How to decide whether you should study in India or abroad after class 12

How to decide whether you should study in India or abroad after class 12- In the past, students had limited access to overseas education due to the expenses involved, but now, students of all walks of life wish to make the best out of it since the choices have increased manifolds. Whether to study in India or go abroad after 10+2 is a common dilemma among many students. The decision to study in universities abroad or continue studying in India is a major decision and must be considered thoughtfully since it will not only affect your educational qualifications but also your career trajectory.

To begin with, think about these four questions when planning your study abroad strategy:

• Do you intend to study in abroad universities and stay abroad for a short time, a long time, or forever?

• Are you interested in pursuing a three-year or a four-year undergraduate degree?

• Are you more interested in a one-year, or two-year master’s degree program?

• Are you emotionally and financially prepared to take the plunge to study in abroad colleges?

There are a few factors to take into account before you decide whether to study in India or abroad.

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Study in India or abroad- Set clear long term goals

Before you begin looking for a course for studying abroad, you must have a clear idea of what you want. Choosing from so many universities, programs, and countries is a daunting process. With so many options, making informed decisions becomes even more important. If you are interested in settling abroad in the long run, you should enrol in a course that is compatible with the job market in the country you hope to move to.

See also: How to make a career choice when you are undecided

Study in India or abroad- Identify your field of study

There is a wide range of options available to Indian students studying abroad at international colleges or universities and you must choose the right course based on your aptitudes and interests. Even though studying abroad can give you an edge in many fields, there are some fields in which it is best to study in India, limited options abroad, for instance, in law (if you intend to practice law in India), politics, and government administration. It's therefore important to have a firm idea of what field you're interested in, so you can maximize your educational experience. Some of the popular undergraduate courses to study in abroad universities are natural sciences, engineering & technology, business administration, art & design, social sciences, etc.

See also: Top 5 Factors for Career Options in India

Study in India or abroad- Consider the costs & finances involved

Indian students studying abroad can find it an expensive endeavour, whether it is tuition fees, living expenses, travel, health and insurance or other expenses. So when you are choosing whether to study in India or abroad, the costs involved should be one factor to consider, but do not make it the only factor. Investing in a graduate or postgraduate degree may seem expensive and intimidating, but you should consider the potential return on your investment from career opportunities they will open up. If you decide on a degree of less renown, you might save money upfront but you won't benefit in the long run.

For example: Among the most popular international destinations for Indian students studying abroad, the average annual tuition fee and living expense in the U.S can be around. Rs. 34 lakhs; in Australia, it can be around Rs. 25 lakhs; and in Canada, it can be around Rs 19.8 lakhs.

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Study in India or abroad- Identify scholarship opportunities

If you decide to study in India or abroad, you must also consider your means of financing your education. There are numerous scholarships available, depending on the degree, subjects taken, course selected, and economic background of the applicant. There are scholarships available from organisations, colleges, universities, and the government. Although there is a high level of competition for scholarships that cover tuition in full, partial scholarships are also available. You can also consider taking student loans if you are unable to receive a scholarship. If time permits, Indian students studying abroad can also work part-time to cover the costs, such as working as a student assistant, research assistant, tutor, or freelancer, etc.

See also: Top scholarship programmes to study abroad

Study in India or abroad- Research on what jobs would be available after the course

Getting an education from a noted foreign university or college does not guarantee employment in certain situations. And thus, it becomes important to determine if foreign degrees will make one qualified for employment in the home country or another country of choice. You should accordingly search for courses that will let you work in a foreign country for a few years or select colleges and universities that offer programs that are recognized by employers in the home country to avoid unemployment.

See also: Study abroad Education loan: How it works to your advantage

Study in India or abroad- Adaptation to a new country and its culture

It's easy to think we are highly adaptable people and will be able to cope with whatever situation we face, but the truth is that change can sometimes become overwhelming for Indian students studying abroad. You should realistically consider the change of environment you will face when deciding where to study. Travelling and new experiences are exciting, but they can be straining if you end up staying in a changed atmosphere for a prolonged period while studying as well. So, it's essential to think carefully before considering studying abroad, as education methods, teaching styles, and admissions procedures are all likely to be quite different from what you are used to. Climate, language, food, costs, and culture are also likely to differ drastically from what you are used to.

See also: How to adjust in a foreign land?

Study in India or abroad- Know if your degree will be recognized or accredited worldwide

The world may have become a 'global village', but all degrees are not equally recognized by all countries. Depending on whether you study in universities abroad or work abroad later in your career, the difference in education systems impacts your career in the long run as well. For example, a basic graduation degree when opting to study in India is generally completed in three years, while a similar degree in the United States is completed over four years. As a result, if you want to qualify for a postgraduate degree in the U.S after your study in India, you should have completed a 4-year honours degree. Likewise, India and the US do not recognize the 1-year Master's degree offered by the UK.

The decision to study in India or abroad is a major one in your life and should be made carefully. Therefore, students must consider their budget and other key requirements while choosing the best option. Make sure to do thorough research on university programs as well as their courses. You can also ask your family, friends, and mentors for advice, but ultimately the decision has to be made by you based on your personal goals. International education can help you build a successful career and secure your future.

Read more: Top ten study abroad destinations of Indian students