The Office for Study Abroad encourages parents to take an active role in supporting their son's or daughter's interest to study abroad. The support and encouragement of a parent can make all the difference in how a student goes about the process and how well-prepared a student is to undertake study abroad.
Studying abroad may be that crucial moment in your education that will change your life. Nothing will be quite the same after you have studied abroad. Your perspectives will be global, your attitudes will be international and you will have memories that you will cherish forever. Your resume will become more attractive, in some cases your language proficiency will be advanced and you will have developed lifelong friendships.
The education system abroad, no doubt, is quite different from ours in as much as styles of teaching and learning too differ. While in India we generally have theoretical teaching and exams are held only once a year, the foreign education system lays emphasis on group discussions, practical and presentations. In addition, regular attendance, research, project work and continuous testing of students on the basis of their performance are quite important in their system of education. It is worth mentioning here that in spite of all this, Indian students adapt themselves easily to this system. Being well versed with basic fundamentals of their subject, they are generally able to study smoothly even in this kind of environment.
The largest misconception that prevents students from participating in study abroad is its perceived inaccessibility. Students who do study abroad are often amazed at how easy it was to put the whole thing together. Financial aid is often available, every major field of study can partake, and study abroad is an experience available for every student. It's as easy as a working through a checklist. The following information is just that, it should be used only as a guideline, each university or college has their own study abroad policy.
To gain admission to institutions abroad, one has to keep in mind that, among other considerations, emphasis is laid on one's individual capabilities also:
• Good academic record is no doubt quite important
• Your participation in extracurricular activities
• Your test scores
• Personal statements
• Letters of recommendation
All these are prove equally significant. You may not be very scholastic but being an all rounder can help you a lot.
Increased Responsibilities
Studying abroad means, by and large, shouldering your responsibilities on your own. At times, you would find it difficult to cope with the cultural differences, homesickness, and studies. That means you are expected to be independent and self-reliant. With no parent or guardian over your head to supervise, you would have to do your own planning for studies and other things to derive the maximum benefit.
You must consider your suitability to the course and colleges and your adaptability to the culture of the country. It is advisable to get as much information as possible about the country and its education system. Be prepared to adapt to the change in style of education, language, food and lifestyle of the country in question. Initially you may find it difficult to adapt to this change but, by and by, it would not be difficult to get used to it.
Today's competitive job market requires applicants to distinguish themselves, and international education experience is the perfect way to do so. Having international education experience is an incredible resume booster, as it shows prospective employers you are motivated, independent, and generally more qualified. Additionally, obtaining foreign language skills can make you eligible for all sorts of jobs that you may have otherwise been unqualified for.
During your stay abroad, while you may be confronted with some difficulties, you might get some advantages as well, such as
Lesser pollution, better libraries and laboratories Some may find accent of lecturers alien but this problem too is overcome within a short time, because while going abroad one anticipates such things and is prepared for them.
Expenses on Study Abroad
Studying abroad might not be expensive, if you plan well in advance. A number of universities and colleges offer financial aid in the form of awards, tuition waivers, teaching and research assistantships. Various agencies and institutions offer loans, scholarships, gift scholarships etc. But the aid is limited and is available only to deserving candidates. So it is advisable to start the search for aid early, if you want to seek admission to a program that is not within your budget.
The cost of living expenses, which include boarding, books, clothing, transportation, health insurance and other personal expenses, can be easily reduced with a little planning. These expenses can easily be cut down by sharing the place where you live with other companion/s, preparing food in a group, purchasing only the essential study material and books and being sensible while buying clothes, shoes, etc.
Volatility
Understand that study abroad involves risk and volatility regardless of where student studies, though some destinations may be more likely to present specific types of risk such as health precautions, strikes, political turmoil, natural disasters, or crime - so it is better to gather all the necessary information about such concerns and evaluate them carefully.
Some of the important matters aspirants for study abroad should keep in mind are:
Generally those passing their qualifying examination through distance education mode institutions are not considered at par with full-time programmes but recently some selected universities have began to accept students passing from distance education institutions. If you have acquired a degree of a foreign university, in India, duly recognized by the United States accreditation board, it is considered at par with those offered to regular students in the US. If you have graduated from a deemed university, you should send official documents clarifying the status of the university to the foreign university where you apply. In case, there has been a change in the name of the university from which you have passed your qualifying exam, you should submit necessary documents like a copy of the prospectus or a letter from the Registrar of the University or indicate a website with the changed name. Universities in the US consider degrees accredited and recognized by the Indian government. Therefore, the fact should be made clear in your application.
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