Are you worried and confused about how to begin your journey to study abroad? Worry less, It’s inevitable cause we all passed through this stage, and worrying won’t bring you answers unless you get to work. I’m here to help you out with my 12 easy steps towards studying abroad.
STEP 1: Be prepared mentally
Yes, this should be your first step, every step begins from the mindset, without your resilience and utmost concentration then im sorry cause the race is not for the weak, you need every atom of strength to go through this journey, which puts your mental ability as your first priority.
STEP 2: Be physically prepared
Just the way you ought to be mentally prepared is the same way you are required to be physically prepared. It takes a lot of strength to accomplish your mission, running around, getting stamps from different ministries in your home country, and travelling from state to state is definitely not for the weak. Eat properly if that’s a priority for you to gain strength or do whatever it takes to be fit.
STEP 3: Make social media your home
This may sound cliche, but making social media your dwelling place is the best you could do to help your progress. YouTube has a lot of vlogs on travelling and even greater insight into various countries and their educational institutions. Type in; “Universities in Europe” or better still “cheap universities in Europe” Twitter is another social media, which is helpful when finding the right country. Individual post about the application fees of different countries, and tuition fees are usually stated on twitter.
STEP 4: Make a list
This may seem archaic, but a book and pen come in handy here, you need to take notes of what you come across online. Check out my blog on why I chose Austria as my destination. There I wrote about the reasons I got attracted to Austria.
STEP 5 Check your budget
How much do I have? This should be a constant question. After various expenses in your home country, how much more do you have to spend?. Sometimes one can get scholarships, but this is a 5% assurance, as there are thousands of individuals vying for the same scholarship. you definitely do not want to be stranded in a foreign land, trust me, it won’t be a fun experience, try to have a 4-6months budget after your arrival, this will keep you going till you land a job
STEP 6 Make your choice
After putting all the above steps into consideration, you must have concluded on a choice of country and university, congratulations then you have successfully passed the first phase of your plans. Relax and sip a glass of wine as you move to the next phase of action. Lol, this is just the beginning.
STEP 7 Apply for admission
Check for admission requirements, make sure you meet up with the schools requirement both general and departmental requirement. Some schools require English proficiency test such as ; IELTS, TOEFL, while some don’t require such test in this aspect either your school leaving certificate suffices or you get a letter from your previous institution signed by a school authority stating all your courses were taught in English. Also some courses require GMAT, SAT, Letter of Recommendation, Statement of Purpose or Motivation Letter. Your previous grade should be put into consideration as well, some schools do not accept Second Class Lower or Third Class while some do not care. Lastly make sure to apply before the required deadline. Most schools have 2 application period, Summer and Winter. Always check for your desired schools application deadline.
STEP 8 Wait for admission
This can be one of the most dreadful experiences when planning to study abroad, within this period your best social media will be your Email account, and hopes will dangle within this period, it’s like waiting for judgement day, but don’t worry as long as you fulfil the admission procedure of your prospective tertiary institution then you have a 90% chance of getting in. Do something to take your mind away from the process. Go to the gym, pick a hobby, watch movies, eat and Pray! Pray!! Pray!!!
STEP 9 Accept your admission
You prayed so definitely the admission is yours, when your email notification pops up with the congratulatory message, jump up, scream, call your family and friends but make sure you read that email properly so you can take note of your acceptance deadline. Pay your acceptance fee of there is any or move to the next step of action as required by your school. If your institution is void of any action. Then you move to the final and most dreadful part, Visa Application.
STEP 10 Prepare for Visa application
Start applying for a Visa application early so you don’t miss your resumption date. Although most schools extend resumption to the next semester while some don’t. So you have to also consider this when applying. Gather all necessary documents; POF, admission letter, proof of accommodation, and visa fee. Look up possible visa questions on Youtube, memorize them and once again pray. Once you have been granted a visa, other steps are required. Check out my next blog on how to get prepared to live abroad. Shalom.
