100% Guarantee Steps: What To Know Before Applying To Study Abroad As An International Student (2023 Update)

post by: Dwomoh Darlingberg for thedistin.com.
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Are you in Ghana, Nigerian, South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda or anywhere in Africa and wants to study abroad? Thedistin.com has gathered the basic requirements/steps and the documents that one needs to have their dream education come to a reality.

We understand that applying for high school, college, graduate, and post-graduate studies can be an anxious time especially when you’re an international student, but we have put together some helpful information to guide you through the process.

Please read carefully the information in this section and follow the instructions given sensibly; this will help to ensure that everything runs quickly and smoothly.

How To Do High School Abroad – 8 simple steps

High School Study Abroad | | CIEE
Image Source: Ciee.org

It is going to take some work on your part to make high school abroad a reality, but it can be done. Following these eight steps is a foolproof way to learn how to do high school abroad:

Step 1: Know your goals.

Before you jump into just any high school program abroad, it’s important to assess your goals. Why do you want to do high school abroad, anyway? What skills do you hope to acquire? Asking questions about what you hope to gain from your experience will help you start to narrow down your options. 

You’ll also want to consider logistical questions. How much time do you have? Could you swing a whole year or a couple of weeks? How much money can you budget toward the experience? As you make these calculations, keep in mind all the benefits of doing high school abroad. Many of them, like fluency in a foreign language or falling asleep under the constellations of a different hemisphere, are priceless.

Step 2: Know where you want to go and what you want to do—find programs that match that.

Once you’ve sussed out your goals, needs, and desires and you’re ready to head down the path of going abroad in high school, it’s time to find programs that line up with those goals. So get down to business, make a spreadsheet.

Step 3: Compare your programs. 

Now that you have a spreadsheet teeming with high school study abroad programs it’s time to compare and contrast and really hone in on which program is right for you. The best way to do this is by reaching out and talking to people. 

Talk to alumni, read reviews, understand what’s included, check dates align with your calendars, try to land some scholarships or high school credits, and all those other tedious tasks that are well worth the extra effort.

Step 4: Start getting your money together.

While any international escapade can easily cost you an arm and a leg (and maybe a non-vital organ), it does not have to be financially impossible. Remember to look at your upcoming high school abroad voyage as an investment in your future and keep in mind that no one can put a dollar amount on this kind of experience! 

So, back to how the heck you are going to pay for this. Contrary to popular belief, the options are not as grim as they may seem. Make an informed and well-planned visit to The Bank of Mom and Dad, peruse scholarship options, do a little fundraising, or even get a part-time job because at the end of the day, saving your money just makes the most cents…

Step 5: Pick your final program and apply, apply, apply!

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, figured out what you can afford, and decided which high school study abroad programs the best fit your goals, it’s time to submit your applications! This isn’t the time for mistakes, so make sure that you’ve reviewed all of your application materials for errors. 

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear anything back right away, and try to be patient as you wait for your application to be reviewed. Instead of anxiously refreshing your inbox, do a Google image search of the country you’ve set your sights on and marvel at how magnificent your life will soon be. 

Step 6: Now that you got in (because #duh, you’re awesome), you have to do your travel planning and logistics.

Don’t stride off into the sunset just yet. You still need immunizations, insurance, bank details sorted, spending money, tons of gear, passports, visas, flight tickets, etc. Now that you’re nice and overwhelmed, just take a deep breath, make a checklist, and remind yourself why you want to do high school abroad in the first place (see: step one).

Step 7: Pretend like you’re not gonna pack the night before or morning you leave.

If you suffer from packing paralysis, then you probably needed to start packing for your high school abroad program yesterday. To alleviate the effects of packing paralysis, research your destination to make sure you are prepared to dress properly and respectably. Also, be sure to get a list of recommended packing items from your program advisor for a little guidance so you can travel light and be the light.

Step 8: Go and have the learning adventure of a lifetime!

You did it! You made it through the daunting application process and got the parental signature! Once you’ve weighed your options and made a final decision, now the real fun begins. As always, keep in mind your goals and the ways you plan to make your high school abroad experience meaningful and go and have the learning adventure of a lifetime. How do you spell success? T-E-E-N T-R-A-V-E-L!

For more information on a handful of recommended teen travel programs to help you do high school abroad, click here to read more.

How To Do College, Masters, PhD In Abroad – 5 Steps

Common Fears and Solutions for Study Abroad Students - Royal Crown Academic  School
Image Source: Royalcrownschool.com

Guiding You Through The Process On How To Study For Your Undergraduate, Graduate, And Ph.D. Programs – 5 Steps

Step 1- Identify your Field.

You may have completed a specific program during your undergraduate education but still, be interested in other fields. If you find yourself in this circumstance, remember that you are not alone; instead, be joyful and make sure that your new program of study is something that interests you.

By identifying your preferred field, you’ve done 60% of your study since that’s the most unique and the reason you want to study abroad.

Step 2- Shortlist Country & University to study abroad.

There are numerous institutions abroad that open their borders for international students to have their degrees. Using google as a search tool, you can have a number of universities with low tuition fees and those of your interest.

Gather as many names of institutions that offer your preferred field of study (identified in step 1) and narrow them based on their requirements and documents that you fall short of.

Step 3- Identify the Exams to study abroad (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT and SAT).

Every university requires a different type of exam to determine your English proficiency, your mathematical strength, and the level at which you can solve problems. Below are some of the exams and what to know about them;

  • The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is globally recognised as the most popular English proficiency test for working and studying abroad. However, if you come from an English speaking countries like Ghana, Nigerian, etc. this test or exams is not required.
  • Unbiased English testing for study abroad and immigration. PTE is trusted by universities, colleges and governments around the world.
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardized test to measure the English language ability of non-native speakers wishing to enroll in English-speaking universities.
  • The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test that is an admissions requirement for many graduate schools in the United States and Canada and few in other countries. 
  • The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a computer adaptive test intended to assess certain analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in written English for use in admission to a graduate management program, such as an MBA program
  • The SAT is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States.
Step 4- Fill your Application to study abroad.

Visit the official websites of your shortlisted university and locate the apply section which is mostly found in the menu or categories or at the bottom of the site and apply.

Step 5- Apply for Student VISA to study abroad.

If you haven’t traveled much, you may not be familiar with the rules and regulations that come into play when you enter international borders. You’ll need a passport to travel abroad, of course, but you’ll also usually need documentation to show that you’re legally permitted to live in that country for a certain period of time. This is known as a visa.

Different types of visas exist for different purposes and lengths of stay. Fortunately for you, education is usually seen as a valid reason to live in another country temporarily, and is enrolled at a university will help you justify your stay.

 Even among student visas, conditions will vary based on the country and the type of visa. For instance, US students who want to study in the UK for less than six months can get one type of visa that doesn’t allow them to work in the UK, while students who plan to study for longer (or for the entirety of college) get a different type of visa that does allow them to also get a job.

Getting visas and filling out your paperwork can be a major task that involves substantial fees, long waiting periods, and exhaustive documentation, or it can be relatively simple. You may or may not have to get your visa in advance. 

The bottom line is that you should always do your research on your specific country and school ahead of time so that you know what to expect. If your immigration and/or residency status is complex, or you have specific questions about your personal process, it’s best to speak directly to an expert, such as a lawyer who specializes in immigration.

Documents required for Undergraduate Study

  • Photocopy of their passports (cover and relevant data pages)
  • Wassce Certificate and Transcripts ( minimum grade C6)
  • Recommendation letters (2)
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Completed Application Form Download your School choose Form

Documents required for Postgraduate Study

  • Photocopy of your passports (cover and relevant data pages)
  • Bachelors Degree certificates and transcript grades.( minimum qualification a second class lower)For masters
  • Wassce Certificate ( Minimum qualification is a C6)
  • Letter of Recommendation (One academic and One from place of work )
  • CV /Resume
  • Completed Application Form

You must apply early, as competition for a scholarship for these Universities is intense.

Your application will not be considered until all of your supporting documents have been received by the institution.

Last Stage

Payment of Registration Fees. You can find the payment for both your online registration and the tuition fee on the various websites of the institution you looking forward to being admitted to.

Deadline

Applications Run all year round.