How to Apply to Study Abroad at an Overseas College or University

There are a number of benefits associated with obtaining a college education abroad. Choosing to study at an overseas university can provide savings on the cost of tuition. Also, studying abroad gives one the opportunity to become a "global citizen" by learning about other cultures. However, one should keep in mind that living expenses associated with studying abroad can be considerable. Also, travel costs between the United States and the chosen country of study should be taken into account. Below are a few tips to consider when applying to study abroad at an overseas college or university.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• University view books or brochures
• Internet

1. Decide on a program. Foreign universities, such as those in the United Kingdom, may require students to apply to and enter a specialized course of study (often referred to as a "major" in the United States) at the beginning of the application period. Find out if the university that you are applying to requires you to choose a specialized course of study prior to enrolling and if you will be allowed to change your course of study once enrolled. If you require more flexibility in your choice of what to study, determining how much flexibility a university or course of study will allow may be an important consideration when choosing which colleges and universities - both in the US and abroad - to apply to.

2. Evaluate the university and it's programs. Examples of places where you can find out more information about university evaluations and rankings include The Times Higher Education (THE) QS World University Rankings and the US News & World Report's World's Best Colleges & Universities report. If you can visit the university, do so. If not, contact the university and find out if it is possible to speak to students who currently attend the university. Try to speak to at least 2 or 3 students about their experiences. This can be a good way to find out more about the university to determine if the academic and extracurricular experience offered by the university is one that would be a good match for you.

3. Evaluate your language capabilities. Are you fluent in the language in which courses will be taught? If not, a number of universities offer courses in English. Do research to find out what language(s) your courses will be taught in before applying. Also make sure that you will meet language requirements (if any) for your course of study.

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   Complete your application well in advance of the deadline. Allow time for the university to receive your application. Before sending your application in, make sure that it is complete. Check with the university and/or academic department to make sure that you have provided all supporting materials - such as personal statements and essays, writing samples, portfolios, transcripts, test scores, and recommendations - that are required to complete the application for admission. Make sure that you have taken the required entrance exams (such as the SAT, GRE, or TOEFL) to round out your application. Article text © 2008 by urbandill. All rights reserved

Tips & Warnings

• Aside from tuition, remember to consider other costs associated with studying abroad, such as student visas, travel, health insurance, and basic living expenses.
• A number of universities and foundations offer financial aid to foreign students. Check with the university to find out if scholarships or fellowships are available for international students who want to study abroad at an overseas college or university.