The first thing that comes to mind while prepping to study abroad is the excitement of it all – curriculum, campus, your new life in the new world. On the flipside of that excitement, of course, are all the questions: Is the discipline up your alley? Is the destination right for you? Will you be able to afford it? Will you be able to adapt to the new ways? Stepping out of your comfort zone is the hallmark of studying overseas, but with a little help from us and some goal-affirming hacks, you'll be able to offload the weight of your worries and get started on this journey of opportunity. Trust us, it is something you will look forward to! 

Here are some tips to get you going- 

1. Budget no bar  

Studying abroad can seem like a strain on your pocket. But hey, that shouldn't be something to stop you from dreaming, right? With so many universities offering a host of courses, you not only have the privilege of picking your suitable program, but you can also count on student loans like Credila to have your back financially. So, keep finances in mind, yes, but don’t let them start restricting your ambitions from the get-go. 

2. Find your academic forte  

We have all had dreams of pursuing higher education abroad but sometimes choosing a discipline can get a bit tricky. Sit, take a breather, and run through every aspect that can help you find the best one for you.

It is a given that you're going to consider your interests, aptitude, teaching modules, and research opportunities, but don't forget about campus life and employability prospects while you’re making a choice. When all that is taken into consideration, a clearer picture will begin to form. With so many disciplines at your disposal, it will also help to get a proper understanding of the curriculum. So, research, research, and research some more. Then talk to the university representative for an even better and up-close insight. And bingo, you will have solved the puzzle! 

3. Ace the language proficiency test 

As an international student who wants to study at a foreign university, clearing a language proficiency test is a must.

Some of these include: -IELTS Academic -TOEFL iBT

Usually requiring a prep time of a few weeks to a few months, each of the tests has different formats and evaluates four primary skills: speaking, listening, writing, and reading. They usually involve multiple-choice questions, writing letters and essays, listening to and identifying various accents, and more.

4. Documents you’ll need to get in order  

Does paperwork give you the chills? Don’t worry! We’ve compiled a list of documents that are essential for your application abroad. 

The Statement of Purpose (SOP) is one of the mandatory documents you’ll need. This is where you can show your true self, get creative, express your subjective thoughts, and make a compelling pitch that reflects your individual voice. It serves as a great companion to your academic transcripts, giving a complete picture of who you are, not just how good a student you are.  

Next, you’ll need a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) from your former university professor, project guide, or current employer; ideally, someone who can attest to your abilities, expertise, knowledge, and accomplishments. It is an important factor in deciding whether you are a suitable candidate for a university.

Another essential to add to your abroad bucket list is the student passport. Here’s a word of advice – apply for it as early as possible so that you can get it on time.

Now that you’re a bit clued in on the ‘what where and how-tos’ of applying abroad, have a look at Part 2 of the essential pointers to keep your academic wheels rolling!