Studying abroad starts here

If you want to learn a new language, meet different people and culture, advance your expertise and knowledge, and specialize in a field of your interest, well, why not study abroad?

Studying abroad will provide you opportunities and possibilities of becoming better as a person regardless whether you are new graduate or working professionally. If you decide to pursue your thoughts, here are some practical steps to plan your graduate studies abroad.

First, know your interest and field that you want specialize on. You may already have these interest and field as your undergraduate course. This is important because interest and background will help in deciding which graduate course you plan to take. Second, search for universities that offer the specific course you want. The Times Higher Education (THE) has a yearly world university rankings. You may check on potential universities and if they are particularly strong on the field you have chosen in the first step. You may ask your former teachers about your plan and seek their advice on what possible universities will be good for you. This initial contact with your former teachers will also serve as way of getting good letters of recommendations from them. Universities require such letters from former teachers to be admitted in the university. Third, if you have chosen a particular university, visit its website and know the facts, history, student population, professors, admission process, scholarships, accommodation and the city where it is located. You may pay a visit to the university if possible to feel its environment, people, and community. It will be great if you have relatives living in the area. They will become your connection to the city. Can you imagine yourself in that university and city? If not, go back to step 2. Fourth, get the information and details of admission processes especially the deadline. If you can apply online, go ahead. Make a checklist of the requirements. Many universities require some tests, such as English proficiency and Graduate Record Examination (GRE). You may contact the nearest test centers in your area for these examinations. Fifth and last, tell a friend or family member about your plan. This person will be your source of encouragement and assistance. S/he may even be more excited than you because s/he wants the best for you. And studying abroad is like a path leading to your best and the actualization of your potentials.

Do these practical steps in sequence. Do not dwell too much time on any of the steps. In graduate studies, time is essential because a graduate course programs can last up to two to three years for full-time students. Goodluck to you!