How to Choose the Best Suitable Courses?
“Education is not the filling of a
bucket, but the lighting of a fire.” W.B. Yeats
#1: What are you really interested in?
This is not
necessarily what are you good at, but what do you love doing? You might be
great at maths, but you spend your weekends fixing up bits of old computers. So
don’t study maths, focus on IT or computer engineering instead. Specialize in
your passion, and learn more about it from the world’s best teachers.
#2: Why?
It’s really important
to think about why you are interested in this subject. Is it because you can
see your exciting, glittering career ahead? Or is it because it’s what your
parents want? By questioning yourself now, you can work out the exact path you
want your choice to take you on.
#3: Where would you like to study?
There are really two
parts to this. Where is the best country to specialize in this subject area?
Maybe it’s a country with plenty of internship and graduate work opportunities
in that industry, or a city that has access to specific resources.
It’s also a good idea to ask yourself: where in the world would you love to live for a few years? This is an opportunity to learn a new language or adopt a new culture, make amazing friends, and experience a very different way of life. And if you’re happy in your life, you’ll be happy in your study.
It’s also a good idea to ask yourself: where in the world would you love to live for a few years? This is an opportunity to learn a new language or adopt a new culture, make amazing friends, and experience a very different way of life. And if you’re happy in your life, you’ll be happy in your study.
#4: Take a reality check
Now that you have
found your dream, let’s just stop a minute and make sure it’s realistic. Can
you afford the flights, tuition and cost of living? Do you need to have certain
qualifications first – English language proficiency, GMAT scores? Don’t get
discouraged – a pathway program may be all you need to cross those hurdles. And
if this really is your passion, then prove it in your scholarship application
and you may get some financial help.
#5: Do your homework
You need to narrow
down all your options to about five real, practical choices. That takes a lot
of research. Go online and
ask questions in student discussion groups or register for Some. Read student blogs
to see what it’s really like. Glossy prospectuses don’t always tell you the
full story, so talk to people you know who have studied in that country or city
about what it’s really like.
#6: What’s important to you?
While you are
researching, you’ll come up with all kinds of different criteria to judge a
university or course by. So make a shortlist of the top three features you’re
looking for. These could be college prestige, research facilities,
practical experience and internships, cost of tuition, student support
services, safety, social life, there are so many variables,
and what’s right for you may be completely wrong for someone else.
#7: How do you like to study?
Hopefully you have
some idea by now of how you prefer to study. And hopefully the answer is not
‘by sleeping’ or ‘by crossing my fingers as I walk into the exam hall.’ Some
people prefer final exams, others like regular assignments to keep them busy
throughout the year. Some like theory, others like practical hands-on
application. Some like to work in groups, others like to work individually.
Some like to present their assignment verbally, others prefer to create written
reports. Choose a course that suits your study style, and you will be more
confident in your success. Or, if you want to challenge yourself, choose a
course that will take you out of your comfort zone!
#8: Look at your career prospects
Studying overseas can
be expensive, so think of it as an investment in your future. And that means
your career and your salary. Find out where other international students at
that university have worked after graduation, and if there’s an active alumni
network, or the opportunity to meet industry leaders during your course.
#9: Focus on the detail
Every subject has so
many different options, so it’s good to know the most specific interest you
have. Engineering students could study anything from bio-medical engineering to
civil engineering. So if you’d rather build bridges than human body parts,
understand that before you sign up.
#10: You can always change your mind
Yes, this is an
important decision. But if you get there and you realize you've made a terrible
mistake, it’s not too late. Talk to the student counselor on campus, and see
if there are better options for you there. Don’t spend the next five years of
your life staring at textbooks you have no interest in whatsoever. Remember,
it’s all about your passion – keep the excitement alive, and you will succeed!
