How to Study Abroad Guide for International Students in 2024

Deciding to study abroad is one of the best ways to further your education while broadening your horizons by experiencing a different country and its culture. Not only will you have the opportunity to make new friends from around the world, but you may also get the chance to practice your foreign language skills and gain a more global perspective on life. That’s why you need to know how to study abroad.

When it comes to your future career, international experience can also improve your employment prospects by standing you apart from other candidates thanks to the unique skills you will have honed whilst abroad.

9 Ways to Study Abroad in 2024

To help you prepare for your international studies, we have prepared a comprehensive guide that sets out the key steps to follow to make your decision possible and your time abroad as successful and as satisfying as it can be.

Determine your goals 

Identifying the reasons behind your decision to study abroad is a great way to help you focus your search. This could be a broad intention to simply experience your independence in a new country, or it may be more specific.

For example, do you want to learn a particular language or experience the culture and customs of a certain country? Perhaps your goal is more academic, and you wish to study a particular subject at an international university renowned for its reputation in that area, such as studying film production at American International College.

Do your research

Knowing why you want to study abroad can help you choose the most suitable study program and location. You can then begin researching where to go. Once you have a subject area or a general location in mind, you can begin listing potential universities.

While search engines like Google are a great starting point, speaking with your school’s career or study abroad, advisor can also give you helpful information on suitable programs abroad and assist you with your application. You can also contact prospective universities directly, asking them for further information to help you narrow your search.

If you are looking to study abroad for academic reasons, then the rankings of the school may be more important than the location. There are several websites you can review which reveal university rankings globally. You can simply enter the name of the university you are interested in or filter on criteria such as subject area or location.

Some well-known ranking sites include Times Higher Education World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings, Shanghai Ranking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, and U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Rankings.

Consider the costs

The costs of studying abroad will depend on the country and the college you choose to study in. Getting your finances in order early is important, as it will enable you to start saving and researching available financial aid options such as grants, scholarships, and student loans.
In addition to your tuition fees, you should also consider other expenses such as travel, accommodation, transport, and other costs of living. Having some money to spend on socialising and seeing the country you are in is also important to have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.

Another factor to consider is the duration of your studies. If you plan to study for a bachelor’s degree, you can expect to be abroad for at least three years, while a Master’s degree will take one to two years. Generally, the longer you are away from home, the more expenses you will have to cover.

However, you may have the option to study part-time, allowing you to work alongside your studies and helping you to fund your time abroad. Bear in mind that studying part-time will also take you longer to complete your studies, so it may work out cheaper to study full-time instead.

If the costs of studying abroad for a full year or more are too much, it is also worth considering a summer program abroad or studying for one or two semesters. If you are already at university, you may also have the option to study abroad as part of your degree program for a few months or a year. It is worth speaking to your professor or your university’s office to find out more about your options.

Begin the application process

It is now time to start applying to your chosen universities. The sooner you can begin this process, the better, as many study abroad programs are highly competitive and have limited spaces available for students.

Compiling a spreadsheet with details of each university and its application deadlines can be helpful to keep you on track. This is also a great way to note down any requirements you need to be aware of when applying to a certain university, such as letters of recommendation, transcripts, and exam results.

Some universities may require you to send physical copies by post, while others may accept digital copies instead. Ensuring you understand the admissions requirement of each university will help you to put together the necessary documents as early as possible.

In addition to the admission requirements, make sure to follow the correct procedure when applying to your chosen university, as the methods may differ. For example, some countries will expect you to apply to each university separately. In contrast, others may use a centralised admission system that enables you to apply to multiple institutions through a single application. The following checklist can help you prepare for your application process:

Transcripts

To assess your academic performance and eligibility to study your chosen program, most universities will ask to see a record of the subjects you have studied and the grades you have received. It is advisable to contact the student services department in your school or university, asking them to send it to the university you are applying to.

If so, make sure these documents are translated by an accredited translator to avoid mishaps. Getting it done online can save tons of time and effort – compared to traveling miles away to a physical office. Getting this task done early is essential as your transcript may also need to be translated into a different language, or your grades may have to be converted to match the grading system of another country.

English test

Most international study programs are taught in English. If this isn’t your first language, you may need to prove your English language proficiency by taking a test. The following English language certificates are accepted at most international universities:

You may also be required to take other standardised tests depending on the institution you are applying to. For example, many universities in the U.S. require students to take the SAT or ACT test. In contrast, the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) test is required for admission in many master’s degree programs in the U.S., Germany, and Canada.