Studying Abroad After Class 10: Things To Keep In Mind

The most common pathway to study abroad for Indian students has historically been through the pursuit of master's or graduate degrees abroad. This is owing to lower costs, greater returns in terms of employment and income opportunities, and student maturity that characterise graduate education abroad.

However, this trend has witnessed changes over the past decade — undergraduate admissions have started to become a central feature of foreign education abroad. Many students have made their dreams come true by securing admissions to leading universities in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and more.

Most recently, however, another approach to studying abroad is becoming increasingly popular— commencing studies abroad after class 10 itself. Parents have begun to see the utility and benefits of starting education abroad towards the end of high school itself instead of college. High school students too are more mature and connected to the global world as compared to their predecessors, and this combination is leading to the gradual popularisation of education abroad after class 10.

Does Studying Out After Class 10 Help?

Let us look at some of the benefits of studying abroad after Class 10.

Exposure To Foreign Curriculum

If a family is sure about commencing undergraduate education in a particular foreign country, familiarity with the country’s curriculum and pedagogy prior to the commencement of the undergraduate program is always beneficial. Each country has its own approach to different subject fields – Biology, for example, is taught fairly differently in India and the United States. Moreover, pedagogical methods are different with a greater emphasis on research-oriented and interdisciplinary learning abroad. If a student is acquainted with this curriculum and pedagogy prior to entry into college, the undergraduate experience becomes more seamless for them.

Easier Admission In Good Universities

It is common knowledge that international students have it tougher in securing admission to the most prestigious universities in a country. This can be attributed to a difference in the high school curriculum and grading patterns, which makes the evaluation of international students more complex leading to lower acceptance rates. If a student has completed high school at a school in the host country, they are more likely to secure placements into the most prestigious universities of that country given that they do not have to deal with challenges surrounding differing education systems and grading patterns.

Lower Cost Of UG Education

Completing high school in domestic schools leads to lower tuition fees for undergraduate studies in many countries. Students are treated as domestic applicants and not foreign ones which leads to access to domestic tuition fees, which are significantly lower than the tuition fee for international students. However, to avail of this, students may need to satisfy other requirements of residency.

Access to Better Education

Even without the prospect of securing undergraduate admissions into prestigious universities, the quality of education as an end itself is valuable. Renowned high schools abroad pioneer some of the most unique and outstanding approaches to learning. Students benefit from a global student cohort, open-ended assessments, experiential and interdisciplinary learning and so much more. Even beyond academics, the emphasis on sports and extracurricular activities is significantly higher in countries abroad. Hence, it is suitable for students who want to access diverse career pathways beyond the conventional ones available in India.

You Can Also Receive Benefits Like Lower Cost Of UG Education

Things To Keep In Mind

Here are some things students who wish to study abroad straight after Class 10 must keep in mind.

Importance of Pre-Admission Visits

It is certainly a critical decision to commence education abroad after Class 10. It is hence important to ensure that the school being chosen is one which has global repute and standing and is capable of catering to the unique needs of young foreign students. The academic and school environment becomes all the more important if the school is residential. If a student is not able to fit into a school’s environment, learning outcomes can be adverse. It is hence a good practice for parents to visit the school with the student prior to confirming admissions to ensure compatibility.

Testing Requirements

Admissions to high schools abroad require students to take at least one if not multiple standardised tests to prove suitability and competence. The most commonly required test is the TOEFL or the IELTS, which must be taken by students to prove their proficiency in English. These scores are compulsory across the board for schools that use English as a language of instruction, irrespective of the country.

For countries like Germany and France, additional language proficiency testing may be required to be undertaken. Then, students also need to prove their competence and academic proficiency through different standardised tests. High schools in the United States, for example, may require students to take tests aligned with the SAT or the ACT to demonstrate competence.

Documentation Requirements

In addition to testing, high school students from India need to secure a range of documentation to enable their streamlined admissions into high schools abroad. These are typically secured from the student’s school in India and include documents such as high school transcripts, character certificates, teacher and counsellor references, and so on. It is important to note that these documents must be secured by students as early as possible to ensure that they meet admissions deadlines on time.

It Could Be Challenging!

Whilst it is true that high school abroad is a fantastic opportunity for students to excel in their unique fields and have a comprehensive academic experience, it is important to note that this might not be the best option for all students. Students may have certain attachment styles and levels of emotional maturity that will make this transition during high school more challenging for them. Beyond academic underperformance, this can lead to serious issues with students’ physical and mental health. Hence, it is important for families to take the decision surrounding high school abroad comprehensively by evaluating a wide range of academic and personal factors.

Whilst high schools abroad are gradually becoming more accessible and beneficial for Indian students, there are several nuances and intricacies that require clarity and thought before arriving at a final decision. Families need to think long and hard before finalising such a decision, especially if it involves students shifting alone to residential schools. Families should undertake comprehensive research and speak with professionals in the sector to ensure clarity and improve decision-making for optimal outcomes.

Vijeeth Srinivas is a development consultant with more than extensive experience in the foreign education industry. With the Centre for Career Development and Essai Education he has helped hundreds of students secure positions in leading universities abroad. He is keen to make novel developments in education and skill development more accessible to students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.