The ultimate study abroad guide for international students in 2022

Have you ever thought of studying abroad but felt too scared to act on it? While many students want to take this leap, they are unsure where to begin. Well, this blog will curb all your inhibitions. From why you should study abroad and what programs you can pursue to some of the best countries and universities in the world, here is everything you need to know about studying abroad. Keep reading! 

Why study abroad?

Let’s begin with the most important question–the ‘why.’ Besides exploring the world and learning about other cultures, there are many reasons to study abroad. These include-

1. Varied course options- Consider the university you dream of getting into. You would be surprised to notice the range of study abroad programs it offers. This is true for almost every university abroad! From taught courses to skill-based training and research programs, you will find a diverse range of course options to choose from. Additionally, certain degrees will allow you to choose different electives simultaneously. For example, you can study Economics and pursue your passion for literature with a single degree! 
2. Broaden your horizon- Whether it’s education or understanding different cultures, studying abroad broadens your horizons. Besides, you will get the opportunity to learn from leading researchers and explore your passions. This will help you see things from many different perspectives, enabling you to thrive in life. 
3. Enhanced opportunities- Employers know that studying abroad strengthens your problem-solving and critical skills. An international degree in your CV would give you a competitive edge and open doors to innumerable opportunities for you. It will also help you rise through the ranks as you gain experience working with people from across the globe. 

Types of study abroad programs 

Now that you know why you should study abroad, it’s time to know what programs you can pursue. 

1. Associate’s degree- You can pursue an associate degree after completing your secondary education and before your bachelor’s. 
2. Bachelor’s degree-  A bachelor’s degree abroad can be 3-4 years long depending on your course. 
3. Master’s degree- If you want to learn more about your field and gain experience in the global job market, go for a master’s degree abroad. The duration of your degree can vary from 1-2 years based on your choice of country, university, and course. 
4. Ph.D/Doctoral- While these programs are highly competitive, there’s nothing better than completing your highest level of education from a top-ranking international university. 

Some other study abroad programs include- 

1. Language schools
2. Certificate and diplomas
3. Foundation programs 

Top countries for studying abroad

If you have decided to study abroad, this list will help you learn about the best study abroad countries and universities. 

1. Australia- Besides beautiful beaches and unending bushlands, Australia is home to some of the best universities in the world. Its exceptional education system and high standard of living attract around 500,000 international students every year. 

The top universities in Australia include-

• Australian National University
• University of Sydney
• University of Melbourne

2. Canada- This is one of the most desirable countries for studying abroad. With a high standard of teaching and low tuition fees, Canada is known for providing fantastic research and job opportunities to international students. 

Here are some of the top-ranking universities in Canada-

• McGill University
• University of Toronto
• University of British Columbia

3. The UK- Welcoming students from over 140 nations, the UK is among the top study abroad countries in the world. 17 of its universities rank among the top 100, providing innumerable opportunities in research and innovation. Not only that, the UK supports international students with generous financial aid and scholarships. 

The top universities in the UK are- 

• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge 
• Imperial College London

4. The USA- The US is home to 33 of the world’s top 100 universities. The universities here follow a hands-on practical approach to learning and provide the latest educational technologies to students. Besides, students living in the US get to design their own curriculum and pursue courses of their choice. 

Some of the best universities in the USA include-

• Harvard University 
• Stanford University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So there you have it—everything you need to know about studying abroad. We hope this piece will help you begin your study abroad journey the right way!

All the best!