Planning to study abroad? Here’s 5 things to add to your checklist

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As the school year reaches its end, high school students and those aiming for a master's degree are getting ready to engage in the demanding application procedure for a program at a university abroad. Pursuing education overseas is highly desired by many individuals, as it expands their personal and professional perspectives and fosters comprehensive development.

Notably, the UAE places significant emphasis on sending students abroad for studies, with reports suggesting an approximate annual count of . At the same time,ÌýKSA has introduced the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program for certain qualitative majors at leading international universities to support its Vision 2030.

1. Choose your university:

The first step is to narrow down the best universities for your program of choice. Essential factors to consider include the cost of living, tuition fees, career opportunities in the country, including your overall safety and well-being. When it comes to the MENA region, popular destinations for study-abroad aspirants are the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. These countries serve as gateways for personal and professional growth.

2. Shortlist what you need to apply:

The next stage involves verifying the requirements of the application process for your chosen program and university. Most academic institutions typically request academic transcripts, identification documents, a personal essay, letters of recommendation, and proof of English proficiency. If English isn't your native language, demonstrating your ability to read, write, speak, and understand English is essential to comprehend course materials and to obtain your student visa.

To fulfill this requirement, you will need to register for and successfully complete an English-language proficiency test such as the PTE Academic. The PTE offers various preparation options, including Scored Practice Tests, PTE Academic Question Banks, the Official Guide to PTE Academic, and the PTE Academic English Booster. These resources provide comprehensive information and practical advice for each exam section, simplifying your preparation process.

3. Find out if you're eligible to work

Just because you've been granted a visa to live in a country doesn't mean you have the right to work full-time. Many student visas put a cap on how many hours people can work.

For example, in Australia, students can work up to 40 hours every two weeks during the school term. You'll likely have permission to work full-time if you're not on a student visa. However, many countries require you to apply for a social insurance number – or something similar – before you can.

4. Create a budget

Before moving to a new country, you should have some savings. In some cases, depending on your visa type and the country you're moving to, you might be required to show proof of savings with your visa application.

Day-to-day living costs may also be more expensive abroad, and it could take you longer than anticipated to find a job – so it's important to have money put away to help you settle in. Many governments offer cost-of-living calculators online, which can be an excellent resource for new immigrants.

When you arrive, you'll also need to open a bank account. This can often be done online. Some banks even have accounts specifically designed for newcomers and offer credit cards to help build credit history.

5. Check if your test scores are accepted by the university/country:

Verify that your chosen school accepts the language test you plan to take to avoid spending money on an incompatible test. For example, the computer-based PTE Academic test is recognized by 3,000 academic institutions worldwide, including countries such as Australia, the US, the UK, Canada, and more. Furthermore, it is approved by the UK, Australia, and New Zealand governments for all types of visas. PTE UKVI for example, is a home office-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) for all visas that require a four-skill language test and is recognized by 99% of UK universities and colleges.

The PTE Academic employs an AI-based scoring system, ensuring 100% impartiality so only the candidate's responses influence the scores. Test-takers have the flexibility to select a convenient test slot, which can be scheduled as little as 24 hours in advance. Multiple test centers across MENA exist, most notably in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam in KSA; Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE and Doha in Qatar. Moreover, the test can be taken from the comfort of one's home. PTE Academic delivers results within 36 hours on average, enabling test-takers to make well-informed decisions about their next steps.

Millions of people around the globe aspire to move abroad to study or work as a stepping stone in their lives. Being able to speak English helps to make a real connection with people as it is the most commonly spoken language in the world, with over across the globe. The more proficient you are, the better you can express yourself. If you want to add value to your college applications, jobs or enhance your skills, taking an English language proficiency test can go a long way.

Check the English-language proficiency test off your list today:

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    2. Integrate learning into your daily routine

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    • Commute time: Use your commute to listen to language podcasts or audiobooks.
    • Lunch breaks: Dedicate 15-20 minutes of your lunch break to review vocabulary or grammar.
    • Evening wind-down: Spend 10 minutes before bed practicing speaking or writing.

    3. Use online resources

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    4. Stay motivated

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    • Track your progress: Keep a journal of your language learning milestones and achievements.
    • Find a study buddy: Partner with a colleague or friend who is also learning the language to keep each other accountable.
    • Reward yourself: Treat yourself when you reach your language learning goals.

    5. Explore company resources

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    • Language classes: On-site or online language classes.
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    • Education reimbursement: Financial assistance for language courses as part of professional development.

    6. Use your work environment

    If your workplace has international colleagues, take advantage of this opportunity to practice. Try to speak with them in their first language or ask for help with pronunciation and vocabulary. Not only will this provide real-world practice, but it will also strengthen your professional relationships.

    7. Be consistent and patient

    Consistency is key when learning a new language:

    • Daily practice: Even 10-15 minutes a day can lead to significant progress over time.
    • Patience: Language learning is a gradual process. Celebrate small milestones and remain patient with your progress.

    Balancing a full-time job with language learning is no small feat, but it's entirely possible with the right strategies. By setting clear goals, integrating learning into your routine, leveraging technology, practicing consistently, engaging with native speakers, making learning fun and staying motivated, you can achieve fluency without sacrificing your professional responsibilities. Ready to start your language learning journey? Take the first step today and open a world of new opportunities.

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    Learning a new language can be an incredibly rewarding experience, opening doors to new cultures, enhancing career opportunities and providing cognitive benefits. However, many myths about language learning can discourage potential learners or lead them astray. Today, we're debunking seven common language learning myths to help you on your linguistic journey.

    Myth 1: "You need to start young to be fluent"

    Truth:

    It's never too late to learn a new language. While children may pick up accents and intonation more easily, adults often have the advantage of better-developed cognitive skills and life experiences that can aid in understanding complex grammar and vocabulary. Numerous studies have shown that adults can achieve fluency with dedication and the right learning strategies.

    Myth 2: "You have to live in a country to learn the language"

    Truth:

    Thanks to technology, you can immerse yourself in a new language without leaving your home. Tools like language learning apps, online courses, virtual tutors and even social media can provide ample opportunities for practice and immersion. Living in a country where the language is spoken can be beneficial, but it is not a necessity.

    Myth 3: "You must be naturally gifted to learn languages"

    Truth:

    Language learning is less about innate talent and more about consistent practice and effective methods. Anyone can learn a new language with the right mindset and resources. Persistence, motivation and using varied learning techniques can significantly enhance your ability to learn.

    Myth 4: "It's all about memorizing vocabulary"

    Truth:

    While vocabulary is essential, language learning involves much more than rote memorization. Understanding grammar, practicing speaking and listening, and getting a feel for cultural nuances are equally important. Engaging in conversations, reading and writing in the language can make the learning process more holistic and enjoyable.

    Myth 5: "You can't learn multiple languages at once"

    Truth:

    Learning multiple languages simultaneously is possible, though it does require careful planning and organization. The key is to manage your time effectively and ensure that you are not overwhelming yourself. Using different methods and tools for each language can help keep them distinct in your mind.

    Myth 6: "Watching movies and listening to music doesn't count as learning"

    Truth:

    Consuming media in your target language can be an excellent way to improve your listening skills and cultural understanding. Movies, TV shows, music and podcasts expose you to natural language usage, slang and colloquial expressions that textbooks may not cover. It's a fun and engaging complementary method to more formal study.

    Myth 7: "If you can't speak perfectly, don't try"

    Truth:

    Perfectionism can be a significant barrier to language learning. Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. The more you practice speaking, the more confident and proficient you'll become. Focus on communication rather than perfection, and don't be afraid to make errors—they're your stepping stones to fluency.

    Conclusion

    By debunking these myths, we hope to encourage more people to take up the challenge of learning a new language. Remember, the most important factors are consistency, practice and a willingness to learn from mistakes.

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