When making the decision about your higher education abroad there are several factors to consider, such as financing, picking the right university for you, accommodation, part-time work and more.
Each application process is unique to the person applying, however there are some common mistakes to watch out for:
1. Applying for high ranking universities without having a plan B
We all want to get into the universities with the big names. But if your application is rejected, you are likely to feel demotivated. However, the name does not matter as much as the courses, lecturers and support that is available to you during the tenure of your program.
Make your own rankings of the universities that carry your choice of program and decide on which ones to apply to based on how well your needs are met. Things to consider include, whether you can get exposure to your chosen career, as well as whether the university’s culture fits you.
Apply to lesser-known universities as they get fewer applications from foreign students, and therefore the chances of acceptance are higher.
2. Ignoring scholarships
There are a wide variety of scholarships on offer for students applying from abroad. A common mistake is to not research scholarships because you have assumed you would not qualify for any.
Scholarships can depend on the country you apply to, your gender, your income, the subject. Sometimes they just require you to write a compelling essay proving you’re worth the investment.
3. Assuming you just need to budget for the course fee
Your tuition fee isn’t the only expense you have when studying abroad. Other common costs include accommodation, transport, food, supplies for university, clothes and more.
It is vital to consider all these expenses before applying to a university. Cheap tuition fees don’t necessarily translate to cheap living expenses. In most European countries the cost of living is quite actually quite high compared to the cheaper tuition fees. Therefore, budget for your expenses with all these factors in mind.
4. Not checking working opportunities in the country you have selected
A good way to lighten your financial burden is to work while studying. However, this may not always be allowed and even if it is, there may be certain rules you have to follow.
Obtaining a work-permit is a must. Check if this needs to be done in advance or whether it can be done once you arrive in the country. Rules and regulations of working while studying should be looked into closely. Most countries will only allow part-time work for students, and other rules such as working within the campus only may also apply.
5. Giving up after rejection
Never give up! The application process for studying abroad is not an easy road. The likelihood is you will face some rejection. However, this is not a reason to give up on your dream. Keep at it and your hard work and persistence will pay off. You will never regret your experiences, education and lessons learnt while studying abroad. So keep at it and carry on.
6. Applying without being sure you really want to study abroad
The amount of hard work and commitment that goes into studying abroad starts with the application process and continues to the day you graduate. So be completely sure that studying abroad is what you truly wish to do.
The downsides of this choice include homesickness, managing on your own, studying as well as working and adjusting to a whole new culture and way of life. However, the long term benefits and growth, as well as the sense of accomplishment that you have when you finish your program, will make it all worthwhile.
So there you have it, the common mistakes to avoid when applying to study abroad. We at Adventus Education are here to help you through them all and ensure you have a smooth and successful application process so you can focus on your future.
Nothing is impossible when you are certain about what you want and are ready to commit 110% into achieving those dreams.
