The document outlines essential steps for students planning to study abroad, emphasizing the importance of having a clear mindset and thorough research. Key points include choosing the right course and university, ensuring all documents are in order, and understanding the financial implications of studying abroad. It also stresses the importance of being focused on academic goals while taking advantage of the opportunities that come with living in a foreign country.

1. Vital Steps For Studying
Abroad
Studying abroad is a big deal. And it has always been a big
deal, at least ever since I can last remember. The
complicated procedure, the high costs and the hype
around it are definitely some of the factors to blame.

2. To top it all, we have so many websites, agencies,
Embassies and Consulates whose primary aim seems to be
confusing the wits out of people and literally create some
kind of phobia towards the entire situation. I'm assuming
that you too, like many other students have finally decided
to study abroad but have no clue what to do next and are
frantically typing the most logical, basic keywords on
Google hoping for that Eureka moment wherein you hit
jackpot. But alas, that moment may never come.
So what now? Are you running around asking your
cousin/friend's friend/ family member about their
experience, or are you simply going to follow someone
agent's advice blindly?
Well, we think not (although maybe, your nosy neighbor
might be of some help since she's spent the last 15 years of
her life interfering into other people's lives), but in our
opinion, studying abroad is not only an extremely
expensive affair, but it is also very prestigious, valuable
and not worth wasting away. And since it is you and no
one who has to study, you should probably start taking

3. charge of the situation by now. Through the following few
points we have tried to highlight the most important, yet
basic pre-requisites you must fulfill before you actually
begin your process of applying to study abroad.
1. Clear Mind:
Since you have decided to study abroad, it seems like
everyone has a piece of advice to offer. Do listen to them,
for you never know when someone can actually be of some
help, but have a clear idea of what you have in your mind.
Listen to all, but filter what you need. Do not follow so and
so's daughter who studied 5 years back in America or your
uncle's son.
2. Choosing your course/program of choice:
Coming down to the most important part of studying
abroad, what do you want to study abroad? Is it that
specialized photography course you've always dream of or
is it a full-time academic course?

4. While choosing a program/course of your choice, make
sure you have a clear mind on the future career you wish
to pursue. The course must be somehow a path to fulfill
those ambitions. Make sure it is either related to your
interests or your academic record till now.
We request you to have realistic expectations at this point
about your capacities and aptitudes; for example, do not
go in for a singing course if all you can do is croak!
TIP: Please do not choose a course/program just because
you want to study abroad and it is easy to get in. You will
simply be wasting time, money and resources. If you are
still extremely unsure about the course you wish to pursue,
we advice you to visit a career counselor and have a
detailed session about your career.
3. Choosing the University or country:
Once you have chosen your course/program of choice,
there are two ways you can proceed:

5. i. You have a country of preference: If there is some
country you prefer and you wish to study there, don't
bother looking at other countries. You may begin by
looking for Universities which offer your course of choice
in that country itself.
ii. You don't have a country of preference: In such cases,
you may begin looking for the best Universities which
offer your course and then narrow down your options,
Another few points that you must consider:
* Some countries are much more expensive in terms of
living standards then others. Also, some countries are
more friendly towards immigrants that others.
* Duration of course: Sometimes, the same course is of
different durations at different Universities. Check out
what suits you the most.
* Validity/accreditation of University: While choosing a
University, make sure it is recognized and accredited by

6. the proper concerning regulatory bodies. Make sure the
degree you will receive in the end is a proper, valid degree.
Imagine getting an invalid degree at the end of it all!!!!!
4. Documents and validity of your previous degrees:
Before applying to study abroad, you must make sure that
all your documents such as birth certificates, mark sheets
and degrees are in order. Please be sure to check any
spelling mistake, name discrepancies and also make sure
you have a valid passport or apply for one immediately.
Make sure that your previous degree/study record is
accepted in the country/University where you wish to
apply.
5. Desire to win, learn and succeed in life:
If you are one of those students whose primary aim of
studying abroad is to simple enjoy life and party around,
we are sorry to inform you that you will be wasting your
time abroad. While enjoying your life is definitely an

7. important aspect of your student life, the main purpose of
you studying abroad is to STUDY. If you do not fulfill this,
then sadly enough you may not even get your degree. Also
remember that apart from only academic growth, living in
a foreign country will offer innumerable opportunities to
learn, grow and participate in many other activities. Make
maximum use of these while you are there, since they have
the potential to change your perception about many things
and make you more prepared for a job.
Also, this point is probably most important in terms of
your personal growth. While studying abroad, remember
that these years will not come again and lead them
accordingly.
6. Funding:
Well, we all know that studying abroad is expensive.
Whether you can afford to study abroad is something only
you can decide. Remember that the duration of your
course, city, accommodation and University are all
determiners of your total cost. Choose a slightly less

8. famous University, compromise a luxurious home to a
basic room and choose to walk sometimes.
It's okay; remember that in the long run these things do
not matter at all. Not only will you learn to spend wisely,
you will also learn to live with minimum and happily so.
Even if you can afford your studies, you must apply for
scholarships, especially if you are an exceptional student.
Also, once you are abroad, make it a point to find a job to
fund your lifestyle at least. It will help you gain experience,
polish your skills and increase your confidence too!
Well, it isn't that difficult now, isn't it?
The key to studying abroad is prior planning and research.
Now that you have a basic outline of what comes first, you
can begin your process. Remember to stay clear on what
you want. Happy searching and good luck!