The numbers for the UK at first glance may look small, but comparatively, more students prefer the UK.

It is this politics of numbers that a student must remain mindful of while selecting their dream universities instead of following the herd.

2. AVAILABLE SOURCES AND RESOURCES

Countries globally have made a mark that surpasses the expectations of students, as beyond the traditional destinations such as the UK, Canada or Australia, students are exploring options like Ireland. Although all these destinations refer to one thing only, that is their resourcefulness, which is in the context of quality of education, research affluence, vibrant environment, hospitality, commuting system and the country’s ties with globally established businesses.

Alongside that, some fundamental resources that a student travelling abroad prefers are the option of earning while working, health benefits, rich history and culture to explore while studying and professional opportunities, along with pre and post-arrival support that should include possibilities of medical insurance, academic assistance, cultural festivities and instructive workshops.

3. THE ANCIENT AND THE HIGHLY RANKED UNIVERSITIES WORLDWIDE

Post choosing the course that aligns with your background, you are ready to select the best of the best universities, and for that, the first thing you do is mark the rankings and evaluate the universal reputation of the institution. Simply by referring to statistics presented by the QS World University Rankings 2024, one can make a list of prospective institutions that symbolise excellence in every sense, from academic research to pedagogical structure.

Although students these days do not limit their search to the matrix of sustainability, international research and employability, factors central to the QS ranking system, rather, institutions’ long-standing history of excellence also holds great accountability. As names like Oxford and Cambridge do not just have high rankings, being among the top 5 in the world, rather, their authenticity is at play, as they have learnt to balance between conventional and contemporary and have standards that the world follows.

The reference could be made to the millennium-old University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. Additionally, other centuries-old universities include Harvard University, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität M¼nchen and Trinity College Dublin.

4. HIGHER EDUCATION EXPERIENCE

The prospect of studying abroad brings a mix of thrill, nervousness, and excitement, as we look forward to immersing in a new culture, meeting people from different backgrounds, and exploring unfamiliar places, while also being mindful of the challenges of adjusting language barriers and adapting to a different lifestyle.

First, everything could be challenging. Although as one gets accustomed to the new schedule, the true phase of learning begins, as everyday lectures, assignments, collaborative projects, and research become routine and a comfort zone.

We believe that it is necessary to comprehend every how, what, and why. A set of questions may include how I would learn, what I would learn, who would teach and mentor me, what my career prospects would be, and how the university would support me.

Once all these questions and more such concerns have definite answers, you, as a student, will know where you belong and what’s best for you. Additionally, the aspects that could be prioritised include the employment ratio, the scope of cultural and extracurricular activities and college fests and academic events. With that, correspondence of seminars and workshops, laboratories and libraries and collaborative projects and field trips as per the course requirement further enhances the student experience, as teaching at international universities goes beyond the periphery of a classroom.

5. LEVERAGING LANGUAGE, CULTURE AND LIFESTYLE

India is a multilingual country, and the masses here find their common ground via the English language. At once, the language owned us and now, we own the language. Thus, learning it from the days of early childhood and practising it throughout life has become a must for a viable Indian lifestyle. Accordingly, Indian students tend to incline toward English-speaking countries, making countries such as the UK, Canada, Australia, and the USA top the chart.

On one hand, the language is a poignant aspect. The cultural significance of the country also has a crucial role to play in shortlisting the study-abroad destination. Rooting from the desire to live the American dream or walking through the royal streets, the conventional image of the potential destination matters.

Settling in a new environment may trigger feelings of unfamiliarity, especially when we encounter diverse cultures and lifestyles. Thus, when one moves away from one’s own culture and becomes alienated, one develops an open-mindedness towards the customs, history and politics of this interdependent world.

Eventually, while appreciating different cultures, developing collaborative skills, and adapting to varied ways of life, one learns that life is not limited to individualistic beliefs and boundaries. Consequently, their focus moves towards more global issues and a rapidly changing landscape in which lies the possibility of exponential growth.

Even enterprises presently aim to grow by not drawing but erasing boundaries, so their preference remains candidates who have global experience.

6. PEACE AND SAFETY

Whenever we hear news about racism, cultural attacks or mass shootings, fear grips us, and many what-ifs keep on testing our sanity. The spiking crime rate in countries like the USA, New Zealand and Australia makes one more cautious of the destination that they opt for their higher education. In such a situation, the concerns of safety while sending one’s child to these destinations come to the forefront.

In these terms, countries like Ireland or Denmark stand out, as they top the world peace index. However, the point to be considered here is that, along with being peaceful, are they competent in their approach to education?

7. INDIAN STUDENT’S CHECKLIST

In a nation where studying abroad is considered a mark of success, it is essential to invest in professional skills. In accordance, students have made it their mantra to research and make their checklist. A few recent studies have observed that some of the major factors that are highly prioritised by Indian students include cost, location, and PR.

In addition, the factors like scholarships, living costs, and career services help them make a calculated decision. This checklist also leads to more thought-provoking questions regarding course accreditations, university collaborations, comprehensiveness of coursework, and the employment rate.

Another important factor for students when choosing a study abroad location is the Graduate Visa Route. This route can provide them with valuable industry experience and expose them to the latest trends and technologies used on a global scale.

8. AS FAR AS INDUSTRIES GO

We live in a world that is unified yet unique, as every country has an established reputation for certain industries.