lasting impact on their worldview. According to iie.org, studying abroad is one of the best ways to acquire global skills and access personal and professional opportunities.

2. Experience a new culture

Many students who study abroad are leaving their home country for the first time. They are fascinated by the different cultural perspectives when they arrive in their new host country. When you study abroad, you will discover amazing new foods, customs, traditions, and social environments.

You will gain a better understanding and appreciation for the people and history of the country. You will be able to witness a completely new way of life.

3. It helps in personal growth and development

Every new experience can be a challenge and an adventure when you’re studying abroad! You will be better prepared to face future challenges by taking a risk and leaving your home. Stepping outside your comfort zone will help you develop problem-solving skills and discover your ability to deal with the unexpected.

Studying abroad is a transformative experience that promotes both personal and intellectual growth.

4. Access to quality education

International students should always aim to get the best education possible, regardless of where they plan to study. Being an international student can help you broaden your study horizons and learn from some of the world’s best teachers. For example, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia are home to a sizable proportion of the world’s top universities.

5. Increased career opportunities

When you complete your study abroad program and return home, you will have a new perspective on culture, language skills, a great education, and a desire to learn. All of these are very appealing to potential employers. Studying abroad helps students to gain global competency skills needed to succeed in the global marketplace.

6. You will meet people from different backgrounds

Exposure to a variety of people will not only help you develop your people skills, but it will also provide you with a more in-depth understanding of others, particularly those from different cultures.

7. Learn a new language

Another significant advantage of studying abroad is the opportunity to learn a new language. Most people find this difficult, but there is nothing better than keeping your brain sharp and active by learning a new language. France, Germany, Switzerland, and other countries have some of the world’s best universities. You can push yourself even further by learning a new language while abroad.

8. It gives you a sense of independence

Moving away from where you grew up is when you become truly independent from your family, no matter where you go. This is especially true when traveling to a foreign country. Being self-sufficient is a challenge in and of itself, but it will shape you into an adult ready to face the world and succeed later in life.

How Long Does It Take To Study Abroad?

However, how long it takes to study abroad depends on the individual’s needs and the institution’s requirements. A full year of study abroad may be the perfect experience for one student while a summer abroad may be the ideal opportunity for another.

Consider the following factors when determining the ideal duration for a study abroad program:

Academics: Does a particular program provide courses you want (or need) to take?
Costs: How much money can you spend on an international program? What are funding options (such as financial aid and scholarships) available for various programs?
Overall impression: Do you want to put language and cultural immersion first? Are you looking for additional travel opportunities? What about other options, such as international internships?

What Are The Types Of Study Abroad Programs?

There are four common types of study abroad programs:

1. Semester programs

This is the most common program type for students who want to study abroad for one or two semesters during the academic year. There are three options: fall, spring, or the entire academic year.

2. Summer programs

These programs are typically held during the summer and can last anywhere from a few weeks to two months (program length is dependent on each program).

3. High school programs

These programs are designed specifically for high school students in grades 9-12 and are typically held during summer.

4. Intersession programs

Intersession programs are designed to make the most of your undergraduate education and take place during short-term breaks from the regular academic semester, typically over winter and spring breaks.

What Skills Do I Need To Study Abroad?

Students who have the necessary skills for studying abroad are better prepared for these challenges and will be able to adjust more easily when life becomes complex or unexpected circumstances arise. Here are a few skills you need to study abroad:

Networking
Communication
Language skills
Time management
Problem-solving skills
Teamwork skills
Decision-making skills

How Much Does It Cost To Study Abroad?

According to research by the International Institute of Education, the all-encompassing average cost of studying abroad in a foreign country hovers around $18,000 per semester or $36,000 per full academic year. Other indicators make better use of range; for example, studying abroad in the United Kingdom typically costs between $8,000 and $21,000.

Are There Disadvantages Of Studying Abroad?

Yes, there are several disadvantages to studying abroad. Some of the potential downsides include the following:

1. Financial burden

Studying abroad can be expensive and may require students to take on additional debt or find additional sources of funding. When studying abroad, travel expenses, tuition, room and board, books and supplies, utilities, local transportation, and the overall cost of living can quickly add up. According to the International Institute of Education, the average cost of studying abroad is around $18,000 per semester. Your expenses will vary greatly depending on your chosen destination, university, and study abroad organization (as well as whether you have a part-time job, scholarships, or financial aid).

2. Homesickness

Being away from friends and family for an extended period can lead to homesickness and isolation. Even if you have moved across the country or to another state, studying away from home can take time and effort. Consider how much more difficult it may be to study in a location far from home and in a country that is very different from what you are used to. Going home for the holidays or the weekend will be more difficult when you’re halfway around the world. But don’t worry about being homesick; it will pass.

3. Cultural differences

Adjusting to a new culture and way of life can be challenging and may lead to feelings of culture shock. You may also be startled by the abrupt shift in culture. Food and religious practices, transportation systems, and clothing styles may differ from those in your home country.

If you are not prepared to deal with the culture shock, it will likely lead to shock and frustration, which eventually causes stress.

4. Language barriers

If the host country speaks a different language, it can be difficult for students to communicate with locals and fully immerse themselves in the culture. Communication is one of the most difficult challenges for most students studying abroad. It’s not just problems between friends; sometimes, students may need help understanding what lecturers say despite their best efforts.

In a survey of international students in the United Kingdom, 50% reported difficulty meeting the required level of English to follow their courses. Meanwhile, 43% said language barriers impacted their overall education and grades, and 30% had to switch from their main courses to English language courses. Cultural barriers also had a negative impact on student’s academic and language development.

5. Academic challenges

Coursework and grading may differ from what students are used to, and students may find adjusting to a new academic system difficult. Additionally, most study abroad programs are short-term, and students may need more time to explore and experience the host country fully.

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What should I consider when choosing what and where to study?

Before deciding to study abroad, here are a few things you need to consider:

Begin by considering your academic interests and career goals when deciding what and where to study.
Spend some time researching specific courses, subjects, and internship or work placement opportunities.
Examine the campus location, rankings, the amount of time you want to spend away from home, and the total cost of studying and living in another country.
Consider your preferred lifestyle: Do you prefer a cosmopolitan city or a quiet country town? Would you rather live in a city with other students of your nationality?
Do you prefer to be near the beach, the forest, or the desert? Would you like to live on campus?
If you want to stay in the country to work after finishing your studies, you should learn about the current migration policies and keep in mind that these policies can change at any time.

Will studying abroad help me secure a good job?

Yes. Most employers will benefit hugely from your experience of studying, living, and socializing overseas. Studying abroad gives you an opportunity to develop a wealth of new skills, perspectives, and stronger English language skills and seek work experience from the sort of employers you’d like to work for.

Will my overseas qualification be accepted in my country?

Employers and professional registration bodies will require different skills and qualifications in different countries. If you want to pursue a career with strict entry requirements, such as medicine, engineering, accounting, or teaching, do some research and seek advice from the relevant registration bodies in your home country.

Do I need an education agent to study abroad?

It is not mandatory for students to apply through education agents to study at overseas universities; they can submit their admission applications on their own.

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How long does it take to apply to study abroad?

How long it will take you to apply to study abroad is solely dependent on you and your choice of institution. However, we advise you to begin your application process at least a year in advance to give enough time for your applications to be processed and to prepare for your time overseas.

Please note that the academic year begins at different times in different countries. Semester dates tend to run as follows:

USA

Fall Term: from August to December

Spring Term: from January to April

Summer Term: from May to August

The above dates are a guide only. You should always check the exact dates with the university or college you are applying to.

Australia

Semester 1: starts late February/early March to late May/early June

Semester 2: starts late July/early August through to November.

New Zealand

Semester 1: from February to June

Semester 2: from July to November

UK

Term 1: from September to December

Term 2: from January to April

Term 3: from April to June

What documentation should I submit with my application?

You may be asked to provide some supporting documentation as part of your application. Again, requirements vary by country and university, but international students are frequently asked to provide the following:

A statement of purpose
Passport photos for identification
Academic references/ letters of recommendation
Admissions test results (e.g. GMAT/GRE results, for graduate programs)
CV/résumé
Certificate and transcripts of your secondary education
Proof of English-language proficiency (e.g. a TOEFL/IELTS certificate, for schools in English-speaking countries), or other language tests

Can I work and study at the same time?

Yes, you can. Working while studying can help supplement your learning and living experience. Before you start doing any paid work, make sure your visa allows it. The ability of students to work part-time while studying varies from country to country.

Many universities have a dedicated job center on campus for students, where job opportunities are advertised to help students develop skills. A useful source of information is also the university’s career service.

Do I Need IELTS or TOEFL To Study Abroad?

No, studying abroad with IELTS or TOEFL is not mandatory. However, studying abroad in an English-speaking country comes with a long list of requirements, and which English proficiency test is one of them.

You can read our article on TOEFL vs IELTS: Which One Should I Take?

What if I can’t afford to study overseas?

Yes. There are various sources of funding for international students to study abroad; here are a few:

Apply for a scholarship
Apply for a student loan
Apply for study grants
Use a crowdfunding platform or
Go for low-budget programs

Do I need to apply for a student visa to study abroad?

Yes, you need a student visa to study abroad. You can start this process as soon as you get your admission letter showing the proof of your resumption at a later date.

Can I study abroad without taking the SAT or ACT?

Yes, it is possible to study abroad without taking the SAT or ACT. However, it is strongly advised that international students take the SAT or ACT. Colleges will always prefer students with a score over students without one. The score will assist the college in evaluating the student and distinguishing them from the other candidates.

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What are the entry requirements needed to study abroad?

Entry requirements differ greatly between universities and countries, so double-check the information provided by your prospective university before submitting anything.

In general, if you’re applying for an undergraduate degree, you’ll be required to demonstrate that you completed your secondary education to a standard that corresponds to the required grades (e.g., your GPA, A-level grades, or equivalent) for the program you’re applying to. If you have an international qualification and are unsure whether it will be accepted, you should contact the university’s admissions department.

Non-native English speakers who wish to study in English-speaking countries will almost certainly be required to demonstrate their English-language proficiency by taking an English-language test such as the TOEFL or IELTS. For other languages, students may be required to take similar tests. Refer to question eight for more information on language tests.

After receiving my letter of acceptance, what do I do next?

Congratulations, you’ve been accepted! All that remains is to prepare for your studies, pack your life into a single (large) suitcase, organize your travel documents, apply for your student visa, research your housing options, and look for funding… Don’t worry, it will all be worth it!

Can I get financial assistance to study abroad?

Although many international students may struggle to obtain a student loan to fund their studies, there are numerous funding options available to make studying abroad more affordable, such as scholarships, fellowships, studentships, sponsorships, grants, and bursaries.

Your chosen university may be the best source of funding information for you, so scour the school’s website for guidance or contact the school directly. This is also where you can find information about study abroad scholarships offered by the university and other external organizations, as well as details about eligibility and how to apply.

Which country is a top destination for international students?

The United States was the top host destination for international students worldwide. According to data on Statista, over one million students were enrolled in higher education in the US in 2020. Furthermore, about half a million international students enrolled in the United Kingdom and Canadian higher education.

Conclusion

Now that you have answers to all the possible questions about studying abroad, what is stopping you from taking that bold step? I guess nothing. Cheers on your journey to the foreign land.

References

simplilearn.com – Top 10 Reasons You Should Study Abroad
idp.com – Study Abroad FAQs – We Answer All Your Questions!
iie.org – Why Study Abroad
topuniversities.com – How to Study Abroad: Frequently Asked Questions
internationalstudent.com – 10 Benefits to Studying Abroad