Should I Study Overseas?

Thought about studying abroad? Check out what some Malaysian students have to say about their concerns and how they overcame them. 

Studying abroad is one of the many options local students consider post-SPM. However, it is not for everyone. Studying overseas gives you a chance to experience and expose yourself to different cultures, engage with new people and have access to better opportunities. For some, it’s an opportunity to start a new life whilst others, a stepping stone to a better future. 

Find out what some students have shared with us when considering studying overseas. Do you have the same concerns? 

Having difficulties in deciding where to study? The US and UK sound appealing to you? Or is Australia a better option because of its proximity? 

Different countries has its own advantages and disadvantages, more so when the standard of education varies. 

The UK is commonly the top choice for many students and parents for a number of reasons. Mainly, of its education system similar to Malaysia, but recognised worldwide. However, the cost to study in the UK remains as an issue for some students. 

So how do you choose which country to go? 

The top factors that students consider are based on location, cost, ranking, and employment opportunities. Choosing a university that is based in a major city will undoubtedly be a plus point since it brings better employment opportunities as well. However, the cost of living is expensive. 

Deciding which factor matters more to you will help you narrow down your options. 

I Don’t Know If I Can Afford It 

A lot of students and parents think that studying abroad will cost a bomb. That is true if you choose to study abroad for the entire course. Luckily, there are options to study abroad. 

There are 2 affordable paths you can consider when deciding to study abroad: Exchange programmes and transfer options. 

Exchange programmes are a good way for students to experience new culture, make new friends and visit new places. These programmes are short, usually no longer than a semester. You could visit your university’s main campus in another country, or even another university. Not every university offers this so be sure to check with the university before you apply for your choice of course. 

Transfer options are available in programmes from foreign universities with a Malaysian campus or a partner university. These transfer programmes allow students to spend either 1 or 2 years in a foreign country to complete their degree. Students also can opt to complete their entire degree in Malaysia and graduating with a international cert. 

Some universities also offer transfer programmes like the American Degree Transfer Programme, where students are able to complete 2 years of their degree in Malaysia before transferring to a foreign university of their choice. 

So what can students do to make it affordable? 

Choose courses that have transfer options since that can significantly lower your cost. For example, University of Southampton Malaysia (UoSM) offers students multiple options to complete their studies. Students can choose the duration they want to spend in the UK, whether it’s 1 year, 2 years, or not at all. You will be able to save up to 40% of the cost if you choose the transfer option. 

Students also can seek out scholarships and financial aids that will help cover the cost of their education. UoSM’s Engineering students get a 20% discount on their tuition fees when they transfer to the Southampton campus for their Years 3 and 4 studies. 

I Don’t Know If I’m Ready 

You’ve lived at home all your life and you enjoy having your friends and family near you. Studying abroad means leaving most of them behind and starting a new life in a different environment. 

Do you like to meet new people or try new things? If the answer is yes, then the chances of you adapting to a new living environment is high. 

When you study abroad, you will essentially be starting over. You’ll have to bear the responsibility of taking care of yourself. No parents to wake you up in the morning or even prepare meals for you every day. 

If that scares you, then studying overseas will be a tall mountain for you to climb. However, as with all mountains, it is not impossible to overcome. 

So how do you get yourself ready? 

You can start by learning to do things on your own. This pandemic is a good way to pick up a few new survival skills like cooking your favourite dish, and doing the laundry. Knowing how to do those things will significantly lower your stress and anxiety of being in a new country. 

Students who choose to study in the UK will find that there are plenty of Malaysian students there to welcome them and help them transition to their new life! 

Important Consideration For Those Who Want to Study Overseas 

For many students, studying overseas is a gateway to better employment options. This is especially true for international students in the UK, where the Graduate Route gives them 2 years to seek and secure employment in the UK. For UoSM students who have transferred to the UK, not only do you get an affordable UK education but you also get to explore job opportunities in the UK. 

Think you’re ready for a UK degree? Check out UoSM and the courses and scholarships they have to offer here.