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16 Frequently asked questions and Answers about Study Abroad 

Have you ever had this question bogging your mind about your choice of study abroad? And you have not seen a perfect answer to your question, well; in this article, you’ll find a collection of the most frequently asked questions regarding how to study abroad.

Find information on where to study, how to apply, entry requirements, getting a student visa, tuition fees and funding, finding study abroad scholarships and other practical information.

In response to questions raised in our previously written article, How can I get a scholarship to study abroad? See 11 Perfect Answers this article will tackle those bogging questions head-on.

Answering these questions below is not based on hearsay but from years of experience and listening to students with the desire to study abroad but keep wondering if they could ever make it out there.

My Advice!!! Go through these answers and take the bull by the horn because those are what the horns are meant for.

Table of contents

List of Frequently Asked Questions About Study Abroad

  1. Why study abroad?
  2. Where in the world should I study?
  3. How do I get started?
  4.  How long do study abroad programs take?
  5. When can I start applying for study abroad programs?
  6. What are the entry requirements for study abroad programs?
  7. What documentation should I submit with my application?
  8. Do I have to speak a second language to study abroad?
  9.  Will I need to attend an admissions interview?
  10. After gaining a letter of acceptance, what do I do next?
  11.  Do I need to apply for a student visa?
  12. How much does it cost to study abroad?
  13. Can I get financial aid to study abroad?
  14.  Where can I find study-abroad scholarships?
  15. Where will I live during my study abroad program?
  16. Can I work while studying abroad?

Answers to the Questions stated above

Why study abroad?

The study abroad programs are becoming popular for so many reasons, for most international students it appears to a combination of gaining a high-quality education, experiencing, immersion in a new culture (and often a second language), gaining a global mindset and expanding future employment prospects.

To others, it is an exciting experience to leave home and head to a whole new location, but still studying.

The kind of experience you have during your time abroad will vary hugely depending on where you go, so make sure to pick a study destination based on your own personal interests as well as the country’s academic reputation, in order to keep a healthy work/play balance.

Better understand why you should study abroad, see our other articles

Where in the world should I study?

After deciding to study abroad, the next question comes to your mind: WHERE? Choosing a country/ location you wish to study in is always a rigorous process . for your own good, you should think about real-life situations before making your choice, consider facts like the cost of studying in your chosen country (both tuition costs and living costs), your graduate’s career prospects and welfare/ safety in general.

You should also consider what lifestyle you wish to have during your studies. Do you want to live in a big city or a small university town? Do you want arts and culture on your doorstep or world-class sporting facilities?

Whatever your interests, be sure to match them up with your study destination so that you really give yourself the best chance of loving your international experience.

How do I get started?

Once you’ve made up your mind about where you want to study, you should start to think about choosing a program and a university if you haven’t already.

You can research leading universities to discover universities that are best for your subject, and also consult national rankings of universities in your chosen destination.

You’ll then want to look closely at the courses offered by the institutions on your shortlist, as well as researching the local area and lifestyle, admission requirements and costs.

Once you’ve firmly decided on your program and institution, you should start to think about your application(s).

Application processes differ depending on the university and the country, but generally, each institution will provide full details of how to submit your application on the official website.

In some cases, there is a “two-step application process” for international students. This means you must submit two applications: one for a place at the university and one for a place on the course itself.

This should be clearly stated on the university’s website. If you still have questions about the process, you should contact your chosen university directly.

If you think you might need a student visa, remember that in most cases, you won’t be able to apply for one until you have received a letter of acceptance from your chosen university. Each stage can take several months, so allow as much time as possible.

 How long do study abroad programs take?

The length of time you spend studying abroad will depend on the program and level of degree you’re undertaking.

Generally, an undergraduate degree will take three or four years of full-time study (for example, in the UK, the typical length for most subjects is three years, while in the US, the norm is four), while a graduate degree such as a master’s degree or equivalent will take one or two years. A doctoral (PhD) program will usually take three to four years.

At many universities worldwide, there is also the option of studying abroad for a shorter period.

Student exchange programs allow you to study abroad for a year, a semester or even just a few weeks.

Information about these shorter programs should be available on the website of the main university you plan to enroll at and the university you’d like to be hosted by.

When can I start applying for study abroad programs?

Considering your application as early as possible is the best way to go. After all, the sooner you gain acceptance into a university, the sooner you can arrange your travels.

To avoid disappointment, note down all the relevant application deadlines (set out by your chosen university) in HUGE LETTERS on your calendar.

Application deadlines will be different depending on the school, but generally speaking, for programs starting in the fall (September/October), applications will be open from early in the year (January/February) until the middle of the year (June/July).

What are the entry requirements for study abroad programs?

Different countries and universities have different Entry Requirements, therefore, be sure to go with every information provided by your prospective university before submitting anything.

However, if you are applying for an undergraduate degree, you will be asked to show that you have completed your secondary education to a standard that is in line with the required grades (e.g. your GPA, A-level grades or equivalent) for the program you’re applying to.

If you have an international qualification and are unsure whether this is accepted, you should contact the university’s admissions department.

For non-native English speakers wanting to study in English-speaking countries, you’ll also likely need to provide proof of your English-language proficiency by taking an English-language test such as TOEFL or IELTS. Similar tests may be required for those studying in other languages.

What documentation should I submit with my application?

Once you have applied, You may be asked to provide some supporting documentation as part of your application. Once again, requirements vary depending on the country and university, but international students are often asked to provide the following:

  • Passport photos for identification
  • A statement of purpose
  • CV/résumé
  • Academic references/ letters of recommendation
  • Certificate and transcripts of your secondary education
  • Proof of English-language proficiency (e.g. a TOEFL/IELTS certificate for schools in English-speaking countries), or other language tests
  • Admissions test results (e.g. GMAT/GRE results, for graduate programs)

Do I have to speak a second language to study abroad?

Depending on the country you wish to study in and also the language that the course you are applying for will be taught in.

In situations where you are not an English speaker natively and you wish to study in the English Language, you will need to provide an English -language test results, that will ensure you will flow in the course of study without comprehension problems.

English is also used as a language of instruction in a number of other countries worldwide, particularly for graduate programs and business degrees.

English-taught courses will be advertised on the university’s website and can sometimes be searched for using a centralized database run by a national agency.

The TOEFL and IELTS are the most accepted tests as proof of English proficiency.

If you need to prove your proficiency in a language other than English, there are also similar tests in other languages, such as the DELF/DALF and TCF-DAP (French) or the DSF and TestDaF (German).

Before taking a language test, confirm which results are accepted by your chosen school to ensure you don’t waste money on the wrong test.

Will I need to attend an admissions interview?

Well, it is likely for a school you intend to attend will want you to come for an admissions interview in person especially for most competitive programs.

Most times, some universities hold their interviews in different locations around the world thus you may be expected to attend one these.

There is also a growing trend of using video interviewing. This is like any other interview, with a prearranged time and date, but will take place online, via an application such as Skype.

After gaining a letter of acceptance, what do I do next?

Congratulations !!, you’re in! Now, all that’s left to do is to prepare for your studies, pack up your life into a single (large) suitcase, get your travel documents in order, apply for your student visa, research your accommodation options, and look for funding… don’t panic; it’ll all be worth it!

In fact, as soon as you gain acceptance from a university, you should first consider your travel documentation.

Ensure you have a valid passport, travel insurance, and a student visa if you need one.

Make sure you have sufficient time to get your passport/visa approved so that you’ll be able to travel legally!

For more information on what documentation you’ll need to travel, you should visit the government website of your chosen country to find information for travelers, visitors and international students (e.g. Gov.uk for UK travel information).

All the travel information you need should be listed on these official sites.

Alternatively, you can ask your university for guidance. Often, admissions departments will help you to prepare for your travels, and, in some countries, they even apply for the student visa on your behalf.

Make sure you check with your university, however – don’t assume someone else is going to sort everything out!

Do I need to apply for a student visa?

YES! the moment you have decided to study outside your home country, you need a student visa, especially for those who wish to engage in a long period program greater than 3 months, but then if you are on a shorter exchange that will last at most 3 months or less a tourist or visitor visa will do, though not all international students will need one.

If you’re an EU citizen planning to study in another EU country, for instance, you do not need a student visa.

How much does it cost to study abroad?

To work out the cost of studying abroad, you need to consider the average tuition fees for international students in your chosen country and the cost of living.

  • As a point of reference, the average tuition fees for international students studying in the UK are UK£12,000 (US$18,200) a year, with an additional UK£7,000 (US$10,600) per year needed to cover living costs.
  • In the US, the average yearly cost is US$28,500 with an additional recommended budget of US$15,000 to cover your living costs. With these yearly figures in mind, remember that undergraduate programs in the US tend to last a full four years.

In some countries, there are no tuition fees at all. Notable examples include Germany, where undergraduate-level education is free for all, and a number of Nordic countries such as Finland.

Can I get financial aid to study abroad?

Although many international students may find it difficult to get a student loan to fund their studies, there is a myriad of other funding opportunities available to make studying abroad more affordable, including scholarships, fellowships, studentships, sponsorships, grants, and bursaries.

Your chosen university is perhaps the best place to get funding information relevant to you, so make sure to scour the school’s website for advice, or contact the school directly.

This is also where information about study abroad scholarships offered by the university and other external organizations can be found, along with details regarding eligibility and how to apply.

Many scholarships are granted based on academic merit and are highly competitive.

There are also lots of funding schemes targeting specific groups of students, such as students from developing countries and women studying male-dominated subjects.

Where can I find study abroad scholarships?

Study abroad scholarships can be found in many places! Your first port of call will be the website of your chosen university, where you’ll find information on available scholarships.

Sometimes the university will also list external scholarships, such as those offered by the government or business partners of the school.

If not, you should research governmental schemes in your home country and your country of study, as well as funding offered by external organizations relating to your field of study (e.g. an engineering firm might offer a scholarship for engineering students).

Where will I live during my study abroad program?

If your chosen university has readily available campus accommodation, you will likely be able to apply for a place in these student halls. If this is not the case, you will need to find your accommodation.

If money is no object, you can consider renting your own flat, while those on a smaller budget can find shared accommodation with other students or use spare room listings found online.

In all cases, you should make sure you do your research before signing anything or handing over any money. Your university’s student support team and student union should also offer advice on how to find accommodation locally.

Can I work during my studies abroad?

This will depend on whether or not your student visa allows you to work. In some countries, there are restrictions on the amount of paid work you can undertake during your studies;

often there’s a limit of 20 hours of paid work per week during term time, with full-time work permitted during holidays.

 Lists of WORK STUDY Countries For International Students

If you don’t need a student visa, you’ll likely be able to work as many hours as you like, as long as this doesn’t affect your studies – but check with the university and official government site.

Conclusion

If you have any more questions regarding how to study abroad, that haven’t already been addressed, feel free to ask them in the comments below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can, but then do well to share articles to help a friend in need.

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