Once you have realised that you want to study abroad, you should immediately start the process. Key steps like deciding where to apply and for which course can often take very long. As a student myself, I made a list of 4 colleges almost a year and a half before the start of my next course. What’s interesting is that I did not end up applying to any of those 4 colleges. Those were the colleges I thought I wanted to go to instead of being the ones I needed to study at.

Which colleges are for you?

To begin with, give yourself time to mull. After you’ve selected a few colleges and courses, imagine yourself actually doing them. You should imagine yourself at that college, what will interest you most about being on their campus? Which are some of the topics that you are looking forward to learning? And most importantly, once you’ve finished your course, will you be on the right track to attaining the job you are interested in? At this stage you can also discuss your choices with people who understand your goals and might have some insight into the business. This includes your parents, any close friends or family who understand your perspectives and even people who are working at companies you’re looking forward to joining.

While gathering all these perspectives, also remember which ones are important and truly apply to you and which don’t. Some people will give you advice that may have more to do with their understanding than yours and there are no fixed ideals that apply to all of us together. So, listen, but don’t forget to listen to yourself.

Creating the second draft of your list

Now, all the colleges on your first list might not make it onto your second draft. You can eliminate colleges that are in countries you are not too keen on living in. The first list was just a basic list of what is good where in the world. The second list is what you truly need to study. At this stage, look into the specifications of the course and try to understand the college- is it an arts college which may not be good for medicine and where your interests lie?

Remember, even though it seems easy to demotivate yourself by looking at the requirements of every college, don’t limit yourself. You’re capable of a lot more than you think and even colleges that you think would only select students with the highest marks, often look at extra-curriculars and how you would fit into the environment of the college. So, make your list with no limitations.

Not every college on this list will be for you, but at least look at them closely. Identify the factors that work for you. If you are passionate about it, don’t strike it out. There is also a chance you don’t feel passionate about any of the courses, but this is something that takes time. Understanding a college and its course, how that works in your life is a process, it doesn’t have to be immediate. Give yourself time, let yourself dream, make a list, look at the requirements and then get down to the technicalities.

Enjoy this journey.

To read more about what you can do next, go to the next blog. Happy reading!