Studying abroad can be pretty overwhelming especially when you have lived in your home country, surrounded by friends and family and in a comfort zone all your life. Having a migration expert guide you is very essential. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you embark on this transformational journey.
1. Choosing The Country
The journey to studying abroad begins with the right choice of the country where you want to study. A lot of factors have to be kept under consideration for the same. Firstly, decide whether you want to go abroad for studies and come back to your own country or you want to stay back, work and finally settle in the said country. Secondly, the field you are choosing must be valued all across the world and in the country of education as well, only then the efforts put in to study abroad is really worth.
Having relatives or friends in the country you choose can be an added advantage for you especially during the initial days.
2. Choosing The Right Course
Courses abroad have specifications within the curriculum that are very different from Indian higher education. Choose a course that suits your exact needs. Many universities have options where you can directly interact with faculty advisors of the university or have an online chat with the alumni, do look for such options and use them for your benefit.
3. Exploring Various Finance Options
Finance is a major part of your study abroad decision. Contact educational consultants who can help you explore various finance options such as student loans, mortgage loans, etc. There is also income/balance proof requirement that has to be produced at the time of visa application. For the same, FDs and bank balance of family members (blood relations only) can be helpful.
4. Preparing Well For IELTS/PTE/GRE Exams
In the process of managing so many things, aspirants often tend to forget how essential it is to score well in the exams which are especially meant for studying abroad. Many universities have conditions of minimum score to entertain aspirants. Prepare well for these exams, if needed, get coached under a tutor and try to score the best you can.
5. Applying To Universities
Choosing the right university depends on a lot of factors and it can be quite confusing as well. Keep in mind the following factors-:
- University Rankings
- Cultural programs at the university
- Alumni experiences
- Placements and corporate affiliations
- Fees and payment facilities
- Scholarship options
- Curriculum and infrastructure
Get in touch with a migration expert to help you choose a university that fits your exact needs.
6. Having All Essential Documents Ready Before Visa Applications
The process of applying for Study Abroad is cumbersome and painstaking with a long list of documents to be furnished for each University/College where you wish to apply for admission and most importantly to Foreign Embassies for Study Visas. Here’s an exhaustive checklist that might help you:
-Statement Of Purpose
-Letter(s) Of Recommendation
-Offer Letter/ Confirmation Of Enrollments Letter
– Academic Documents:
● 10th Grade Transcripts & Certificate
● 12th Grade Transcripts & Certificate
● Bachelor’s Transcripts & Degree (for Masters/PG Programs Only)
● Diploma Transcripts & Certificate (if available)
● Master’s Transcripts & Degree (if available)
● Other Diplomas/Certificates (if available)
– Work Experience Documents:
● Latest Joining Letter
● Latest Salary Slip
● Employment Certificates from all Previous Employers
– Financial Documents:
● Bank Statement
● Sanction Letter of Education Loan
● Proof of Investments
● Property Documents
● Income Tax Documents of the Self/Sponsors
● CA Reports
– Resume / CV
– Visa Forms
– Other Documents:
● Passport Size Photographs
● Passport
● IELTS/TOEFL Score Sheets
● GMAT/GRE Score Reports
● Visa Fee Receipt
● Scholarship letter (if applicable)
● Sponsor Letter
7. Flight Tickets, Accommodation Arrangements & Packing The Right Stuff
Once your visa is approved and you are ready to fly, make sure you book your flight tickets with lesser travel times and layovers and sufficient baggage allowance. Also ask an educational consultant to help you out for accommodation facilities and also use various trusted websites and resources for the same. For packing, make a checklist according to the weather and basic requirements according to the country you have chosen.
