Study and Travel in Spain

Studying abroad is an investment, and like any other investment one wants a return. And like any other venture, the rate of success highly depends on your abilities and how you deal with things. Going abroad to study is not a trivial task. You need a lot of time to prepare for it and make sure things will go smoothly. And when you are already there and studying, one needs to exert more than the usual effort when studying at the comfort of your home country. But most importantly, studying abroad can drain your savings or your parents’ if you are not smart enough to spend wisely.

Below are essential benefits one can get, either personally or professionally, when or after studying abroad:

• New cultures and experiences:

If there is no place like home, then the place where you experience new cultures and meet diversities is undeniably the next best thing and something you won’t forget. There is a different and unique feeling one discovers when exposed to new ways of doing things, especially if it is quite unusual or the opposite of what has been accustomed to. For many they use the term “culture shock” but for some it’s an adventure that needs to be explored.

• Exposure to global companies:

There are programs and studies that require students to work for top global companies to experience real-life scenarios as professionals. Such direct participation helps students realize their potentials and eventually decide the career path they want to pursue. And if you are really good and lucky enough, some companies who noticed your abilities may offer formal job after your course.

• Extended network:

This is something that comes easily for international students unless of course you decided not to talk to your classmates or housemates for some reasons. After your study abroad, you have more foreign friends, more professors and colleagues to ask help for, and if you have the entrepreneurial spirit, you could have identified probable market or customers already. Of course, social skill is very important if you really want to expand and extend your social network.

• Additional credit to your portfolio:

Big and leading companies sometimes factor international studies experiences when filling key positions. This is quite normal for companies with global operations and who are seeking professionals with clear understanding and significant experience on global businesses and marketing. So if you do have one, highlight it on your resume and do not forget to mention it on during interviews!

• New skills acquired and discovered:

Sometimes we realized how good we are or that we have such skill when pressured by time or circumstances. Studying abroad can bring out the best in you. Especially when you are doing everything – cleaning the house, preparing food, handling bills, managing your study, and other responsibilities that used to be not yours until you study abroad. Sounds fun, maybe but the thing to remember is what you learn and discover about yourself when faced with such overwhelming tasks.

Travel expands the mind and so does education. Little wonder then that many young people dream of combining the two and studying abroad. International studies not only confer a prestigious or unusual degree but also expand your horizons—literally and otherwise! Being in a college abroad lets you soak in the atmosphere of an alien place until it becomes your own. Living in a place thousands of miles from home increases independence and self-reliance and meeting other students from diverse countries and cultures broadens your understanding about the world.

Studying abroad is no impossible dream. All it takes is some careful planning and preparation. Here are some quick, simple tips to help you on your way:

Research! Research! Research!

Knowledge is power—and in this case even more so. In most cases, you will not be able to visit the colleges that you want to apply to. The best way to know more about them is to read as much as possible about international studies. Most colleges abroad have websites that you can visit, which give extensive information about admission procedures, fees, scholarships and specific subjects such as math, science or language study programs.

Plan meticulously

Once you’ve read enough, chart out a plan for studying abroad. Treat it like a special project because it will probably require as much time, energy as one. Zero in on the colleges you want to apply to. Identify what the pros and cons of each college is. Create a spreadsheet timeline or calendar with important dates and deadline marked out. International colleges usually require extensive documents. Prepare lists of everything you will need and tick off items as they get done.

Prepare for the tests

Many international countries will require you to sit for special exams to be eligible to study in their colleges. Find out what tests you need to sit for and where you can take them. Explore the possibility of attending special classes or language study programs to prepare for the tests. It’s best to prepare for at least a period of three months before attempting the tests because a low score will affect your application. Put aside some time every day to study.

Organize your paperwork

International studies require a lot of documentation. Make sure that your passport and other documentation is up-to-date and valid. Keep everything in one drawer or folder so that it’s all in one place. Keep photocopies of important documents because you may need them for multiple purposes. Some colleges abroad may require recommendations from old teachers or managers. Approach those who are likely to give you good recommendations and keep these ready.

Keep an eye on finances:-Studying abroad can be expensive. Many colleges abroad, however, do offer scholarships and other kinds of assistance. Sometimes, this will finance only a part of your education abroad and you will need to arrange for the rest. Explore multiple options for financing your international education. Do the banks in your country give education loans for international studies? Are there organizations or trusts that help deserving students? What criteria do you need to meet to apply for these?

Get ready to fly!

Once all the details have been ironed out and it is definite that you will be studying abroad, start preparing for your stay in a new country. Read up as much as possible. Finalize your living arrangements. Talk to people who are already there and find out what you need to take with you. Tie up loose ends in your home country. Decide what you want to leave behind or give away. Spend time with family and friends—you may not see them again for a while. And most of all, be excited; you’re finally on your way to being an international student!