Studying abroad sounds awesome, but is it a good fit for you? First, ask yourself a few questions:

• Do I like travelling to unfamiliar places?

• Am I comfortable being away from family and friends for an extended period?

• Would I enjoy exploring a new culture?

• Will I use study abroad to help shape me academically, professionally and/or personally?

If you answer "yes" to most or all of the above questions, study abroad is probably a great choice for you. If you answer "no" to a lot of the questions, it might be time to do more honest soul searching before you decide. The reality is, studying abroad is a unique, adventurous opportunity to try something new and grow as both a student and a person and it also comes with some challenges such as being out of your comfort zone and away from family and friends.

The best time to make up your mind to decide to study abroad is the 6th Semester of Engineering and 2^nd of Semester MBA & MCA.

In case you prefer to study abroad, you should start to think about choosing a program and a university, if you haven’t already. This is your foundation, to begin with. Identify your course of preference by listing down your interest and strengths. Research extensively on the modules, program and its duration offered for your preferred domain. Do not forget to explore employment prospects and long-term benefits as well.

You can research leading universities with the QS World University Rankings or National Rankings of universities to discover universities which are best for your subject.

Understand the industries that are open for you to explore employment opportunities once you have completed your program. Take into account the countries that have maximum avenues for students understanding your chosen course. Check how strong is the destination in your industry base and if any level of industrial training is available.

Your chosen course should be able to help you grow professionally and put you in a state where you can find employment. Consider a destination that offers a multitude of employment opportunities for your course.

Different destinations have different educational structures, which may or may not be in sync with your thought process. Check for the teaching pedagogy followed in the classrooms. For instance, a lot of universities add weightage to practical training over theoretical concepts. Do you think such an approach would work for you? Would you be comfortable working on research papers and assignments every week? Give it a thought!

Always look for the entry requirement for the programs available in your desired destination. Does it offer a program at the level you wish to take entry in? Is it a diploma program or a degree? Understand your preference and select accordingly. For instance, several colleges in Canada offer a postgraduate diploma instead of a master’s degree. Similarly, the UK offers two kinds of master’: taught (one year) and research.

For non-native English speakers wanting to study in predominantly English speaking countries, it is also highly likely that you will need to provide proof of your English language proficiency by taking an English language test such as TOEFL or IELTS.

Considering your application as early as possible is the best way to go and the best time to apply is at the beginning of the 7^th Semester BE and at the beginning of 3^rd semester in MCA/MBA. After all, the sooner you gain acceptance into a university, the sooner you can arrange your travels.

Application deadlines will be different depending on the university, but, for programs starting in the Fall/Autumn (September/October, almost all courses), Winter (December to February, few courses), Spring (March to May, few courses), Summer (June to August, few courses). Best season to apply is Fall/Autumn and applications for this window are generally kept open 7 to 8 months in advance.

Many students around the world would be looking forward to applying for education. Many students would also be trying to get funding for their studies from good universities. If students apply on time they have high chances to get into good universities through scholarship.

Entry requirements vary widely between universities and between countries, so be sure to check the information provided by your prospective university before submitting anything.

Speaking generally, however, if you are applying for a graduate degree you will be asked to submit that your 10^th, 12^th, 5^th or 6^th Semester marks cards (in case of BE) or 2^nd Semester marks card (in case of MCA/MBA).

For non-native English speakers wanting to study in English speaking countries, it is also highly likely that you will need to provide proof of your English language proficiency by taking an English language test such as TOEFL or IELTS and GRE/GMAT.

There is a huge range of scholarship opportunities available for university students across the world, ranging from partial scholarships which cover some tuition fees, to full scholarships which cover the duration of your studies. The majority of scholarships cover tuition fees only, leaving students to cover their living costs.

Foreign scholarships can majorly be categorized into the following:

·Merit-based: Scholarships awarded under this category are based on the academic background or scores obtained in the qualifying exams.

·Need-based: This type of scholarships are primarily awarded to students based on their economic status or family income.

·Subject-specific: Certain universities and institutions award grants to students who plan to pursue a specific field of study.

·Destination-specific: It may vary from country to country. Several public authorities, governments or universities offer funds to students from a particular country.

·Sports-based: These scholarships are offered to the best of the best sports-persons. The same requires applicants to continue with training and representing their university at various sports events.

Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is a letter written by your referees (mostly teachers) that states your capabilities and talents, not only in academics but also as a person, includes your achievements during your student life as observed by your respective teacher. Keep at least 5 LORs ready once you finalize the course and university.

Statement of Purpose (SOP) is a very important document when it comes to the application procedure. While your GRE/GMAT score shows your aptitude and problem-solving skills, your SOP shows your intent.