Studying abroad: Step by Step Guide



Students study abroad from all over the world. They travel to different places in order to study, gain more knowledge and understanding of the different environment. But besides all this, they learn so much more than bookish material; things that I feel are far important than academic learning. They learn how to live alone in a completely different environment; they learn to make friends without caring about their background and religion. They learn how to do all the chores themselves, they learn to cook, they learn to be independent, they learn how to accept other cultures, they learn new values and languages and so much more; things that they won’t be able to learn otherwise. Moreover, traveling is the best learning; you could learn so much with traveling. It opens your mind to accept new realities and norms.
This is why not only students but everyone who gets a chance to travel, they should. But for students if they are considering doing full-time degree abroad, there are many documents that they need to prepare in order to get an acceptance letter and scholarship. Following are the list of those documents but let me remind you that it is really important to check the university’s website and their requirements for the particular program you want to apply for before preparing your documents.
1.      IELTS/TOEFL: An English language test that lets the universities know about your level of English and either you will be able to attend their lectures in English language or not. Students from non-native English speaking countries are asked to submit the scores of this test.
P.S: By the way, I have written a complete guide on ielts and how I passed my ielts exam within 7 days of preparation and how you could do it too. It includes all the tips and tricks you require in order to pass this test. One thing I would like to say that after reading that book, you will need no extra coaching and tuition from anywhere. It is also available in audio version, so if you are interested, ask me on my email address: anumiqbal708@gmail.com
2.      Statement of Purpose: One of the most important documents if you are considering applying abroad for any degree. It is a personal statement where you write about your background information, your future goals, why you are choosing the particular university you are applying for, what makes you different from other students, your achievements and why should this university gives you admission.
3.      Recommendation Letters: Usually your professors who know you really well and your employers under whom supervision you have worked for (if you have any work experience) write these letters for you where they talk about you and your strengths. But as we know professors/employers normally do not have much time and their English is not always good, so students often write it themselves and let those professors or employers sign and stamp those letters for students.
4.      Previous Degrees/Transcripts: It is necessary to have bachelor’s degree, matric/ O-Levels certificate and Intermediate/A-Levels certificate if you are applying for a Master’s program. Normally you send the scan copies of these original documents; if you are currently in the last semester of your bachelor’s degree; you are required to submit the scan copy of your transcript. For bachelors, one just needs matric and intermediate degrees.
5.      Internship/Certificates:  If you have done an internship or have some proper certificates or courses that you have done either in person or online, you should scan them too and attach them to your online application form. These are not mandatory but they will increase your chances of admission as it will make your overall profile stronger.
6.      Passport: Sometimes universities ask your passport numbers and the scan copy of them in advance. So if you are determined, it is better to already have a passport.
7.      GRE/GMAT: For Master’s program, students are asked to submit their GRE/GMAT scores. It is important to pass this test carefully and have good scores in it as it will highly increase your chances of admission and your scholarship if you are applying for. Normally, students who want to apply for business degrees require passing the GMAT test and other programs require GRE. So it is better to check the program requirements on the university’s website.
8.   CV/Resume: Make a good one-page resume where you should highlight your achievements, degrees and other important information. Remember for students, it is required that you do not exceed your CV more than one page.
9.      Voluntary work: Though, it is neither important nor required but it plays an important role in strengthening your overall profile. But keep in mind that it highly depends on what program you are applying for. If you want to go to New York to study acting then you should probably do something related to acting. Same goes for singing and other programs.
10.  Health Certificate: This is something that normally universities do not require before giving you admission. Once you get admitted, then they will need this health assurance certificate. But for visa approval and embassy, this is a must.
11.  Police Certificate: Same goes for police certificate which gives assurance to universities and embassy that this student has no criminal record and is safe from all obligations.

I hope you note down the list of these documents and start preparing them because they require a lot of time and efforts. It is recommended that you start preparing them at least a year before the class commencement. GOOD LUCK!

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