Find out the steps you need to take before jetting off for overseas studies
Updated: Nov 30, 2018
International study is one of the most eye-opening adventures you can experience. It comes with a range of benefits, such as:
experiencing a different culture
learning a new language and transferable skills
accelerating your personal development
gaining new academic perspectives
Boosting your employability.
Studying abroad will require an incredible amount of planning, and you must be willing to do much of the legwork yourself. You should begin your research 12-18 months before you actually travel - doing so will give you plenty of time to sort out applications, funding, visas and more. Once you've created a shortlist of countries and institutions, there are several more steps to take before you can pack your bags. Here's how to make a success of studying abroad.
1. Choose your course
Once you've decided where you'd like to study, research all of your shortlisted programmes to discover which one's right for you. You could begin by discovering how your potential institutions rank globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2018 before visiting university websites and talking to lecturers, tutors and careers advisers.
To help with the decision-making process, ask yourself practical questions such as:
Do you want to live in the city, or are you looking for somewhere quieter?
Will you fully embrace the student lifestyle?
Will you learn the language?
You also need to check that the qualification you will receive will be recognised in Bhutan and other parts of the world. Avoid programmes that don't transfer academic credit towards your award.
2. Search for funding
Overseas tuition fees vary widely. Some countries, including Australia and the USA, set very high fees for international students - in 2017, international students in Australia paid on average Nu 20Lakhs in tuition fees alone for a Masters degree. Degrees in other countries, such as China, are much more affordable. However, you must also bear in mind the overall cost of living, not just the tuition fee. Discuss funding options with your chosen university. There are many scholarships and bursaries available to help with the cost, including those from external bodies. To secure your visa and eligibility for a place on the course, it's likely that you'll need to prove you have enough money to meet living costs. You should check with your education consultant or university directly to find out what their requirements are.
3. Apply for your course
As with courses in Bhutan and India, the earlier you apply the better. This can be even more important when studying abroad, as you'll have more time to prepare.
The best way to ensure that you get onto a course is to speak to your consultant and make it clear the department you're interested in, as all consultants should be able to help you through the application procedure. A second class grade in your degree or Class 12 usually is adequate entry qualifications. However, some countries require students to pass entrance exams before they're accepted. Most countries also do not validate our Royal University of Bhutan degrees to be equivalent to their degree courses, so some university might ask the candidate for additional courses.
If you're heading to a nation where English isn't the first language, make a note of the level of proficiency you need and allow yourself time to reach the required standard. Most universities offer courses in English, but some seminars may be in the native language - so speaking the local lingo will help to ease you into your new surroundings.
4. Obtain your visa
If you're studying outside Bhutan or India, you must get the appropriate visa as part of your application. Give yourself plenty of time to sort this, and also consider whether you'll have to renew it at any point during your stay. Immigration legislation changes frequently so refer to the relevant national websites for the most current information or consult your agency.
5. Budget for your trip
Saving money ahead of international study is often overlooked, so create an action plan and begin saving well in advance. Some university websites provide estimates of your outgoings - use these to your advantage. The cost of living abroad can be huge, so your money might not stretch quite as far as it does in the UK. To make the most of your leisure time, you'll need spare cash. Don't forget to factor living costs into your planning. Many universities offer campus accommodation, but there are often cheaper options available.
6. Get insurance and check your health
There are numerous student insurance options available. Insurance is essential, so be prepared to pay extra for comprehensive cover - it's often worth it. Some countries require you to have vaccinations before you enter. Others, such as New Zealand, have very specific healthcare obligations that must be met. Regardless of where you're heading to, you should visit your doctor for a full medical check-up before you leave. You can sort out ongoing prescriptions or specific medical requirements with the doctors in Bhutan too - just leave enough time to arrange this before your departure.
7. Make your final checks
Ensure that your passport is valid for your entire stay. Renewing is possible in a foreign country, but waiting in long queues and filling in forms won't be the highlight of your trip.
Finally, you should figure out exactly how you're going to get to the campus. Ensure that you know which airport you'll be landing at and what the public transport is like once you touch down.
Its always wise to seek an advice of an experience education counselor- please visit our officer or call us any time in the week days. #studyabroad #bhutaneseoverseas #universaleducation #scholarshipforbhutanese #overseaseducationadvice