We’re often intrigued by the dishes we’ve never tasted, the sights we’ve never seen, and the places we’ve never visited. This also holds true when we’re planning our overseas education.
Most Indian aspirants view the US through rose-tinted glasses—a utopia where securing admission, employment, and residence will infuse their lives with unmatched prosperity.
However, when faced with the dilemma to apply now for undergraduate programs or wait until the postgraduate level, they’re left feeling confused.
Therefore, before you start planning your study-abroad journey, we suggest that you ask yourself the following questions:
- Is the education you seek aligned with your short-term and long-term professional goals?
- Do you intend to secure permanent residence in another country?
- Are you willing to adjust to a foreign culture, climate, and cuisine?
- Do you have the academic prerequisites for your course?
- Is the course not available at a comparable standard in your home country?
- Do you need financial aid to support your studies?
Short-term and long-term goals
Overseas education, at any level of study, is a luxury or a privilege, not a need. If you pursue it because your uncle or your cousin’s cousin did the same, you’ll end up bankrupt or unhappy or both. Therefore, try to match the education you seek to your short-term and long-term goals. Why pursue a degree when you can garner equal value through a MOOC?
Your goals may look anything like: I want to earn a lot of money, I want to build rockets, I want to become an aerospace entrepreneur, etc. However, make sure that they are realistic and aligned with your professional goals. Thereafter, divide them in order of priority, for example, becoming an aerospace entrepreneur is an important long-term goal, but pursuing a minor in CS may be an urgent short-term goal. You can then decide if you wish to commit yourself to a 4-year undergraduate degree or wait for a shorter graduate program.
These goals, however, may change depending on the level of skill or education required to achieve them. So you must understand exactly what goes into building a successful career in the field of your choice, before you set your targets.
Culture, People, and Residence
In the course of her degree, an undergrad is not only acquainted with her course or her college community, but also with the place’s culture, climate, and cuisine. At times, these changed circumstances can require a significant personal adjustment. Moreover, familiarity with the language, laws, and other socio-cultural elements is crucial in building a professional network abroad.