In terms of where you can acquire the necessary expertise in design, all the options in the world are open to you. You should look beyond your current studies, as many study abroad programs can be valuable for your professional development.
To make the right decision, consider the following:
- Country
- City
- Design program
By focusing on these three aspects, you’ll be able to pick a program that will enrich both your life and your future career.
How To Choose a Country
You might already have some countries in mind that you’ve always wanted to visit. However, you need to make a distinction between traveling desires and rewarding study abroad experiences. For the latter, you want to go to a country where you can live and breathe design.
Think about places that have a strong and advanced design culture. If you plan to gain some work experience after your program, aim for countries that are doing well economically.
Furthermore, you could head over to a website like lessons.com.au to find classes and tutors near you based on your location. Whatever class or course type you choose, you’ll be certain to begin your studies soon.
Another relevant factor is the countries’ visa policies. Certain countries allow you to study for a year and stay an extra year to gain work experience. You should also be aware of the documents they’ll be asking for visa approval. Hire a certified translator The Word Point and let them translate all the papers you’ll need in advance. In this way, you won’t need to stress over it at the last minute.
How To Choose a City
When you have top choices regarding countries, take a deeper look at what their cities have to offer. For a design student, the choice might be a city that is highly energetic, has a lot of inspiration, and great startup culture. Such cities can make it easy for you to find internships or maybe even a job after your studies. You’ll also be able to keep up with innovation in the design industry.
Here are a few cities that can provide you with the experience you need:
- Toronto, Canada
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Berlin, Germany
- London, England
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Shenzhen, China
How To Choose a College and a Design Program
Lastly, you should do detailed research about colleges and programs in the desired cities. There are several elements you should pay attention to, including:
- Subject area you want
- Fees
- School’s reputation
- Chances for employment
- Accommodation possibilities
Begin by narrowing down your subject area. Do you want to study website localization and design or maybe interaction design? If you look for a specific design subject, you should only review schools that have it.
Also, find more about how these colleges rank in the world. You want to choose a school whose name will open many doors in the future.
Look into course details and what you’ll be learning. In addition, pay attention to all the fees and expenses that come with these studies. With a set budget in mind, you won’t get your hopes up about expensive programs. To help you with expenses, you might also want to prioritize courses that offer jobs and placements at the university.
If you want to get inside information about the colleges and courses, use LinkedIn. Search for students who were enrolled in the program you’re interested in and reach out to them. Ask them about their experience and whether the college equipped them with knowledge for a successful career.
Bonus Tip: Start Preparing on Time
Once you’ve chosen your country, city, school, and program, begin with the preparation. It’s never too early to inquire about requirements and start collecting papers. The best place to get all this information is the study abroad office at your school. You can also directly email the school of your choice if you have any doubts.
Pay attention to relevant dates as well. No school will prolong their deadlines just for you. In case you need to write an admission essay, you can hire a website that writes essays to help you out. They can edit your draft and make sure that it’s flawless.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a study abroad program shouldn’t be taken lightly. Since you’ll immerse yourself in a new culture, ensure that it is a culture that matches your needs and expectations. Take these steps and they will guide you towards the program of your dreams.
Michael Carr is a designer, copywriter, blogger, and traveler. He’s been working as a designer in many countries including China, Canada, Italy, and India. His biggest dream is to write a book and share stories that enriched his life.
