Studying Overseas

BASIC DO'S AND DON'TS

Regardless of where you want to go for further education, there are some basic do’s and don’ts that apply.

• Do thorough research regarding the subject area that you are interested in studying and the area of the country in which you plan to be located.  Jamaica is a tropical country and unless you plan to study in another West Indian island or tropical area of the world you will need to acquaint yourself with the weather and other conditions of the state or area that you hope to be in.
  
  
• Make sure of what you need to have i.e. visas; and the conditions that apply to these visas, especially if you plan to help to support yourself while studying.  Most student visas do not permit work.
  
  
• Do apply to many schools/colleges.  Don’t restrict yourself by applying to only one or two institutions, or in only one country.  There are many universities/colleges that offer whatever you are looking for.  Basically, don’t put all your eggs in one basket.  And please make sure that what you want and what your parents/guardians can afford are in sync.  Discussion and communication regarding all aspects of tertiary education with them is vital.
  
  
• Accomodation.  If you have relatives or friends abroad who are willing to let you stay with them while you are at school, make sure to have clear and definite communication with them as to what they expect from you.  Will you or your parents have to pay them? Will you have to contribute to the household in other ways? What kind of accommodation are they offering you? Just board? Meals and board? Bed and breakfast? How far from your institution do they live? and how easily available and frequent is the transportation between their house and your institution?
  
  
• Acceptance and Funding are the two main areas of concern for foreign students.  Be clear on what level of funding you will require by investigating well in advance the cost of studying overseas, remembering to take into account all aspects -tuition, books, accommodation, personal expenses, meals, clothes-(good winter clothes are  expensive),and travel costs both into the country, and to and from school.
  
  
• Visit the embassies/consulates of the country/ies of the institutions you are applying to and learn as much as you can from their relevant officers about all aspects of life there.
  
  
• Apply early   Application deadlines vary.  Complete applications for all aspects of entry for your study to college as well as for bursaries, awards, and scholarships if necessary, and start planning at least a year in advance.  Many award applications are made a year in advance of the start of the course.
  
  
• Be clear and concise: Use the appropriate forms, and complete your forms/applications fully and neatly.  Do not provide more information than requested.
  
  
• Don't rely on one award: Competition for awards/bursaries/scholarships is high - apply for as many awards as you are eligible.
  
  
• Don't rely on a full scholarship: For foreign/international students, especially at the undergraduate level, there is a dearth of full scholarships.  But many institutions give partial awards, or bursaries, which are often easier to obtain than a full scholarship, and which can often be held in conjunction with other awards.
  
  
• Link with others who have studied overseas.  Nothing beats speaking with others who have travelled the route you are about to take, and in most instances people are willing to give you the benefit of their experience and advice on how to make the best of your time abroad.  If you don’t know anyone personally, be creative.  Check whether there is an alumni association here for the institution you are interested in attending, and if not there must be an alumni association for some other institutions located in the country you plan to study in.  Approach them for advice and information.