Many students and working professionals are opting to study abroad these days—and for good reason! An international education can be an enriching experience that enhances your knowledge and helps shape your personality. If you're interested in studying abroad but don't know where to begin, don't worry; this guide will walk you through the steps to achieve your international education dreams.
If you want to apply for an international education program, you must apply for a passport before you do anything else. You would be required to submit some documents such as your birth certificate, proof of address, photographic identity proof, etc. You must then schedule an appointment with your regional passport office and complete the application process.
Now that your passport is sorted, it's time to focus on the course you want to pursue. Speak with seniors and family members, and conduct some online research. You're already aware of your interests; now it's just a matter of finding a course that aligns with them.
Once you've decided on the course you want to pursue, you must try and figure out which universities offer it. If you have already decided on a country you want to go to, you should specifically look for universities in that country offering the course of your choice.
After deciding on the university, take a look at the application process. This includes everything from semester patterns to intake capacity. But most importantly, get acquainted with the admission process. You may have to take entrance exams, and based on your score, your application will be processed further.
Tip: When shortlisting universities, check if they conduct any exams and consider past cut-off marks so you can evaluate your chances.
Regarding tuition fees, many universities offer scholarships that partly (or, in some cases, entirely) take care of the financial outgoing. Other than this, you will need money for daily expenses. You need to assess if you can manage by yourself. Check if you can wangle an internship. Or talk to your parents and see if they can help you with a loan.
Most universities offer students accommodation on campus. Alternatively, a group of students from a country planning to go to the same university can rent a place together (for shared accommodation). Join social media groups and pages that discuss such arrangements.
If you're going to a country that doesn't use English as the first language, you might want to try learning the local language. This may not be an academic requirement, but learning the local language will help you adapt to the new country better. If you already know the basics, you should start brushing up.
No one is ever fully prepared to adapt to a new lifestyle and culture, especially at such short notice. It can be daunting. To calm your nerves, review this checklist and ensure you've given your best shot at preparing for your stay abroad.
Additionally, you should apply for HDFC Bank ISIC Student ForexPlus Card to keep finance-related worries at bay. This card is designed keeping in mind the needs of Indian students who are looking to study abroad. The ISIC Student ForexPlus Card is safe, easy to use, offers attractive discounts, and can be reloaded anywhere. If you need more information about the benefits of the ISIC Students ForexPlus Card, click here.
Apply for one today so you can head abroad without worrying about funds.
You can apply for an HDFC Bank ISIC ForexPlus Card here.