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WHY ARE YOU THINKING OF HIGHER EDUCATION (HE)?
There could be a number of reasons: -
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A natural progression from achieving your STPM, O Levels, or other
pre-university entry requirements.
·
To extend your knowledge and skills in a particular subject area.
·
A belief that achieving a HE qualification will ensure a better-paid
position once you leave university.
·
Because it is expected of you!!!
Some
people attend college/university with a clear objective in mind. Others
go because they are offered a course, with no real idea why they are
going or what is involved. Yet a third group start a course not
necessarily liking it but believing there are good employment prospects
at the end of it; or because their family expect it of them.
Which category do you fall into?
Think very carefully about Higher Education. If
you are not sure look for professional help. Discuss your options with
your family, teachers and staff in the universities. It is vital to
ensure that H E is right for you, that you are going to the right
place, that your parents can afford to fund you and that you are
going to be happy!!
REMEMBER
you could be studying for many years, either in your own country or
overseas, or perhaps a mixture of both, ie a Twining Programme where
the first one or two years are spent at home before completing your
studies in a foreign country.
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WHERE TO STUDY?
There are many opportunities open to you these
days depending on your interests and personal circumstances. At one
time most students went overseas to study a complete degree course.
Nowadays that is not always necessary although some still find it
desirable.
Studying in Malaysia?
Completing your studies at home or in a different
State means that you are near to your family and friends. It should
also mean lower tuition and maintenance fees than if you studied
overseas.
For
some students it could be less disruptive and stressful and may avoid
the problem of a quick return home in cases of severe homesickness.
Having started on 3+0 degree programme, 2 year Diploma course etc you
would complete your course at home.
Studying
at home could allow you the chance to form lifelong friendships with a
wide number of students with similar interests. These friendships could
form a network of important contacts in your post-university world of
work. It would also give you the chance to research potential
employment opportunities in Malaysia easier, ie before you actually
graduated (moved on) from your course.
Studying Overseas?
There
are many reasons for deciding to study overseas. These include: -
·
Enrolling on a course not offered by the HE institutions at home.
·
The chance to graduate with an overseas qualification. One that you and
your family would regard as more prestigious.
·
The opportunity to travel, study, and perhaps eventually to work in a
foreign country. This is a great way to integrate and understand more
fully the citizens of your host country and the students from other
overseas countries studying with you.
·
Again a chance to extend your circle of friends worldwide.
If
you are thinking of studying overseas, there are a number of important
issues to consider.
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A) LANGUAGE
Make sure your knowledge of the language spoken in
the country of your intended destination is up to the required
standard. You must be able to study and converse in the country's first
language, be that English, Japanese, French etc.
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Action to Consider
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Contact the various Embassies and High Commissions for more
information. Your school or college staff, or careers library may be
able to help.
For many English-speaking Countries, you would have had to
pass an English Language test to prove you can cope sufficiently with
the spoken and written academic information at university level. The
two tests commonly used are the International English Testing System
(IELTS), with an expected grade 6 pass and the Test of English as a
Foreign Language. (TOEFL), with a score of 550. Always check with the
institution you are thinking of applying to.
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B) HEALTH/IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS
There is little use working hard to study in an
overseas college or university, only to find that you are barred from
the country because of a particular illness, or failure to meet the
current immigration regulations. Make sure you cover these points, well
before you plan to travel.
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Action to Consider
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It may seem silly to mention it but make sure your passport is
valid.
The Immigration Authorities may wish to see the written
unconditional offer of a university place on your arrival.
Ask about the current health and immigration regulations (and
any that is about to be introduced) that you should know about. The
security measures of many countries are changing and you are well
advised to contact the embassy of high commission of the country you
wish to study in. This is to ensure you are fully aware of the their
requirements. For
example the UK government is introducing a finger scan and digital photo
as well as a visa requirement from Jan 08
Speak to your school teacher or college lecturer that is
responsible for the application forms to overseas institutions, he or
she may have the answers, or will point you in the right direction.
Do you intend owning a car while in your host country? Will
you require an International driving licence?
In the case of the UK, you could contact the British Council
for help on these matters. For other countries contact the individual
Embassy or High Commission. (See the Useful
Links page)
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C) TRAVEL/HOMESICKNESS
When you are studying in a foreign country, you may
not have your immediate family around you (mum and dad). You may be
lucky to have an older brother or sister studying at the same
institution, or relations and friends resident in the area, however
that is not always the case.
Homesickness
is one of the reasons that some students drop out of a particular
course. Everyone gets homesick, some just a minor attack, others to the
point of depression. Be prepared.
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Action to Consider
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Look at where you intend studying and then locate the nearest
international airport. Think about the costs you are going to incur
if the nearest airport to start your journey home is many miles/hours
away. The airfare is not the only thing to consider but also the cost
of any train or bus journey.
Research your destination to ensure you are going to like
living there for a number of years.
Look on the Internet for more information on the colleges or
universities of your choice.
Ask the Education Department of the various foreign Embassies
or High Commissions for information.
Attend the many Education Fairs put on by overseas colleges
and universities. Before you visit the various stands however, make
sure you have a list of questions that you want answering.
How many other students from home are studying there? Can you
attend church, temple or mosque? Are there shops or restaurants
locally selling or serving your favourite foods? Do they have clubs
of societies that you can join?
Make sure you take some reminders of home, eg posters to
decorate your room, family photographs etc.
The climate in your new country may be very different from
Malaysia. Give some thought to the type of clothing you will have to
take. Or at the very least have some money available to buy suitable
clothing on your arrival.
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You are going to be in a particular place for
some time, make sure it is suitable.
GPS
run small Workshops on a number
of topics related to studying at home or overseas. We also have
computer software programs (you do not have to know much about
computers to participate) that will help you identify your strengths
and weaknesses in relation to a future career. They can also generate
career and so university degree or diploma courses.
If
you are interested in more details contact
us.
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