Graduate Careers Advice by The
CV Centre, the UK's leading CV consultancy.
Studying abroad is often a very rewarding experience - and it can also
be very challenging one. So it makes sense to spend some time carefully
considering whether it is the right path for you. It is also a good idea
to bear in mind that the application procedures can be time consuming
and you may need to begin to plan your post-graduate study abroad as early
as the beginning of your penultimate year of study.
What Are Your Aims?
Before you begin to research the type of study you would like to undertake abroad,
it can be very useful to ascertain exactly what you would like to achieve
whilst you are abroad. Are you motivated by the opportunity to undertake
research with leading experts in your field, to gain further academic
qualifications, skills and languages, or are you primarily searching for
a cultural experience?
All of these points will of course affect the country you choose to go to,
the nature of the study you undertake and the duration of your period
abroad. Once you have narrowed down your objectives it is then time to
embark on some thorough research to try to make sure that your time spent
abroad meets your criteria.
Research Student or Further Qualifications?
When undertaking post-graduate study abroad, you may find that you have the
opportunity to study either as a research student, (in which case you
are unlikely to gain any formal qualifications from the period spent abroad)
or you may have the opportunity to enter into a formal course of post-graduate
study. If you are considering taking formal qualifications abroad, it
is usually a good idea to make sure that the qualifications you hope to
attain will be formally recognised within the country in which you intend
to work after your studies - and of course by recruiters in the field
in which you plan to be subsequently employed.
Location or Expertise?
In an ideal world, the leading light within your subject would also be
located in the destination of your dreams….. unfortunately this isn't
often the case! It can therefore once again be very useful to consider
your objectives carefully. If language skills and the cultural aspects
of your destination play a significant role in your plans and future career
path, then your choice of country may well take priority over your choice
of supervisor. However if you are focussing on increasing your knowledge
in your specialist area, then it may be far more appropriate to plan your
choice of location and institution around the availability of experts
in your field, or based on the facilities available in different locations.
Consider discussing the possibility of further study abroad with your
undergraduate lecturers to see if they can suggest appropriate supervisors
abroad.
Duration
The duration of your trip abroad is also likely to be governed by your objectives.
A period of study, which does not involve formal qualifications, is likely
to be more flexible in terms of duration, especially for shorter periods
abroad. If you are working towards a post-graduate qualification you are
likely to need to spend at least a year abroad. It is also worth considering
to what extent language skills will be necessary to make the most of your
studies abroad, and whether you need to allow time for language lessons
abroad before your course begins.
Funding
It is, of course, also important to consider how you will finance your
trip - do you intend to apply for grants and scholarships, or would you
be able to cover the cost of transport, living expenses and university
fees yourself? If you are planning to apply for funding, consider contacting
the embassies of the countries you are interested in studying in. Embassies
are often able to provide comprehensive lists of university contact details
along with information regarding the range of grants and scholarships
they administer. It is particularly important to plan ahead when organising
funding, as application deadlines can be more than 18 months in advance
of the beginning of the period of study abroad.
About The CV Centre
It is one thing to know in your own mind that you have the skills and
capability for a study opportunity. However it can be quite another matter
when it comes to convincing a selection panel. Your CV, covering letters
and, most importantly, application forms are documents vital to your success.
If you would like to make sure that these are of the highest possible
standard, then you need to get them professionally prepared! Click
Here to find out how The CV Centre can help you.
