• Prepare for your future
• What to study
• Degree or 2+1 or 2+2
• Where to study
• Preferences
• Application
• Letter of Offer
• Starting
• Success

Chapter 1: Prepare for your future

Bookshelves are stocked with guides to university access, as a visit to the Education section in any good bookshop will prove, and I have no wish to compete with these excellent publications. All the more when my intention is to present is a broad guide for international students; that is, those who wish to study in a country other than their own.

International study has never been so accessible. Until relatively recently study in another country was limited to a small few who moved easily on international terrain. Today the number of students who travel to take their Degree, or parte of their Degree, has increased geometrically. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune; thanks to magnificent and generous funds, university studies in Denmark are still cost free for the European student, likewise in Scotland in certain conditions, it is possible to work and study in Australia, and so on....if you are committed, the opportunities are there.

While there are major differences in the application processes, there are common denominators. In general terms, you will have to demonstrate an academic background and English language level in accordance with requirements. After that, it is a question of providing the proper documentation within required timeframes.

Sounds easy, you will say. OK, yes. The complexities are in the details of each system, in being aware of competition for a limited number of places on each course, in choosing the best universities or colleges for application, and in choosing your area of study.

In this article I would give you some general pointers with regards to choice and preparation.

• Tip 1. Think “international”. After all, you will be working in an international environment when you qualify. Your colleagues will come from Europe, the United States, Canada, China o Japan. Don’t let the idea of studying in another country freak you out, it is the best preparation you could have.
• Tip 2. Consider only the best for your future. Choose the area of studies you find really interesting and the university which best offers said studies.
• Tip 3. Plan. Give yourself time to prepare an excellent application and comply with all the requisites in terms of language, grades, profile. Show that you want the best for your future.
• Tip 4. Don’t be afraid to take time to prepare. A Degree in the English-speaking system is generally speaking between 3 and 4 years (3 in England and 4 in the United States with Australia and New Zealand between the two). A Foundation or Prep Year might be a good investment.
• Tip 5. Keep an open mind. You will find nice surprises when you start researching; universities continuously come up with new and exciting areas to match developments in the professional and intellectual world.

Sue Magan

Chapter 2: What to study.