As 2020 has gone by, we have seen way too many changes in the world. From quarantining to having work from home as options, we have witnessed things escalate quick. Talking about change, diversity is one of the growing needs and challenges that each organization is facing and catering to. And this has now also started in academics, where institutions and universities are welcoming students from all over the world. But studying abroad has its own pros and cons. Let’s look at how to get, set, go.

Step 1 - Research & finalise which course to opt for
Before we take the step to start a course in any part of the world, we need to be definite of what we are going to take up and do the research that is related to it. If we look at Arts itself, there are many courses that have a good scope ahead but are considered a niche. You need to look at things as minute as 

• Subjects that will be taught in the study tenure: Universities at times display the subjects covered in the particular course that would help you understand the pedagogy and skills that are pruned.
• What caters to your Requirement & Career: Depending on the field you are looking at specializing you can alter the subjects. For e.g. if you want to work in HR and in recruitment, you will need subjects like Compensation & Benefits, Payroll, Psychometric Tests, etc.

There are few organizations set up to identify courses and colleges that help you to make the right choice! Finalising the course is the first and biggest hurdle that you will need to overcome. The next factor is the travel, stay and documentation, basically how are we going to get there? 

Step 2. Travel and accommodation
The Student Visa is different in most countries, you may have to go through agencies and check what are the documents required. Usually the general documents needed are Language certifications, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Evidence of funding, Copy of current passport & recent photographs. You should keep an eye on the institutions that provide 100% scholarships.

Try to get in touch with the localites to understand what is the best place to stay and to get an idea of what the ideal expenses can be like. Social media can help you a lot in this & will be a fun way to explore. Of course today we have everything literally a click away, we just need to look it up on the internet and find the answers. Also, to live an easier life in a foreign place many individuals work part time and study in order to get that extra income. The popular way to travel is through flights, check out for the right season to book the tickets for the cheapest price. The preparation for this needs to be done from at least a year or two in advance.

Step 3. Learn a new language
Finally, while moving to a new country, it is important to know the basics of their language. The language will however be more fluent once you go to the place as you will be surrounded by the same. However, you may have courses or videos that help you know at least the basics. FSM Buddy offers a variety of online language courses in Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Hindi, French and many more. These are quick and easy to learn.

Definitely in all of this, the joy of seeing new places, savouring different cuisines, experiencing fresh air and the airport excitement will be at a greater level. But we must strike the right balance, between study or work and fun. Upskilling oneself is an ongoing process in life, which may be academically or personally. These are great opportunities in life to experience things and to shape oneself.