How to get help when applying to international schoolsBy Angelica Malin
Applying to a UK educational institution is a big step that can be somewhat complicated, however, for those who are moving abroad, it’s even more of a tough task. As a result, getting some help – whether that’s with visa applications or simply with the more complex systems in place at schools abroad – is a wise idea. This post will look at what the main help routes look like – and how you can take full advantage of them.
Specialist advisors
If your application is unusual in some way, hiring an advisor would be a good move. Often, people from the UK who apply to an international institution choose to do this in order to navigate the trickier aspects. Entrepreneurs are already taking steps to provide support in this regard: Zakaria Mahmood runs a platform designed for this purpose, and it covers everything from the currency transactions you’ll need to use for payment to how to apply for a visa.
From the German proficiency test you’ll need to take for entry to schools like the Freie Universität Berlin to the Psychometric Entrance Test which is required to study in Israel, there are all sorts of special requirements you may need to cover – so it pays to be prepared. The advisor can help you to understand how educational systems differ in other places, and also point you in the direction of any visa applications or country-specific admissions tests you may need to sit.
Your own research
It may sound corny, but ultimately the main person who is going to be able to help you get into university is yourself. That’s not because there’s no other help out there, but simply because it’s not always possible for others to have as crystal clear a view of your needs as you. Only you have a detailed picture of what you want your educational career to look like, so when it comes to writing your reasons for moving abroad in a personal statement or deciding whether or not you feel at home in the specific countries you’re thinking of moving to, you’re going to need to take the lead.
Friends and family
How your close loved ones can help you will vary depending on a number of factors. If someone you’re close to is a professor, for example, it’s definitely wise to speak to them about how you can go about getting that dream international university spot. Family can help in other ways: perhaps they can accompany you on an overseas visit to attend a foreign university open day, or maybe they could tutor you in the language of your new host nation if they have foreign language skills.
Going to university or applying to an educational institution abroad is a big deal – and it’s one that you should think seriously about before you take the plunge. And there are plenty of ways to get a hand, too: from friends and family to specialist advisors, there’ll always be somebody who can help you overcome problems from language barriers to immigration status. The trick is working out what you can do yourself and also what support you need and to work on from there.
