If you’re choosing an English-speaking study destination, you’re
probably considering one of the top three most popular options: the USA,
the United Kingdom or Australia. But which of these countries
will suit you best? Which country offers the best opportunities for study, and
for work when you graduate? Which is easiest to get into? Which is the most
affordable?
In this article, we look at eight key criteria for choosing your
international study destination. So read on to find out which country is the
best in the world when in comes to international education!
- Reputation and quality
- Employment opportunities
- Style of education
- English education
- Ease of entry
- Safety
- Lifestyle
- Value for money
Reputation and quality
All three countries say they have a good reputation for quality
higher education. But what does that really mean in practice?
The USA has more universities than any other country
in the world. And it also has more in the top ten of the Times Higher Education
Supplement than any other country in the world. This alone is enough to make it
the number one choice for international students.
SEE ALSO: Study in the USA
In reality, there is a diverse range of places to study in the
US, all governed by separate state laws. From
famous ivy-league schools like Harvard and Stanford to excellent
community colleges such as Santa Barbara City College – with an
equally diverse range of tuition fees. With a higher proportion of
privately-owned colleges, a US education means access to the latest
resources, technology and equipment – and some of the best academic teachers in
the world.
In the UK, an historic reputation for academic
excellence (Oxford, Cambridge, LSE) combines with high-tech modern university
teaching at some of the newest campuses in the world, such as Bath Spa University. It also has an outstanding reputation for
research, making it attractive for post-graduate students from around the
world.
And even though Australia has a small population of
just 20 million, it has a relatively large number of world-class universities
and colleges. With a clear framework of recognised qualifications and a
reputation for effective teaching and research, an Australian degree is highly
portable around the world.
Employment
opportunities
Most of you want to study abroad to improve your career options
in the future. So which country offers the best post-graduate
career outcomes?
An American education is highly-regarded by employers
around the world. But it’s harder to find employment in America once you
graduate, mainly because the work visas are heavily restricted.
You also need to think about your subject choice – attending
medical school or law school in America may be a long-held dream, but may also
limit the countries where you can practice.
The UK, on the other hand, makes it much easier for students to
stay and work once they graduate. You can work for up to 20 hours per week
while you study, and when you graduate apply for a Post Study
Work Visa. Manu courses also offer work experience or internships as part of
the curriculum. This provides you with the chance to put your studies into
practice – and add valuable experience to your CV.
In Australia, you are also able to work for up to 20 hours per
week while you study, and apply for a work visa when you graduate. The ease of
getting this visa depends to some extent on your course and results. Australia
also has lower unemployment rate (at present) than the US
and UK, making it easier to find part-time or graduate employment.
Style
of education
In the USA, you have quite possibly the widest choice of
subjects available in the world, and almost infinite flexibility on how you put
together your studies. It’s also relatively easy to change your mind, and
switch classes, courses or even institutions.
Many international students find it easier to start their
American studies at a smaller college, and then transfer to a larger
University for the last two years of their program. This gives you time to
adapt to life in the US, improve your English, and learn the basic elements of
your study in a supportive environment.
In the UK, you are expected to be more independent when it comes
to learning. Rory, a UK liberal arts student who spent a year at California
State University, puts it like this; “In the US it is compulsory to go to all
your classes and read every inch of the set texts, but mot much outside of
this. In the UK it’s almost the complete opposite. Undergraduates are
pointed in the right direction by their professors, but then left to their own
devices to find the right resources and produce their own analysis.”
Australia offers a combination of these two extremes, with
lectures and smaller tutorials, group work and individual exams and essays.
In Australia you are expected to think creatively and independently,
and hands on experience is actively encouraged.
English education
All three countries teach in English… but American English is
quite different to UK English. All three countries offer English as a
Second Language studies, but the USA favours TOEFL as a qualification
and the UK and Australia lean towards IELTS.
Chinwe, from Nigeria, decided to study her MBA in the UK (at the
University of Bedfordshire) because the language would be similar. “I felt it
would be easier for me in England because the educational structure and
language (British English) are similar to ours,” she explains.
Ease of entry
It is incredibly difficult to get into the world’s best
universities, no matter where they are. But it is even harder to get into the
best American schools. There is a lot of competitive for places on the top
courses, and a low acceptance rate for international students.
Tough student visa requirements add to the time and energy you need
to pursue your dream of an American education.
SEE ALSO: 10 Common Student Visa
Questions resolved at abroad shiksha
The UK and Australia have streamlined application and visa
processes that make it much easier – but on the flipside this means
there is a large proportion of international students on many courses, which
may affect your learning experience… or offer you more global friendship
opportunities, depending on your point of view!
Safety
Australia is regarded as one of the safest and friendliest study
destinations in the world, although recent isolated incidents have put this
claim in some doubt. No country is completely safe, and it’s important to be
careful wherever you are. Parts of the US have higher crime rates than others,
parts of the UK are safer than others…
Lifestyle
This is where these three countries really offer something
unique. Looking for sunshine, amazing natural wonders and wildlife, sports
and the chance to relax when you’re not studying? Australia has all that and
more.
Or if you’d like to discover history and culture, shop ‘til you
drop, roam gentle green countryside, study in the UK and
explore all of Europe on your doorstep.
The US has something for everyone, with a climate that ranges
from ski and snow to sun and surf, big bustling cities and easy-living suburbs.
All three countries are multi-cultural melting pots
with the food you may be missing from home, and people who speak your
language. And all three provide great student support and services to help you
feel at home and make new friends.
Value
for money
For many students, the decision ultimately comes down to cost.
A US education doesn’t have to be expensive (it’s usually less
expensive to study at a college first and then transfer) but limited part-time
work options and increased competition for scholarships make it harder to
support your cost of living.
In the UK, the cost of living may be slightly more expensive
(especially in London) but tuition fees are lower. Plus, you can complete a
Masters program in less time than in the US, which makes it more affordable
still – an MBA is usually a one-year program in the UK. Medical care is also
usually available free of charge to students in the UK – one less thing to
worry about.
Australia combines a lower cost of living with lower tuition
fees – plus you can work part-time. But remember to factor in the cost of
getting there, and of travelling around this vast country, as airfares can be
expensive. You’ll also need to pay for mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover
(health insurance).
So, which study destination really is best? It comes down to
what you hope to achieve. Think about the following checklist when you make
your decision:
- Does
it help you on your career path?
- Will
it provide a recognised qualification in your own country?
- Are
you happy with the style of teaching and assessment methods?
- Will
you be near friends or relatives?
- Can
you afford the course fees and cost of living?
- Will
you meet the entry and visa requirements?
For more information about studying in
these destinations you can visit their directory pages here: UK, USA , and Australia.
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