Viola! You have taken that step out of your comfort zone to enter the once in a lifetime experience of studying abroad. This is just the beginning and there are many things to take note of before you do so. STI has just the list for you to understand what you should know before hopping on the plane and starting your new life.
Let’s get all the nitty-gritty stuff out of the way. To secure your admission overseas, you will need to be very familiar with the entire application procedure. This would mean knowing the application window, submission deadlines, required documents and eligibility criteria. Make sure to set a timeline for yourself so that you know when and what to prepare to avoid missing any deadlines. You would also need to check the visa requirements needed to be able to reside and study in the country of choice; taking into account the processing time of every step and use that when building your timeline. For example, when you have settled for a destination and school, start to prepare the necessary documents even before the application period and submit them on time so you have a buffer should there be additional requests from the school.
Do keep in mind that due to the current COVID-19 situation, these procedures may take longer than usual and you have to be prepared for any restrictions that the country may impose on you when you arrive into the country.
As much as we would love for you to get into the school of your dreams, one should also learn to manage expectations in case the outcome turns out against your favour. It could be due to not fulfilling the entry requirements, your financial capabilities, or simply because all the spots are full. Whatever it is, it is good to have alternate options besides your first choice. If you are into a specific kind of engineering, are there any other similar programmes available if you do not meet the entry requirements of your first choice? If you want to enrol into an arts schools in a particular location but the financial requirements are beyond your means, are there any other schools or cities that would suit your learning but at a more affordable cost? Keep an open-mind and keep your options open! There are many reputable and affordable options available, and that is just one of the amazing things of our interconnected world!
When preparing your application, do remember to check the language requirement of the city and school you wish to enrol into. We recommend that you prepare for the language test six months in advance to increase your chances of passing on the first try.
We know that studying and living abroad helps us to know more about another’s culture; and there is no better way to understand it than by speaking the local language! Which is why apart from requirements for schools, one should have knowledge of the default language used by the locals in the new city you are moving to. Montreal, in particular, is a city in Canada that has established French as their default language even though Canada is an anglophone country. Similarly, though Singapore is a country with four main ethnicities and many different spoken languages including dialects, English remains its default language. It is also helpful to pick up a few common conversation starters such as greetings and questions to help you get around.
While studying and living abroad may seem fun, you do not want to burn a huge hole in your pocket (or your parents’) before you even enter the workforce. One important factor you ought to consider is the finances required to do so which includes tuition fees, cost of living (accommodation, daily meals, transport, utilities, medical bills and other miscellaneous expenses) and proof of financial funds. As mentioned above, if the total cost is beyond your means, do be open to look for other options.
Alternatively, sourcing for scholarship programmes will help bring down the cost significantly. In doing your research, you would be pleased to find that they are many different scholarships catered for various individuals. For instance, a location-specific grant/scholarship are for students who wish to study in a specific country or area such as Japan. A programme-specific grant/scholarship are offered to students who have decided to study abroad through a specific programme, and a university-specific programme grant students scholarship based on merit. Besides scholarships to study overseas, you could also check with your local banks on available study abroad loan programmes to help you get started or refer to our guides for more financial aid options.
One thing that many may overlook is the climate of the city you are moving to, such as the typical weather conditions, temperature, and seasons. Being aware of the climate can mentally prepare yourself for extreme weather conditions especially if they are not what you are used to. For example, individuals in the northern hemisphere will probably take some time to get used to the heat and humidity in South-East Asia and vice versa.
With this in mind, you will know what and how to pack especially if you are more sensitive to the change in temperature. You will also know what to expect once you land so you do not get a shock when the heat or the cold hits your skin.
When going overseas to study, it is only respectful to learn about the culture of the city. Things like respectful greetings, food etiquette, language(s) spoken, local gestures and symbols are something that you ought to learn before moving there. Take slurping noodles as a case in point. In Japan, this act is highly encouraged because it signifies that the noodles are delicious and you are enjoying your meal. However, the same behaviour will backfire in Italy for slurping spaghetti is seen as rude and one should twirl them with a fork and eat silently instead. Of course in most cases, the locals will understand that you are new to the area, but as a basic courtesy, learning a few of them will not hurt but will prove beneficial in making new friends and assimilating into the local culture.
Besides culture, you may want to research on the lifestyle of the locals to get a better understanding of their way of life. Once you are there, it is important to live like a local instead of sticking to what you are familiar with back home so you truly get to experience this new life and all it has to offer!
Finally, the question that you may have at the back of your mind is whether you need an education agent. While you are able to do so on your own, the administrative procedure behind may be tedious and complicated for some. An education agent will help you ease the stress of thinking about all these details while you focus on preparing yourself to move! With the current pandemic, an education agent will also be helpful in updating you with any change in policies and breaking down the different travel restrictions.
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