Studying abroad

Studying abroad is a real opportunity, a real asset on a CV and a very rewarding personal experience in all points for international students, and more particularly for Moroccans.

Why studying Abroad ?

Studying abroad is a purely enriching and enticing experience on both human and intellectual point, that actually few students dare to try. Although the ultimate goal is to enhance your career path, there are even many other reasons that can justify this stay!
  • For personal development
Leaving your home country might be challenging and difficult, but studying abroad is an experience that will deeply affect your life experience. It will push you out of your comfort zone and make you go beyond your limits so you can know your true self and discover new cultures and languages.This will eventually allow you to grow in maturity and autonomy while developing a new life style that is your own that will change the way you perceive the future.
  • For professional development
In a context of globalization, an international experience has become a must have since, nowadays, it has an important value in the eyes of companies and the recruiters. This means that you have developed your curiosity, autonomy and open mindedness.

Where to study abroad? Which countries to choose ?

The choice of your destination must correspond to your professional project; the goal you want to achieve in your academic career is the one that should determine your destination.

Usually, when deciding where to study, students will choose the country first rather than the university or the program type.

Several Factors must be taking into consideration while making a decision:

  • To learn a new language.
  • Get to know a new culture and lifestyle.
  • Achieve career goals.
  • Personal development potential.
  • Quality of education and recognition of international credentials.
  • Meet new people and expand your network.

Although globalization has uniformed most cultures, each country still holds on to its specificities (Climate, Education System, Ethnic & Cultural Diversity, Economy, Etc.). It is because of this reason that one must evaluate the extent of the difference between your home country and the host country where you will be staying for your studies in order to overcome any possible culture shock. It is therefore essential that you find out more about the study destination, without forgetting to be aware of the cultural differences before deciding on the destination.

Bridge To Study, known for its experience and expertise in the field of studying abroad, offers a personalized support and very extensive monitoring for the choice of your future study destination. We deal with the following destination:

  • Canada;
  • France;
  • Spain;
  • United Kingdom;
  • The United States;
  • Belgium;
  • Turkey.

How To Study Abroad ?

Pursuing your studies abroad is a life decision and a unique experience! This kind of decisions cannot be taken lightly and especially must not be improvised. You should prepare for your abroad studies project at least a year in advance and for that you should also take into consideration the following aspects:

  • Your professional project;
  • Choice of the study destination which should normally be done as a priority;
  • Desired studies;
  • Host University language of instruction and required language tests. Even if language proficiency is one of the objectives of the study stay, the majority of the institutions abroad require a minimum language level;
  • Financial constraints and preparation of your resources.

There are many ways to go and study abroad:

 ⇒ Enrolling in a foreign institution

You can study abroad to prepare, depending on your case, a Bachelor’s degree (Licence), a Master’s degree or even a PhD (Doctorate). You must inquire about the equivalence of your diplomas in the host country since some institutions do not recognize diplomas from certain countries and require you to retake a year or more.

 ⇒ Going on a University Exchange

Another option that is valid for you is to, during your studies, go and study abroad as a part of exchange program and an arrangement between your institution and the one abroad.

Generally, the academic exchange takes place over a period ranging between 6 months (1 semester) to 1 year and this is depending on your choice and the course of studies you have chosen.

 ⇒ Going for a language study stay

As a part of your studies, you can go to learn a language from native speakers in a country of your choice.

This is an ideal option for people who want to take some time to improve their language skills before starting a course after receiving their last diploma in order to improve themselves from a linguistic point of view.

How To Study When You Are a Minor ? Is It possible to leave at 15 or 16 ?

Each country decides on the age which a person is considered to be an adult (legal age). Anyone under the age of majority is considered a “Minor”. Considering their vulnerability, minors are subject to very specific legislation in most countries. Their administrative status is linked to their parents that accompany or join them. The departure of minors abroad from high school has started to be democratized all over the word.Many destinations are available and the admission requirements vary from one country to another, but they mostly share a large part:
  • Be between 13 and 18 years old with a condition of not being over 18 years old and 6 months old at the time of departure.
  • Not yet in their final year of high school;
  • Good or excellent academic record;
  • A good command of the language of the host country;
  • Demonstrate real motivation.
All children under the age of 17 must either:Be accompanied by their legal guardian (parents if applicable); or have a foster family (called a guardian in some countries) in the host country who will be responsible for taking care of the minor student.It is recommended that you take your time in preparing for your project, therefore you must start constructing your application in order to present it to the institution abroad at least 7 to 9 months before your actual departure date, that is, no later than the month of March preceding your departure.

How to study abroad without the "Baccalaureat" ?

You have studied until the 10th grade and you do not have the baccalaureate or you just failed it and wish to continue your higher education abroad?Do Not Panic ! it is still possible for you to study abroad without your high school degree.It is for fact that the possibilities are limited! However, some countries such as Canada, England, France, The United States, Spain and Australia offer a few ways to access higher education for those who do not have the Baccalaureate.Bridge To Study will accompany you in your study abroad project and help you choose the right destination and the most suitable courses for your profile.

What Are The Admission Requirements For Schools And Universities Abroad ?

The admission requirements vary from one institution to another and even from program to another. The selection is based on the complete file received during the application period and on the following criteria:

    • The applicant’s motivation as well as their ability of adaptation and integration.
    • The excellence of the academic record.
    • the approval of the academic directors.
    • The coherence of the professional project and its concordance with the chosen training.
    • Having the minimum diploma required for the desired training.
    • Having proficiency in the language of studying.
    • Financial capacity of the guarantor or legal guardian to finance the student’s studies.

In some cases, if you do not meet some of the mentioned requirements, you still have the possibility to be admitted to some institutions, pending the fulfillment of the unsatisfied requirements or even attend and pass a preparatory course.

It is important to note that the admission to educational institutions abroad is not guaranteed ! Only the establishments in question decide on whether or not to admit you based on their eligibility criteria.

Can I Study Abroad Without Speaking the Language of Study ?

For most study destinations, mastering the local language is considered rarely an overwhelming obstacle. Nonetheless, mastering the language in which the courses are taught is essential.Although French tests are essential in French speaking countries, English tests are becoming more and more demanded all over the world. That said, English has become a common language, very widespread and the key to communication.You do not need to be bilingual, but you should, in principle, prove you language(s) level before leaving. Universities require a minimum score on language tests (generally a B2 level is required).Some countries whose language is not widely spoken, such as Ukraine, Russia, China, Japan, Spain… may require you to master their language or require you to have a preparatory year of learning their language before starting your training.

What Are The Criteria For Obtaining a Student Visa ?

Generally, the VISA type differs according to the nature of the stay. There are several conditions for obtaining a student VISA (non-exhaustive list):

  ⇒ Studies (Being accepted at an educational institution abroad):

      • Admission: One must be accepted at an educational institution, this can be justified by the possession of an acceptance / admission letter.
      • Financial Situation: proof that the student has enough financial means (self-funding, scholarships…) to support himself for the duration of his study stay. If the student is supported by a guarantor, the later needs to justify his financial resources and validate the irrevocable permanent transfer to the student’s account for certain countries.
      • Post-study project: The students should demonstrate their intention to return home after completing their studies in the host country.
      • Insurance: The purchase of a health insurance for certain countries.
      • Accommodation: justifying residence / accommodation in the host country. An accommodation certificate indicating the student’s address is therefore required for some countries.

It should be noted that the VISA duration is conditional to the duration of the training:

      • A “Short Stay” or “Temporary” Visa is generally issued for any short course (less than 6 months).
      • A long stay Visa is issued for any training lasting for more than 6 months.

  ⇒ Convocation to an examination or interview prior to registration:

      • Hold an invitation to take a competition or an interview (in addition to the mentioned requirements above).

  ⇒ Internship abroad:

      • Hold an internship agreement completed and signed by all parties involved (in addition to the mentioned requirements above).

When Should I Start Preparing My Study Abroad Project ?

The keys to a successful study abroad project are anticipation and preparation.You have finally decided to start your study abroad project ! This cannot be improvised and the preparation of your project should not be taking lightly. It is not just a matter of getting your passport and packing your bags! But many aspects are to be considered: Orientation, choice of destination and curriculum, choice of institution (University, School, College…), Administrative formalities, find out about the specific requirements of the chosen institution and its entrance exam, language preparation… Etc.It is recommended to plan at least one year in advance to prepare for your departure, at the least the month of March prior the departure day.If you do not know how! do not worry ! We, Bridge To Study team, will help you to realize your study abroad project.We invite you to contact us to schedule an appointment!

Is It Guaranteed that I Will Get a Student VISA ?

No, we do not guaranteed you getting a VISA approval and you should be skeptical if anyone else does !There are several conditions for obtaining a VISA and even obtaining a letter of admission does not guarantee that you will get a VISA. Only the appropriate consular authorities of the host country decide that. They go to great lengths to evaluate even the intention of the candidate if they are really motivated to start their study project or is applying for VISA for other intentions.

What Document Do I Need To Prepare For my Application To Study Abroad ?

The procedure varies from one country to another and even from one program to another, but generally a common list is always there. You will need to provide :

    • Identification (ID card, passport, photo), in some cases a copy of your birth certificate will be requested.
    • Documents proving your current and previous studies (transcripts, school certificates, diplomas, etc.).
    • Language test results (TCF, DELF, DALF, IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) or registration for the required test.
    • International test results (SAT; GMAT, GRE, etc.) for certain institutions.
    • Letter of motivation explaining the reasons for choosing the country as a study destination, and the choice of major.
    • Proof of internship and/or work experience if applicable + CV.
    • Letters of recommendation from professors or employers.
    • Documents proving the financial resources necessary to support the applicant for the duration of his/her study period.

NB: Translations of all documents into the language of the host country will be required, if they are not automatically translated.

How Much Does It Cost To Study Abroad ?

Since generally the cost of studies is the guarantee of quality education, the most preferred destinations for students are often the most expensive. Australia, the United States, The United Kingdom and Canada are the four most expensive destinations, but still the most reputable for the quality of their education.The average annual cost of studying, including the average annual cost of living, in these 9 countries is:
    • Canada : From 14000 €.
    • France : From 10800 €.
    • United States: From 16000 €.
    • England : From 22000€.
    • Turkey : From 7000 €.
    • Belgium : From 12000 €.
    • Switzerland : From 13000 €.
    • Spain : From 10000 €.
    • Italy : From 11000 €.
The high cost of these fees, which has been steadily increasing for 30 years, can be justified by the following reasons:
    • The resources available to students, both pedagogical and technical, and the infrastructure.
    • The high-level education system which is measured by the pedagogical efforts, the working conditions and the research results obtained.
    • Advanced ranking in scientific research (funding, number of most cited researchers in their disciplines, research results…).
In order to evaluate the annual cost of your study abroad, you must take into consideration these four elements:
    • The course registration fee.
    • The estimated average cost of living in the host country.
    • Other expenses related to your study abroad project (bank, insurance, libraries, extracurricular activities, airfare, etc.).
    • Possible financing (scholarships, grants, etc.).

How to Study Abroad For Free ?

Studying abroad for Free ! Yes, it is possible. Two possibilities are available for you:  ⇒ International Cooperation:All countries around the world have international cooperation agreement for student exchange. These agreements give the students from one country to the opportunity to continue their studies for free abroad in one of the partner countries. Places are generally served for top students in the Baccalaureate competition.  ⇒ Obtaining a Scholarship:Each year, organizations and educational institutions (Colleges, Schools and Universities) offer full scholarships to foreign students and to a lesser extent partial scholarship to cover most of the tuition fees.The conditions for granting scholarships are defined by each host university and/or the ministry of education in the host country.

How To Study Abroad With a Scholarship ?

In order to apply for a scholarship, you must first be admitted to the institution in question before you even start looking for me.Finding a scholarship among the hundreds available all over the world is not an easy task !It can take time.
  • Start your research as soon as possible ! The deadlines for submitting your application are very often in January and February prior to the start of the school year in question.
  • Read the brochure or document listing the eligibility criteria carefully.
  • Try to limit yourself to scholarships that have criteria that are at least somewhat relevant to you.
You do not know what you are getting yourself into ? You do not know where to start and want to give yourself the best chance ?At Bridge To Study, we measure your needs and suggest scholarships and financial aid that best fit your situation.

Can I study and work abroad at the same time ?

Working while studying is always possible. In most countries, the student VISA or study permit provide for a limited number of working hours for foreign students. This could be up to 60% of the legal working hours of the host country with a limit of 20 hours per week.The purpose of this limitation of working hours is to allow students to concentrate on their studies in order to succeed and also to prepare for their professional integration. However, some countries allow students to work full time during school vacations.

What Is The Role and Contribution Of Bridge To Study ?

Bridge to study is more than an orientation firm, it is an incubator that accelerates the student’s study project implementation both upstream and downstream through innovative, Fast and reliable processes. We have been dedicating ourselves for more than 10 years for the benefits of Moroccan youth.From the selection of the best universities, through the constitution of your files to the management of your registration procedures, Bridge To Study offers you a quality service in perfect balance with your needs. At an unbeatable price, we take ownership of your project and accompany you until you settle in your host country.If it is to fill out an admission or VISA form, you are very capable of it and will not even need an expert consultant! However, if you are looking for good advice, good information and real expert advice and support, you are in the right place.Until these days, Bridge To Study has supported more than 10 000 student, some of whom have gone on to successful professional careers and others who are pursuing promising academic studies at the world’s most prestigious universities.

Will Bridge To Study Help Me Find Accommodation ?

Yes!We can take care of your housing reservation in the university residence. We help you to find accommodation that best suits your needs and ensure your academic and social integration in the host country.We help you avoid wasting time in unsuccessful searches for student housing, cumbersome procedures of accommodation and therefore the delay of registration and non-stability.Advice will also be given to you on the procedure to follow when signing your lease contract.

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