What is study abroad? 13 Amazing Secrets you need to know

If it is in your intention to study abroad, then you really need to know what you are getting into.

At least, you need to know what study abroad is all about.

Of course, getting to study outside the shores of your country is a good thing, but how will you achieve that?

Are there challenges you’d face?

What are the things you should expect when you travel abroad for studies?

Alright, those are a lot of questions already, however, they are very important ones.

In this article, I will be providing answers to all of these questions.

Also, I will be sharing with you some amazing secrets about studying abroad that you need to know.

So, if you are ready for this, let’s dive right in.

What is study abroad?

To start off, let’s answer the big question… What is study abroad?

Study Abroad usually refers to an educational program that you take in a foreign country.

It could be in the form of undergraduate programs, masters or PhD.

You can even take short courses abroad and classify them as a study abroad program.

The duration of the program usually varies depending on what you want.

A study abroad program can take the duration of an entire semester or an academic year.

Of course, it can even take as long as is required for you to get a degree at a university only this time in, it is in another country.

While most study abroad programs may be classroom-based, there are some that are more of “hands-on” learning.

A perfect example of a hands-on learning program would be fieldwork in Anthropology or Environmental Studies.

what is study abroad program

It is the study program that is taken by an individual outside its country solely for the purpose of accessing better education and experiencing new culture of the host country.

This opportunity to pursue your college degree out the country allows the student to attend lectures as well carry out research in a foreign university. study abroad program can be the most beneficial program a college student can undertake.

What is abroad study tours & camps?

Just like the name implies study tours and camps abroad are wonderful opportunities to learn outside your country.

So, if you are not attending a long term program, then you can attend short-term “study tours” or camps.

Different camps emphasize things like sports, languages, science, international friendships, and service projects.

You find the subject that suits you and then apply for that.

Why should I study abroad?

Now that you know what study abroad means, are there good reasons why you should study abroad?

Well, to get an extensive answer to this question, you need to read this article to see all the reasons why you should study abroad.

But, while you are still here, here are a few convincing reasons why you should study abroad.

#1. Sometimes, it is cheaper to study abroad:

This is true, sometimes you get to pay lower tuition fees for a program outside your country.

In fact, there are countries that subsidise the cost of education to attract foreign students.

So, you can take advantage of this opportunity and study at a lesser cost.

To top it off, what is a study abroad program without scholarships?

These two are almost always together.

There are lots of scholarships available to those who wish to study abroad.

So, you see why it may be cheaper to follow this route.

#2. You get to make new international friends:

Being able to study abroad opens the opportunity for you to make friends overseas.

These friends can turn out to be valuable connections for you in the future.

So, make sure that you are making friends when studying abroad and don’t forget to keep communication alive after your program.

#3. Opportunity to learn a new language:

By studying abroad in a non-English speaking country, you will have the opportunity to learn their language.

Since most of the locals will like to speak the language to you at all times, you will be forced to learn and communicate with them effectively.

#4. It looks good on your CV:

A certificate from a foreign institution will definitely give your CV a face-lift.

To make it more enticing, employers are constantly looking for workers who have international experience.

That is because studying abroad helps you to learn new languages, appreciate other cultures.

Also, you get to overcome the challenges of living in another country and gain a greater understanding of the world.

These are all things that modern businesses look for when hiring, and such traits will only become more important in the future.

What are the amazing secrets you need to know before studying abroad?

Just before you go about submitting applications to study abroad, here are some secrets you need to know.

First, these secrets will help you to get admitted into your dream school.

Also, you’ll be able to prepare yourself for whatever experience you may encounter during your studies

#1. Prepare all necessary documents ahead:

Studying abroad involves a whole lot of paperwork.

By paperwork, I am referring to all the documents that you need to ensure that you have a successful journey to your new location.

The problem is that getting these documents ready is not an easy task.

As a result, you need to take your time and prepare well ahead.

You need to apply for your passport early enough so that it will be ready by the time you need it.

Also, apply for your visa, do your medical fitness test, get your school documents and sort them in a file.

Make sure you visit all necessary websites to get details of all the documents that you need.

#2. Do a health check and get medical insurance:

Don’t ignore this because it will be requested before you get to your destination country.

In fact, your medical fitness certificate and medical insurance certificate are among the most vital documents you need.

You can visit any certified local hospital to check yourself properly.

This exercise will help to confirm that you are fit to leave the country.

#3. Book your flight in advance:

Booking your flights ahead has a lot of benefits for you.

First, you get a cheaper flight when you book a ticket in advance.

If you attempt to book your flight at the last minute, you may pay heavily for that.

Secondly, booking your flights ahead helps you to prevent unnecessary disappointment.

Imagine logging onto the airline’s website only to find out that there is no scheduled flight to your destination on the day that you wish to travel.

Yeah! The feeling is bad.

Now, you know how to avoid that.

#4. Make sure your accommodation is secured:

Even before you think of booking your flight, you must be sure that you have secured accommodation for yourself at your destination.

In case you are not aware, you are travelling to a new location.

You probably may not have uncles, aunties, brothers or sisters over there.

So, if you don’t secure accommodation prior to travelling, you may sleep in the streets or pay heavily to sleep in a hotel.

#5. Contact your guide before you travel:

Some students like to throw surprises.

However, travelling abroad for studies is not the same as a surprise visit to your grandma.

You must know the person that you are going to meet as soon as you arrive at your destination.

Since you are new, the guide is will help you to find your way around the environment.

If possible, request a video call with the person so that you can save the person’s image in your memory.

That way, you can easily recognize the guide when you meet in person.

#6. You may not be allowed to work:

What is your reason for travelling abroad? To study, I right?

Great!

Since you are in the country to study, some country policies restrict employers from offering you a job.

So, for you to work while you do your studies, you need to get a work permit.

Talk to your guide to help you with the process.

#7. Currency exchange rate may fluctuate:

It is true that studying abroad may be a cheaper alternative.

But sometimes, this comes with a cost.

The cost may be in the form of fluctuating exchange rates that may reduce the value of your money.

That is partly because some of the cheapest countries to visit for studies also have the most unstable currencies.

#8. Be ready for culture shock:

If you are going to study abroad, then you must be ready to unlearn, learn and relearn new things.

And that includes learning a new culture.

Some practices in your country of study may differ from what you are used to in your home country.

So, when you see a behaviour or a practice that is different from yours, just set your prejudices aside.

Learn the culture and adapt to the system.

It’s all part of the experience.

#9. Things are going to be hard for you:

This is just a warning so that you can prepare yourself mentally.

Know that studying abroad is going to be hard.

And it may be worse if you find yourself in a country where English is not their official language.

Also, the fact that you don’t have anyone from home whom you may confide in can be a challenge.

But it’s all going to be a matter of time.

You will learn and adapt to the system.

Most countries treat foreigners very nicely.

So, I believe you will get the same nice treatment as well.

#10. Stay in sync with the latest news:

This one is for your own safety.

Make sure that you are in sync with all the latest news emerging from your destination country.

You need to know whether your study abroad country’s economy is falling apart or if they’re experiencing major political upheavals.

Another thing you need to be aware of is if they’re in the middle of a health crisis or something worse.

All of this news should not cause you to panic, rather it should help you to adjust your study abroad plans and stay sharp.

Worst case scenario, the country closes its borders and your study abroad trip gets suspended.

In such a situation, your student travel insurance will protect you.

Conclusion

Now that you know what study abroad is all about and the secrets that you need to know, I believe that you are now ready to begin your application.

Please, share this article with a friend or loved one to help them to better prepare for what they’ll encounter if they choose to study abroad.

References:

World Study Portal