Around 2-3% of Indian students choose to study abroad (stats 2023), and you landed here, which means somewhere the same fire is burning inside you. An adventure waits when you study abroad as it's not just an education but a Journey of Discovery. For students in India, the taste of global knowledge, different cultures, and career possibilities is compelling. Yet, no dream chase is without careful planning. Getting your facts right is necessary for a seamless and rewarding study-abroad experience. In this blog, we'll discuss 7 Things Every Indian Student Should Consider When Choosing to Study Abroad.
Things to Know Before Studying Abroad for Indian Students
Before making this life-changing decision to study abroad, Indian students should be aware of several key factors. We at iKounselor, the best study abroad experts in Bhopal, suggest considering the factors below as they can significantly impact their academic and personal experience.
Here are the 7 things every Indian student must consider:
- Perfect Study Destination: Choosing the right study destination for international education is the first and the most vital decision. Different destinations offer different perks. Moreover, your favorite courses, job plans, and how you want to live will influence your choice. For example:
- The U.S. and the UK house world-class universities and a broad range of courses, but they are often expensive.
- Canada and Australia, on the other hand, have a reputation for embracing immigrants. They're famous for their multicultural societies and chances to work after graduation.
- Germany is known for its excellent STEM education. Often, it comes with low or zero tuition costs. This makes it a perfect destination for tech and engineering students.
- Hence, thoroughly scanning each country's academic landscape, work opportunities, and post-study benefits will help you make the right choice.
- University-Program Fit: After picking the right country, it's time to select an appropriate university and course. Choose one that provides a program fitting your career aspirations. Instead of merely focusing on university rankings, ponder upon aspects like faculty skills, research options, and alumni achievements. Fields such as business, engineering, healthcare, and computer science attract foreign students greatly. Also, confirm if the program delivers internships or hands-on experience, which can be essential for securing a job post-graduation.
- Visa & Immigration: Every country has unique visa rules, so getting to know them is crucial for a hitch-free move. Take U.S. or Canadian students; they need an F-1 visa and a study permit, respectively. Plus, some regions, for instance, Australia or the UK, permit students to earn while learning, but others impose stiffer work laws. Looking beyond, ponder on work visas after graduation and routes to permanent stay, too. Countries such as Canada and Australia present generous post-education work rulings. These allows overseas students to stick around and work once they wrap up their degree.
- Tuition & Living Costs: Financial considerations are vital when planning to study abroad. While tuition fees can vary significantly from one country to another, the overall cost of living plays an equally important role. Major expenses include:
- Tuition Fees: The U.S., the UK, and Australia typically have high tuition fees. While countries like Germany and Norway offer low or no tuition fees for international students.
- Living Costs: Cities like London, New York, and Sydney are expensive in terms of accommodation, food, and transport. Besides, cities in Canada and parts of Europe tend to be more affordable.
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: Lots of nations have grants for students from all over the world. Some schools offer money help based on grades or if you don't have a lot of cash. Start looking into these chances soon to help with your money worries.
- Cultural and Social Integration: Going abroad to study lets you experience unique cultures and communities. It can be tricky adjusting to foreign practices, but it also offers a valuable learning experience. Get ready for potential differences from language issues to variations in teaching methods. Places such as the UK, the U.S., and Australia boast large communities of Indian scholars, which could soften your entry into the new environment. But, in countries with lesser numbers of international students like Germany or Japan, you might have to step out of your comfort bubble and adapt to a fresh lifestyle. Give yourself a chance by digging into local traditions, tasting different foods, and joining in with campus happenings to mingle more comfortably.
- Career Plan: Going overseas for studies? It's not all bookish stuff. Think about your future job. Check out job openings in the place you're going to. Can you see enough jobs there that match your study field? In some places, like Canada and Australia, they actually welcome students from other places to stay and work after studies. Suppose you're aiming for the U.S. or UK. In that case, look out for jobs that let you work while studying or try to grab an internship. It'll add great stuff to your resume. Does your chosen place offer any special visa or programs after graduation for work? Such things can help you to start your job journey overseas.
- Health & Safety: Stay safe and healthy, always. Find out about the healthcare in your study place. In certain places like the U.S., you need private health insurance as a student. However, in places like the UK, national health services (NHS) protect students. Moreover, know the safety rules of where your university is. Big cities have safer parts than others. So, it's good to learn about the area near your university.
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Bonus Tip: Environmental and Sustainability Factors
Worries about climate change and being green are increasing. For example, learning in areas where there are frequent natural disasters, harsh weather, or bad air quality might harm your health and how well you do in school.
Environmental friendliness! Does the university or nation believe in going green?
It may appear minor, but a school that's helping the environment makes a better living place for students from other countries. While it may seem less conventional, they can significantly impact your academic and personal experience abroad. Researching these areas can help ensure a smoother, more enriching study abroad journey.
You just read the 7 Factors to consider when studying abroad. Another important task is to find a trusted mentor to accompany your study abroad journey. Look no further than the best study abroad experts at iKounselor. Let's connect over a FREE Virtual Meet, Book Now.
Having thought about the elements mentioned earlier, let's now focus on finding the perfect international study locations.
Check out this brief overview of some of the preferred countries for Indian students:
- United States: With numerous world-class institutions such as Harvard, MIT, and Stanford, the U.S. is the leading choice for international students. Top courses include technology, business, and engineering. However, the high cost of education and the competitive visa process should be factored into your decision.
- United Kingdom: The UK offers prestigious universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College. Its shorter course durations (especially for Master's programs) can make studying here more cost-effective. Furthermore, the UK offers a wide range of scholarships for international students.
- Canada: Canada's diverse and inclusive society, along with institutions like the University of Toronto and UBC, makes it a favorite among Indian students. Canada also has one of the most student-friendly immigration policies, offering opportunities for post-study work and permanent residency.
- Australia: Australia is known for its relaxed lifestyle, excellent universities like the University of Melbourne and ANU, and strong career prospects for graduates. The post-graduation work visa policy in Australia is another big draw for Indian students.Germany: Germany is an excellent choice for students pursuing STEM courses. Many universities offer high-quality programs with little to no tuition fees for international students. Cities like Berlin and Munich are also home to a growing number of startups and global tech companies, providing students with excellent career opportunities.
- Germany: Germany is an excellent choice for students pursuing STEM courses. Many universities offer high-quality programs with little to no tuition fees for international students. Cities like Berlin and Munich are also home to a growing number of startups and global tech companies, providing students with excellent career opportunities.
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Study Abroad Checklist for Indian Students
After selecting your destination and university, it's time to get into the nitty-gritty details of your study abroad preparation. Here's a checklist to help you stay organized:
- Research and shortlist universities and courses.
- Check visa requirements and apply well in advance.
- Prepare for standardized tests (GRE, IELTS, TOEFL, etc.).
- Secure accommodation (on-campus, off-campus, or private rentals).
- Finalize your budget and explore scholarship options.
- Book flights and arrange for travel insurance.
- Attend pre-departure orientation programs.
- Pack essential items and make copies of important documents.
Financial Planning for Indian Students Studying Abroad
Managing finances is one of the most critical aspects of studying abroad.
Be sure to:
- Understand your total expenses and plan accordingly.
- Look for scholarships and financial aid programs offered by universities, governments, or private organizations.
- Indian banks offer educational loans at competitive interest rates. Try Quick Eduloan powered by iKounselor.
- Take advantage of the part-time work opportunities available to international students, but make sure to follow local laws regarding working hours.
Conclusion
Studying abroad offers numerous opportunities for personal growth, academic excellence, and career advancement. However, it requires careful planning and research. Understanding 7 Things Every Indian Student Should Consider When Choosing to Study Abroad, understanding visa policies, evaluating costs, and planning finances—you can ensure that your study abroad journey is a success.
Volla! Start your preparations early, stay organized, and you'll soon be on your way to an unforgettable experience abroad.