Skip to content

Author: Dan Dalton

If you decide to earn your graduate school degree abroad, you have the enviable opportunity of gaining international experience while furthering your education. But you’ll have to do some homework first.

You need to assess which country and which international graduate school is best for you, while also taking the time to evaluate other important factors, including costs and visa requirements.

Choose Where in the World to Study

There are high-quality international graduate schools located across the globe, and the process of choosing one can be overwhelming. Begin your search by listing the five countries that most interest you.

Next, consider the practical issues. Think about whether there will be a language barrier, or if political or economic instability might place you in jeopardy. Watch the news to keep abreast of world events that may impact your prospective destination.

Friends and colleagues who have studied abroad are also a logical resource when researching graduate schools abroad. Ask around and see if you can get some insight from their experiences.

Make a Short List of Schools

Once you narrow down your potential destination, you need to select some graduate schools to apply to. Consult a list of the international graduate schools available to US students who wish to study abroad.

Then look for the schools that feature graduate programs in your field of study. List the benefits of each school, and from that list, choose the top schools that most align with your needs.

If feasible, try to visit the graduate schools on your shortlist. If you cannot afford to travel to several international schools, you should at least visit the school at the top of your list. If this remains impractical, you can still learn a significant amount from a virtual tour of the college and from speaking with the admissions office.

Get Funding

Now that you know which international graduate school(s) you plan to apply to, you need to be sure it will be financially feasible for you to attend. Find out the cost of tuition, and then consider the sources of funding available to you.

Your first step should be to contact the financial aid office of the graduate school you’re considering. You should find out what aid packages include, and get an idea of how much you can receive for tuition. Try to get as many grants as possible since, unlike loans, you do not have to pay these back.

You can also apply for scholarships and grants through private companies. Make sure you understand all of the available college financial aid opportunities. You can research scholarships created expressly for students who seek to travel internationally for graduate school.

When contacting the school of your choice, ask about fellowships and research assistantships. Both of these positions can waive some or all of your tuition, and may even include a stipend for living expenses.

You will be expected to provide research, teach or meet other requirements if you want the money, but this way you can pay for graduate school without getting a full time job or taking out loans. Plus, this sort of experience will likely prove valuable in your future endeavors.

Prepare to Travel

When calculating your costs, include plane tickets and lodging. Also, research the healthcare system of your destination country, and the cost of insurance. Be aware of currency exchange rates (and fees). You need to realistically assess how the cost of living in your destination differs from the cost of living in the US.

If you think you will need a job while studying, find out what documents are required, such as a work visa. Study visas will often place strict limitations on employment.

Thoroughly research these issues when you’re considering options for your studies overseas. Studying at an international graduate school can be immensely rewarding – and it can open up considerable opportunities for career advancement.

How ULS Can Help

If you’re applying to international graduate schools, ULS can help with all your translation needs. From diplomas and transcripts to recommendation letters and student resumes to medical records and birth certificates, we provide professional, certified translation services in more than 200 languages.

Contact us today to learn more about our translation services. Call 1-800-419-4601 or simply fill out our free quote form.

Starting college is a big change for all freshmen, and even more so for freshmen who also are international students.

That’s why US colleges and universities offer a variety of support services for international students who have crossed oceans – or at least a border – to be there. International students will find the support they need for everything from academic to mental to cultural issues.

After learning what you can from international student orientation, here are 5 good places to turn:

1. International Student Services Office

If you already have been accepted to a US college, you probably have emailed or spoken to someone in the international student services office. Be sure to stay in touch after you start college.

The staff and advisers in the office can tell you what types of services and support are available at your school and may even inform you of special activities specifically catering to international students. At the very least, they will be able to tell you where to get the information you are looking for.

2. International Student Clubs

Many colleges and universities have organizations created by and for international students. In fact, there may be several for you to choose from … or you can join them all!

International student clubs are a great way for new students to meet others who are in your situation and know exactly what you are experiencing. You not only can get advice and support from other club members, but also ease any homesickness you may feel after moving to a new country.

3. Your American Roommates and Friends

If you have questions about American culture, then your best support may come from your American roommates and your new American friends, who might teach you how to correctly use some college terms and phrases.

4. Your Professors’ Office Hours

If you have questions about a class you are in, visit your professor’s office hours.

Each of your professors will tell the class the specific hours they will be available each week and the location of their office. During these office hours, professors invite – and encourage – students to visit with questions and concerns.

5. Counseling Center

Some issues are too important to rely only upon new friends, professors or even student advisers.

If you are an international student (or really, any student) experiencing depression, severe homesickness, or another major issue, seek the support of the student health center or a local counseling center.

How ULS Can Help

If you’re applying to colleges and universities in the US, ULS can help with all your translation needs. From diplomas and transcripts to recommendation letters and student resumes/CVs to medical records and birth certificates, we provide professional, certified translation services in more than 200 languages.

Contact us today to learn more about our translation services. Call 1-800-419-4601 or simply fill out our free quote form.

If you have recently been accepted to a study program abroad, you must be nervous but also so excited! But while you might want to start packing your favorite things immediately, there is something more important to keep in mind: collecting all the necessary study abroad documents.

To help you out, here is a list of all the documents you need to prepare for your study abroad experience.

☑ A Passport

The very first thing on your study abroad documents list should be your passport.

Processing times can take several months, so make sure you apply for your passport as soon as possible. Expedited services are available, but they will cost extra and often require in-person appointments.

If this is your very first passport, the application is slightly different from what you’ll need if you’re renewing your passport. Make sure you select the correct form online.

In addition to completing the required form, you’ll also need to include a headshot and a check when mailing in your passport application.

☑ A Student Visa

If you are going to be studying in a foreign country for more than three months, you will likely need a student visa.

The length of your program will determine what type of student visa you need. If you’re unsure, get in touch directly with your study abroad coordinator or host university.

Just like when applying for your passport, student visa processing times can vary so make sure you take care of your visa early on.

☑ Diplomas and Academic Certificates

Whether you plan on applying to a job abroad or participating in any university projects or volunteer opportunities, your diploma and academic certificates can come in handy.

If English is not your first language, you may also want to have a copy of your IELTS passing grade paper.

In most instances, digital copies of these study abroad documents is acceptable.

☑ Translations of All Your IDs

If you will be studying in a country where your language is not the native tongue, you might want to look into getting some of your study abroad documents translated.

Looking for a translator in a foreign country can be a hassle and often quite pricey. There is nothing worse than searching for a professional translator while trying to settle into your new life abroad. ULS makes the translation process simple and straightforward, so you can concentrate on the upcoming semester.

Translating certain study abroad documents in advance and keeping copies can save you from a lot of trouble. These include your passport, student visa, and any other identification documents.

☑ A Well-Written Resume

A well-written resume is always important to keep in your file. This is especially true if you are thinking of applying for a job or internship while studying abroad.

When preparing your resume, remember to check for spelling and grammar errors. Tools and services like Grammarly, Supreme Dissertations, and Hemmingway Editor can help you correct these errors easily and effectively. This will save you a lot of time when it comes to translating these study abroad documents.

☑ Letters of Recommendation

If you have any letters of recommendation, you should keep these alongside your resume. Just because you’ve been accepted into your study abroad program, doesn’t mean you should forget about your letters of recommendation until you graduate.

These letters can include any and every letter from a past employer or professor that confirms your work ethic. Having papers that verify your work experience can prove helpful when applying to jobs and internships.

☑ Passport-Sized Photographs

Last but not least, have some extra passport-sized photos on hand. These might not seem that important, but there will be many instances when you will need them. For instance, when getting your student ID at your host university or when applying for a public transportation student card.

These pictures take very little time and money to produce, so make sure you prepare them in advance.

Remember to Always Double-Check Your Documents

This list of study abroad documents is not exhaustive. Every university is different and may require additional documents.

Make sure you check your host university’s requirements online. You can always send an email asking for advice when you’re unsure or want to double-check that you have everything you need to study abroad.

Even if you believe you have everything ready, double-checking your study abroad documents is a smart move. You might find the smallest detail has been written incorrectly, and that small mistake could cost you both money and time.

Making sure everything is prepared correctly in advance will help you feel less nervous and avoid difficult situations in the future.

Which country have you chosen for your studies? Let us know in the comments below!

How ULS Can Help

As you prepare to study abroad, turn to ULS for all your translation needs. From diplomas and transcripts to birth certificates and medical records, we provide professional, certified translation services in more than 200 languages.

Contact us today to learn more about our translation services. Call 1-800-419-4601 or simply fill out our free quote form.

About Donald Fomby:Donald is a professional writer and editor for TrustMyPaper. He loves to help his audience learn more about fulfilling their study goals and becoming successful. In his spare time, he loves to listen to audiobooks and spend time outdoors with his friends.

With the increased emphasis on globalization in recent years, it makes sense to get an international education. This is probably why the option to study abroad is growing in popularity among college students.

But if you’re a high school student looking towards your future, your choices for getting an international education don’t end there. You can also study abroad for as little as one summer vacation or as long as an entire undergraduate career.

Take a look at all the options you have when it comes to studying in another country during college to determine which one is the best one for you.

Study Abroad for a Semester or Year

It’s common for students to study abroad for one or two semesters of college. A few different factors should come into play before you decide how long you will be overseas at school.
If you’re not a seasoned traveler, you might want to start by going abroad for just a semester. This is long enough for you to experience another culture – and possibly another language – and say you’ve lived outside your country.

At the same time, it’s short enough to help you avoid or at least manage any feelings of homesickness. Plus, if you have limited money and can’t get any financial aid to help your international education as you study abroad, a semester may be right for you.

But if you can afford it, a whole year abroad may be even better. This is especially the case if you want to become fluent in another language or truly immerse yourself in another culture.
Wherever you decide to go to college will undoubtedly offer a few study abroad programs directly through the school itself. However, if you are looking to study abroad in a country that is not offered by your school, you can seek admission to an outside program.

Just make sure you will get credit for the classes you take when you study abroad. Otherwise, you may be behind academically when you get back home. Talk to your school’s study abroad office for help in determining exactly what your options are and what sort of scholarships may be available to you.

Study Abroad During School Breaks

Not every student can afford to study abroad for months at a time. If you’re low on time or money, you might be wondering if you can get an international education at all.

Fortunately, there are summer study abroad programs that might work for you. These usually last anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. Since they take less time, they’re often more affordable. And when you go during summer break, you’re not missing any classes, which is ideal in case your study abroad credits do not transfer or you need very specific courses to complete your major.

If it turns out you have to attend summer school in the US, or maybe you’ll simply be spending the summer working, you can opt for a study abroad experience during winter break instead. These programs usually last a few weeks, which should give you enough time abroad to get a feel for the country you visit.

Graduate from College Abroad

For many students who study abroad, even a year overseas ends up feeling too short, so they return to the same country for the duration of college. Others know even in high school that they want to study in a particular country, so they go to school abroad from freshman to senior year.

There are several advantages to attending college abroad. One is that it may be less expensive than attending college in the US, depending on the country and college you choose. Some countries, like Germany, have eliminated tuition costs all together, while others offer it at a greatly reduced rate, especially when compared to American colleges and universities.

Be sure to compare the tuition to the amount you’d pay for college in the US to determine if studying abroad offers a financial advantage. And don’t forget to explore scholarship and financial aid options for both schools in the US and abroad.

Another way you could save while earning your degree abroad is through shorter programs. Many universities abroad, such as those in the UK, only last for three years, allowing you to graduate one to two years sooner than you might in the US. This saves you not just time, but also money.

And along the way you might become fluent in a different language, which can bolster your resume and help your job search once you graduate!

If you’re interested in an international education, there are tons of options available to you from summer school and semesters abroad, to earning your entire undergraduate in a foreign country. Consider exactly what is it you want out of your time abroad to decide which option is the right one for you.

How ULS Can Help

If you’re planning on applying to a program abroad, trust ULS for all your translation needs. From diplomas and transcripts to letters of recommendation and resumes, we provide professional, certified translation services in more than 200 languages. Contact us today to learn more about our translation services. Call 1-800-419-4601 or simply fill out our free quote form.

Contact

Phone +1 800-419-3920

Email clientservices@universitylanguage.com

University Language Services

15 Maiden Lane, Suite 300

New York, NY 10038

Links

Get A Quote

When you have an academic document that requires certified translation or need help transcribing class lectures, you want a language service company you can rely on. That’s where we come in.

Request A Quote