Are you serious about Studying Abroad? Here are 5 strategies to follow.

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Strategy 1: Opt for an Economical City Studying abroad in major cities like Toronto, London, or New York can be costly due to their higher living expenses. It’s essential to conduct thorough research early on. Consider selecting a city that provides a high-quality education but at a more affordable cost.

During your research, take into account expenses such as:

  • Tuition fees
  • Accommodation
  • Transportation
  • Daily living costs

These factors collectively impact your overall expenses. Whether you’re considering Australia, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, or the United States, utilize the resources available to budget effectively.

Choosing to study in a smaller city or community may offer advantages post-graduation. There is typically less competition for housing and job opportunities upon completing your studies. For serious prospective students of studying abroad, this option is certainly worth exploring.

Tip: If you prefer city life but are concerned about the associated expenses, consider residing in nearby areas. This approach allows you to reduce costs while still accessing the amenities of a major city.

Strategy 2: Explore All Educational Opportunities Universities, colleges, and vocational schools each offer unique advantages. Carefully evaluate which type of institution aligns best with your academic and career objectives. Below, we’ve highlighted the benefits that each category of higher education can provide international students:

College : College is a favored choice among international students for higher education because many programs offer direct pathways to careers in high-demand fields. In countries like Canada, college programs are typically shorter and more cost-effective than university degrees, often featuring smaller class sizes.

Vocational School : Also referred to as career, technical, or trade schools, these institutions focus on teaching applied skills relevant to specialized fields. Choosing to study a sought-after discipline at a vocational school ensures readiness for the workforce upon graduation, equipped with practical skills for immediate use.

University : Universities are renowned options for post-secondary education globally. They provide a broad array of degree programs applicable to diverse career paths. Degrees from universities are widely respected and acknowledged worldwide.

Above all, maintain flexibility and consider various educational paths. Many students feel pressured to pursue university degrees when a college or vocational school might better suit their career aspirations. Conversely, others may hastily settle on a college or university without exploring alternatives thoroughly. It’s crucial to assess your goals honestly and explore all options when planning to study abroad.

Strategy 3: Advanced Planning for Accommodation
Considering the current global housing challenges, especially in major cities, finding affordable housing can be challenging for students. Planning your accommodation well in advance can save significant time and money in the long term.

Various housing styles are available, so it’s essential to choose one that aligns best with your goals and financial situation. Here are some common accommodation options along with key details for each:

On-Campus Accommodation: Located on or near campus, often including meal plans. Typically recommended, and sometimes mandatory, especially for first-year students.
Off-Campus Accommodation: Apartments or houses, potentially shared with roommates or other students.
Homestay: Living with a host family, offering cultural immersion, language practice, and opportunities for friendship.
When searching for housing, consider these helpful tips:

Carefully review the lease agreement and have a trusted person review it before signing. If possible, visit the accommodation beforehand to ensure it matches the advertised description.
Be prepared to pay the first and last month’s rent upfront before moving in.
Utilities may not always be included in off-campus rentals, so budget accordingly.
Plan transportation arrangements if living farther from your educational institution.
Most importantly, start your housing search as early as possible. Finding accommodations a week before classes start is typically impractical and may lead to undue stress.

Strategy 4: Study The Language In Advance
Whether your classes are taught in English, French, or another language entirely, understanding and practicing a country’s official language is the key to an easier transition. If you’re wondering how to study abroad, one of the trickiest and most important steps is to fully understand, read, and speak the language at an academic level, as well as socially.

Passing your language proficiency test (like TOEFL or IELTS) is not the only reason to learn the language. There’s no shortcut to take here; to get the most out of your education, you will need to be as fluent as possible in English or your language of study. The truth is, if you’re unable to understand or communicate with your professors and classmates, you’ll most likely struggle with your studies.

So, go all-in on learning a language early, and devote significant time and effort to it. Some ways to incorporate learning a new language into your daily life include:

Downloading a language learning app, and making a habit of using it
Reading novels, the news, or guidebooks
Writing a journal or short story
Keeping a notebook of useful words to add to your vocabulary
Conversing with others who speak the language
Putting notes around your home with the names of household objects in the language you’re learning.

Strategy 5: Embrace New Cultures
Use the time you have before starting your studies abroad by learning about the culture, customs, and mannerisms in your destination country. Look at it as a way to deal with potential culture shock or homesickness, so that you’re prepared and know what to expect if you’re serious about studying abroad.

Some things to prepare for can include:

Weather: Check the weather conditions and overall climate of your destination country, and plan the clothes you want to bring accordingly.
Holidays and festivals: Find out what major holidays or festivals are celebrated, and learn more about their meaning.
Key phrases and slang: Watching movies or television shows in your destination country’s language can be helpful in learning everyday phrases and slang words.
Food: Research popular foods in the country you’re studying in, including fast food and home-cooked options.
The more time you spend learning and preparing for your study destination, the more comfortable you’ll feel when you arrive there. We promise!

Studying abroad comes with a series of hard decisions to make, which can feel overwhelming. It might feel like a lot, but if you’re serious about studying abroad, it’s wise to take these goals seriously and begin working on them, one at a time.