9 QUESTIONS ABOUT STUDYING UNIVERSITY ABROAD

In these days of graduation, many young people are approaching their dream of becoming a university student abroad. Experiencing a different culture, meeting new people and gaining a broad perspective are among the advantages of studying abroad. However, this process, which is the dream of students and makes a very important contribution to their careers, consists of many complex stages and requires careful planning.

With our overseas education consultancy office in London, we bring together many young professional candidates with the dream of university abroad every year. In this article, we compile the most frequently asked questions from you and answer 9 questions you need to know about being a university student abroad. Do not forget to take advantage of our free consultancy service for other questions about your dream of studying abroad.

WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF UNIVERSITY APPLICATION ABROAD?

The general outline of the process you need to follow step-by-step for overseas university applications is as follows:

• Research: The first step is to determine in which country and which university you want to study. You should do country and university research according to your career goals, your dream job and post-university job opportunities. Especially at this stage, working with an overseas education consultant saves you time and helps you to prepare fully for the approval of your application. For your dream university, you can start by researching under the headings such as UK universities, Italian universities, Spanish university fees or studying at a 2-year university in the USA.

• Exams and Documents: To study abroad, you usually have to take certain exams. These exams are special exams that measure language proficiency and academic abilities. You have to continue the process by preparing the exam result documents regarding the exams included in the application requirements of the university you have chosen. In addition, before the application, other documents required by the university must be prepared and your application file must be completed completely.

• Application: The next step is to follow the application process of the university you have chosen. For universities that accept online applications, you will usually need to fill in the online application form and send the required documents by mail or upload them to the university’s application system. Application periods may vary from university to university. For this reason, it is important that you carefully follow the announcements and announcements of the university you have chosen.

• Visa: After applying to your dream university and receiving the information that you have been accepted, you must apply for a student visa in accordance with the conditions of the country you are applying for. Especially for the countries that apply visa to Turkish students, you need to prepare your visa application file with documents such as your acceptance letter from your university and make your application so that you have a visa on the appropriate dates. It is important to consider working with a consultant and allocating the necessary time for the visa application process in order to minimize the disruptions that may occur during the visa process.

• Accommodation: Dormitory/student house etc. offered by your university. If there are opportunities, you should continue your process by evaluating these opportunities and making the necessary applications. If you wish, you can provide your own accommodation outside instead of staying on the university campus or dormitories. Getting educational consultancy on issues such as accommodation alternatives in the city where you study at the university, transportation to the school and the center will allow you to have an easier experience in the city.

• Financial Planning: You should determine how much finance you will have in the short and long term by calculating your accommodation, meals, transportation and other living expenses as well as tuition fees. Whether the university you are accepted to has offered you a scholarship will seriously affect your financing needs. For this reason, you should not forget that making your application with an advisor will increase your chances of winning a scholarship.

• Travel Preparations: This is the last step in which you fly to your dreams. One of the most important items of travel preparation is to make sure that you arrive in the city before the start of the course and in time for the registration period. In order to get to know the transportation and food and beverage opportunities of your city, you may consider arriving in the city a while before your classes. You can adjust the date to take advantage of the orientation programs of the schools and the promotional trips offered to foreign students. After arranging your flight, you can prepare your baggage and have the necessary health checks done, and you can set off excitedly.

WHAT ARE THE POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A UNIVERSITY ABROAD?

University selection is one of the most critical steps for students planning to study abroad. The important topics to consider when choosing a university for undergraduate or graduate education abroad are as follows:

• University’s Academic Reputation: The academic reputation of your university and the quality of its program are an important factor when making a choice. You should not forget that you will bear the name of your university after graduation.

• Location: The city and country where your university is located should match your lifestyle and goals.

• Cost: Tuition fees, living expenses, and other expenses should be within your budget. University education is longer-term education compared to language school education. During your education life, legal work permits may vary depending on the country you are applying for. In this process, you should make sure that you can provide the financing you need.

• Student Support Services: You should pay attention to whether there are support services that can help you with the difficulties you may encounter while studying abroad. In addition to the student support services offered by the university, working with an overseas education consultant can provide you with a safer university experience.

• Career Opportunities: The career opportunities and internship opportunities offered by the university to its graduates may affect your choice. It may be helpful to research the industries and companies where graduate students are most often employed before applying and choosing your university.

WHEN ARE THE INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS?

Applications to universities abroad are usually made one year in advance. However, application deadlines may vary depending on the university and program. Especially in some universities, there are first-second-third round applications and late application right is offered. Therefore, it is important to check the exact dates by visiting the website of the university you are considering applying to.

WHICH EXAMS DO I HAVE TO TAKE TO STUDY ABROAD?

To study abroad, you usually need to take an English language proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) and sometimes academic aptitude tests such as SAT and ACT. However, the required exams vary by university and program. An expert and experienced overseas education consultant will review your resume and guide you to complete your deficiencies.

WHAT ARE THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION ABROAD?

The documents required for undergraduate education abroad vary according to the university and field to which the application will be made. However, the documents that are generally required from foreign students and that you need to prepare are as follows:

• Application form
• High School Diploma and Transcript
• English Language Proficiency Exam Result
• Reference Letters
• Personal Statement / Letter of Intent
• Passport

WHAT ARE THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR POSTGRADUATE EDUCATION ABROAD?

The documents required for graduate education abroad vary according to the university and field to which the application will be made. However, the documents that are generally required from foreign students and that you need to prepare are as follows:

• Application form
• Undergraduate Diploma and Transcript
• English Language Proficiency Exam Result
• Reference Letters
• Personal Statement / Letter of Intent
• Passport
• CV
• GMAT or GRE exam results are usually required for MBA programs.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A UNIVERSITY STUDENT ABROAD?

Here are some of the benefits you can add to your personal experience and career journey as a university student abroad:

• Cultural Awareness: Experiencing a different culture and socializing with people from different cultures increases your cultural awareness.
• Language Skills: Studying abroad will improve your language skills and enable you to speak at least one foreign language at a native level.
• Career Opportunities: Studying abroad makes you stand out among other candidates by providing you open to career opportunities in different countries as well as in your own country.
• Life Skills: Studying abroad gives students invaluable life experience in terms of adapting to different living conditions and improving the ability to overcome obstacles that they may encounter throughout life.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF BEING A UNIVERSITY STUDENT ABROAD?

In order to achieve the benefits of overseas university education, students have to overcome some difficulties. However, one of the benefits of studying abroad is the ability to cope with different difficulties. Some of the challenges you may encounter when you want to study in a different country are as follows:

• Culture Shock: Adapting to a new country and culture can be difficult. However, the problems that may be encountered in this regard enable individuals to adapt in a short time in life and to cope with difficulties.
• Foreign Language: Studying in a language that is not your mother tongue can be challenging at first. However, after your graduation, your foreign language level will reach a level close to that of your mother tongue.
• Cost: The cost of studying abroad can be high. Scholarship opportunities, funding options, and work permit opportunities in your country of study can help you finance your education.

HOW IMPORTANT IS STUDYING ABROAD FOR CAREER?

Studying abroad is a huge boost to your career. Studying in a different culture gives you a global perspective, which is seen as a valuable trait by employers. Also, studying abroad improves your language skills, which makes you more competitive in the international job market.

Finally, studying abroad supports your personal development and boosts your self-confidence. Meeting new people, learning a new language and experiencing a new culture develops your personal and professional skills.

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