Where do you want to go?
Arguably one of the most important questions you need to ask yourself is where you want to go. Do you have a specific country or city in mind where you’ve had your heart set on going? If not, what are certain factors which would tip the scales in favor of one country over another?
At this point, it may be helpful to make a list of countries that you may be potentially interested in going to. Once you have a list compiled, you can carry out more thorough research to see which country is calling your name.
What do you want to study?
Knowing what programs you’re interested in or what major you want to pursue will be instrumental in determining which country you go to. Certain countries offer better programs for certain subjects and some programs are higher ranked in certain countries.
For instance, if you’re interested in learning a new language, you’ll definitely want to do so in a country where that language is spoken. This will give you the exposure and experience needed to master a language which would otherwise be difficult to learn.
Wanderlust
One of the greatest aspects of studying abroad is that you get the chance to indulge your wanderlust. Studying abroad is the perfect opportunity to see new places and explore what a different corner of the world has to offer.
During your time off, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city you’re living in or take trips to surrounding, nearby areas. If you choose to study in Europe, there are many cost effective and efficient ways to see other countries and cities.
Once you’ve been bitten by the travel bug, you’ll have a hard time living any other way.
Seek New Experiences
Studying abroad is a great opportunity for you to learn more about yourself and challenge yourself by experiencing new things. Going to a foreign country can be challenging, frustrating, exhilarating, and ultimately, very rewarding.
You’ll get to meet people from different parts of the world, learn about different cultures and customs, pick up a new language, try new foods, and experience a wide variety of new things.
Visas and Immigration
Wherever you choose to study abroad, you’ll likely need to apply for a student visa and familiarize yourself with the immigration process. The best way to do this is to visit the consulate for the country you intend to study in. Alternatively, you can also ask your prospective university what the process for visas and immigration is in their country.