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Going abroad after
graduation to study in a different environment is both challenging
and stimulating. However, the idea of studying at a foreign
educational institution is a dream that for many students
fails to become reality.
Why? Because interested
students often leave it far too late to investigate the availability
of courses and funds. The importance of early application
cannot be emphasised.
The reason for
timing being so crucial is that the majority of finance awarding
bodies have dates which are strictly observed, normally January
to March preceding the academic session for which the scholarship
is to be awarded
But some countries
including the USA and Canada have closing dates the preceding
October to November, and generally applications for financial
support will only receive serious consideration if an offer
of a place has been received.
Europe
Study taken abroad
giving a European perspective may aid credibility when approaching
European employers. There are a number of colleges running
courses designed to encourage European Integration.
They include (links):
Such courses may
interest graduates considering posts in the EU. However, most
European higher education institutions will require a test
of linguistic competence before accepting a foreign student.
This is a major
reason why relatively few UK students at present undertake
postgraduate study in Europe immediately after graduating.
Another reason for low participation rate is the difficulty
in raising finance.
The
Commonwealth
The Commonwealth
has an extremely interesting range of courses to offer British
graduates, and few countries present a language problem, particularly
Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Again, allow sufficient
time for applications to be made.
USA
The US is a very
popular destination with British students but one which needs
time, stamina, and optimism. The main stumbling block is paperwork,
as there is no centralised admission system.
The US
UK Fulbright Commission in London can help unravel
the magic details in most University Careers Services.
They produce a
useful series of information sheets on postgraduate study
and offer a computer-aided software search programme, the
Foreign Student Information Clearing, which helps you select
colleges on a comparative basis according to various criteria,
for a small fee.
Details of financial
aid can also be found in University Careers Services.
Aim to make about
5-10 University/College approaches to the Graduate Director
of Admissions, requesting admission material, and don't forget
that American Universities usually charge an application fee
- typically about $50 which is non-refundable.
Most American Universities
require applicants to take at least one qualifying test (The
Graduate Record Examination, the Graduate
Management Test and/or the Test
of English as a Foreign Language), as well as providing
transcripts of your current course, plus the names of two
or three referees.
Having obtained
a place and financial support, etc., remember to obtain the
appropriate visa!
This
content is © The
University of Hull. Edited and reproduced with kind permission
from John Franks - Head of Hull
University Careers Service. All Rights Reserved.
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