Now-a-days, it is very common to go abroad and take up some course in an international university. Moreover it has become a status symbol for the kids as well as their parents. On the other hand, some genuinely go for studies even if there is a bit struggle. Struggle? Yes, going to an international university sounds exciting but it has some hassle. Here are few tips for your smooth admission and pleasant stay in the foreign nation for your studies.

1. Choosing the course – Today not only engineers but also students from law, medical, hospitality background go abroad to fulfill their dreams. Initially, you should choose the course of your enthusiasm as you will be paying an overwhelming education cost for the equivalent. Explore as much as you can. There are many universities coming up with numerous innovative courses. Study the website of different universities, join Facebook groups, whatsapp groups to get an overview, talk to expert and skilled people, and check out the course returns. Course returns points out the three main questions you should ask yourself: Will the course help me not only in getting a decent job but also to gain worthy knowledge? What benefit will I get from this course? Is it necessary? Meanwhile, keep a track on your searches, maintain an excel sheet of the course, the university and the country offering it. It will help you to boil down to your decision.

2. Choosing the Country - Once you finalise your course, look for the best country where there is demand for the particular course. This is an easy step as in most cases, as students are pretty much clear about the country. Choosing the country depends on your budget and also the duration of the course you are looking for.

3. Choosing the University – Once you choose the course of your interest, the second thing to focus on is the University. Check the Universities which are running this course. Once you make a list of Universities, study their website. Here ‘’study’’ points out what the University offers other than academics. While selecting the University prioritise these things accordingly: Course fee, course duration, course curriculum, and ranking of the University. Depending on your priority, arrange the names of the Universities. Choose the top three Universities on your list.

4. Preparing for exams – This depends on the country you are applying for. United States Universities require a decent score in GRE/GMAT as well as TOFEL examination. United Kingdom Universities and European Universities require IELTS examination, few do require GRE/GMAT. IELTS and TOFEL are comparatively easy but it is advisable to first attempt GRE/GMAT and then attempting IELTS/TOFEL. Check the University course criteria before giving any exam.

5. Application Process – While applying for the University, make sure you have your exam results with you. Not only the degree transcripts but also the competitive exam results. Write an eye-catching Statement of Purpose (SOP) mentioning about yourself, reason for taking up particular course, reason for applying to a particular University and about your interests and achievements. Have two copies of the SOP, one having 500 words and other with 1000 words. Again the length of the SOP depends on the University. Usually, Universities ask for Letter of Recommendation from two professors from your current course. It is great if you can manage for three different LOR’s from three professors. Along with this keep your resume up to date. Include the details of every project you have worked on. All the details in the resume should be crisp and to the point. Now you are all set for the application process.

6. Before you go – Once you get the acceptance from the University, you are all set to pack your bags. Before going make sure you have studied about the city, the University area, the climate, culture of the country you are travelling to. Make a list of things which are mandatory to take along with you. Do not over burden yourself with the luggage. Also, few airlines do give free 10-15kgs excess baggage allowance to students after to submit the necessary documents to the airlines. It is great if you plan your stay before landing in the country. Apartments on sharing basis, hostels, and studio apartments are available in every country. Depending on your budget you can pre-book the stay for a month at least. Apart from all this, it is advisable to have few known contact in the country you are travelling.

With this you will be all set to board the plane and to live your dreams. Once you land, explore the city, experience staying alone and being independent. Going abroad for studies not only makes you gain a degree but also develops your personality. Give sometime to yourself to adjust to the new city. This experience will definitely teach you a lot and also it will be a memorable one. So, all the students reading this, just go and live your dreams. All the best!

Chantal Mitchell has rightly said, ‘’Study abroad is the single most effective way of changing the way we view the world”