It is no secret to anyone that our personal and professional growth is of great importance. Hence, many make the decision to study and work abroad as a way to seek new horizons, challenge themselves and live adventures..
Vocational and university courses abroad have become very fashionable in recent times. But faced with this reality, hundreds of doubts arise: which countries are the best to study and work abroad? What are the advantages of studying and working abroad? How to do it? In this article we will answer these common questions and, in addition, we will give you some tips that you should follow.
You will have access to another type of educational system
Each country has its own process for handling teaching and learning. So, it is possible that you will find yourself with a new methodology of education. This change, even a little radical, can lead you to discover your hidden talents. In your classes you can learn to see the world in a different way and your study habits can be modified. Take advantage of this new challenge!
In addition, you will increase the opportunity to find work, either in your country of origin or in the country that welcomed you. Having a resume with international studies is always a factor that impresses recruiters.
You will improve your image as a professional
Within your guild you will begin to gain relevance. In this context of today’s society, those professionals who take the risk of studying and working abroad are appreciated. In addition, being abroad allows you to learn about the latest technologies and trends in your area of study.
You will be more flexible
It may be that during the time you study you have to do some temporary work or work outside your professional experience. Don’t bother about this! It is an opportunity to be flexible, to see life from another perspective.
For example, maybe you’re studying for a master’s degree in engineering, but your part-time job will be as a bartender. These activities are not related to each other. However, they are still excellent opportunities to learn, discover, explore and take on new challenges.
Being abroad, you will be able to explore the city more carefully. A) Yes, You will have a different perspective than if you only visit it as a tourist.
The possibility of experiencing the city as a local increases if you make friends in the area. They will take you to those restaurants, shops, parks and streets that are not found in an article on the internet in which you can really immerse yourself.
You can pay for your stay
One of the concerns that students abroad have is how to cover their stay in that country or what to do in case the savings run out.
By being working, you can have constant income. That will allow you to prepare for the future and cover your basic needs. Don’t underestimate how beneficial that can be. Even if you go to this new country with economic solvency, unforeseen events can always arise.
You will expand your network of contacts
Abroad, it is common for jobs to be obtained, to a great extent, thanks to the networking. Being exposed to international contacts can introduce you to leading people in your industry. That, without a doubt, can connect you with the job opportunity of your dreams.
Take the decision calmly
The first piece of advice is to make this decision calmly. In other words, research very well about the courses you can take, what the country you will arrive in is like or what documents you need.
One of the most common mistakes is wanting this process to be overnight without stopping to think about the possible consequences or opportunities. Do not rule out the possibility of consulting with an expert.
Do not be sad
Although it seems that you are completely alone in a foreign country, it is not so. You can always contact your friends and family, who will make you feel safe. In the same way, with the passage of time you will make new friends.
Also consider traveling in the company of your closest friend. This will allow them to go through all the changes involved in studying and working abroad together. You will feel supported at all times!
Make the most of your time
Additionally, you have to take advantage of the time you are in that city. You are likely to get a visa for a short time. Do not rule out the possibility of participating in as many plans as possible.
Remember that one of the things that will remain with you for a lifetime is the memory of what you experienced. Do not get carried away by laziness or by the desire to spend all day watching movies.
Pack your suitcase on time
As a bonus tip, pack your suitcase several days in advance. You must do this in order to avoid leaving any important object.
Ireland
is turning into one of the preferred countries to study and work abroad because its educational system can be defined as first world. They are constantly including amazing innovations. One of the main advantages of this country is that foreigners can opt for the Working Holiday Visa. This gives you the opportunity to study and work in that country for a year.
In addition, Ireland offers multiple course options. As there are so many, and so you don’t get overwhelmed looking for it, we share some courses that allow you to work and study in Ireland. Look at them!
Australia
Another of the countries that has earned the position as favorite to study and work is Australia. Its main attraction is that it has numerous places that you can visit, an incredible climate and an unbeatable culture. In this country you can access good job opportunities, since its unemployment rate is just 5.6%. In addition, it offers accessible job opportunities for foreign students.
New Zealand
Another excellent option is New Zealand. Most of the students who come to this country do so to improve their English skills. However, its academic offer is not only based on this, but also on many other possibilities.
It is recommended that you investigate which visa will help you achieve your goal. Among the options is the student visa. This is approved only for the duration of your stay and allows you to work for 20 hours per week. You can also request the Working Holiday Visawhich only allows you to work for 6 months.
Spain
Within the countries to study and work abroad is also Spain. Its educational system has captured the attention of Hispanic students. This country has a culture that will help you foster a global and more empathetic thinking with the world. Spain offers hundreds of possibilities for those who wish to pursue undergraduate studies, master’s degrees or courses.
1. Choose the visa carefully
This step is very important because if you don’t have the right visa you run the risk of being fined, deported or having an unpleasant experience. Not all student visas allow you to work while you study. Some only allow you to work for a short period of time or for a certain number of hours per week.
This information can be found on the official website of each country. There you get in detail the requirements you must meet and the cost for each visa to study and work abroad.
Don’t know how to choose a course to study and work abroad? First of all, you have to consider what type of education you want to find abroad. There are different types of courses or studies in which you can participate. There are basically as many options as you can imagine.
The most common are those that specialize in teaching some language, with English being the most common. However, you can also enroll in vocational or VET coursesas well as in studies in finance and business, marketing or some specialization of your university career.
Don’t discard your hobbies or passions. For example, if you like cooking, you can sign up for a studio to be a chef, where you will have internationally recognized teachers. You can even go to hone your singing or dancing skills. Nowadays, countries are modifying their study portfolio so that foreign students can find a wide variety of options.
When choosing the course, do not forget to establish the country and city, as well as the length of time you intend to be abroad and, very importantly, your budget.
3. Enroll in an institute
Once you have your visa approved and you know what you want to study, it is time to enroll in an institute. Here you have to consider different factors, for example, your age or the city where you plan to live. You also have to consider if this institute, academy or university has campuses in other parts of that country.
It is important that you look for budgets. You will find all kinds, from prices that will seem crazy to others that are more reasonable. You can also consider looking up the name of the teachers. That can give you an idea of what the education will be like or what you can expect.
Keep in mind that the study programs have several modalities, from small groups to individual classes. As you will see, you have to analyze small details so that everything turns out as you expect. Another point is to find a schedule that allows you to study and work abroad.
4. Organize your resume
Studying will not only be your goal, but also finding a job quickly abroad. To speed up this process you can organize and adapt your resume so that recruiters take you into account much more easily. In some countries you must have this document without a photo or without your date of birth, in others it is an essential requirement.
In any case, the important thing is that your resume stands out. If you don’t know how to make a cv with an attractive design, you can use a downloadable cv template. It will surely help you stand out.
You can also sign up for social networks like LinkedIn or job portals like Indeed to find a job opportunity as quickly as possible.
5. Buy your ticket and pack your suitcase
Once you complete the above steps, all that remains is to buy the ticket, arrange your belongings and reach your destination. As for tickets, it is best to buy them in advance. In this way, you avoid paying a premium or high season. Also contact an airline directly.
On the other hand, before organizing your suitcase you can make a list with everything you want to take. It’s a quick and easy way to avoid forgetting something.
Final words
Studying and working abroad is a big step in both your personal and professional life. At first you may feel doubt and fear; but once you take the risk, you will have the best experience of your life. You will make friends, learn about other customs, expand your job opportunities, master another language and leave your comfort zone. If you think this is your opportunity to study and work abroad, start preparing your trip.