Studying abroad is appealing — you live in another country, experience different cultures, and meet new people. But is studying abroad worth it? After all, this is a huge decision, and you want to be sure you’re making the right call.
To help you make this decision, let’s look at what you stand to gain by becoming an international student. At the same time, you also have to consider the various challenges of this move. Keep reading to get a balanced perspective so you can make the right move for your academics and career.
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What Does Studying Abroad Mean?
Studying abroad means going to another country for education. It can be as short as spending a semester overseas to as long as completing the degree over several years.
Some schools and universities have exchange programs where you can go to a foreign country. You can apply to educational institutions in other countries directly or through a third-party agency.
Essential Documents for Studying Abroad
If you want to study abroad, having the necessary documents to submit along with your admission application is vital. The documents you need may vary depending on the institution and country. Nevertheless, here is a list of common documents you must have for studying in another country:
- Academic transcripts
- Financial records
- Health certificates
- Letter of recommendation
- Passport
- Statement of purpose
If you’re applying to an international educational institution, always ask them what documents you must submit. This way, you won’t have to run around looking for a fast translation service at the last minute.
Why Studying Abroad Is Beneficial
When you ask yourself, ‘Are study abroad programs worth it?’, you first need to consider their benefits. How is it different from studying in your country? The following section highlights how studying in a different country will change you for the better.
Improve Language Skills
Several apps and courses teach you how to speak any language proficiently. However, a true test of your language skills is only possible when you talk to native speakers. When you go overseas, you’ll pick up the country’s official language quickly as you have no other option.
You’ll understand the subtleties of the region’s language, helping you become a better speaker over time. By the time you return, you’ll already be able to speak a different language.
Achieve Better Academic Results
When you study abroad, there’s a higher chance you’ll do better academically. For instance, you can access higher-quality education, which may not be available in your country.
You’ll get exposure to different teaching styles, which may make it easier for you to understand various subjects. Plus, being in a new environment can motivate you to stay focused in class, which is helpful during exams.
Discover New Interests
Studying in another country makes you more likely to discover new interests. Exposing yourself to new cultures and languages can change your worldview and how you approach your life. You’ll meet students with varying interests, which you may find appealing.
Besides, you may come across activities that aren’t available where you live. For example, your university may have a hiking club that regularly visits popular hiking spots nearby.
Build Meaningful Friendships
When you go to a different country to study, you’ll meet people from all walks of life. Some may have similar stories, while others have vastly different experiences. You’ll come across several international students going through the same thing you are going through.
This gives you a chance to connect and build meaningful, long-lasting relationships. There’s really nothing like sharing the same experiences and bonding with your peers.
Gain Travel and Life Experiences
Studying abroad is incredible because you get to travel easily. You can visit new places during the weekend or even go on a mini trip when the semester is over. Local students can tell you where to go and what to try, giving you an experience like never before.
When you’re by yourself, the experiences you have will help you grow personally. You’ll learn to adapt, become independent, and be confident. The life lessons you gain during this period will stay with you and change your perspective.
Challenges of Studying Abroad
As highlighted earlier, it’s important to look at both sides when asking yourself — is it worth it to study abroad? Now, let’s look at the other side of the coin, i.e., the challenges of studying in another country.
Cost of Study Abroad Programs
The biggest challenge when it comes to study abroad programs is the cost. It’s not just the tuition fees but also the monthly living costs. Think about how much you need for rent, transportation, food, utilities, groceries, and other expenditures.
If you’re coming from a country with a weaker currency, everything will be more expensive. You may need to take education loans, which will take a while to repay. However, scholarships and other funding programs may be available to you.
So, always look at multiple options before taking a final call on whether it is financially viable to study abroad.
Staying on Track for Graduation
Another challenge is that it’s hard to stay on track and graduate on time. When you’re in a new country, there are so many things you need to juggle simultaneously. For instance, you have to pay attention in class and complete your assignments.
At the same time, you need to complete your household tasks. For example, keeping your living space clean and cooking food can take a lot of time. Moreover, you also want to socialize with your new friends.
What if you want to travel?
As you can see, there’s a lot to consider. But, if you plan your personal and academic life properly, there’s a lot to gain. Rapid Translate provides diploma translation services, so you can use these documents for higher studies and applying for jobs.
How To Choose the Right Study Abroad Program
If you’re serious about studying abroad, here are a few questions you can ask yourself to choose the right program:
- Is there a study abroad program in your current school or university?
- What course or degree do you want to do?
- Which country do you want to study in, and can you adapt to the cultural changes?
- Can you get financial support if the course is expensive?
- What will your future be after completing your course?
In other words, you must think deeply about what will happen once you move to another country. It may be overwhelming initially, as you have many things to consider. However, once you start planning it out, you’ll better understand whether studying abroad is for you.
Is study abroad worth it? Absolutely, if you have the means, you should go for it.
When you’re moving to another country for education, your documents need to be in the region’s official language. Otherwise, the educational and governmental institutions may reject your application.
This can cause unnecessary delays, and you may miss out on joining the course as you missed the submission deadline.
With Rapid Translate, you never have to worry about documents causing a problem with your application. We have certified professional translators that are proficient in over 60 languages. Our document translation service provides accurate translations and certificates of translation to ensure your documents are legally acceptable.
You can also ask us to notarize the translations if this is a requirement for the educational or governmental institution.
FAQ
What else would you like to know about studying abroad? Read this section, as it covers everything you should know about this topic.
Should You Translate Your Documents When Studying Abroad?
Yes, you must translate your documents when studying abroad. The international country may not recognize your documents without a translation certificate. You won’t have to worry about application rejection or delays when you translate degree certificate.
Do You Need To Translate Your Original or a Photocopy of Your Documents?
You can translate a photocopy of your documents professionally and use it legally internationally. However, it’s always a good practice to check the government’s or educational institution’s guidelines on what they require. Some countries may ask you for a notarized translation.
Is Passport Translation Necessary if You Want To Study in Another Country?
Yes, passport translation is necessary for studying in another country if this document isn’t in the region’s official language. You’ll need to translate the stamps and seals. Ask a professional translation company to help you translate your identity documents to ensure you can use them internationally.
