FACTORS INFLUENCING STUDY ABROAD DECISIONS
- ACADEMIC PROFILE:
Grades, GPA, Percentage have a vital role in your study abroad plans. The top universities and colleges, usually, have high cut-offs. This also includes scores of English Language tests like IELTS, TOEFL or PTE and aptitude tests like GRE or GMAT. However, do not be discouraged, if your grades are lower. There are multiple options, if you wish to study abroad. Therefore, this is the first factor in the selection process.
- PROGRAM AVAILABILITY:
Needless to say, more than the country or the reputation of the university, it is availability of the program of your choice, that matters. Our interest and goals should guide towards the right program. Most universities have a plethora of options and electives to stitch the perfect course combination. However, if the institution does not have the required electives, it is not the right choice, irrespective of its ranking.
- BUDGET / SCHOLARSHIPS / FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Now that’s the hard one! Let’s be practical – We can have dreams but we must consider resources at hand. We must read about tuition fees as well as cost of living in that area of he particular country. Also, it is important to research on financial assistance from institutes, study loans, scholarships available on timely application.
- PART TIME WORK OPPORTUNITY/ INTERNSHIPS:
Through social networking, it is important to get in touch with students and faculty members of dream institutes. It helps to understand part-time work options, internships and placements for post study work. The course structure may be excellent and fees might be affordable but isn’t placement an equally prime factor to select or reject a certain University / college?
- STAY BACK OPTIONS / PERMANENT RESIDENCY:
Last but not the least, please decide whether you wish to migrate to this country afer your course or return to India. This is a deciding factor, as not all countries are equally open to immigration. Hence, if immigration is a priority, the country choice will differ as per immigration rules.
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