Top 8 Questions to Ask When Thinking About Studying Abroad
So, you're considering studying abroad? Excellent decision! Studying abroad will provide you a sense of adventure, the chance to learn more about yourself and achieve independence, the chance to encounter different cultures and food, and the possibility to travel. However, before you study abroad, you should ask yourself these questions to determine whether studying abroad is the best option for you. To elicit as much information as possible, ask open-ended inquiries. An open-ended question initiates a discourse (as seen in the examples below), whereas a closed-ended question only demands a yes/no response.
These are the major things you'll want to ask whether you're attending an education expo like Study and Go Abroad, speaking with your counsellor, or conducting your own study.
1. Arrangements
Living in another country is exciting, but it can be difficult to find a place to live when you haven't even arrived. Ask the following questions to see if the colleges you're interested in can assist you:
- What kinds of housing alternatives are there for overseas students?
How do you ensure a place in residence?- How are resident preferences taken into account? Will you be able to choose your sort of housing?
- What, if any, living alternatives are available to upper-year students?
If the schools do not provide residence alternatives for you, inquire about other ways they might assist you with your living arrangements.
- How will you know which student housing facilities are respectable and trustworthy?
- What resources does the school provide to students to assist them understand rental leases and their rights as renters?
- Where can I find student-friendly housing? Consider the proximity to university, grocery stores, and modes of transportation, for example.
- Is it possible for the school to assist with locating homestay possibilities in this country? What does this procedure entail?
2. Living expenses
Your cost of living will be determined by the location you choose, the sort of program and its length, your lifestyle, and the type of school you attend. However, to determine whether what you want is affordable, ask the following questions:
- What are your expected daily expenses?
- What are the tuition and expenses for international students?
- Are these expenses fixed, or will they rise as you study?
- What is the average grocery bill?
- What are the flight costs if you intend to return home for the holidays? Is the school providing or aware of any transportation assistance or discounts?
- Are there multiple modes of transportation available on campus (for example, buses, trains, and rideshare services) or do you intend to drive?
- What parking choices are available and how much would it cost if you chose to drive to campus?
- What is the average rent near campus vs. further away? How much will utilities be?
- What is the average rent near campus vs. further away? How much will utilities be?
- What is the cost of applying for a visa?
- What books and supplies do I need for my program? For example, chemistry often necessitates the use of supplementary safety equipment like as lab coats on top of textbooks.
- What will your cell phone bill be? Should you look into purchasing a local plan to reduce the number of international calls you'll be making to relatives and friends back home?
3. Community
When you’re not in classes, you’ll be on campus and in the community. So, having a solid community foundation is the key to making friends, exploring the area, and having fun outside of class. How does the school create a sense of community?
- What type of orientation activities is provided for international students? How can you get involved?
- What types of clubs on campus are dedicated to Canadians/international students?
- What kinds of organized events are available throughout the year?
4. Healthcare
When studying abroad, you’re going to be away from home for months on end. So, you want to make sure that you’re covered in case you get sick. Ask these questions to determine what you’ll need to prepare for your healthcare:
- What kind of healthcare plan does the school provide? What is covered under these plans?
- How does the country’s government provide healthcare assistance for international students?
- Will you need to buy private insurance? How much could this cost?
- If there is no healthcare offered by the school, what advice or assistance on private health insurance will be provided?
- What kinds of scholarships are available to offset health insurance costs?
5. Working while abroad
A great way to help reduce your expenses for school is by picking up a job while you’re abroad.
- What are the restrictions for international students working while studying?
- How many hours can you legally work?
- Do you need to get an additional/specific type of visa to be able to work in the country? How long will this process take?
- Does the school offer on-campus employment for students? What types of positions are common and how can you apply?
- How does the school offer assistance for students searching for jobs? Ex. resumé building, career centre, etc.
6. Qualifications/documentation
Once you know you want to apply to study abroad, you’ll have to figure out if you’ve got what you need to study in another country.
- Will your secondary education qualify for admission? What grades do you need to get in?
- What other admissions requirements will you need? Ex. any entrance or academic tests
- What documents will you need to apply for a visa? Ex. visas, passport, birth certificate, references, etc.
- Does the country require proof of necessary funds to apply as a student? If so, how much is needed?
7. Financial aid
Scholarships, awards, and bursaries are a great way to eliminate some of your school costs. But these opportunities may be more limited if you’re studying outside of your home country. Find out if you’ll have enough funding to be comfortable when studying.
- What are the eligibility requirements for government funding?
- What financial aid does the school offer specifically for international students? Canadians?
- What requirements are needed to be eligible for bursaries and external funding?
- What kinds of financial aid does the Canadian government offer for Canadians studying abroad? What is required to apply?
- Have you checked out ScholarshipsCanada.com yet?
- What documents will you need to apply for loans or a student line of credit?
8. Factors to consider when deciding where to study abroad
The world is at your fingertips! You’ll get to choose what country you’ll study in. There’s a lot of factors to consider when you’re trying to find the best place for you.
- Rural vs. urban. Are you someone who likes the hustle and bustle of the city, or do you prefer the scenic, nature walks? How can your desired school accommodate your preference?
- Language. Will you be able to communicate in this country? Are there any language assistance programs to help you become fluent?
- Culture. Are there specific cultures that resonate with you? Do you enjoy certain cuisines?
- Accessibility of transportation. Is it easy to travel within the town? Are there airports nearby for when you want to go home?
- Entertainment. Are there things to do outside of school? Can you go shopping? To a bar? See a concert? Whatever you like doing, check to see if it’s available where you want to study
- Sports and clubs. Do you like playing soccer or doing creative writing? Are your interests available on campus? Is there the opportunity for you to create a club if one doesn’t exist already?
There’s a lot to think about when you’re considering studying in another country, but these questions will help guide you in making the best choice possible. Start your study abroad adventure today by discovering all the information you’ll need to know.
