With the continuous advancement of globalization, studying abroad has become an important way for many students to pursue higher education levels and enrich life experiences. So, do you know how to study abroad smoothly?
Study abroad country and university selection
Choosing the right country and university for studying abroad is a key step to success. Here are some selection criteria and suggestions.
Criteria for selecting study abroad countries
When choosing a study abroad country, the following aspects should be considered:
- Education system and academic reputation: Understand the education system and university rankings of the target country, and choose countries with higher academic reputation.
- Cost of living and safety: Evaluate the cost of living in the target country, including tuition, accommodation, and daily expenses, while paying attention to local safety.
- Cultural background and language environment: Choosing a country with a suitable cultural background and language environment can help you better adapt to local life and learning.
College selection
When choosing a university, the following factors need to be considered:
- Academic rankings and professional reputation: Check the global and professional rankings of target universities, and choose universities that have advantages in their own professional fields.
- Campus facilities and student support services: Learn about the campus facilities and student support services provided by the university, such as libraries, laboratories, health services, etc.
- Alumni Network and Employment Resources: Examine the alumni network and employment resources of the university to understand the employment situation and Career Development path of graduates.
Study abroad expenses
In addition to considering the country and university, the cost of studying abroad is an important factor to consider. Understanding the cost structure and specific amount, as well as how to remit money, can help you better plan and manage your funds.
Remittance
It is recommended to use low-cost and fast transfer services, such as bank telegraphic transfer or specialized remittance tools.
As for remittance tools, you can use BiyaPay. It supports real-time exchange rate inquiry and exchange of more than 20 legal currencies and more than 200 digital currencies. The remittance fee is as low as 0.5%. It integrates local transfer methods and has zero cost in the middle of bank remittance. It can achieve instant cross-border remittance and unlimited amount.
Tuition
Tuition fees are the largest expense in studying abroad, and vary depending on the country, institution, and major. For example:
- The annual tuition fee for public universities in the US is about $20,000-35,000, while private universities range from $30,000-50,000. Tuition fees for top universities and popular majors may be higher.
- United Kingdom: Undergraduate tuition fees are around 10,000-20,000 pounds per year, while graduate tuition fees are 12,000-25,000 pounds.
Living expenses
Living expenses include accommodation, meals, transportation, and daily expenses. The cost of living varies greatly in different countries and cities. For example:
- US: In big cities such as New York and San Francisco, the annual cost of living is about $15,000-20,000; in small cities and rural areas, it is $10,000-15,000.
- United Kingdom: The cost of living in London is about 12,000-15,000 pounds per year, while in other cities such as Manchester and Birmingham it is 9,000-12,000 pounds.
Other expenses
In addition to tuition and living expenses, there are also some additional expenses to consider.
- Medical Insurance: Many countries require international students to purchase medical insurance, which costs about $500-2,000 per year in the US.
- Book fee: Taking the US as an example, it is about $500-1,500 per year, depending on the major and course.
- Visa fees: Student visa fees vary from country to country, such as around $160 in the US and £348 in the United Kingdom.
- Travel expenses: Round-trip airfare varies depending on the departure and destination, usually ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 in the US.
Study abroad application process
Next, let’s see how to apply. The study abroad application process includes multiple stages, each of which requires careful preparation and reasonable arrangement.
Preparation phase
Before applying for studying abroad, it is necessary to make sufficient preparations.
- Language exam preparation: Prepare in advance for language exams such as TOEFL and IELTS to ensure ideal scores.
- Preparation of academic performance and recommendation letters: Improve your academic performance and request professors or supervisors to write recommendation letters.
Application materials
During the application process, various application materials need to be prepared.
- Personal Statement and Resume: You need to write a personal statement to showcase your academic background, research interests, and future plans. At the same time, prepare a detailed resume highlighting your academic and practical experience.
- Application form and supporting documents: Fill out the application form and prepare relevant supporting documents, such as transcripts, language proficiency certificates, etc.
Application submission and follow-up
After submitting the application materials, the following work needs to be done:
- Online application process and precautions: Complete the online application process according to the requirements of the university to ensure accurate filling.
- Interview Preparation and Response Skills: Some universities may arrange interviews. Prepare for the interview in advance, familiarize yourself with common questions, and practice answering skills.
Student Visa Application
After obtaining the admission letter from the university, you need to apply for a student visa.
- Visa types and application requirements: Understand the student visa types and application requirements of the target country to ensure that you meet the relevant requirements.
- Preparation of Visa Materials: Prepare the materials required for visa application, such as passport, admission letter, financial proof, medical examination report, etc.
- Visa interview and approval: Some countries require a visa interview, prepare answers to common questions in advance. After submitting the visa application, patiently wait for the approval result.
Conclusion
Studying abroad is a major life decision with broad and far-reaching impacts. Before making a final decision, various factors should be considered comprehensively to facilitate a wonderful study abroad experience!