Dreaming to study abroad is the first step to a student’s global education goals. What goes along is the planning and preparation, mindful training, and an ability to cater to the challenges and complexities that can stand as stumbling rocks in their study abroad journey.
In a one-to-one with Forbes India Staff, Anubhuti Matta, educational consultants endeavored to guide the aspirants on how they can apply for their dream universities, and key points to know and consider before they go aboard their journey.
Here is Learner Aid’s take on the same-
- Choosing a destination-
Keep alumni success and international recognition of the course in mind before locking in on a university.
- Understanding visa processes-
Students must convey their educational goals, the rationale for selecting a particular university, and how the chosen course aligns with their career ambitions. Exhibiting financial stability by presenting detailed bank records, and proof of funding such as loan approvals or scholarship endorsements to demonstrate the student’s capability to support their education and stay is helpful. Visa officials also assess students’ ties to their home country to gauge their likelihood of returning post-study. Present compelling evidence of your connections at home, robust financial planning, and sincerity in your educational pursuit, often demonstrated through a well-crafted statement of purpose or during an interview.
- Cultural differences-
Utilise university resources like international student offices, cultural orientation sessions, and language support services. Orientation week serves as an introduction to the academic and social landscape, offering newcomers a chance to familiarise themselves with campus facilities, meet peers, and understand university life.
- Legal and Documentation Requirements-
Organise and verify all necessary legal documents, including academic records, identification, and travel documents. Ensure compliance with all residency and academic regulations to maintain your student status. Proactively manage visa status to ensure uninterrupted legal residency, aligning with each nation’s distinct regulations and application timelines for visa extensions or modifications.
- Employment opportunities and internships-
This is the most important factor for any student.
International students often have the opportunity to work part-time during their studies, typically limited to 20 hours per week during term time, with the possibility of full-time employment during holidays, subject to visa regulations. In the US, students on an F1 visa can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work in their field of study for up to 12 months after graduation, with extensions available for certain STEM fields. The UK offers a two-year post-study work visa under the Graduate Route, allowing students to seek employment or work experience after completing their studies. Australia’s post-study work visa allows graduates from Australian universities to work for 2-4 years, depending on their qualification level. In Canada, the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) allows students who have completed a programme at a Canadian post-secondary institution to obtain an open work permit and gain valuable Canadian work experience. France offers a post-study work visa that permits non-EU students to stay and work for a year after graduation to seek employment related to their field of study. Other important points:
A. Current affairs and geopolitics:
Changes in political leadership can alter immigration policies, affecting crucial aspects such as student visas, residency options, and stay-back provisions. Recent events, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, highlight how political tensions can disrupt the lives of international students, leading to displacement and uncertainty. Therefore, students must stay informed about global politics and international developments.
B. International student population:
Living and studying in a country with a different academic environment, language, and culture is challenging. Large numbers of international students indicate a more diverse student body. Approximately 10.5 lakh international students are studying in the US, 10.4 lakh in Canada, and 6.7 lakh in the UK.
There are more factors affecting and having a great impact on a student’s journey of studying abroad. What challenges they might face, how shall they deal with them, and how to familiarise themselves with the health care and student safety services?
There are multiple ways to cater to such situations and be ready in advance. To have a comprehensive understanding, read the full article here.
