Throughout our lives, irrespective of our age, we face multiple challenges of varying difficulties. The same is applicable when we decide to study abroad. However, through these challenges, we come out strong, with better knowledge and understanding, that, in the end, benefits our lives, both professionally and personally.
Each year, thousands of students plan to study abroad in destinations like the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and more. Seeing the benefits of attracting international students, more and more countries, across the globe are investing more into their international education sector, allowing for international students to easily pursue their higher education degree across disciplines and levels of education.
We have all heard our elders and teachers say Challenges are a part of Life, which is true, especially if you are working hard towards achieving success. However, what they do not tell you is that challenges mould you into a stronger, more experienced and more equipped person to deal with life as it comes.
However, one of the biggest mistakes we can make when facing these challenges is not seeking guidance, especially from experienced and knowledgeable individuals, who have not only faced the issues themselves but from those who have assisted those who have faced those challenges.
Are You Facing Issues Starting Your Study Abroad Journey?
In this article, we shall outline the various challenges that you, as an international student, studying in a foreign country, will face. Additionally, we will suggest some of the best ways to cope or overcome some of the common challenges that you can face when starting your study abroad journey.
Also Read: Here's Why You Should Take Expert Guidance for Achieving a 'Good' GRE Score
Study Abroad Challenges Faced By Indian Students
As mentioned earlier, studying abroad will bring about several challenges, which you, as an aspiring international student, may face when starting out. Listed below are some of the common challenges that Indian students have faced when studying abroad and what you can do to overcome them.
Tackling Challenges in Choosing the Right College and Course
The first step in beginning your study abroad journey is choosing the college and course which is perfect for you. As a student, choosing your academic path will set your career path in motion too. Therefore, it is crucial that you choose the path that you are interested in and skilled in.
While you can make the choice on your own since the final decision lies on you, seeking help from a guidance counsellor or a study abroad counsellor specifically, you will be able to choose a course and college that meet all your needs and provides you with the best outcome.
One place you can find reliable and dedicated study abroad counsellors is by connecting with us. Our team of experienced counsellors will take all opportunities to ensure you get the best guidance and information regarding admission to the university of your choice. So why wait! Click on the "Apply Now" button and talk to our study abroad experts now!
If you are interested in studying abroad, it is important to lay down some parameters that are important for you. For instance, the course output of a particular degree programme and university, international student support provided by a university, scholarship opportunities offered to international students and much more.
Here are some things you should keep in mind when choosing a course and university to study abroad.
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Write down your requirements from a university and course as well as your limitations, such as your budget to study abroad.
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Consult a study abroad expert regarding the countries, universities and courses that best fit your criteria and needs.
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Read about the top study abroad destinations as well as the upcoming study abroad destinations and how those places benefit you.
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Figure out the academic discipline you wish to pursue, such as Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science, Business, Law, etc.
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Shortlist the university of your choice based on your interests and requirements. Start Browsing your options here!
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Go to the individual university admission pages and list down the admission requirements of each university you are interested in to pursue your higher education.
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Check out the international student support services offered by the university of your choice before applying.
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Develop an admission strategy. You can do so with the help of our study abroad experts, who can help you build a strategy that highlights your strengths and interests.
Note: While you can figure out which country, university and course you should select for your study abroad journey, however, seeking guidance and consulting from study abroad counsellors can help you make a correct and fully informed decision, thus, helping you avoid regretting your decision later.
Tackling Challenges to Applying to Selected Courses and Preparing for Tests
All countries and universities define the application and admission processes, some of which can be complex and difficult to a certain degree. While you can figure out the application process to apply to a university of your choice, applying for a student visa to go study in a particular country can be more difficult and complex.
However, as mentioned earlier, the complexities of applying to a university and the appropriate student visa can be avoided if you consult with study abroad consultants, who have assisted many students to apply to universities across the globe.
Also Read: 7 Mistakes to Avoid During Your Study Abroad Application Process
Want to Prepare for Different Study Abroad Tests?
If you are interested in studying abroad and are confused with the processes and applications you need to complete, then register with us and reach out to our study abroad counsellors who have helped thousands of students apply to programmes around the globe. You can also have your applications reviewed by us before submitting them to the appropriate authorities.
It should be noted that when you are applying to a university abroad, you will be required to provide valid tests scores such as English Language proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, etc, and entrance tests such as GRE and GMAT among others. Applying to so many portals, keeping several different application processes and guidelines in mind, ensuring all the documents are in line with the guidelines posted, can turn hectic. Thus, seeking guidance from someone with experience in the field can make your life easier.
Here are some pointers that you should keep in mind when applying to study abroad:
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Carefully research the individual application processes and requirements of each university and course.
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Carefully research the student visa application processes and requirements of the country you wish to study in and apply accordingly.
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Consult and have your applications reviewed by an expert study abroad consultant, which you can also do by connecting with us.
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Find out which exams, standardised tests you need to take and how to best prepare for them. Click here to know more about tests like GMAT, GRE, SAT, ACT, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and more.
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Connect with our study abroad experts who can guide you through step-by-step preparation strategies to improve your scores.
Tackling Financial and Visa Challenges to Studying Abroad
It comes as no surprise that one of the common challenges faced by most students aspiring to study abroad is financial. With currency rates differing vastly across countries, different living conditions, academic tuition and living expenses, and other miscellaneous expenses, studying abroad varies from country to country.
One of the solutions to this applying for education loans or student loans offered by various banks. However, applying for loans or looking out for financial aids and scholarship opportunities can be tedious work as well. Speaking of, Visa processes to countries abroad can also be tedious, however, with the help of the study abroad consultants, you can reduce your stress levels by half, just by seeking guidance from those who have been in the field for years.
With the help of our study abroad counsellors, you can easily find out the various financial aids and scholarship opportunities that you are eligible for. Therefore, we recommend connecting with us and using our comprehensive search to find universities that offer you the best scholarships as well as find and apply to financial aids like education or study abroad loans.
Additionally, our counsellors can also help you clear your visa applications and interviews with relative ease, ensuring your chances of receiving a student visa vastly increase when compared to doing it by yourself.
Tackling Challenges to Cultural Differences and Home-Sickness
Another one of the most common challenges faced by Indian students and international students studying across the globe is the difference in cultures, social life and even home-sickness, which is common. If you are planning to study abroad, theres a high probability of you feeling homesick and experiencing a culture shock.
However, students can connect with their study abroad counsellors or other students, both international and/or domestic students in their universities, socialise and mingle with student groups, to help them overcome these challenges.
Also Read: Top 6 Countries for Indian Students to Study MBBS Abroad at Low Cost
Nonetheless, the study abroad counsellors can guide students in the different ways to cope with the cultural differences and challenges as well as homesickness, through methods that have been proven effective previously. Additionally, study abroad counsellors can also help you connect with other students at the university as well as a few alumni members too.
If you are looking for guidance and need assistance in researching, shortlisting, applying, editing and other important activities related to studying abroad, then we recommend registering yourself with us. Our dedicated team of study abroad counsellors will look into all your queries and help you make decisions that will positively impact your future and career.
Start Your Study Abroad Journey Here!
For those looking to study in one of the top study abroad destinations in the world and have queries regarding study abroad admission processes and education systems, connect with us and raise your queries at abroad@collegedekho.com or register on our website.