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WHY ARE YOU THINKING OF HIGHER EDUCATION (HE)?
There
could be a number of reasons: -
·
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.
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