Want to study abroad? How to get started

The idea has been on your mind for weeks, you have been speaking about it seriously but have no idea where to start. Studying abroad is a big decision, which requires making decisions based on many factors that you cannot fully predict. The more useful information you get, the better prepared you will be for this process. If you want to know more about the process but feel a bit lost in all the information online, here are a few tips to help you start your experience abroad in the best way possible.

1. Identify your real source of motivation: Why do you want to study abroad?  It sounds simple but identifying your source of motivation is key to keep you on track in the long and hard application process. Are you excited by the life on an American Campus? Or are you dreaming to get a degree in Finance to enrich your resume? Are you looking to become a Professor? A lawyer? A Software engineer at google? Are you simply bored with your current job or looking for a change in your career? Having the right motivation will help you significantly through the long application process and once you make the transition to you new campus and need to adapt to the North American student system and culture. Be honest with yourself upfront.

2. Read and read again: sources on internet, blogs, forums. The more you read about the study abroad adventure, the more you will clear your mind with your objectives and figure out if this is what you really want. Getting a lot of information at the beginning will help you to focus on a specific field later. This will also help you see if your profile is a good match for joining a foreign university (grades, level of English, available funds). You can also use our admissions predictor to get a better idea of your chances of acceptance.

3. Prepare your timeline and plan: When are you willing to join a study abroad program? Planning is key and will help you to achieve your goal in this adventure. You need almost a full year to complete the standardized tests (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL / IELTS) and apply according to the University application calendar. Check if this is compatible with the time you will finish your current degree or the time in which you plan to leave your current job to embark on this adventure.

4. Think about…after: Studying abroad is a step is your life, not just the objective. Try to think about the time after you complete your studies and graduate. If you make the right choices along the way, this can be an exciting experience and can enrich your career and education path. A good method to bridge the information gap is to contact some previous students who went through the same experience and get their feedback and see how their choices impacted their career and their life.

These are a few steps to get you started in the process. If you want advice on student life in America and need guidance of an admissions predictor or a mentor who has gone through the process, please visit https://www.gradtrain.com