What’s it Like to Study Overseas?

From Europe, to Asia and the US of A, The Student Edge team share their experiences.

It’s so exciting to be able to travel again, so there’s no doubt you might be thinking of taking up the opportunity to study overseas.

But how does it all work, and what's the experience actually like?

We give you the rundown on what to expect, and share some valuable insights and advice from the Student Edge team who studied in Singapore, Amsterdam and Colorado.

Choosing your destination.

You might already have your dream destination in mind, or maybe you’re tossing up between a few options. Wherever you’re planning to study, make sure you do plenty of research.

Learn more about the area that you’ll be staying and studying in – from local laws and customs, visa requirements to potential safety risks, it’s best to be prepared before you arrive.

Kalen recommends setting yourself a clear budget and learning how certain systems like public transport work in your chosen country.

Charlie made the decision to want to study overseas halfway through his Bachelor’s degree, when he felt like he "needed a change and some fresh scenery". He had loved his previous travels through Europe, and thought studying abroad was the best way to get the best of both worlds.

On a scholarship program, Kalen was given the opportunity through uni to study in Singapore.

Chantelle was keen to experience American college life, so once she found out she had the chance to study there, there was no stopping her!

Getting started.

So what’s the process like to starting as an international student?

Chantelle discovered her uni’s exchange program through their website while she was studying.

She said that her uni provided a very long list of places to go, but she always knew she wanted to go to America.

"It was a long-ish process, but the two unis communicated on my behalf to arrange everything. The only things I really needed to do were apply for my visa and apply and setup my student account with UNCO. Once this was all done we had a presentation day where we were given all the info we needed for the trip," said Chantelle.

Reach out to your uni to find out more about any opportunities or exchange programs you can get involved in, and they’ll be able to provide you with the best info to get you started.

Benefits of studying overseas.

Studying internationally no doubt brings the incredible opportunities, giving you the chance to create memories that will last a lifetime.

"My favourite part was being able to experience a whole different culture and way of life," said Kalen. "I got to explore awesome sights such as Marina Bay and Sentosa Island, Universal World and try out awesome street food, see local festivals and meet lots of cool people."

Living and working on campus meant that Chantelle had a very social experience while in Colorado. "We had sponsor families that would invite us over for dinner. My friends would invite me back to their homes for the weekends. All the international students from around the world were all introduced to each other and we hung out often."

Challenges of studying in another country.

Studying in a totally new environment doesn’t come without some challenges. It could mean living somewhere where English isn’t a first language, or learning new rules and customs.

Dealing with homesickness was one of Kalen's biggest challenges while living in Singapore.

"Being in a foreign environment can be very daunting, especially when you don't know anyone. That coupled with having a very tight budget as I was not earning an income whilst over there, every penny I had was from the scholarship and so I'd stick to that. Being away from friends and family can prove to be a bit lonely some times too."

Charlie described that while he was studying in an English-speaking uni, the difference in the way the semester, assignments, and exams were structured in Amsterdam took him a while to get used to.

Words of advice.

If you’ve been on the fence about whether or not you’ll study overseas, Charlie, Chantelle and Kalen couldn’t recommend it enough.

"Apply as soon as you can – it’s by far been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and I wouldn’t trade it for anything," says Charlie.

"If you’re at all thinking about studying abroad – do it. It’ll enhance your worldview, make you a better student and future worker, and will help you broaden your horizons."