Deciding to study abroad is a life-changing decision and requires thorough planning. With careful research, we’ve compiled a list of long-term strategies to follow. If you’re really, truly serious about studying abroad make sure to read to the very end! You’ll gain some of our most valuable tips and advice and make the most of your study abroad journey!
Strategy 1: Choose an Affordable City
Studying abroad in big cities like Toronto, London, or New York can get expensive. These cities will usually also come with a higher cost of living. It’s crucial to do your own research early on. You may want to select a city that still offers a high-quality education but with a more cost-effective experience.
While doing your research, keep in mind to factor in fees like:
- Tuition
- Housing
- Transportation
- Daily expenses
These factors all add up and each plays a role in contributing to your expenses. Whether you want to study in Australia, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, or the United States, use the resources on our blog to help you budget accordingly.
If you choose to study in a smaller city or community, it could provide you with better opportunities after graduating. You’ll have less competition when it comes to finding housing or a job after finishing your studies. If you’re serious about studying abroad, it’s well worth considering!
Tip: If you’re set on city life, but not a fan of the hefty price tag it comes with, it can be a good idea to live in places nearby. That way, you’re cutting costs while still being close to big-city amenities.
Strategy 2: Consider All Your Options
Universities, colleges, and vocational schools each have their own benefits. Really consider which is the best fit for you, depending on your academic and career goals. Below, we’ve outlined the benefits each type of higher education institution can offer international students:
College
College is a popular post-secondary education choice for many international students because many college programs offer’ streamlined pathways to careers in some of the most in-demand fields. In destinations like Canada, college programs are typically shorter and less expensive than university degrees and often have smaller class sizes.
Vocational School
Also known as career, technical, or trade schools, these institutions teach international students applied skills to use in a specialized field of their choice. If you choose to study an in-demand discipline at a vocational school, you’ll be workforce-ready in that field, and equipped with skills to use directly after graduation.
University
University programs are a well-known post-secondary education option for international students. Universities offer students a wide range of degrees that can be applied to a variety of different careers. Many university credentials are highly respected and recognized around the world.
More than anything, keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to shift your expectations about what level of study you’ll pursue. Often, students feel pressured to pursue a university education, when a college or vocational school might be a better fit for their goals. On the flip side, some students settle for the first college or university they look at, without properly researching or considering alternatives. It’s important to be honest with yourself and explore every option as you consider how to study abroad!
Explore the different ways international students can gain work experience while studying abroad in Australia, Canada, Ireland, the US, or the UK on our blog.
Strategy 3: Plan Far Ahead for Accommodation
It’s no secret that much of the world is experiencing a housing crisis, so it can be hard to find an affordable place to live, especially for students in big cities. Planning for your accommodation ahead of time can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
There are lots of different housing styles available to you, so it’s best to make a choice that best aligns with your goals and finances. Below, we’ve outlined some accommodation options, as well as some key information about each.
- On-Campus Accommodation: Located on or near campus, and comes with meal plans. Usually recommended, and sometimes mandatory, for first-year students.
- Off-Campus Accommodation: An apartment or house that may or may not be shared with other roommates or students.
- Homestay: Living with a host family, where you’ll be able to learn firsthand about a culture, practice English, and get to make new friends.
Keep the following helpful tips in mind when looking for housing:
- Read your lease agreement carefully, and have a trusted friend or family member read it over before signing. Also, if you have the chance, try to visit the space to make sure it’s as advertised.
- Be prepared to submit your first and last month’s rent before moving in.
- Some off-campus rentals don’t include utilities as part of their rent, so make sure you budget for them if living off-campus.
- Plan your method of transportation if you live further from your institution.
More than anything, start looking as early as possible. Finding accommodations a week before your classes start is not usually realistic or feasible!
Thinking of studying in Canada and pursuing a career there down the road? Read University Living’s list of the best paying jobs in Canada for international students.
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
Take a look at some of our top tips for studying English as a second language on our blog.
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.
We hope our strategies will help you make the most of your future study abroad endeavours. Planning ahead is key to ensuring a smooth transition!
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