The process of getting to the UK is fairly simple. However, if you have not gained the virtue of patience, as I had not, you will find it difficult. There can be a lot of waiting and wondering involved when applying to a study abroad program and a visa application. The key factors are: to focus on everything one step at a time; to gain patience and let each application run its course to being accepted; and to distract yourself while you wait.
Applying to a study abroad program differs from university to university. If there is one common denominator, it will be that the process takes a lot of thought and organization. There are a couple of steps to take to make things easier: follow instructions; do the little things first; think it through; ask questions; and be patient.
Following instructions is easy; be sure to read every instruction carefully and follow along. Quadruple check everything you need to hand-in and make sure the “to-do” list is done.
Do all the little things right away so you do not even need to think about them later: get your passport photocopied; get those letters of reference (pester them until you get the letters); get any parent signatures you need; and get any transcripts printed and ready to be handed-in.
Be sure to think everything through. Make sure to research any university that you are even remotely interested in; filter through the university’s website until you know it as though you are already a student there. Make sure to also research both the local area and outlying areas that you will be close to. You have to keep in mind that some countries, and universities, do not put much into the aesthetic appeal of their website, but that does not mean that it is a lousy place. As they say, do not judge a book by its cover!
Always ask questions; this will help you find out as much as you can about the university you are interested in. Studying abroad is meant to be enjoyable. Make sure you send yourself to a university and an area that you will love. At Thompson Rivers University, where I go, we have Student Ambassadors. These Student Ambassadors are students who have already gone abroad and are able to help you with the process of applying to the Study Abroad Program. If your university has a program similar to this, take advantage of it and use it. There is absolutely no reason to feel like you are drowning in a sea of international university websites and paperwork when help is available. If your institution does not have student ambassadors, you can always ask your international education advisor, they will know what to do.
Learn to be patient. This is the important element in the application process. Some universities may take a long time to respond to you compared to others, and this may drive you nuts. You may feel out of the loop on what is going on with your application during the waiting process. It took my application a couple of months to be accepted by my university abroad, and since patience is a virtue that I do not have, this process was maddening to me! Therefore, try to relax as hard as it may be. They will most likely say “yes” to your application. After all, if you are applying to study abroad for reasons other than “I want to go abroad because they have beer festivals”, you are going to be fine!
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Read Part 2 to find out about the visa application process!