Plan to study abroad

COMPARISON OF STUDENT LIFE AND EDUCATION IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES

Study abroad opportunities for international students after graduation can vary depending on the country and the individual’s field of study. There are lot of myths and generalized perceptions for study abroad opportunities in different countries. I want to address those based on mine or my students’ personal experience and knowledge.

It is important to understand that each country has its own unique culture, educational system, visa requirements, and immigration laws that should be carefully researched before making a decision.

Let’s look at what factors should be important to consider when choosing a country for your graduate studies:

1. Application process and cost

This of course is our very first factor of consideration. If you can’t afford cost of application (which can be really high for some countries especially North America), you should keep in mind that it will only increase throughout the process. This includes cost of required tests, application fee, document attestation and verification, and in some cases sending official test scores of GRE and TOEFL is additional cost.

2. Visa acceptance

For some countries, getting visa can be a difficult process. You don’t want to get your dream school admit and then not get a visa. U.S. and Australia have very low visa acceptance rate among all. When you consider visa acceptance, also take a look at all the requirements.

3. Cost of living vs stipends

A dilemma for graduate students in most countries; the stipends don’t change much no matter the inflation. So, you really need to confirm if the scholarship is enough to cover your expenses. Stipends all over the world vary by program, city, and field of education. U.K. can be a difficult place to get funded admissions among all. U.S., Europe, and Australia have plenty of opportunities and scholarship programs which are often well-funded.

4. Educational environment and culture

Some countries have a well-defined educational program structure, while others allow you to choose your courses based on research. This is especially important for Ph.D. applicants. The programs differ greatly by the country. For example, U.S and Canada have very strict coursework requirements and rigorous academic programs. Europe, Australia and New Zealand focus more on research.

5. Job market for international graduates

No matter what country or program you choose, you should have a choice to get post-graduation job experience. Language barrier in some places can be a huge factor. U.S. has a huge job market and number of opportunities available as compared to any other place in the world. Overall, it can be difficult for international students to get a job anywhere without PR but it’s not impossible.

6. Immigration laws and prospects

If you plan to migrate to a country after graduation, you should be aware of immigration laws and options. Canada and New Zealand are the most immigrant-friendly places. Australia also has better immigration laws and relatively easier to get PR after graduation. U.S. has a well-structured process to get immigrant visa but getting a PR can be challenging. For Europe, different countries have different rules.

7. Growth, networking, and impact

If you are passionate about your work and want to create an impact on larger level, U.S. is the best place to get enough resources and growth opportunities. The entrepreneurial culture and environment allow you to explore your potential and grow your career.

COMPARISON OF IMMIGRATION PROSPECTS IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES

United States

In the United States, international graduates who have completed a program in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) field are eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization. However, the H-1B visa program, which allows foreign workers to stay and work in the U.S. for up to 6 years, is a highly competitive and has a limited number of visas available each year.

Canada

In Canada, international graduates are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) which allows them to work in Canada for up to three years after graduation. This can be a pathway to apply for Permanent Residency in the future.

Australia

In Australia, international graduates can apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) which allows them to stay and work in Australia for up to two years after graduation. This can be a pathway to apply for Permanent Residency in the future.

New Zealand

NZ allows international students to obtain Post Study Work Visa to work and stay up to 3 years depending on your qualification. This can be a pathway to apply for Permanent Residency.

U.K.

In the United Kingdom, international graduates have a limited time period, typically four months, to find a job and apply for a Tier 2 visa. To qualify for a Tier 2 visa, the graduate must have a job offer from a UK employer with a valid certificate of sponsorship. The process of finding a job and obtaining a visa can be difficult and competitive.

Europe

In Europe, countries such as Germany and France have strong economies and a variety of job opportunities in fields such as engineering, technology, and finance. However, language barriers and competition for jobs can make it difficult for international graduates to find work.

Asia

In Asia, countries such as Japan and South Korea have a strong emphasis on education and technology, which can lead to a variety of job opportunities for international graduates in these fields. However, the process of obtaining work authorization and Permanent Residency can be difficult and requires meeting certain criteria.

To sum up, United States, Canada, and Australia have highly reputable graduate programs and are popular destinations for international students. These countries often have a diverse student population and offer a wide range of programs. However, the cost of tuition and living expenses can be high, and the application process can be competitive and time-consuming.

In contrast, countries in Europe, such as Germany and France, often have lower tuition fees and living costs for international students. They also have a strong emphasis on research and have a good reputation in specific field of study. However, finding job after graduation can be difficult.