This is What You Should Look For While Selecting a Study Abroad Destination

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Friday — June 30, 2017

By:Study Abroad

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If you are reading this article, you probably want to go abroad for education. In this case, you must have one country in your mind which you are thinking of going to. My question here is, how did you decide what country to make your study abroad destination? What do you expect from that country? What did you see in it? Your answer will probably be based on no more than one reason that could be anything. Probably because you heard it from someone or you have relatives there.

One of students want to go China for higher education. When she consulted me, I asked for the reason to choose China. Her answer was that China is a good and beautiful country which she also heard from others. It was a letdown for her when I guided with the reality. I don’t you to make the same mistake and you won’t be consulting me to guide you like her. So, I am here going to write a whole article on factors you should keep in mind and research while choosing a study abroad destination. These are the questions you must know the answers to before finalizing your destination.

1. What is country’s Higher Education System Strength?

2. What are Universities Ranks?

3. What is country’s primary Language?

4. How is Cultural Diversity in that country?

5. How is country’s overall Environment?

6. What is Cost of Studying?

7. What are Career Opportunities?

1 - What is Country’s Higher Education System Strength?

Knowing the Higher Education System Strength of your study abroad destination is very important. Every year a list of countries is published that ranks which country is best to study in coming year. Some people may have their doubts but I totally agree to their judgment while keeping my personal experience in consideration. There are 50 study abroad destinations that also includes Pakistan and India. You have to select one of these 50 countries and if HESS rank is lower, you can safely assume that the country’s higher education system is not very good. However, it doesn’t mean to only select the top country. Can you guess, what rank was assigned to Pakistan and India in these 50 countries?

· HERE SEE: Best Countries for Higher Education and their Ranks

2 - What are Universities Ranks?

Though there is rare chance that you can get admission in one of the Top universities, still you must know the ranks of all institutes in that country. The rank does not necessarily have to be of general education and research. For this step, you must have decided a course that you wish to study and pursue career in. For example, Denmark is ranked the best country for Engineering by Times Higher Education ranking leaving even USA and UK behind. You should also see the Top 100 universities of the world best to study in 2018.

3 - What is Country’s Primary Language?

There I was a time when I wanted to study in Germany because of many perks it offer. Germany is ranked 3^rd best study abroad destination with free education for everyone. Though, they offer the most wide range of English taught programs still their native and primary language is German. For some certain reasons, I had to study in an English country. I will definitely go to Germany but that will come after completing first degree abroad. Likewise, many students have their own reasons or ideas dependent on the language. If you know German language, you will fit in Germany more easily and same goes for Arab countries. Before you finalize the destination, make sure you are comfortable with primary language of the country.

4 - How is Cultural Diversity in that Country?

This is also something that depends on the ideas and personality of the student. You should know how many more foreigner students you will find in the country to be selected as destination. Some people like diversity in the culture and some don’t. Some people would like to see their natives in that country, some don’t. It depends on you but make sure you know answer to this question before choosing a study abroad destination.

5 - How is Country’s Overall Environment?

It involves people, climate, culture, language, food, fashion, government and politics. In addition, everything that comes into environment of where you live. You should know the political condition of the country before selecting it. Change of government or rebellion have great effect on the country’s economy and environment. Like when Trump came into power, Muslim students were worried if they will be forced or deported back to the country. Likewise, see if the weather and food is comfortable for you. China is a good study abroad destination but its air way too much polluted and bad for health to live in. Moreover, how government treats foreigners.

6 - What is Cost of Studying?

Cost is an unavoidable factor to consider for every student wishing to go abroad unless you are very rich. You can choose a destination for good study and environment but can you afford it? Germany caught my attention because education is free there. But tuition fee of university is not the only expense. Also consider the cost of living in the country. For example, Germany cost of living is higher than most countries and you also have to buy a health insurance.

7 - What are Career Opportunities?

It is common question asked by students if they can stay after completing their study for job or permanent residency. Some don’t care but for some it’s the chief reason of studying abroad. In any case, it is good to have the option for further opportunities.

Usama Ahmed Awan

The Editor of StudyAbroad.pk, Usama is a BZU studied Software Engineer, now a Teacher, Article Writer, Educational Counselor and Journalist. He has been writing to assist students selecting the right career path.