Guide
Your Guide to Study Abroad with Xploreline
Research/Gather Information
Start by doing thorough research on your own time before reaching out and asking questions, because everyone’s time is valuable and you don’t want to reach out and ask questions that can easily be found on their website. Search for majors and courses you are interested in, then start to look for universities/colleges that offer those majors and courses. If location plays a big role in your search then take that into consideration when looking up universities/colleges. Take a few minutes to browse campus life/activities, professor ratings, employment opportunities, and what services institutions offer after graduation. If you have friends or family members who are familiar with faculty or staff at the said university/college, ask them to reach out to get better information. Use Facebook or LinkedIn to reach out to faculty/staff on your own, don’t forget to be professional and ask very specific questions while taking their time into consideration. Also, remember to take a look at costs and fees related to attending these universities/colleges and feel free to ask about financial aid and scholarships.
We understand doing research is a tedious and scary process, which is exactly why we have set up a team of counselors to support your endeavors. Contact Xploreline via phone or email to set up a free counseling session and so we can guide you to your career.
Speak With Xploreline Counselors
When you feel ready, make an appointment with an Xploreline counselor who are professionally trained certified. Many have been in your shoes in the past and have went through these steps as well in order to study internationally. They are all friendly faces with a wealth of first-hand professional and personal experience from different study locations all around the world.
Bring your wish list of universities/colleges, as well as course preferences/majors with you to your appointment as a starting point. Your counselor will work with you to create the best fit for you, the university/college, and your area of interest.
Choose a Major/Program
For students wanting to study abroad, your major/area of interest is the most important factor when choosing universities/colleges to apply to internationally. If you have multiple academic interests, you may be able to complete a double major or a major/minor combination.
If you are unsure about what you want to study, do not stress just yet. For example, in the United States, most students change their majors while in college, and 40% of undergrad students begin their first year in college with an undeclared/undecided major. Universities/colleges welcome students who are still confused and provide them with guidance to help them make the best possible choices.
The academic aspect is a very crucial part of the university/college experience, but you should also consider the kind of university/college experience you want. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
◉ Do I do better in school classroom settings or large lecture halls?
◉ Can I afford the education of a private college which cost more or should I attend a public college which I can more readily get financial aid/scholarships to?
◉ What kind of environment do I thrive in? Do I prefer the countryside, the city life, or somewhere in between?
◉ What types of campus activities and student organizations am I interested in joining?
The answers to the questions above will help create a checklist for universities/colleges that fit your needs and will help to make a truly informed decision.
Other things to look for are climate (weather), tests required (academic standardized and English proficiency tests), costs/fees, scholarships, international student services, campus facilities, and internships and job placement rates.
For graduate programs, you must go deeper with your research and look up rankings, the quality of programs that are available, and ask yourself these specific questions below:
◉ When can I apply, are admissions rolling, and can I enter during the second semester of the year?
◉ What standardized tests are required, like the GRE or GMAT?
◉ Is graduate student or married student housing available on campus?
◉ Can I work while enrolled, or can I be set up with an internship to acquire on the job knowledge?
◉ Are there international student services available to grad students?
Get Ready to Apply
Once you have selected the program/major you are interested in along with a list of universities/colleges, it is time to start applying.
To start applying, you can apply directly through each school’s website or through a third-party website like the Common App. No matter which method you prefer, you will still be required to submit all documents listed by the university/college.
Applications and Tests
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT APPLICATIONS
While university/college has its own criteria, there are common requirements they all share. International students are often required to submit these:
◉ Transcripts
◉ Standardized test scores
◉ SAT or ACT
◉ English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, iTEP, PTE Academic)
◉ Essay
◉ Recommendations
◉ Copy of your valid passport
Sometimes colleges and universities may also require proof of financing, in order to make sure you will be able to afford the tuition/fees. An interview is often part of the process which can be done online through platforms like Zoom.
University/college application deadlines are important to keep track of, it is a good idea to make notes on a calendar for reminders. Many universities/colleges offer early action or early decision, which usually needs to be submitted by November or December.
GRADUATE STUDENT APPLICATIONS
Requirements for graduate programs are similar to undergraduate programs, with a few differences. The list below is what you might need at the time of applying:
◉ Transcripts from your bachelor’s degree program
◉ GRE/GMAT
◉ TOEFL, IELTS, iTEP, or PTE Academic
◉ Statement of purpose
◉ Research proposal
◉ Recommendations
◉ Copy of your valid passport
◉ Proof of finances
Incoming grad students may need to do an on-campus or video interview with the program’s admissions team. Grad student applications can be found directly on university/college websites, and do not allow third-party applications like the Common App.
Costs of Studying Internationally
The cost of college is charged annually, which covers tuition, fees, housing/food, books, and health insurance.
Attending university/college internationally is expensive and the conversion rate isn’t always on the student’s side. On the bright side, there may be scholarships available based on academics, sports, community service, or need-based financial aid, depending on the university or college.
Graduate programs are generally shorter with costs that are similar. While undergraduate students usually fund their bachelor’s degree with the support of their family or financial aid, grad students may look to institutions or organizations willing to support and fund their endeavors in their home country or by contacting the university/college to get their assistance.
University/College Acceptance
Once you submit your applications, universities/colleges all have their own systems and methods before making a final decision. It can take up to a few weeks or even months before you receive any type of response.
If you are accepted, you will receive a letter of acceptance. Before you accept the offer, thoroughly go through the contract with family, friends, or an Xploreline Counselor to check for any conditions and to look over the financial aid package if provided at the time of acceptance.
Applying for a Student Visa
There are three main types of visas to research, and review with their own requirements:
F-1: This student visa permits you to study at universities or colleges with funding from friends, family, or yourself. You can only work part-time on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week while you are attending classes and your semester is in session.
J-1: This student visa you can participate in study and work-related exchange programs at colleges or universities approved by the local State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Your program must be funded by an educational or nonprofit sponsor. On a J-1 visa, you have the same work restrictions as F-1 students, but you cannot work off-campus.
M-1: You can apply for an M-1 visa which permits you to study at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Program funding may come from friends, family, or yourself. On an M-1 student visa, you will have the same work restrictions as F-1 and J-1 visas, but can only work on campus for a maximum of six months.
Housing/Dorms
Many universities/colleges offer housing like dorms, apartments, shared rooms in houses, etc. If the university/college does not offer housing or the cost is too much, you can look on your own for rooms and other housing options that can be better options for you. The cost of housing can differ from location to location, which is a crucial fact to keep in mind as well as renting outside of the university/college could mean you are also responsible for utility bills, internet, and other related expenses.
Prepare in Advance with Appropriate Flights
Book your flights according to semester start date and move in date if applicable or else you might have to spend unnecessary money to rent hotel rooms until you can move in. Check for entry requirements for the country you are traveling to as like vaccines, type of visa, travel documents, etc. well as COVID related requirements.
You’re All Set to Go
Once you have made all of the important decisions and made a solid plan, whether that was complete independent of Xploreline or with our help, we are also here to help with any last minute things that might come up like health insurance, travel insurance, exchanging money, cell phone plans, bank accounts, living accommodations, and any rules or regulations that are specific to that country.