How to Pick the Best Country for an International Education

Choosing a country for  children to study abroad is a significant decision because it has a direct impact on the person's life. We are all aware of how expensive studying abroad is, so the choice is a big financial one. The location of education determines the future course of the journey, even for those for whom money is not a major consideration. When we begin to consider studying abroad, several places come to mind. The most popular destinations are the US, the UK, Europe, Australia, Canada, etc. Before selecting a nation for their study abroad programme, students should take into account a variety of factors.

➣Why is choosing the right country important?

The first thing you should do is choose a course that interests you. It will be simpler to narrow down the countries once you know which field or course you want to pursue.

To do so you need to-

1. Know where your interests lie.
2. What skills/activities allow your personality to shine.
3. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses can build you.
4. Have an open mind when it comes to choosing a field. 

For various fields, different nations provide varying prices and programmes. You can choose the location that best suits your objectives based on the course.

➣What is the visa process for the country?

Most students who study abroad intend to stay in the country after they return, so it's critical to understand whether the laws and policies will permit this. The procedure may be different for international students going abroad now that COVID-19 is in play.

Some nations, like Canada, have both a post-graduation work permit programme and an immigration-friendly work permit programme. In nations like Canada, Australia, Germany, and New Zealand, obtaining a PR is much simpler.

➣How affordable is the country?

Study abroad programs aren’t always affordable. So it’s important to consider the overall expenses involved. It’s important to find the ROI (return on investment) on your education in a country abroad. As a student who will spend a lot of time, effort, and money on their education, this is a crucial step. 

 For this, you must take into account-

1. Tuition fee
2. Accommodation and food costs
3. Charges for taking entrance test/exams (GRE, TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS)
4. Cost of transportation
5. Miscellaneous expenses like costs of buying books, paying for WiFi, laundry bills, etc.
6. Scholarships offered

The expense of studying abroad in a country will vary depending on the location, courses, and university you choose. 

➣Exist any scholarship initiatives?

In every nation, there are numerous scholarships available for international students to apply for. The ones provided by the nation's government, however, are the best. These scholarships may pay for all of your expenses, including housing and tuition. So be sure to consider this as you explore your options. You won't be skipping over nations because of money in this way.

➣How safe is the nation?

Parents worry about the safety of their children as crime rates rise globally. Choose a nation with lower crime rates, and enrol in schools in secure areas. In universities, there are facilities on-campus with stricter rules and higher security for students.

When choosing a country, take into account elements like transportation, emergency resources, and round-the-clock assistance. Get in touch with students who have gone to the destination you want to and learn more about safety.

➣Can you find a community?

Traveling to another nation for education purposes can be terrifying. But having a community nearby can make things simpler. Even if you believe you understand a country's culture, you might still experience culture shock. Discover which nation has a larger population of the people you identify with.

Due to your sense of familiarity, this may be helpful at first. Friendly neighbours, comforting routines, and familiar foods are some things that can make moving much easier. You'll pick up new skills and cultural nuances more quickly and won't miss home if you do this.

➣What is their native language?

If you include both native and nonnative speakers, English is the most widely used language in the entire world. But if you only include native speakers, Mandarin Chinese is the most widely used tongue. It is crucial to be able to communicate in the native tongue of the country you will be visiting, whether it be France, Norway, Spain, or Sweden.

When travelling outside of college or when applying for jobs, having a basic understanding is crucial. It's preferable to know and understand some of the language even before you travel abroad because relying on Google Translate all the time can be difficult. This will demonstrate your respect for the local way of life and your desire to learn, which will improve your ability to blend in.