Education is no longer constrained, and people are moving outside their borders to further educate themselves. Going overseas to further one’s education is no longer a challenge. But the situation today is very different for college. A large number of Indian students are actively looking for possibilities to study abroad to receive a better education, gain international exposure, and further their careers.

According to the Open Doors 2023 study, India is the second-largest country for sending students overseas. It achieved an all-time high of 2,68,923 international students in 2022/23, a 35% rise year over year.

However, simply traveling overseas is insufficient. You must choose the best college that will help you improve your skills and add value to your abilities. You must consider several things to choose the best college outside of India. Here are some aspects to consider before choosing a college outside of India.

Read also: Study Abroad on a Budget! 10 Scholarships Powering Indian Students Global Education

Clarity about Career and Aspirations:

First of all, make sure that you are clear about what you want to pursue. Ensure clarity regarding your aim in life, what subjects you want to study, which field you want to go in, and which career path would be suitable for you.

Now overlay this with the job markets, both in India and abroad, and have a point of view on the kind of employability options you would have after you graduate. For example in the U.S. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education will drive stronger employability outcomes than non-STEM.

Furthermore at this moment in time, virtually all industries are going through a digital and data transformation. Coupled with the explosion of AI and its sea-change impact on business, data skills have become even more paramount.

Evaluate your interests, abilities, talents, and strengths to determine which career path you want to pursue with the career ahead in mind, which will further help you in deciding which college would be good for you.

Choosing Colleges in Your Desired Country:

Another key element to consider is the destination country. Before making college decisions, consider the nation you wish to study in. Choosing the country first facilitates the shortlisting of colleges. Consider which country will provide you with better ‘ stay back possibilities’, greater employment opportunities for work experience, and a smoother path to becoming a permanent resident (if that is essential to you).

For eg: In Canada, once you graduate with a master’s degree, you are eligible to work for the duration of the program. After just one year of Canadian work experience, you can apply for your PR (residency/green card) and receive it within three years. However, in the United States, a comparable procedure will

Financial Factors:

Studying abroad can be quite expensive. As a result, financial considerations are vital in deciding which college to attend. Begin by making a budget for yourself, and then seek financial aid options such as scholarships and student loans. This is a striking example of how significant the destination country decision is, as the types of scholarships/assistantships available to students vary by country.

Students in the United States, for example, have access to scholarships, graduate assistantships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships that are not available in other countries. Finally, the most significant issue is often overlooked: your housing and living expenses. Analyze all of the elements to determine the cost of living in the area where you plan to study.

If your selected university is in a large city, expect to pay far more than if it is in a small town. Talk to other students who have lived in that city/town, be resourceful, connect with alumni on LinkedIn, and determine the cost of living. 

Check Rankings:

Before choosing a college, make sure to examine its rankings to see how it compares to other possibilities. Also, check the program rankings. However, don’t get caught up in rankings; choosing a college that is only marginally higher ranked than your other options will have no significant impact on your life path. Pay closer attention to financial affordability and employment prospects after graduating from that university in your selected subject of study. 

Language Considerations:

Suppose you are traveling to a country where the language spoken is completely foreign to you. In that case, you should consider whether you are willing to learn the new language and whether English-taught programs are available there. Language can be either a barrier or a benefit in your job journey, so make an informed selection. This is very much true for EU destinations. 

Admission Requirements:

Another significant element to consider is the admission requirements. varied countries and educational colleges have varied criteria, but almost all will include English language testing as part of the university application. Given the requirement for GRE/GMAT/SAT, the United States has traditionally been more stringent in terms of standardized testing than other destinations, while many colleges have made these examinations optional post-COVID.

Make sure you are familiar with these tests and spend enough time preparing for them. In the United States, for example, most universities would immediately evaluate you for scholarships based on your GRE/GMAT score and undergraduate GPA.

Conclusion

Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, offering you the opportunity to gain a world-class education, immerse yourself in a new culture, and broaden your horizons. However, choosing the right college is crucial to ensuring that you make the most of this opportunity.

By considering factors such as your career goals, the country you want to study in, financial considerations, rankings, language considerations, and admission requirements, you can make an informed decision that will set you on the path to success.

Investing in the right college is investing in your future, so take the time to research your options and make a choice that aligns with your aspirations. With the right preparation and a clear vision for your future, studying abroad can be the first step towards a successful and fulfilling career.

Vani Jha

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