Foreign education is a massive part of the global economy, with the overseas education sector having a market of nearly 14 billion USD in 2020. This seems to be trending towards even more growth with experts predicting a market size of 35 billion USD by 2025. In this situation, more students every year are looking at overseas universities as a great option to shape their careers. However, when it comes to getting an education at foreign universities, there are certain factors students need to keep in mind along with some influential trends in the field. Let’s have a look at both.
Factors to consider when deciding on overseas universities
Language: First and foremost, the language your programme is being taught in any overseas universities needs to be something you are already fluent in or the one you will be able to pick up easily. In this regard, the vast majority of programmes chosen by international students are taught in English around the world. Hence, fluency in English can be a safe bet in most cases. If you are interested in experiencing life outside of academics during your international education, then it would be prudent to do a bit of research on the local language(s) spoken in the country you will be moving to.
Programmes: If you have no specific degree that you aim to complete, then the decision-making process will be harder when it comes to choosing among all the available overseas universities. Based on your programme or field of interest you can begin to make a list of institutes that offer courses you wish to pursue. While there is a certain level of flexibility in programme completion in most universities, the pathways are generally more limited for technical and specialised degrees. Hence, it is of utmost importance for you to have a good idea of what your education goals are in general and what path you need to take to achieve them.
Culture: While one of the main benefits of studying at overseas universities is having the chance to experience new cultures and ways of living, one thing to watch out for is the culture shock that can occur when your country of education has a very different culture to what you are used to back home. This can result in temporary discomfort and confusion. However, in most cases, culture shock eases with time, and students can adjust to the new country along with all the different changes that go along with them.
Finances: Some countries might offer cheaper education than what you can receive within your home country, while other overseas universities might have a much higher cost of education. It is important to have a look through the fee structure before making a decision to see whether you can handle the financial burden or not. Another thing to look out for is whether any scholarships or grants are being offered at international universities that you have shortlisted.
Trends in overseas education
One of the biggest trends in overseas universities is students moving from developing countries to developed countries in the West. This can be seen in the fact that over 40% of international students are enrolled in just four western countries (U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia). One country aiming to buck this trend is India, where institutions such as Sharda University operate and have robust international student programmes. It is to be noted that Sharda University in Noida, near Delhi, has degrees and courses across a multitude of disciplines all under one campus.
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