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What is studying abroad? Popular forms of studying abroad today

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  • Published: 16 October 2024
  • Updated: 15 October 2024

Studying abroad is an opportunity to study in an international environment and a door to cultural experiences, personal development, and vast career opportunities. So what is studying abroad, what is studying abroad and what are the common forms of studying abroad? In this article, IDP will answer all your questions and help you choose the right path for your study abroad journey.

1. What is Study Abroad

So what is studying abroad? What is studying abroad? Studying abroad is the process of studying in a country other than where you live. During their time studying abroad, international students will develop professional knowledge and practical skills in their field of pursuit. Studying abroad is not only an opportunity to learn, but also helps you overcome your limits, experience life, and face new challenges in a foreign country.

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Studying abroad is the process of studying in another country

After completing the study abroad program, you will receive a degree of international validity. With that degree, international students will expand their career opportunities both at home and abroad. Moreover, if you can prove your competence and long-term goals to employers, you can also settle in the country where you are studying.

2. Popular forms of studying abroad

So you have a better understanding of what the concept of studying abroad is. In this section, an IDP will help you better understand the popular forms of studying abroad today. Each form of study abroad will have its advantages and disadvantages, which help you access international education more flexibly and effectively, specifically:

2.1. Based on characteristics

Forms of study abroad are classified based on many different characteristics, each with its benefits and challenges. Here are two popular forms of study abroad based on characteristics:

  • Full-time study abroad

Full-time study abroad is a form of study for the entire program from 3-6 years abroad, depending on the field of study. When choosing to study overseas full-time, students will soon have to be independent and get used to the culture and lifestyle of the new country. This gives them more time to blend in and explore their surroundings.

In addition, full-time study abroad also opens up many opportunities for academic and professional development and expansion of international relationships. Specifically, if you choose to study abroad for 3-4 years, international students will be more able to settle down. However, the cost of a full-time study abroad program is often quite high, causing many students to consider it carefully.

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Full-time study abroad is studying the entire program abroad

  • Part-time study abroad

Part-time study abroad allows students to start 1-2 years of study in Vietnam before transferring to international universities to complete the program. The advantage of this form is that it is more cost-effective than studying abroad full-time, while still ensuring the quality of international education.

Although the experience is not as comprehensive as studying abroad, studying abroad partially still brings great benefits thanks to receiving international degrees from foreign partner schools. This helps international students optimize both costs and learning quality. Moreover, students will also have more time to prepare psychologically, and practice foreign language proficiency and basic knowledge.

Part-time study abroad is more cost-effective than full-time study abroad

2.2. Based on finances

When it comes to studying abroad, finances are always one of the important factors that students and families need to consider carefully. Depending on financial ability and personal goals, students can choose between two popular forms of study abroad: self-sufficient study abroad or study abroad through scholarship programs.

  • Study abroad in the form of scholarship hunting

Scholarship hunting is a form of study abroad where students receive financial support, students can receive full or partial support. Scholarships can come from organizations or governments in Vietnam, or from the country where the student wishes to study.

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Students can receive full or partial support from the scholarship

At IDP, you will have a way to study abroad without breaking the bank. IDP will help hunt for attractive study abroad scholarships from top countries and universities. In addition, with the smart scholarship search feature, IDP opens up opportunities to receive scholarships from prestigious universities, helping you reduce your financial burden and conquer your dream of studying abroad more easily.

  • Self-sufficient study abroad

Self-funded study abroad is a form of study abroad in which students and their families bear all the costs of studying abroad, including tuition fees, living expenses, and other expenses. This is a common form for students who do not receive a scholarship or do not want to be bound by the requirements of the scholarship.

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Self-funded study abroad is a student who bears all the costs of the study process

In addition, self-sufficient study-abroad students often have a wide choice of schools and countries to study in, not limited by financial conditions from third parties. However, to follow this path, families and students need to have solid financial potential, as the costs of studying and living abroad are often much higher than in the country.

Thus, IDP has helped you understand what it is to study abroad by hunting for scholarships and studying abroad on your own. Next, the IDP will present what the specific values of studying abroad are.

3. What is studying abroad for?

With the above information, you must have a better understanding of the forms of studying abroad. So what are the benefits of studying abroad? Here are the specific benefits that studying abroad brings:

  • Increase the value of your qualifications and access cutting-edge education

    Degrees from globally recognized international universities. Owning an international degree will not only help you stand out in the labor market, but it will also expand job opportunities at multinational corporations and significantly increase your income. In addition, modern facilities are also one of the factors that support students to develop comprehensively in both knowledge and necessary skills, preparing for a solid career in the future.

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A valuable degree that is globally recognized

  • Developing life skills

    Studying abroad is an ideal environment for students to practice independence and develop necessary life skills. Instead of living under the protection of your family, you will have to manage your own life and personal finances, thereby becoming more autonomous and mature. The challenges of living away from home will also help you learn to overcome difficulties and become a stronger version of yourself.

  • Broaden your international horizons

    When you study abroad, you have the opportunity to interact with international friends, learn, and gain a deeper understanding of many different cultures. These experiences not only help to expand relationships but also practice skills to work in a multinational environment. Moreover, these relationships not only provide academic support but also open up many opportunities for collaboration in future work.

4. What does it take to study abroad?

After understanding what to study abroad for, the next IDP will help you answer the question "what do you need to study abroad". Here are the things to prepare before studying abroad:

  • Personal documents and financial records

Each country will have different requirements, and you can check the details on the official websites of each country. However, your dossier will not be without the following important documents:

  • Student visa application

  • The passport is valid for the duration of the study abroad period.

  • Confirmation of admission from the school.

  • School reports and transcripts from the last two school years.

  • Diploma of the most recent level of study.

  • English language certificates are subject to the school's requirements.

  • Proof of income such as a passbook or bank account statement.

  • Abundant finance

Whether you choose to study abroad on a scholarship or on your own, an assessment of your financial ability is essential. Consider all the costs involved before deciding to study abroad. If you're on a tight budget, you might want to consider developing Asian countries at a lower cost.

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Consider all the costs involved before deciding to study abroad

  • Foreign language proficiency

Foreign language proficiency is a decisive factor for you to integrate and study well. For most study abroad programs, you need to achieve an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 or higher. In particular, majors related to English, literature, or education will require a higher score, usually 7.0 or higher.

In conclusion, studying abroad is not only an opportunity to access cutting-edge education, but also a journey that helps you discover yourself, broaden your horizons, and develop important life skills. Hopefully, this article has helped you understand what studying abroad is and choose the right form of study abroad for you. If you have any questions like "how to study abroad," don't hesitate to contact IDP for a free consultation. Stay tuned to IDP for the latest study abroad information.

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