To study abroad is a dream that many kids carry. These days even parents are more open to options of sending their children to study abroad. With the provision of multitudes of scholarships and loans, to study abroad is no more a dream too big to have. However, it is important to sort this decision with careful research. The first and foremost question is when is the right time to study abroad. Is it after 10th or post 12th? Should kids be sent to study abroad after 10? Or is it better to wait and let them go to study abroad after 12th?
When Is The Right Time To Study Abroad?
The first thing to see is the performance of the students. Unless you have a shifting situation, if you are performing well in the present education system and have no complaints against it, then stay put. It is advised for kids of this age to continue their studies for 13 to 14 years in the same place. This helps them mature and develop a sense of belonging and identity. Also by the time they have completed senior secondary, most students are sure of the career option that they want to continue with.
If you feel that you will do better to study abroad after 10th, then you should know about the schooling system that is followed in the country of your interest. Admissions in schools are usually more difficult as compared to those for graduation and post graduation. Make sure that you are ready to handle the shift in the syllabus, curriculum and extra-curriculum. If you wish to study abroad after 12th, the admissions will be slightly easier because you will be looking for a graduation/diploma degree. However, you may be required to complete an extra year or so of school in order to become eligible for undergraduate degrees.
Another important thing to keep in mind is the age. When in class 10th, students are no more than 15 years of age. It is an age of exploration, wherein children discover themselves, their likes and dislikes, their goals and aims in life. But these ideas are yet to develop into strong personality traits. One must be careful to understand that while this is the age of exploration, it is also the age of influence, vulnerability and peer-pressure. Most ideas formed by students at this age are either influenced or a result of the peers. So if you are planning to study abroad after 10th, make sure that it is your decision. Share the idea with your parents and teachers and seek their advice. See how they feel about it. Talk to seniors who have gone to study abroad after 10th and learn their experience. Research well about the education system of your destination country.
It must be kept in mind that when choosing to study abroad, it is not just the education system that will change. You will enter a new culture, follow new sets of traditions and embrace a new lifestyle. While all of this is not a big deal when going to study abroad for post graduation or research. But when choosing to go abroad post 10th or 12th, these are huge changes. Some parents hesitate to send their children abroad for the fear for that they may lose touch with their own roots, or worse, lose their own identity. So be sure that you are ready to take this leap. Move forward only if you are confident that you can handle all the changes that come by making this shift.
Having said that, make a well-researched choice when choosing the destination for your further studies. Different countries have different academic environments and trends. For example: if you are yet to decide upon a major and wish to explore your options, then US would be a better choice. But if you are sure of your line of career, then UK is the place for you. If you would like to have outdoor adventures as a part of your extracurricular, then you should try Australia. If you are sure about the subject you want to pursue, then you can look for the best university for that subject. Other factors such as living expenses, scholarships, accommodation etc should also be kept in mind.
It has become very common for students to choose to study abroad. However when you choose to study abroad right after 10th or 12th, the prospect may seem a little challenging. Do not panic or back out only for the fear of change. Rather make an informed decision that will help you attain a fruitful learning experience. The only right time to study abroad, is when you are ready for it!