Studying abroad is at the same time exciting and may be frightening. With so many cultures in the world, it’s easy to become scared you won’t fit in or understand the country you are studying in. But don’t let the fear stand in the way of meeting new people and experiencing something unique.
There are so many countries that are unexpectedly perfect for studying abroad, and here are some of them that might help you decide.
New Zealand
New Zealand may be the most famous for the shooting of Lord of the Rings movies, but this is also one of the most scenic countries in the world. Studying abroad is more than just picking the university, it also means you need to choose a place to live. Its University of Otago and the University of Auckland are only some of the examples of the fine education institutions the country has.
You will need a visa to study in New Zealand but you can easily check your eligibility on the official Study in New Zealand website. You can find accommodations in the dorm or house, although tertiary institutions offer apartments, as well.
Japan
Land of the Rising Sun is the country that you will need to get used to, especially if you are not familiar with the culture. So before you decide to study there, you have to be ready to respect certain traditions and rules in place which are the signs of respect. First of all, don’t ever be late for your classes since punctuality is really important in Japan, and you should text someone you’ll be late.
When looking for an apartment to rent, don’t be surprised with how small they are. Japanese people value the space very much and it might take you a while to get used to the economy of room here. Also, people here strive for excellence and they will feel free to give you advice and critic when needed, so don’t feel less worthy of it. They actually criticize because they want to help you become the best version of yourself, not because they don’t like you.
Lebanese Republic
The Lebanese Republic or Lebanon is a Mediterranean country with a rich history and is very influential in the Arab world. Its educational system is world-known for math and science, but also by the quality and management of schools. Additionally, international students come here because of that quality of professors and lecturers, campus facilities and support.
There are 41 universities in Lebanon and three of them are ranked among the world universities, namely, American University of Beirut (AUB), Universite Saint Joseph de Beyrouth and Lebanese American University. Arabic is the official language, but you can also use French on some occasions and English is being more and more popular.
Brazil
When you think of Brazil, probably the first thing that comes to mind is the Carnival in Rio. However, this colorful country has a lot more to offer than enchanting music and rhythms. Sao Paolo is the largest city and economic and commercial center of Brazil. This is a modern Brazilian city offers many summer programs that are a good start for those who are not ready to commit to a full year of studying abroad here.
Some study abroad programs offer special education regarding history, sociology and many other cultural studies that will help you get to know Brazil. In order to study in Brazil, you have to know the Portuguese Language which is also offered as a course for international students.
Australia
Australia is perfect for studying since its universities are among the best ones in the world. The country offers a wide range of places to study, from rural to metropolitan cities, so make sure you know where you want to go. You will also need a visa if you plan to study more than three months, but you don’t have to the embassy and wait for it since it’s done online.
Also, the grading system in Australia is different, for example, “D” is for distinction and comes after “HD” which is a high distinction. The seasons can surprise many since Australia is in the southern hemisphere, meaning that when in Paris is summer, in Sydney is winter. So make sure to check apartment rental Sydney offers and have one in place so you can warm up and rest to avoid jet lag.
Mauritius
Mauritius is a small island state which is a wonderful mix of Asian, African and European cultures. Populated by peaceful people and consisting of amazing scenery, this is the country that will take your breath away. English is the official language, although you will hear French as well.
Citizens of Mauritius have free education, but as an international student, you will have to pay the tuition or apply for scholarships. The most popular fields of study are IT, Medicine, Dentistry, Management, Engineering, Psychology and Fashion, and Design.
In The End
When you look for the perfect country for studying abroad, you have to take into consideration not only the educational system but also the culture. Additionally, find out about the regulations for international students and see if there are any scholarships you can apply to. And don’t be afraid to meet new people and get to know knew traditions – it will all be a fun part of the international student life.
