So, you’re interested in studying abroad? Making this decision is only the first step of many,  there are so many questions that you might need to ask, so much information that you might need to collect.

Let us give you some important aspects when it comes to organizing yourself for such a great deal as studying abroad.

University

• Make sure that the University has a bachelor’s/master’s program you are looking for.
• Check whether there is any English-taught program or program in any language you can speak.
• Visit student sites/ forums/ discussions to make sure about the relevant aspects of student life (grading system, more theory/more practice, campus life, academic/cultural/recreational activities, communities/clubs).
• Look for agencies that offer paid or free, live, over the phone or online consultations if the University supports it.

Requirements

• Be aware if your GPA can satisfy University requirements (check the acceptance rate as well) and find a way of proving English/other language proficiency (be focused on accepted certificates and check how and when you can do the language exam).
• Check any eventual age limits for applying and if you need additional reference letters from professors, or previous school/Uni nominations, experience, CV-s or essays on given topics, or if they can give you extra points (requirements).

Deadlines

• Check dates for early, standard and late applications (when entry period starts/closes and if there is an opportunity for late applications)
• Check dates for the scholarship application (if it is separated) and for the interview/entrance exam after
• Do not forget timeliness - check notifications (application or uni website) and emails regularly.

Application

• Make a simple list of all transcripts and documents needed.
• Submit an application or early application to your preferred university, and after that make a list of alternative universities.
• Make a concept for possible interview questions/answers (general questions and program-oriented questions), check available sources for entrance exam or ask on students forums or in the groups people to share their experience (if needed).

Scholarships

• Examine scholarships based on grades, previous awards, leadership or career experiences, financial need, having a citizenship of developing countries or conflict-affected countries in the world, single-parent scholarships, women scholarships…
• Visit global scholarship sites or sites of certain university (for example: they can offer tuition fee waiver)

Accomodation

• See what is the most affordable option dormitory/rented room/studio/apartment.
• Calculate distance between university and chosen place.
• Check the parameters of the accommodation – what kind of furniture and equipment is provided (bed, desk, functional kitchen appliances, washing machine and the bathroom, with electricity and water).
• Ask for more information about minimum/maximum staying period, exact amount of monthly rent, bills inclusion/exclusion and possible additional costs.

Food

• Analyze prices of local markets
• Analyze prices of restaurants, bakeries, fast-food restaurants and learn about local cuisine
• Calculate how many times per week/month you can visit restaurants (based on prices)
• Check both discounts for students and discounts otherwise (on which day/s and for what)

Transportation

• Get information about public transport, timing, the possibility of delays (maximum delays) and alternatives.
• Get information about all modes of transportation for travelling abroad, especially those that are safe and affordable at the same time.

Entry requirements and other regulations

• Check whether you need a visa for entrance or not.
• Check procedures for getting residence permit.
• Examine what are the rules in the country and make sure you will not break them.

Places

• Make a list of “must-to-visit” places related to culture, history, art, religion, all the way to theaters, cinemas, zoos, swimming pools.
• Check both discounts for students and discounts otherwise (when and for what).
• Make a final amount of money which you want to spend on visiting places (per month).

Living costs

• See what are the average living costs in the chosen country/place
• Set the limits for daily spending
• Check again options such as student loans/bursary, parent support, scholarships.

This article was written by our graduating Communication and Media Science BA student, Ksenija Smolovic.