Studying abroad attracts students from all over the world: even if you live in a country with the best higher education system, you still want to try what it's like to study abroad. What attracts young people to such an experience? Study abroad allows you to see the world, get a quality education, expand career prospects. Many students choose to foreign education to develop language skills, live away from home, travel.
Before deciding to go to study abroad, familiarize yourself with all aspects of life in a foreign country, consider the factors that will allow you to build a successful career: the level of teaching of the selected academic programs, the university's ranking among employers, the level of salaries of graduates and much more.
How to choose the best university abroad?
What is most important for you when choosing a university abroad?
Finance
Studying abroad is a costly business: you will need to pay not only for the education, but also provide yourself with housing and food, there will be additional expenses for entertainment, small vacation trips. When looking for study abroad programs, explore all the types of funding available: loans, grants, scholarships - the availability of options differs from country to country. Indicate which paths are open for you, taking into account academic achievements, the financial situation of the family, the country of arrival (for example, there are a number of scholarships for students from certain countries).
Choose the discipline you want
A successful career begins with choosing the optimal educational program. If you have decided what you want to study, then you need to find a place where the best programs in the chosen profile are taught: look at the ratings of graduate demand, the reputation of universities in the scientific field and the level of teachers. ... If you plan to look for a job abroad after graduation, pay attention to the popular areas of study by country:
- Medicine in the USA / Czech Republic / Switzerland
- Economics in Germany
- Health in the UK
- Finance in France
- Marketing, fashion and design in Spain.
Decide where you want to study?
The choice of the country is the next most important issue after finances and the level of teaching of the chosen discipline. Pay attention to the available living conditions, transport, cost of living, climate. When choosing a country, explore the most popular student cities:
- Montreal, Canada
- Paris, France
- London, Great Britain
- Seoul, South Korea
- Melbourne, Australia
- Berlin, Germany
- Tokyo, Japan
- Boston, USA
International university rankings
Another obvious way to get an idea of the TOP universities is to look at international rankings. There are various ranking systems created by several organizations that use different indicators to compile their lists. Whether they are assessing academic performance, the learning environment or the international nature of the institution, they provide insight into universities around the world.
World University Rankings:
- Times Higher Education
- Academic Ranking of World Universities Shanghai University
- QS World University Rankings
- US News & World Report
There are unofficial rankings, such as the Wikipedia rankings, which reflect the perceived influence and reputation of institutions among employers.
Linguistic reflections
Moving to a new country is a great way to learn a new language, but if you already speak a foreign language it is worth considering the countries where it is taught. The immersion effect works wonders, but you don’t want to be in a situation where you don’t understand what the teacher is talking about.
Most universities with international admission offer tuition in English, but European universities often run free academic programs in their national languages (German, Czech, etc.). Please be aware that some educational institutions have language requirements for applicants. For example, universities in Switzerland require master's students to be proficient in one of the state languages.
Requirements for candidates
Requirements for candidates may vary. Some applicants cannot enroll in most universities in the world due to the difference in educational systems: students study in their countries for 11 years, and universities in the USA, Europe, South America and Asia accept certificates after completing 12 years of study. Applicants usually go through additional pre-university educational programs, enter the senior classes of a foreign school. After submitting your application, you may have to take entrance exams and / or language tests.
Portals with information about the world's leading educational institutions
Use leading, well-organized portals with information about foreign universities: they collect data from the universities themselves on the courses taught, tuition fees, information from the largest world rankings. Providers will advise, help make the right choice for those who are looking for the best courses for a successful career.
TOP destinations to study abroad
TOP-5 best countries for higher education abroad:
- United Kingdom. Students are attracted by the bustling and colourful London, the medieval streets of Edinburgh, small villages from the novels of Agatha Christie, the world famous Oxford and Cambridge, as well as many high-class universities around the country. England ranks second in terms of access to quality education. Here, young people are guaranteed access to an interesting student life - the country ranks fourth in terms of living standards, the level of cultural development. From visiting ancient castles, theaters and museums to pub hangouts and picnics with legendary fish and chips, the UK has a wide range of entertainment options.
- USA. For many students, the United States is a land of endless possibilities: a vast country located between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, it provides a unique experience that differs from state to state. The United States ranks fifth in the world for access to quality education and the development of cultural life. If you want to have fun in between classes, America has a lot to offer you. Want to soak up the sun on the California coast, sample some of the best tacos in Texas, or stroll down Wall Street in New York? Then the USA is waiting for you.
- Canada. Known for its pristine beauty, friendly locals and tolerance of all cultures, Canada is a great choice for international students. Canadian universities are renowned for their technological innovation, especially in computer and information technology. Tuition fees are much lower here, but in terms of quality, universities may well compete with the United States or Great Britain. Thanks to its policy of multiculturalism, Canada is convenient for people from all over the world - most of the locals speak English, but in some regions French is spoken. In addition to refreshing the memory in both languages, students will be able to travel, ski, go boating, and go hiking.
- Australia is a great choice for studying abroad. With nine regions and twenty UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Great Barrier Reef and Sydney Opera House, Australia has a lot to offer. The country ranks third in terms of access to quality education, with leading universities located in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. According to world rankings, the country offers many opportunities for personal development, finding new acquaintances and expanding a personal social network.
- Germany offers the vibrant urban atmosphere of Munich, Berlin or Frankfurt, the fabulous cities of Marburg and Freiburg, world-class education at a great price! International students, regardless of EU citizenship, can study here for free undergraduate or graduate courses. Students will taste the famous German beer and sausages, take a train ride to a neighboring European country, or attend numerous festivals. After graduation, opportunities don't end there: as Europe's largest economy, Germany is well placed to pursue career goals.
