Studying abroad: Everything you need to know
Every year, hundreds of students come to our school from all over the world. Studying abroad is an opportunity to broaden their academic training and, in some cases, even learn a new language. In addition, it represents an immersion in a new culture, which also represents an important personal growth… In conclusion, there is no doubt that it is a life-changing experience.
If you are also thinking about studying abroad, this post will help you understand everything you need to know before deciding to embark on this new adventure.
How to study abroad?
Many people choose to study abroad for a semester during their university degree, but the truth is that there are many training options at different levels of education. For example, at Elisava we have a 15-week programme, Study Abroad, which offers a comprehensive view of design and the new opportunities that come with it. This programme, which is taught exclusively in English, is aimed at both students who already have a background in design, as well as students who want to get started in the wonderful world of design.
It is often easy to get carried away when planning a stay abroad, but it is important not to rush and to plan your stay very well. These are the steps to follow:
- Think about what you want to study abroad: Many people decide to go abroad because they want to study a specific subject, while others are sure about wanting to spend time abroad but don’t know what to study yet. As we said, there are many options: there are programmes, degrees, bachelor’s degrees, doctorates, certificates, diplomas…
- Choose the country in which to study: As in the previous point, the possibilities are endless and you should choose a country according to your interests. There are many aspects to take into account, such as climate, quality of life and the attractions of the place. The type of speciality you want to train in will probably also determine the location, as each country is known for different things.
- Analyse the requirements of each country and your chosen studies: Once you are clear about all of the above, the next step is to review and initiate all the requirements and procedures for studying abroad. You’ll also need to analyse the entry requirements for the studies you intend to take. For example, if you’re going to travel to a foreign country where a language other than your own is spoken, you’ll probably need to provide proof of your language proficiency.
- Find a place to live: If you’ve made it this far, you’re almost ready to start your adventure abroad! One of the last steps will be to find a place to stay during your stay. Again, there are different options: Look for a student residence, a flat or a family home.
- Pack your bags and start the adventure: Shortly before you leave, it’s time to pack your bags and, especially if you’re staying for a long period, you’re probably planning to take a lot of luggage with you. However, we recommend that you prioritise only what is strictly necessary to avoid unnecessary excess weight. Often, we tend to think that we need much more stuff than we are actually going to use on a daily basis. And wherever you go, you’ll always be able to buy what you need in an emergency.
Scholarships to study abroad
Another vitally important aspect of deciding to study abroad is your budget. Obviously, this will depend on a number of factors such as tuition fees, transport, accommodation, quality of life in the country where you’ll be living, etc. In short, there’s no doubt that studying abroad can be expensive. However, it is worth considering the possibility of applying for a scholarship to offset the cost.
There are different platforms through which you can apply for a scholarship to study abroad and the amounts can vary completely. Some scholarships cover almost all the costs of a stay abroad, while others only cover all or part of the tuition fees. To find out about all the possible options, we recommend that you consult the scholarship section of your school or university, the scholarships offered by the government, as well as those offered by other entities or foundations in the area.
Studying in Spain
Now that you know all the steps you need to follow to study abroad, what are you waiting for? If you’re thinking about studying in Spain, and specifically in Barcelona, don’t hesitate contacting us to know all the formative options that we can offer you from Elisava.