5 things to know before studying abroad

While planning to study abroad, you need to get prepared enough for everything that awaits you. Read here what things you should know before studying abroad.

An international student smiling happily in a city street

Topics covered

Education_options

Published: 6 October 2022

What do you need to consider before studying abroad?

Student Community

Join the IDP student community

Connect with peers and student ambassadors to hear real experiences, tips, and advise about studying broad.

1. Set the budget for your studies

2. Choose the right country and the right university

3. Prepare for the exams

4. Check work opportunities for students

5. Plan for your career after graduation

Cheap isn’t enough anymore: What students want from studying abroad

Discover what students value most in studying abroad today, including career outcomes, employability, teaching quality, and future opportunities.

June 23, 2026
10 min read

Types of higher education institutions in the US

Here is a guide to help you in selecting right educational institution in the US from around 4500 different colleges and universities.

June 23, 2026
5 min read

A picture of a gathering in Toronto in the middle of tall buidings

Guide to living in Toronto for international students

Toronto is a city full of diversity, energy, young people and historical sites. It is a multicultural hub that will have you feel as if you are traveling the world.

June 23, 2026
10 min read

Stack of books, black pencil holder with colorful pencils, and small potted plant on white wooden surface against yellow background

What is Pathway/Foundation Program?

Are you planning to study abroad but afraid that you might not make the cut? There are pathway or foundation programs that can help bridge the gap.

June 21, 2026
5 min read

Several employees are praising a female employee, while the boss shakes her hand.

Should you choose high-demand careers or follow your passion?

Discover how to balance passion, employability, salary, and future demand when choosing your study abroad course in 2026.

June 21, 2026
10 min read

A group of international students looking at a phone and discussing

MBA vs MS. Which one to opt for?

Find out the difference between MBA and MS and choose the most suitable one for you! Read more about benefits, careers and more with IDP.

June 20, 2026
5 min read

Panoramic view of Auckland, featuring a coastline with boats, residential houses in the foreground, and the city skyline with the Sky Tower under a partly cloudy sky in the background.

Living in Auckland: A city guide for international students

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and a place where you can experience a big city lifestyle as well as the peace and quiet the country is famous for.

June 04, 2026
10 min read

A group of friends sitting in cafe and having a chat.

Get Your University Application Processed Quickly with IDP FastLane

June 04, 2026
5 min read

Living in Wellington: A City Guide for International Students

Wellington City (or Welly as it's fondly called by the locals) is the capital of New Zealand. The city is well known as 'the windy city', in addition to being a cultural hub of art, food and music and the home of New Zealand's government.

June 03, 2026
5 min read

Biggest mistakes you can make while studying abroad - real lessons from real students

Learn common mistakes international students make when applying abroad and how the IDP Live App helps avoid delays, errors, and missed opportunities.

June 03, 2026
10 min read

Search for articles

Dive into our extensive collection of articles by using our comprehensive topic search tool.