Advice

Fees, visas, accommodation, qualification equivalencies, travel – about as much work can go into planning international study as it can to the course itself.

Among many factors, students want to be reassured that the college or university is of a high standard and that their new qualification will be valuable enough to find a job that justifies the investment.

However, sometimes students can forget to check whether the institution really does have the power to award them their degree in the first place.

When it comes to studying abroad, there are many things to consider – and one of the biggest things to organise is how to fund it.

Scholarships are a great way to gain some extra help towards tuition fees and living costs, and there are probably more scholarships available than you might think. Scholarships are available for students for a range of reasons including academic achievement, financial status and home country.

Although a small island nation, with just a handful of universities, New Zealand is a popular destination for international students. All eight universities rank in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the postgraduate opportunities are a key reason why students choose to study there. 

However, before you can study in New Zealand, you need to complete the visa application process, which can require a lot of organisation. 

The Covid-19 pandemic has pushed many of us to implement ideas that had been on the back burner for years. More and more entrepreneurs are pursuing their passion projects alongside their work and studies and so putting their ideas into action.

Companies are finding new ways of working and delivering value to their customers and stakeholders.

Studying abroad is not only a great chance to pursue your academic studies, but an opportunity to build a network of diverse contacts and mentors to help kickstart your graduate career.

This can be done through contacting university alumni now working in positions you’re interested in or attending on-campus career fairs and networking events.

All job interviews are different and they are a common stage in internships, work experience and full time roles. Depending on what kind of industry you are planning on joining, the interview questions will vary. However, the main aim of the interview is to work out if you will be a good fit for the role and the company. And there are only a few ways you can really work that out in an hour.

Internships can provide you with a range of skills necessary to succeed in the workplace that you often can’t get from academic studies.

They can help you build your understanding of workplace culture, develop your communication, time management, problem-solving skills and expand your global fluency.

Crucially, internships also offer students the opportunity to network with people in relevant professional circles, which can potentially lead to additional work placements and career opportunities.

Which skills should you develop beyond the knowledge you gain during your degree at university?

Many people will tell you that you need to be a problem-solver, that you need to develop critical thinking, data analysis capabilities and inquiry skills. There are also many important emotional intelligence skills, such as empathy, self-awareness and motivation. 

Work experience is key to getting into graduate work. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has put a huge dent in the number of internship and placement opportunities offered by employers. Lack of relevant work experience is now a top concern of job-seeking students.

There is, however, some good news on the work experience front. The Institute of Student Employers (ISE) has said that in some sectors the shrinkage in opportunities has levelled off, while they are increasing in other sectors.

While studying abroad is an extremely exciting opportunity, securing a place to live in the United States can leave you a bit anxious. However, with a little preparation and know-how, you can find the perfect place to lay your head. Here are a few tips for renting in the US as a university student. 

1. Decide where you want to live

Will you have a car? Do you need to be close to public transportation or your university? These are important things to consider when looking for the right apartment.