FAQ Study Abroad
Why study abroad?
There are many reasons why study abroad programs have become popular. For most international students, the demand is a combination of gaining a high-quality education, experiencing immersion in a new culture (and often a second language), gaining a global mindset as well as expanding future employment prospects.
Studying abroad is also an exciting challenge that often leads to enhanced career opportunities and a wider understanding of the way the world works.
The type of experience you have during your time abroad will vary immensely depending on where you go, thus be certain to pick a study destination based on your budget, personal preferences as well as the country’s political stability and academic reputation.
2. Where in the world should I study?
Choosing where in the world you wish to study is not always an easy task. As well as your own personal interests, you should think about realities such as the costs of studying in your chosen country (both tuition and living costs), your graduate career prospects (is there a good job market?), and your overall safety and wellbeing. Do you want to live in a big city or a small university town? Whatever your interests, be sure to match them up with your study destination so that you really give yourself the best chance of loving your international experience.
3. How do I get started?
This is where Connect Space comes in – until you have reached this stage, you likely must have made up your mind about studying abroad. You should have an idea of what program you wish to pursue. And if you have not yet, we are here to guide you on where to start. We counsel you by advising you on preferable programs to consider, institutions to look closely into, admission requirements, and costs.
Once you’ve firmly decided on your program and institution, you should start to think about your application(s). Application processes differ depending on the university and the country, but we help you through this process until you get your acceptance letter.
Thereafter, we get to the process of applying for your student visa. In most cases you won’t be able to apply for one until you have received a letter of acceptance from your chosen university. Each stage can take several weeks, so allow as much time as possible.
For more guidance on choosing a course and a university, please visit our offices physically.
4. How long do study abroad programs take?
The length of time you spend studying abroad will depend on the program and the level of degree you’re undertaking. Generally, an undergraduate degree will take three or four years of full-time study (for example, in the UK the typical length for most subjects is three years, while in the US the norm is four), while a graduate degree such as a master’s degree or equivalent will take one or two years. A doctoral (Ph.D.) program will usually take three to four years.
At many universities across the world, there is also the option of studying abroad for a shorter period of time. Student exchange programs allow you to study abroad for a year, a semester, or even just a few weeks. Information about these shorter programs should be available on the website of the main university you plan to enroll at, as well as the university you’d like to be hosted by.
5. When can I start applying for study abroad programs?
Considering your application as early as possible is the best way to go. After all, the sooner you gain acceptance into a university, the sooner you can arrange your travels. Application deadlines will be different depending on the university, but, for programs starting in the fall (September/October), applications will generally be open from early in the year (January/February) until the middle of the year (June/July).
6. What are the entry requirements for study abroad programs?
Entry requirements vary between universities and between countries, so we will help you check this information beforehand when you start your application with us.
Speaking generally, however, if you are applying for an undergraduate degree you will be asked to show that you have completed your secondary education to a standard that is in line with the required grades (e.g. O – level, A-level grades or equivalent) for the program you’re applying to. If you have an international qualification and are unsure whether this is accepted, please contact us for more guidance.
7. What documentation should I submit with my application?
You may be asked to provide some supporting documentation as part of your application. Once again, requirements vary depending on the country and university, but international students are often asked to provide the following:
- Certificate and transcripts of your secondary education
- Passport copy
- CV/résumé (optional)
- Academic references/ letters of recommendation (optional)
- Proof of English-language proficiency (e.g. a TOEFL/IELTS certificate, for schools in English-speaking countries), or another language test (if needed)
- Admissions test results (e.g. GMAT/GRE results, for graduate programs)
8. Do I have to speak a second language to study abroad?
This depends on the country you wish to study in, and the language your course will be taught in. But, English is used as a language of instruction in a number of countries worldwide.
However, if needed a second language (which is very rare), tests languages like DELF/DALF and TCF-DAP (French) or the DSF and TestDaF (German) might be needed.
Before taking a language test, make sure you confirm which results are accepted by your chosen school to make sure you don’t waste money on the wrong test.
9. After gaining a letter of acceptance, what do I do next?
CONGRATULATIONS, YOU’RE IN! Now all that’s left to do is to prepare for your studies, we help you apply for your student visa, search for your accommodation options, pay your tuition fees and get your travel documents in order.
In fact, as soon as you gain acceptance from a university, the first thing you should start to consider is your travel documentation. Ensure you have a valid passport and travel insurance, as well as a student visa. Make sure you have sufficient time to get your passport/visa approved so that you will be able to travel legally.
We guide you through all these so don’t panic.
10. Do I need to apply for a student visa?
Student visas are a big question for those who want to know how to study abroad, though not all international students will need one. However, as a rule of thumb, if you come from outside of your chosen country’s geographical region/continent, you will most probably need to apply for a student visa.
11. Can I get financial aid to study abroad?
Although many international students may find it difficult to get a student loan to fund their studies, there is a myriad of other funding opportunities available to make studying abroad more affordable, including scholarships, fellowships, studentships, sponsorships, grants, and bursaries.
Many scholarships are granted based on academic merit and are highly competitive. There are also lots of funding schemes targeting specific groups of students, such as students from developing countries and women studying male-dominated subjects.
12. Where can I find study abroad scholarships?
Study abroad scholarships can be found in many places. We guide you on the availability of these scholarships and how to apply.
13. Where will I live during my study abroad program?
If your chosen university has readily available campus accommodation, which in most cases it does, then it is likely that you will be able to apply for a place in these student halls.
If money is no object, you can consider renting your own flat, while if on a smaller budget you can find shared accommodation with other students. We will be able to offer you advice on how to find accommodation locally.
14. Can I work during my studies abroad?
This will depend on whether or not your student visa allows you to work. In some countries, there are restrictions on the amount of paid work you can undertake during your studies. Often there’s a limit of 20 hours of paid work per week during term time, with full-time work permitted during holidays. Some countries however do not allow you to work. We can see options for this together with you.
Nonetheless, if you do work during your studies, it’s not a good idea to rely on your wages to fund living costs, and in many cases, you’ll need to prove you already have enough money to support yourself when you apply for your visa.