Overseas Education: Must-have Documents for A Successful Application

Overseas Education: Must-have Documents for A Successful Application

Students are traveling across nations and continents just for an overseas education.

5 million international students were recorded in 2014. Furthermore, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) predicted that the population of international students will reach 8 million by 2025!

World globe with overseas education locations. Image source: Pexels

Additionally, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, and Germany are top study abroad destinations among half of the international student population.

Even though the pandemic has slowed down the study abroad traffic, the situation is gradually recovering. Overseas education is blooming once again, and remains a plan worth investing among students and parents.

But why exactly is overseas education so intriguing that students are leaving the comforts of their home country to an unfamiliar land?

Here’s what you should know: it is more than just exploring new places. There are plenty of long-term advantages that can only be obtained through an overseas education.

Top Benefits Of Overseas Education

Man and woman shaking hands. Image source: Pexels

  • High employment rate
    Countries like Australia, Canada, and Switzerland prefer hiring foreign talents to build a diverse workforce. Your ability to speak several languages can also be a huge bonus if you’re planning to work overseas after graduation. Many companies are seeking bilingual speakers. Since economies in French-speaking countries are pretty huge, you have an added advantage if you speak the language!
  • High salary
    Do you know that you can earn more income if you study abroad? An overseas education opens doors to higher-paying jobs. If you’re originally from a country with a high living cost and low salary, working overseas after you graduate is a sure way to earn more income.
  • Quick and easy migration
    If you plan to migrate to your host country once you graduate, your overseas education makes it easier for you to settle down. Canada in particular gives out Permanent Residence permits to applicants after they have worked in the country for 1 year.
  • Better quality of life
    Many study abroad destinations are chosen by students due to their safety, diversity, and better quality of life compared to their home country. For example, Switzerland has a very low crime rate (0.59 per 100,000 population as of 2018), and Canada has three cities that are in the Top 50 of best student cities to live in. Work overseas and live stress-free? Count me in!
  • Expand your network
    One of the best rewards of an overseas education is that you get to meet new people. These people can be your professors, international friends and even colleagues who can be of great help when it comes to your career growth.

Leadership skills gained from an overseas education. Image source: Pexels

  • Pick up life skills
    Besides brushing up on your language skills, you’re automatically picking up useful skills that will contribute to your career: communication, leadership, teamwork, and independence are great traits to develop when you’re studying abroad. Plus, international students are usually more confident in job interviews, which gives a good first impression!

Now that you’re convinced, check out these important documents that you must include when you apply to study abroad. Keep in mind that these requirements may vary depending on the institution and country you’re applying to, but you can use this as a generic guide to get you started.

Must-haves Before Applying For An Overseas Education 

Checklist for overseas education. Image source: Eduloco

1) Offer Letter / I20 Form (USA)

  • Application form from the university.
  • Language test scores, such as IETLS, GRE, TOEFL, SAT, or PTE.
  • Transcripts and certificates (from high school to your latest education qualification).

2) Personal Statement / Essay

Also known as a Statement of Purpose, many universities use them to gauge your analytical abilities, interests, critical thinking skills, and aspirations. You should include your education and career goals, along with your purpose of choosing the particular program and university.

But don’t worry, we gotchu covered. Here’s a guide to help you write a personal statement that actually works!

3) Reference Letter / Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

This letter is written by someone else, usually your teacher or employer, to assess your qualities and capabilities. The university may call them to confirm certain facts, so make sure to include their contact details!

4) CV / Resume (if applicable)

5) Work Experience Documents (if applicable)

6) Visa Application Documents

  • Passport
  • Receipt of payment
  • Passport-sized photos
  • Score reports (IELTS/TOEFL/GMAT/GRE)
  • Sponsor letter (if applicable)
  • Family registration form (if applicable)
  • Scholarship letter (if applicable)

The visa requirements and details vary for each country. We’ve also prepared a step-by-step guide to apply for Student Visas for these countries:

7) Documents needed on arrival

Once you get your Student Visa sorted, you’re pretty much set for an overseas education! Just remember to bring these when you travel to your study abroad destination.

  • Passport
  • Health insurance card
  • International vaccination and immunization records
  • Driver’s license (if applicable)

Choosing a destination to study abroad can be fun, but don’t get carried away – you might make careless mistakes, like missing out certain documents. Yikes!

So, why don’t you have a peace of mind by letting us do the ‘hard labor’ for you? 😉

Eduloco, Your Trusted Study Abroad Agency

Eduloco consultants are education experts who are equipped with all the information you need for an overseas education. From student visa applications to your enrolment, we make sure you get to study abroad smoothly. You’ll also get scholarships when you apply through us.

We offer 1-on-1 personalized consultations before recommending universities and programs that are best suited for you – budget, location, safety, migration opportunities, career prospects – we hear you.

And the best part – it’s FREE!

Contact us at [email protected] or +60 11-2069 9087 to speak to our consultants today.

Enjoyed the article? More good stuff right here! 

Jocelyn Cheng

Jocelyn Cheng

Jocelyn Cheng (JC) is an INFP writer seeking to spread inspiration and spark connections through her words. Her dedication to writing has gifted her with an ability to write for multiple platforms (e.g., website, social media, newspaper, magazine, etc) in different fields, namely Education, Travel, and Lifestyle. JC personalizes her works by adding a touch of her own experience into the mix whenever she can to relate to her readers. A self-proclaimed poet and currently a freelance writer, she's working on an untitled poetry book at home while juggling between writing for Eduloco, dancing, and keeping her only plant alive.

Are you interested to study in abroad?

Please fill up the form and our conselors will get back to you shortly.

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Study In Switzerland: Secrets Of An Affordable Living

Study in Switzerland: Secrets Of An Affordable Living

Are you looking for a good study-life balance overseas?

Quality education overseas is more accessible now than ever. However, maintaining a wholesome international student experience while getting a quality education is rare.

What if I told you that you could get the best of both worlds? The solution is simple: Study in Switzerland!

Before you let your hopes down due to the presumed extravagant cost of living in Switzerland, let me assure you that is not the case. With careful planning, precise timing, and some cost-saving hacks, Switzerland is not an impossible dream, I promise!

I was in Switzerland for three years and they were the best time of my student life. I came from a middle-class family but managed to afford studying there, with a little secret. Before I let you in on the juicy bits, here’s why Switzerland should be your study abroad destination.

Study In Switzerland, The Heart Of Continental Europe

Coming from personal experience, Switzerland looked exactly like what the travel shows depicted. Surrounded by picturesque mountains that were dusted in snow and dotted with quaint houses made of timber and stone, I could never get enough of its beauty. My choice to study in Switzerland was worth it after all.

Study in Switzerland and be blessed with the amazing alpine view Image source: Pexels

I experienced the perfect balance of study and leisure in Switzerland.

Renowned to be a hot tourism spot for students and travellers, I grasped any chance I had to visit the Swiss landmarks. I saw castles that stood tall despite the passing of time, and rustic villages with locals that embodied the authentic alpine lifestyle.

The Swiss summertime offered equally astonishing views as winter, with turquoise lakes and hiking trails that could excite any adventurous soul.

Why Study In Switzerland?

Rich with culture, breathtaking nature, good quality of higher education, and a multi-lingual community, Switzerland is the top choice for international students. In fact, they total up to 21% of the overall student count.

Based on my research before my study in Switzerland, Swiss universities were generally more affordable compared to its European counterparts. The universities here are financially supported by the government, so tuition fees are much more reasonable.

Depending on your major, a Swiss public university may charge between CHF 500 to CHF 2,000 per semester. Private institutions, however, will charge at a higher rate especially for international students. Many of these schools offer scholarships to international students, so keep an eye out for those!

I Felt At Home Almost Immediately

Study in Switzerland and catch a glimpse of its beautiful buildings Image source: Pexels

Switzerland is one of the happiest countries in the world.

Let me tell you why. There was a perfect work/study-life balance and the clean environment was simply terrific! The violent and petty crime rates were extremely low, which sealed my decision to study in Switzerland.

Besides, the locals are just so welcoming and warm to international students and travellers. I personally made a few connections with the locals there, and we’re still close friends after I left Switzerland!

My Secret To Affordable Living

Of course, you’re not just there to obtain an overseas degree. One of the perks of studying abroad is to experience life in a foreign country. Switzerland has so many activities that you can experience without having to burst your budget.

The Bern medieval tower is not to miss when you study in Switzerland Image source: Pexels

Based on my personal experience, my annual expenditure was about CHF 18,000 to CHF 28,000. As I’ve travelled to other European countries on year-ends, I worked as a freelance writer to fund my travel plans. I was able to live comfortably while enjoying student perks at retail outlets, restaurants, and accommodation.

The question is: How to spend wisely while getting to experience life in Switzerland?

Look For Budget-Friendly Accommodation

Off-campus accommodation may be pricey if you study in Switzerland with a limited budget. If you’re assigned to a dorm within your university’s campus, go for it! It is much cheaper and convenient to live within the school compounds, and you’re also experiencing living with your peers which can be fun and eye-opening.

When you’re travelling around Switzerland, try to look for homestays, youth hostels, and backpacker hostels. They typically offer shared rooms with single beds for travellers. If you’re lucky, the rooms may come with complimentary breakfast!

Participate In Cheap & Free Activities

Fancy the arts?

There are complimentary museums and galleries in the city that showcase legendary artworks by Van Gogh and Giacometti for free. You may find affordable or free nature-related activities too! From bear sightings to hiking the impressive Swiss hills, you’ll see the beauty of Switzerland with little to no spending.

Your campus will most likely organize its own intellectual and recreational activities too. It is a good chance for you to meet more friends and have a cross-culture experience. There will be choirs, dance classes, sports activities, and many more. Most of these activities are free, so sign up with your buddies and have fun!

Enjoy Hearty Meals While On A Budget

Swiss cuisine is on another level!

I still think of the savoury cheese fondue to this day; you can never get this taste anywhere else in the world. Their tarts, chocolates, and other sweet snacks will also bless your taste buds!

However, it is best to keep these luxuries to a minimum to avoid overspending your budget. I got my weekly chocolate supply from local supermarkets and saved eating out for weekends and special occasions, which saved me a lot of money!

Public Transportation Saves Money & Time

Two red trams at the tram station Image source: Pexels

Besides its affordability, public transportation in Switzerland is super punctual! With a variety of transportation modes, such as trains, trams, buses, boats, and cable cars, the public transport system is linked to other parts of the country. You can have random road trips whenever you want!

You can even get around town and campus by renting a bicycle. It is an environmental-friendly way to travel short-distance, not to mention affordable. You can even enjoy the scenic view on the way!

With scholarships widely available and plenty of ways to save money during your studies in Switzerland, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Not only will you obtain a prestigious degree, but you will gain valuable life skills from your experience abroad!

If you wish to study in Switzerland, Eduloco can help with your application! Just ring them up (+60 11-2069 9087) or send your email to [email protected], and they will provide you all the information you need.

I wish you best of luck..in Switzerland!

Jocelyn Cheng

Jocelyn Cheng

Jocelyn Cheng (JC) is an INFP writer seeking to spread inspiration and spark connections through her words. Her dedication to writing has gifted her with an ability to write for multiple platforms (e.g., website, social media, newspaper, magazine, etc) in different fields, namely Education, Travel, and Healthcare. JC personalizes her works by adding a touch of her own experience into the mix whenever she can to relate to her readers. A self-proclaimed poet and currently a freelance writer, she's working on an untitled poetry book at home while juggling between writing for Eduloco, dancing, and keeping her only plant alive.

Are you interested to study in abroad?

Please fill up the form and our conselors will get back to you shortly.

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