Many parents in Nigeria have to make decisions about sending their children abroad for studies and there is a growing community of Nigeria students around the world.
The 2016 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange shows there were 10,674 Nigerians studying in the United States during the 2015-16 academic year, making Nigeria the leading source of African students and ranked 14th worldwide as a source of international students in the United States. This figure marks the highest number of Nigerians studying in the United States since 1986-87.
Here are few things to consider before taking the decision.
Choosing a Country
Once you have picked the course, you have to choose a country that offers the best education in that field. The procedure to apply for a course may differ from country to country. Some may require just a single application while others might require several applications to be submitted. It is essential to understand the requirements before you submit the applications.
Other questions to consider are: Would you prefer to study abroad in a rural or urban setting?
Do you want to be in an English-speaking area or somewhere where you need to speak a foreign language? Is it important to you that you be centrally located to spend time on weekends traveling to nearby cities?
Based on your answers, you probably have a good idea about the qualities you want in your study abroad destination. Now it is just a matter of finding it.
Next, it is time to decide when you want to study abroad in your said location. Typically, it is best to decide when you plan to go abroad at least nine months to one year ahead of time, if not more. Many study abroad programmes require applicants to apply at least six months before the programme begins, so having at least nine months gives you time to research, find and apply to a programme(s) at your leisure.
Setting a Budget to Easily Manage Your Finances
Studying abroad can be somewhat costly. In any case, it likewise depends on the nation in which your child wishes to study. Setting a financial plan to manage all the costs is an absolute necessity. A proper plan will help you to keep a track on the cash you will spend on your child’s education programme. You can also take the advice of an expert if needed.
Moreover, make your child learn to stick to a budget and balance the finances. This will greatly help to reduce your burden.
Funding study abroad is often a concern of many students and parents; however, it does not need to break the bank. In fact, many students can apply their current financial aid packages toward their study abroad programmes. There is a variety of scholarship opportunities available too. When choosing your funding options, it is important to remember to start early, ask for help and seek multiple resources.
Once you have your finances in place for your programme tuition, it is time to start saving and budgeting for your overseas daily living expenses. As you plan your budget, prioritise what is worth spending money on and what is not. For example, if you cannot afford everything on your wish list, would you rather buy an array of souvenirs and splurge on meals or would you rather take a few weekend trips to nearby cities? There are plenty of money saving tips that can help you keep costs down while you are abroad.
Safety measures
Your child’s safety is also an important thing to consider when sending him/her abroad. You cannot watch their back all the time any more. So, taking safety measures like applying for a health insurance that covers all the required emergency situations when your child is alone and away will be of great help.
Choosing a university
Choose a university based on your budget and the university’s reputation. You should ideally also look at the university’s faculty and job placement record. Create a list of 5-10 colleges and pick one after careful evaluation.
Programme costs
The costs of study abroad programmes varies greatly across schools and programmes. Some costs are roughly the same as what you would spend studying at home in private university, while others are significantly more. Your school’s study abroad office should be able to give you a breakdown of what the costs will be.
Be sure to check for tuition, fees, room and board, and travel costs to and from the destination. There will be incidental living expenses as well, so make sure that the list of expenses you see is comprehensive and covers all these areas.
Talk to your support system
Talk with your parents about why, when and where you want to study abroad. Deciding to study abroad is often a family decision, and having an open conversation with them can help both you and them plan the best study abroad trip for you as possible. It’s important to come to the conversation prepared with your points, and be ready with answers to their questions.
For students: Points to discuss with your parents
International experience can be a big resume booster once it comes time to job hunt. Gaining a global perspective in today’s international marketplace is invaluable, and with the opportunity to intern while abroad, students often develop new skills and grow their network of professional contacts.
Spending time abroad often results in a higher level of maturity and personal independence. Students often learn a lot about themselves and what they are capable of by living in a foreign environment.
Study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can visit another country any time in life, but to live abroad is a unique opportunity that does not normally lend itself to non-students. Immersion is a great way to learn or improve at a foreign language.
For parents: Questions to ask your child
What programme(s) are you looking at? After conducting some online research or talking to an advisor, does it seem like students in the past have had good experiences with that program?
Is the country/city you are considering a safe place to live? What is the crime rate of the location? What should we know about the health system?
What sort of housing is available to you? Will you be on your own to find an apartment, or will your programme take care of it for you? Are you interested in a home-stay (living with a local family) or would you prefer a dorm setting? What are your options and how much do they cost?
What is the exchange rate, and what is the average cost-of-living? How much do you plan to spend on travel, souvenirs, etcetera? Are there scholarships available? In the end, is it a programme and/or destination you/we can afford?
As you and your family discuss your plans, continue to keep in touch with your academic advisor throughout the planning and application process.
