Top 8 Questions to Ask When Considering Studying Abroad

Consider studying abroad, do you? To find your best possibilities, think about asking these questions.

You may be considering studying abroad. great decision Studying abroad will give you a sense of adventure, the chance to discover more about yourself and achieve independence, the chance to travel and experience other cultures and delicious cuisine. But, you should think carefully before making the decision to study abroad to see if it is the best course of action for you. To get as much information as you can, try to ask open-ended inquiries. A close-ended question only requires a yes/no response, whereas an open-ended question initiates a conversation (exactly like the examples below!).

These are the key inquiries you should make, whether you’re speaking with your counselor, attending an education fair like Study and Go Abroad, or conducting your own study.

1. Accommodations

Moving abroad is thrilling, but looking for a place to live when you aren’t even in that country yet might be scary. Ask the following questions to the colleges you are considering to see if they can assist you:

• What kinds of housing options are there for students from other countries?
• How can you ensure a place at residence?
• How are choices for residency taken into account? Will you be able to pick the kind of home you live in?
• What housing choices, if any, are available to students in the higher years as well?

Find out if the schools can assist you with your living arrangements in any other ways if they don’t provide housing choices for you.

• How can you tell which housing sites for student accommodation are legitimate and trustworthy?
• What tools does the school provide for pupils to learn about rental agreements and their rights as tenants?
• What neighborhoods are suitable for accommodating students? Think about, for instance, how close the food store, university, and transit are.
  Can the school assist with locating homestay possibilities in this country? How does this procedure appear?

2. Cost of living

The cost of living will vary depending on the nation, program type and length, lifestyle, and school you select. To determine whether what you want is within your means, consider the following:

• What regular costs should you anticipate?
• How much will it cost an international student in tuition and fees? Are these expenses set in stone, or will they rise while you’re a student?
• What is the typical price of food?
• What would a flight cost if you intended to travel home for the holidays? Does the school provide or have knowledge of any discounts or aid with transportation?
• Are you going to have a car or are there other ways to get around campus (such buses, trains, or ride-sharing services)?
• What parking choices are available and how much would it cost if you decided to drive to campus?
• What is the typical cost of rent near versus far from campus? What will the price of utilities be?
• What is the cost of a visa application?
• What types of books and materials are necessary for my program? For instance, in addition to textbooks, chemistry often calls for additional safety gear like lab coats.
• What will the cost of your cell phone bill be? Should you look into getting a local plan to cut down on the number of international calls you’ll make to your friends and family back home?

3. Community

When not in class, you will be on campus or out and about. Hence, the secret to establishing friends, exploring the neighborhood, and having fun outside of class is having a strong community foundation. In what ways does the school foster a sense of community?

• What kinds of orientation events are offered to students from other countries? How can you participate?
• What kinds of organizations on campus cater to Canadian and international students?
• What types of scheduled events are offered all year long?

4. Healthcare

You’ll spend a lot of time away from home while studying abroad. So, you should ensure that you have insurance in case you become ill. To determine what you’ll need to do to get ready for your healthcare, ask yourself these questions:

• What kind of healthcare coverage does the school offer? What are these plans supposed to cover?
• How does the nation’s government aid foreign students with their healthcare?
• Do you have to purchase private insurance? What might this cost?
• What guidance or help will be given regarding private health insurance if the school does not provide healthcare?
• What kinds of scholarships are offered to help with the cost of health insurance?

5. Working while abroad

Getting a job while you’re abroad is a fantastic method to lower your education costs.

• What limitations apply to foreign students who work while they study?
• How many hours are permissible to work?
• Do you need to obtain an additional visa or a certain kind of visa in order to work in the nation? How long will it take to do this?
• Does the institution allow students to work on campus? What kinds of jobs are typical, and how do you apply for them?
• How does the school help students who are looking for work? Creating a resume, a career center, etc.

6. Qualifications/documentation

Once you’ve made up your mind to apply to study abroad, you’ll need to determine if you meet the prerequisites to do so.

• Will your secondary schooling be accepted? What grades are required for admission?
• What other admissions requirements will you need? such as any academic or entrance exams
• What paperwork is required to apply for a visa? For instance, visas, passports, birth certificates, and references.
• Does the nation need evidence of the required funds in order to apply as a student? How much is required if so?

7. Financial aid

Your school expenses might be reduced to a large extent by applying for scholarships, awards, and bursaries. If you’re studying abroad, however, your options can be more constrained. Find out if you will have access to enough money to study comfortably.

• What conditions must be met before receiving government funding?
• What financial aid does the institution give exclusively to students from other countries? Canadians?
• What criteria must be met to qualify for scholarships and outside funding?
• What kind of financial aid are available for Canadians studying abroad from the Canadian government? What are the requirements to apply?
• What paperwork will you need to submit a loan or student credit card application?

8. When deciding where to study abroad Factors to consider

You have access to the entire planet! You will be able to select the nation in which you will study. When looking for the perfect area for you, there are several things to take into account.

Urban vs Rural: Do you enjoy the commotion of the city or do you favor peaceful, natural walks? What accommodations can your preferred school provide for you?

Language: Are you going to be able to communicate in this nation? Do you have access to any language learning programs to help you become proficient?

Culture: Are there any particular cultures that speak to you? Do you have a favorite cuisine?

Transportationaccessibility: Is it simple to get around the town? Are there airports close by in case you decide to return home?

Entertainment: Exist activities outside of school? Are you able to shop? to a pub? watch a concert? Check to discover if whatever you enjoy doing is offered where you wish to study.

Clubs and Sports. Do you like to write creatively or play soccer? Do you have access to your hobbies on campus? If a club doesn’t currently exist, do you have the option to start one?

When considering studying abroad, there are many factors to consider, but these considerations will help you make the best decision. Find out all you need to know to get started on your study abroad journey now.