Is It Worth It To Pay For Your Child's Overseas Education?

As a parent, you might be weighing the pros and cons of sending your children overseas for university, worrying about whether it’s too big a splurge or if it’ll enable them to pick up bad habits from friends with the newfound freedom.

The Benefits Of Study Abroad Is Clear

Education is one of the most well-documented paths to career success, and pursuing it abroad can lead to benefits such as:

1. Better job prospects due to exposure to different cultures - having interacted with different people and seeing new perspectives 

2. Becoming a global citizen due to the wide network of friends from different countries

3. Develop independence and stronger emotional health due to having to cope with living and studying in a foreign country

4. Memorable, unique experiences that will stay with you for life

While getting a scholarship can help lighten the financial load, it should be viewed as an bonus as part of your child’s overseas education adventure.

4 Steps Process To Help Your Child Study Overseas

While financial support is important, it is also useful to understand the entire application process. Our friendly Education Counselors at IDP are always on hand to guide you and your child for free, but if you plan to do some initial research, here’s what you need to know.

Step 1: Course & University Selection

Perhaps the most important step, it is good to sit down with your child to define his or her goals to be clear about their future career.

Across the array of universities globally, you might want to select and choose credible institutions from English speaking countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK and Australia. 

IDP.com’s course search portal is as extensive as it gets, along with the fact that we partner with over 700 universities - catering to your child’s needs and strengths.

Other information that you might want to take note of include:

- Course intake date

- Duration of the course & course fees

- Modules and coursework taught

- IELTS requirements

- The immediate environment and student body

Step 2: Language Proficiency Tests & University Application

Depending on your university and course choice, there will be a need to present your English proficiency capability - in most cases, this will be through the IELTS test.

Once your child has sat for the test (and obtained the necessary grade for the course), the next step would be to apply to the university of choice. If you want a fuss-free application process, make an appointment with one of our counsellors who will guide you through for free.

Step 3: Student Visa Application

The next step would be to apply for your child’s student visa to the selected country. Each country will have its own requirements and procedures that include:

- Confirmation of enrollment

- English proficiency certification

- Financial requirements

- Overseas student health cover

And more!

Depending on your destination country, this process could take a couple of days to a few weeks. Again, an IDP counsellor can help you with this.

Step 4: Arranging Accommodations

Once you have settled the above three steps, you and your child will need to arrange the necessary accommodations during their period of study.

Depending on the options available in the host destination and University (together with your financial options), your child could select from a multitude of choices that include:

- Staying within the school campus

- Homestay with a host family

- Renting an apartment

Step 5: Get In Touch With Professional Education Counselors

Whether you want more clarification or a full service to help handle the entire application process for your child, a qualified education counsellor can help.

At IDP, we have been helping students enter their dream course in prestigious and credible Universities from acclaimed study destinations such as the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia and Canada.

In addition, our educational counsellors have walked the same path as your child and can provide first-hand advice that will help you make an informed decision - from the course selection to the culture of the destination country.