Studying abroad
Are you looking to study while also gaining valuable life experience in another country? Studying abroad combines the two perfectly. You get to benefit from an excellent education while immersing yourself in a new culture, exploring new regions of the world and improve your language skills all at the same time. It is the perfect opportunity to elevate your academic career through personal growth and memories that will last a lifetime.
5 reasons to study abroad
Not quite settled on the idea of studying abroad yet? We have five reasons that are hard to ignore:
#1: Improve your language skills
Studying abroad is the most effective way to give your language skills a boost by using them in everyday life scenarios and academic settings. Thinking about studying in Canada? Then you will get to brush up on not one but two languages: English and French.
#2: Broaden your cultural horizons
Being a student in another country gives you a first-row seat to experiencing a different culture. You get to learn about the local language, customs and general way of life. Studying in New Zealand, for instance, gives you a glimpse into the fascinating Māori culture.
#3: Learn about different university models
Educational institutions in other countries often have more flexible study models and smaller classes. You might even find academic environments that are better suited to your learning needs. In Australia, you even have the option of studying without a high school diploma or equivalent (e.g. Abitur in Germany, A-Levels in the UK).
#4: Lock in career benefits
Studying abroad can notably enhance your career prospects. Having an international degree not only opens up global job opportunities, but also demonstrates cultural adaptability and flexibility. Excellent programmes in the fields of medicine or psychology, for example, help make you a particularly attractive candidate for international employers.
#5: Grow as a person
Besides getting an academic education, studying abroad is a unique opportunity to travel to a new country, explore new cities and work on your personal growth. That also includes taking on new challenges and meeting new people. Studying abroad might even be your first step towards living abroad later on.
Requirements for studying abroad
Academic requirements: You usually need a qualification that allows you to enter the higher education system in the relevant country. In Germany, this would be the Abitur, in the UK, the A-Levels and in the US, a high school diploma. Though in some countries, you can study without this qualification and opt for an associate degree instead (like in Australia), which lets you transition into a bachelor’s degree programme.
Language skills: Studying abroad requires you to have solid language skills in the local langue. This is why you might be required to provide proof in the form of a standardised language test.
Funding: Studying abroad can be quite costly. Take some time to consider if you can afford to do so and which financing options you could benefit from, such as loans or scholarships.
Preparations for studying abroad
Preparing to study abroad requires meticulous planning. To avoid any unpleasant surprises along the way, you are best served handling these checklist items early on:
- Language certificate
- Application documents: Each country and university has its own application requirements. As a rule, you will be asked to send in your school certificates, proof of language skills, a cover letter/personal statement and a recommendation letter. Please stick to the university’s submission deadlines!
- Funding: Find out about tuition fees and living costs (accommodation, transport and food) well in advance. Think about any extra costs for insurance and course materials. You should also ask about scholarships, support programmes and side jobs for international students.
- Accommodation: Many universities offer accommodation in student halls on campus. Shared flats, single flats or host families are popular alternatives.
- Relevant insurance
- Visa application form along with any documents and translations as needed
- Doctor’s visit and vaccinations
- Flight tickets, accommodation for the first few days
- Mobile phone SIM card, credit card, bank account
- Driver’s licence translation or international driver's licence
- Preparing for everyday life in a new country and culture: Many universities offer language and culture courses to international students so they can learn about life in a new country. Find out about your new surroundings, such as public transport and shopping facilities.
Student visas for studying abroad
In most cases, you will need a student visa to study abroad. A student visa allows you to stay in the country as long as you are enrolled in a university programme. You also need to prove that you speak the language and have sufficient financial means to cover your tuition fees and living expenses. Some countries let you work on a student visa, but there is often a limit to how many hours you can work per week. Find out about the exact requirements in the relevant country beforehand.
Great countries to study in
Would you like to study while also discovering new cultures and landscapes abroad? Find out more about what it might be like to study in the USA, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.
How about studying at a famous Ivy League school with access to the kind of campus life you know and love from TV? You will be spoilt for choice in the USA. Find out more about studying in the USA.
Studying in Australien
Australia’s vast and unique natural environment (think outback, kangaroos and koalas) is on par with its excellent higher education system. Find out more about studying in Australia.
Studying in New Zealand
Studying amidst the breathtaking landscapes of The Lord of the Rings must be what dreams are made of. New Zealand boasts great academic opportunities as well as the oldest culture in the world. Find out more about studying in New Zealand.
Studying in Canada
How does studying in one of the world’s friendliest and most culturally diverse countries sound to you? Canada boasts first-class universities and a welcoming, student-friendly environment. Find out more about studying in Canada.
FAQs: Studying abroad
The requirements vary by country and university. In Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Canada, if you do not have a high school diploma or equivalent, you might be asked to provide extra qualifications (such as a language test) before your study programme starts.
Having a high school diploma or equivalent (e.g. Abitur in Germany, A-Levels in the UK) generally enables you to study abroad, but the exact requirements depend on the country and university. Many universities in Australia and New Zealand, for example, accept students without this type of qualification and instead require them to complete a Foundation Year before the study programme begins. In the USA and Canada, it depends on the university. Community colleges are a good way to enter the university/college system.
Studying medicine abroad often means a lower barrier to entry. It also offers international recognition and the chance to familiarise yourself with unique healthcare systems. Countries like Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Canada are known for their state-of-the-art equipment, hands-on teaching style and unique specialisation options.
Several countries allow you to study medicine in their universities without a Numerus Clausus (minimum grade score). In Australia and New Zealand, for instance, you can take an entrance exam instead. There are also no traditional Numerus Clausus rules in the USA or Canada. However, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject is usually required.
Author
Jasmine Chegaing, Content Writer
Jasmine joined lingoking as a working student in November of 2024. She supports the content marketing team with its SEO strategy and writes for the lingoking guide and other media. Her motto: “The most radical thing you can do is be yourself.”
Translation
Belinda Grace
Belinda has been working with the lingoking marketing team since early 2022. She’s in charge of translating blogs and guides as well as writing social media posts. Her motto: “Begin each day as if it were on purpose”.
