Deciding that you need to Study
Abroad
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So, you've decided that you want to study
abroad. What's next? How do you get started? Studying abroad is a serious and expensive undertaking. To decide if it is the best option for you, consider carefully how it will fit into your long-term educational and professional plans. To ensure that this move is the one for you, there are several preliminary key questions that you should ask yourself. |
What are your goals?
* Do you have academic preparation necessary to
achieve those goals?
* Do you have adequate English?
* Do you have enough money?
* Are you prepared to live in another country for the time it
takes to earn a degree?
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It is important to rationalize your
decision for studying abroad. Studying abroad is not an end
unto itself. Students pursue higher education, in their home country or abroad, because the experience will help them to achieve their professional and personal goals. Those goals may include professional advancement, a higher-paying job, or a greater appreciation and knowledge of the world. |
As you define your educational and
professional goals, here are some questions to
ask:
* Am I willing to spend this much time in
higher education?
* Is there a need for my chosen profession in my home
country?
* Will I earn enough in this profession to justify the
investment?
* Will my educational credentials be recognized at home when I
return?
* Will spending time abroad cause me to miss important
opportunities at home?
* Is the knowledge I will gain readily transferable to situations
in my home country?
* Will the technological expertise I acquire abroad be of use at
home?
* Is the training or education I need available at
home?
Are you academically
prepared?
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If you are applying for undergraduate study
at a two or four year U.S University, you must have completed
at least 12 years of school and obtained the equivalent of a
U.S high school diploma. If you are considering graduate
study at the master's or doctorate level, you will need
academic credentials equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's
degree. Some U.S universities are very competitive, selecting only students with excellent grades and test scores as well as leadership skills. Many U.S universities are less selective, but almost all require some demonstration that you have succeeded in your previous schooling and that you have the potential to success at a more advanced level. Most graduate schools also require a minimum grade point average of 3.0 from previous study. |
Be realistic about your academic record and test scores. Apply to universities whose requirements match your academic background and interests. Be aware that graduate work in the United States involves a great deal of independent work and classroom discussion, forms of learning that may be different from what you have experienced.
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U.S. Colleges and universities place a great deal of emphasis on neat, organized and clearly written presentations. Almost nothing is accepted in handwriting; projects and term papers should be typed or produced on a computer. More and more research at campus libraries is conducted using computers to access on-line resources instead of books. Most universities will issue students a personal electronic mail account upon enrollment and expect them to use it for homework assignments. |
Do you have adequate
English?
Most universities will require undergraduate
and graduate students to prove their English Language ability as
part of the admissions process by taking the Test of English as a
Foreign Language (TOEFL). The level of proficiency required
varies from school to school and from department to department,
but it is important to remember that the more prepared you are
before you begin study, the more confident you will feel as a
student in the United States.
It is an advantage to have a good command of written and spoke
English from the very beginning of the application process. Some
universities will require applicants to submit at least one essay
as part of their application; others may request an interview or
teleconference with you to hear how you express yourself in
English.
Do you have enough
money?
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When considering the cost of a U.S
education, include the cost of tuition, living expenses,
books and other items. Tuition varies widely from university
to university, but it is usually the largest single cost an
international student faces. A community college may have a
yearly tuition of $28,000. Sources of financial aid available
to international students at the undergraduate level are
limited and highly competitive. Your financial plans should cover your entire program. An undergraduate degree in the United States takes an average of four to five years to complete. Master's programs may last one to three years. Doctoral programs may take anywhere from five to seven years, depending on your field of study and previous education. Non-degree or vocational programs last anywhere from several month to two years. . |
Be realistic if you plan to bring your family with you during your time in the United States. You will probably need an additional $5,000 per year to bring your spouse with you and an extra $4,000 per year for each child. Health insurance is a necessity for living in the United States; budget for these costs as well. The cost of health insurance varies but generally ranges from $3,500 to $4,000 per year for a family
Are you prepared to live in another
country and culture?
Living abroad for an extended period of time
while pursuing your educational goals is much different from
visiting the country for a few weeks or months as a tourist.
Give some thought to how living in a new environment and
a new culture might change you, and the additional
changes you may need to make upon your return home. Consider
whether you have the skills to live independently in a new
culture. You will likely be separated from family and friends for
a long period. If you do bring your family, consider their
adjustment as well.
Resourcefulness, creativity and realistic planning are all key
factors in determining whether you will succeed in your plan to
study abroad.
Join LearnHub's Study Abroad USA community!
Related Links:
The Application Process for the US, US Academic System - How It All Works, Immigration and Visa Issues for Study Abroad US, Work-Study Abroad in the USA, Why Indian Students go to the USA
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