-
Study abroad FAQ
What do I need to take if I plan to study abroad?
• Flights can be expensive - consider also the price of taking large amounts of luggage with you. Can you afford to take as much luggage as you want? Think about the cost of extra storage space.
• Think about the logistics. If you plan to take a lot of things, can you carry them all yourself? Transport to/from airports isn't cheap either!
• You won't be able to pop home one weekend to pick up that forgotten phone charger or that comfy, old 'wear-round-the-house-to-keep-you-warm' jumper - or anything else for that matter!
• Language skills if you applying to study in a country where English isn't the main language!
Essentials
• Passport
• Visas (if needed)
• Multiple photocopies of passport and any other ID
• Other travel documents i.e. plane tickets!
• Enrolment forms and other university documents
• Driving Licence (International if required)
• Phrase Book
• Laptop
• Webcam (for Skype, MSN etc)
• Plug Adaptors
• Cards/Cash/Cheques
• Some clothes (You never know when you'll get to buy new ones)
• An open attitude
• Cheap Digital Camera
When should I apply to a university abroad?
This varies, but the best thing to do is this: apply for universities in this country when the UCAS applications cycle starts (which is the 1st September. Deadline is 15th January but if you are applying to Oxford or Cambridge, or for Veterinary Science, Medicine or Dentistry courses, the deadline is 15th October). Then apply for the university abroad that you want to apply for and go through the usual process.
How do I decide which university abroad to apply to?
Do your research as there are usually many universities to choose from. Research the course you want to do. Then narrow down the universities in accordance with the factors which are more important to you, such as whether or not you want to study in a city, study in a massive university, whether or not the university offers your course or is good at it. Take a look at the application processes for the universities on your list, cut your list down to a more manageable number, considering the work you'll have to be doing alongside applications/UCAS app/A levels or IB and look at the number and type of essays required in the application and SAT exams and Subject Tests.
Is it possible to study where courses are taught in English?
Yes it is. In some countries such as Denmark, Germany, Italy and China you can. But you still need to be fluent in the language mainly spoken in the country.
How much does it cost to study abroad?
Costs vary depending on the country. There are many factors to take into account which include tuition fees, living expenses and travel to the country (i.e. flights).
What should I expect when first entering the country?
A culture shock, homesickness. But that's the same feeling from anyone going to a new country to study for the first time. You will get used to the experience, and you may come to enjoy it.
I'm worried about finances. What do I do?
It's always best to be financially prepared to study abroad. There is, however, financial assistance. You can get scholarships for your tuition fees. You can even get financial assistance for living expenses.
Will universities abroad recognise my qualifications?
Yes. If you are studying A Levels or the International Baccaleaurate, universities abroad should be able to recognise these qualifications are usually required for entry into universities.
Will my degree qualifications from abroad be recognised in the UK?
Yes. Degrees from universities abroad are usually recognised around the world.
Will courses offered abroad be as diverse as courses offered in the UK?
Yes. You can study almost anything abroad – from Medicine to Zoology to Politics to Art – at any level – undergraduate and postgraduate.
