Embarking on a new journey can be a mix of emotions—daunting, thrilling, and a little scary all at once. Moving from your hometown to a new city is already a challenge, but taking it a step further and moving to a different country adds an extra level of complexity. Planning to study abroad involves thorough preparation and a series of steps before settling down in your dream destination. 

From applying for college entrance exams like the SAT and GMAT to navigating the student visa process, it can feel like a daunting task. Throughout this journey to your college dreams, you likely have many questions. 

How do you begin planning to study abroad? From Documents, scholarships, packing, everything seems confusing. 

In this article, we aim to provide answers and guidance to help you easily navigate these questions.

Let’s start with the top destinations that offer the best study abroad experiences and are the top choices of Indian Students. 

Top Destinations to study abroad

1. Canada

Canada offers breathtaking natural landscapes and is known for its diverse terrain. As a bilingual country where both French and English are widely spoken, it provides an ideal environment for language learning. With exceptional educational standards from elementary to post-secondary levels, Canada is a top choice for education.

It is home to 11 universities among the world’s top 250, ensuring high-quality instruction. Moreover, Canada has the lowest university tuition fees among English-speaking countries. According to labor force survey data, graduates also benefit from ample job opportunities, with approximately 1.8 million jobs created in the past decade.

2. Germany

Germany is renowned in Europe for its quality education. Universities offer English-taught programs across various disciplines, including Science, Business, Arts, and more. Tuition fees are minimal, reducing the financial burden on students. Working part-time while studying is allowed, and post-graduation, there are job opportunities through the Post Study Work Visa.

3. Australia

Australia’s education system is highly regarded and increasingly popular among international students seeking a high standard of living. The country’s universities enjoy global recognition and hold an impressive reputation in the job market. 

Students studying in Australia have the opportunity to work part-time, up to 20 hours per week, which helps them cover living expenses and gain valuable experience in their field of study. 

The country emphasises technical programs aligned with industry standards, particularly science, and innovation. Moreover, Australia offers comparatively lower tuition fees and living expenses compared to the USA and the UK.

4. The United Kingdom (UK)

The UK is renowned for its prestigious universities, ranking highly for high-quality teaching. With a world-class education system, it offers research-oriented careers and global recognition. Oxford and Cambridge Universities are renowned for academic excellence. 

Post-study work opportunities are available for international students. The UK also houses multinational corporations such as Unilever, GlaxoSmithKline, Reckitt Benckiser, and HSBC.

5. France

France, known for tourism, offers a diverse education system. Universities focus on research and innovation, providing excellent opportunities in R&D. With affordable tuition fees, courses align with market needs for prospective jobs. 

Popular fields include Science, Technology, Social Sciences, Media Studies, Design, and Arts. France is home to major international organisations like L’Oréal, Airbus, Orange, and Total.

6. The United States of America (USA)

Attending high-quality schools in the USA exposes you to diverse college campuses where domestic and international students from various backgrounds converge. 

The country boasts top-ranked universities offering a wide array of courses, including Engineering, Law, Medicine, Social Sciences, and Arts. With its rich cultural diversity, the USA warmly welcomes immigrants from around the world.

Application procedure for studying abroad after 12th

To ensure a smooth application process for studying abroad after completing your 12th grade, follow these steps:

1. Determine your desired study destination.
2. Verify the validity of your passport.
3. Choose the college and program you wish to pursue.
4. Visit the university’s website to review the admission criteria.
5. Prepare for and successfully pass any required tests.
6. Complete the application form by paying the required fees.
7. Submit all necessary documents before the application deadline.
8. Explore and apply for any available scholarships.
9. Once accepted, make financial arrangements and apply for a student visa.
10. Begin planning for your journey to study abroad.

To ensure you pack the right essentials, follow these steps:

• Choose a versatile and spacious bag: Opt for a four-wheel 360-degree rotating bag to ease the weight on your hands and accommodate all your essentials within the allowed weight limit.

• Organise a checklist: Create a comprehensive checklist of essentials, including important documents, stored on a pen drive or in cloud storage. Arrange airport transfers, book temporary accommodation, and ensure you know about luggage weight restrictions and prohibited items.

• Understand checked-in and carry-on luggage: Differentiate between checked-in and carry-on luggage to pack accordingly. Familiarise yourself with baggage restrictions to avoid any issues during travel.

• Use luggage tags: Attach a luggage tag to identify your baggage and avoid confusion with others easily.

• Secure essential documents: Upload photos of all your important documents and keep them safe.

• Prioritise essentials: Find a suitable place to organise and accommodate all your essentials before packing. Tick off items from your checklist as you match and pack them.

Unveiling Essential Tips for an Unforgettable Study Abroad Experience

Here are ten helpful tips for international students to succeed in their study abroad journey.

1. Be prepared before you leave.

To avoid potential problems:

• Ensure you have all your documents with you.
• Consult your advisor or a former student abroad to understand early-stage expectations.
• Consider important factors such as health insurance, financial planning, housing accommodations, weather, and airport transfers.

2. Try to learn the language before you leave.

Prior to your departure, it is advisable to begin learning the language of your study abroad destination. Immersing yourself in the local language is one of the advantages of studying abroad, as it allows for the practical application of what you learn in class. 

The language will surround you whether you’re in school or out and about, such as at the grocery store or meeting new people. However, it can be beneficial to familiarise yourself with a few words and phrases before you leave. 

Despite their higher price, consider picking up a compact guidebook at the airport, as they contain valuable and practical phrases.

3. Do your research

To ensure that you are selecting courses aligned with your academic program, it is essential to research study abroad programs that closely match your degree requirements. 

Besides that, take the time to delve into the specific regions where you intend to study overseas, as each location offers distinct experiences and numerous thrilling prospects.

4. Explore the culture

In order to thrive during their study abroad experience, students should proactively immerse themselves in the culture they will soon be embracing. Before boarding the plane, it is recommended to explore resources such as books, movies, cuisine, and music that can inspire and familiarise them with the adopted culture. 

Conducting research on influential writers, singers, athletes, and actors and staying informed about current events will contribute to establishing a sense of connection with the new environment and enable meaningful conversations on a few specific topics.

5. Start saving as early as possible.

To prepare for the expenses of studying abroad, it is advisable to begin saving once you have determined the timing and location of your program. Despite having scholarships and a grant to assist with the costs, it is essential to budget expenses such as accommodation, food, and travel within Europe. 

College students can employ various effective methods to save money for studying abroad, including babysitting, tutoring, on-campus jobs, internships, working in restaurants or bars, and selling personal belongings. 

Calculate the monthly amount required for your study abroad experience and strive to save that specific sum during the months preceding your departure.

6. Keep a Budget 

It’s essential to be mindful of your budget during the early stages of your trip to avoid overspending. Expenses like dining out, bar expenses, transportation fares, and miscellaneous items can accumulate quickly. Therefore, it is crucial not to spend impulsively, as it could create financial challenges halfway through your journey. 

Take the time to research and understand the costs associated with various items and activities, assess your available funds, and make wise financial decisions. This may involve postponing purchases such as handicrafts and souvenirs until the end of your trip.

7. Health Insurance and Medical Arrangements

Collaborating with your doctor to ensure your current prescriptions are filled before studying abroad is wise. And, to prevent significant expenses in unexpected situations while abroad, applying for and obtaining the necessary health insurance coverage is essential. Taking these proactive steps will help safeguard your health and well-being overseas.

8. Try exploring new things

Ensure you take pleasure in your experiences and strike a harmonious equilibrium between academics and enjoyable activities. For many Indian students, adapting to the educational system and overseas teaching methods can initially be challenging due to substantial differences from our curriculum. 

However, you will discover it becomes effortless with dedication and readiness to engage. When you’re not engrossed in studying or working a student job, allocate time for exploring, traveling, and socialising with your newfound companions. 

Dedicate moments to sharing diverse interests or hobbies with your fresh acquaintances.

9. Be responsible

While it’s crucial to seize the opportunities that come your way while studying abroad, it’s equally important to act responsibly. Avoid putting yourself in any situations that could lead to trouble or harm. Your well-being and safety should always be a top priority.

10. Get a local SIM card

The importance of communication becomes apparent once you find yourself far away from your loved ones. While using an international SIM card or relying on Wi-Fi at cafes may seem like initial solutions, they can be expensive or impractical in the long run. 

Upon arriving at your study abroad destination, one of the first tasks to prioritise is obtaining a local SIM card. If you are unsure about the best options available, seek assistance from the international students’ help-desk on campus. They can provide guidance and support in finding the most suitable communication solution.

Never forget what you came here for!

It’s essential to remain focused on the purpose of your study abroad journey. There may be moments when you face a heavy workload, experience homesickness, or lack motivation to study. 

However, pushing through these challenges and fully engaging in your experience is crucial. Despite sounding like a cliché, studying abroad is genuinely a unique opportunity that may only come once in a lifetime. 

By making the most of your time abroad and seizing the opportunities it presents, you will reap the rewards for years to come.

Now let’s have a look at the do’s and don’ts you should focus on while studying abroad:

Do’s

• Value your host country and maintain an open mindset to ask as many questions as you need, as frequently as you desire.

• Explore and engage with the locals, savour the local cuisine, and discover scenic locations. Keep a journal handy to record your incredible travel experiences along the way.

• Work diligently and intelligently. While skipping classes may not have consequences, remember the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interactions with faculty. Maintain an excellent GPA to enjoy campus life freely. Foster independent thinking and maximise academic resources.

• Prepare meals at home instead of relying on eating out. Regularly dining out can contribute to weight gain, so cooking at home is an economical and healthy lifestyle choice while living abroad.

• Ensure you purchase student medical insurance, as medical expenses can be costly while studying abroad. Consider bringing your preferred over-the-counter medications from India to avoid purchasing them in your host country, saving medical costs.

Don’ts

• Don’t fall prey to homesickness. Remember you are a significant financial investment, motivating you to work diligently for the desired return on investment after your studies.

• Be discerning when forming friendships, and choose your companions wisely.

• Don’t just spend money on everything you see around you. Instead, proactively plan your finances and commit to limiting unnecessary expenses.

• Avoid excessive partying and clubbing.

Summing Up

Studying abroad is an exhilarating and demanding adventure. It can potentially transform your life, offering academic growth, cultural immersion, language skills, and improved job prospects. With countless study programs available worldwide, you have the freedom to choose from a variety of exciting destinations. However, the abundance of options can sometimes feel overwhelming.

As we provide valuable tips for your study abroad experience, we wish you all the best on this exciting journey. If you’re looking for guidance along the way, MSM Unify is here to support you. We’re dedicated to helping you make your dreams come true. Take a moment to explore our articles and gain more insights.

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