If you want to study abroad as an international student, you’ll find a large amount of information on our blog. Where to go for study. When to apply.  But before you read any of that, you must first answer the most important question: why study abroad? What are the amazing reasons to study abroad?

We’ll look at why you should think about studying at a university or college outside of your home country. Here are the five amazing reasons to study abroad, ranging from self-improvement to self-confidence

ALSO READ: 9 Ways Studying Abroad can Boost your Resume/CV

1. The Potential for a World-Class Education

If education is important to you (and if you’re reading this, it probably is), you may want to look beyond your local options. You may have already fantasized about attending an internationally recognized university in another country. Perhaps you’ve looked into universities and colleges in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Australia, or Ireland.

Each country has its own educational system, with different perspectives, teaching styles, and learning opportunities. Relying on your local education system may limit the type and scope of study you can pursue. When you choose to study abroad, your options become almost limitless.

Colleges and universities all over the world offer world-class, internationally recognized education. Many of them provide:

• High student satisfaction levels
• More personalized attention (smaller class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios)
• Built-in co-ops, placements, or work experience
• Unique research opportunities

Studying abroad allows you to learn things you would never have had the opportunity to learn otherwise. That alone makes studying abroad a valuable option for anyone looking to broaden their educational horizons.

2. Studying Abroad Forces You to Grow

Personal growth is difficult to define. When people talk about what helped define them and move their lives forward, they frequently describe experiences like these:

• Gaining new perspectives
• Trying new things
• Traveling to new places
• Living in a new country
• Learning a new language

The keyword here is “new.” Growing entails taking on new challenges and stepping outside of your comfort zone. And what better way to experience all of these things than by studying abroad?

Here’s the truth: studying abroad is intense, demanding, and challenging in so many ways. You must understand this before proceeding and be prepared to rise to the occasion. Becoming an international student is a fantastic way to “choose the challenge.”

You might discover a level of independence and self-confidence you didn’t know you had. You’ll be able to say, “I did that. That was my choice.”

3. To Kickstart Your Career

Let’s come back to a more grounded reason now. Personal growth is amazing, but it cannot pay the bills, most students’ top concern when deciding what to study is, how will this help me get the job I want later?

Fortunately, many study-abroad destinations offer excellent job opportunities for international students. The world requires skilled labour. Your skills may be in high demand depending on what you intend to study. While studying, you can often find and work a part-time job to help cover your living expenses and build your resume. You might even be able to find work in your field(or in a related field). Working while studying, in any case, helps you develop soft skills and network for future career opportunities.

In terms of staying in the country and working after graduation, many countries provide excellent post-study work visa options. check this out:

• Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit
• The United Kingdom’s Graduate Visa 
• Australia’s Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
• The United States OPT (Optional Practical Training)
• Ireland’s Third-Level Graduate Program

Employers value people who have put themselves out there, learned new skills, and shown dedication to their studies, regardless of where they work. Studying abroad teaches the same skills that are frequently required to succeed in fast-paced work environments. These qualities include improvisation, collaboration, open-mindedness, willingness to learn, and adaptability to changing roles. There is no such thing as a guaranteed job.

4. Study Abroad Changes Your Life

Anyone can travel, but it is often enjoyable and temporary. It won’t change your day-to-day life. When you get home, you’ll go back to your safe bed and your normal routine.

Moving to a new location amplifies the experience of traveling and immersing yourself in a new culture. The additional goal and responsibility of finishing your education raise the stakes.

Instead of meeting other travelers and forgetting them a week later, you’ll meet other students your age. People you meet while studying abroad will become your local support network and, in many cases, lifelong friends.

Instead of hearing locals speak English and possibly picking up a few words, you’ll be educated in it! It’s amazing how quickly you can learn a new language when you spend your days reading, writing, and speaking it.

Instead of spending a week in a new city wondering what it’s like to live there, you’ll be living there. That will become your life, and for the time being, that new location will be your home.

So, what does that imply? This experience will shape you no matter where you go or what you study. If you want to learn new things and start a new chapter in your life, there isn’t a better way to do so than by studying abroad.

5. For Yourself

Tip: You’ll notice that we didn’t include “to immigrate to a new country” as a reason on this list. That should not be your motivation for studying abroad! Every country has its own immigration process, and it is never guaranteed. You never want a country’s government to think you’re only studying there to stay permanently.

Having said that, there are numerous routes to permanent residency for international student graduates. Do your research, learn more from reliable sources such as immigration attorneys, and living in a new country could be in your future!

If you want to study abroad it literally means you are starting over from scratch, abandoning everything you know, and embracing new experiences. The path of an international student is difficult, with obstacles at every turn.

However, with new challenges come new experiences. Opportunities to learn and grow. And, as countless students around the world will tell you, it’s well worth it.

Are you ready to begin your own study abroad adventure? Please contact us or visit our website. We’re here to assist you!

ALSO READ: Proof of Financial Support to Study Abroad

This blog post is originally from 5 Amazing Reasons to Study Abroad and written by silvercloudtravels

Don’t underestimate the importance of writing your statement of purpose, or SOP, as you prepare to study abroad in the UK! Your SOP tells the academic institution to which you are applying who you are and what distinguishes you from other students.

Is it your first time writing an SOP, or has it been a while? Don’t be concerned! We’ve got your back. Continue reading to find out how to write your SOP.

ALSO READ: 6 Guidelines for Writing your MBA Statement of Purpose

Things to Include in Your Statement of Purpose

Your statement of purpose should use your unique experiences to introduce yourself and explain why you’ll be a good fit for the course you’re applying to. Answering questions like the ones below can help you build the structure for your SOP:

• Who are you?
• Why are you a good candidate for this course?
• Why are you applying for this specific course?
• Where do you want your education to take you?
• How will your past experiences and education help you succeed?
• Why are you choosing this institution, specifically?

Use this opportunity to be creative and elaborate on your experiences! Try to avoid overly generalized or cliché statements.

Do not, under any circumstances, duplicate someone else’s SOP. If the admissions team suspects you’ve copied, your UK student visa may be rejected.

Tips to Consider

Now that you know what to include in your statement of purpose, here are some important tips to make before you start writing:

• Avoid copying other people’s work or experiences.
• Plagiarism is not worth it. Furthermore, your own experiences are unique!
• Mention your intention to return home.
• Follow visa rules and regulations, and don’t mention any plans to stay in the UK after completing your course.
• Allow enough time to write and edit your SOP.
• Don’t wait until the last minute! Revising your SOP can help ensure that it has correct spelling and grammar and that it is easy to read and understand.

An introduction to an SOP can look something like this:

“My name is ___, and I’m applying to the Mechanical Engineering course at ___ University. I know I’ll be a great candidate for this course because of ___ and ___. I want to study in the United Kingdom, and specifically at ___ University, because of ___ and ___. After graduating with my degree, I plan to use my experiences to ___ and advance my career back home.”

This is merely an example, not a template. Your SOP should be unique, far more detailed, and tailored to your specific experiences.

ALSO READ: 9 Common Mistakes People Make While Writing SOP

Writing a Statement of Purpose

Here are the tips to follow in writing a unique statement of purpose that stands out

1. Begin with an Outline

Begin by asking yourself the following questions:

• “Why do I want to study in the UK?”
• “Why do I want to study in my course and institution of choice?”
• “What experiences or prerequisites do I have that will help me in this course?”
• “What will I have gained, once I return home after studying in the UK?”

Once you’ve answered all of these questions, try to focus your responses on academic or personal reasons. Include your most valuable educational, employment, and personal experiences, whether they were in the distant past or more recently.

2. Write a Draft

It’s drafting time! After creating an outline, begin writing an essay that includes:

An introductory paragraph. This informs the institution about who you are and your specific background.
Body paragraphs. Each body paragraph should elaborate on one central point. List your experiences in chronological order.
Conclusion. This is a concise summary of all of the information presented in your SOP. It’s also a great place to thank the person who reads your application!
Keep the majority of your word count in your body paragraphs. Introductions and conclusions are oftentimes meant to be short and to the point. Also, confirm your institution’s preferred SOP word count.

3. Include Supporting Documentation

Do you want your SOP to stand out? Return to the experiences you’ve listed, and include supporting documentation for each one. This demonstrates to the academic institution that you have proof of your claims and an accurate educational history.

Not sure where to begin? If you’ve written about your accomplishments, including any awards or certificates. Include your resume with your most recent employment history for more information about your career. Including financial support and documentation, as well as medical documents to explain any study gaps, is always a good idea.

4. Time to Edit

You finally finish your conclusion and sigh happily. You’re done!

But, before you start playing video games or planning a night out with your friends, think about it for a second. You are not done yet. Editing is, after all, an important step. Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind:

Check that everything in your essay is correct, listed chronologically, and includes all necessary supporting documentation.
Read it aloud to make sure it sounds good and makes sense. It is extremely useful!
Request honest feedback from a friend or family member.

Editing your work is essential for an impressive SOP! Overlooked errors can be misinterpreted or make you appear sloppy. Spend enough time editing your SOP to ensure you’re covered!

Our step-by-step guide can make writing your SOP a little less intimidating. If you follow our advice, you’ll be well on your way to writing a fantastic SOP. Good luck!

Ready to start your study abroad journey? and need help with SOP, Reach out to us today, we are here to help!

ALSO READ: 5 Different Countries Student Visa Processing 

This blog post is originally from How to Write a Statement of Purpose for UK Student Visa and written by silvercloudtravels

It is a fantastic opportunity to study in the United Kingdom. Every year, hundreds of thousands of international students study in the United Kingdom, giving the country a consistently high ranking in terms of popularity.  You can meet new people, learn about different cultures, and take advantage of incredible opportunities that you might not have had at home. When it comes to studying in international colleges, UK colleges always come to mind first. The United Kingdom is home to some of the most well-known colleges in the world.

They provide their students with a high-quality education as well as global exposure. Students will have numerous opportunities available to them. Hundreds of world-class universities can be found in the United Kingdom. Degrees from UK colleges are also highly valued around the world. Students no longer have to struggle to find employment all over the world.

The UK comprises four countries, England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland project such beautiful diversity. Its cities act as a beacon of opportunity and growth. At the same time, its countryside gives the much-needed peace and serenity. Great Britain is truly great! Continue reading to learn more about studying in the United Kingdom as an international student. 

ALSO READ: 6 Triple-accredited business schools in the UK for international students

Why Study in the United Kingdom?

Here are some compelling reasons why you should study in the United Kingdom:

1.    Top Universities in World

It is home to some of the oldest, and best universities in the world. Many are renowned for their leading academics, as well as expertise when it comes to research. Students are recognized for their leading knowledge and the high quality of their qualifications, which sets them apart. This is due to the focus in the UK on small-group teaching, investment, and attracting leading academics to work in UK universities.

The universities of Cambridge, Imperial College London, Oxford, and University College London are among the world’s top ten. Many others in the UK are among the top 100 in the world. International students have access to over 50,000 courses in over 25 subject areas at UK universities, as well as postgraduate and undergraduate degrees.

2.    Student Life in the Uk

The UK has an excellent reputation for student life and high-quality education. The student life offered in the UK is also diverse. Cities such as London and Manchester offer great nightlife, music, and cultural pursuits. Outstanding areas of natural beauty, including the Scottish Highlands and Derbyshire’s Peak District, are home to stunning scenery to hike and walk. With such an amazing offering for international students, it’s not hard to see why the UK is such a popular destination.

3.    Culture ( Multicultural Country)

If you choose to study in the UK, you will not be bored; there is always something to do, regardless of your interests. The United Kingdom is a one-of-a-kind country, home to many families with roots from all over the world. As a result, the United Kingdom is home to a diverse range of cultures, foods, and interests. You will not only learn about British culture but also about people from other countries and cultures.

Whatever part of the UK you move to, there will be a variety of restaurants, nightlife, shops, and sporting activities to keep you entertained. The British enjoy going to art galleries, bars, concerts, and open-air markets, so you’ll never be bored outside of class.

4.    Job Opportunities

In general, an international student can work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and ten hours when school is not in session. This enables students to work part-time or intern, learn new skills, and earn money while studying.

Your university may even assist you in obtaining an internship as part of your course, which will definitely give you a competitive advantage when you graduate.

The UK Government has also announced a new post-study visa, which will allow international students who graduate in the summer of 2021 to stay and work in the UK for an additional two years.

5.    Monetary Benefits

When choosing the UK as a study destination, international students can benefit financially. To begin with, a degree in the United Kingdom is completed in less time than in other countries. In the United Kingdom, an undergraduate degree takes three years to complete, and a postgraduate qualification takes an additional year (unless you are a medical or research student).

International students who study in the United Kingdom can apply for scholarships, grants, and bursaries. Furthermore, living costs in the UK are reasonable, particularly outside of major cities such as London. Research the area before applying to universities to better understand the prices, but in general, entertainment, food, and rent are less expensive than in the United States.

How to Apply for UK Student Visa

If you intend to take a short course and are over the age of 18, you should apply for a short-term student visa. You will be able to stay in the UK for 6 months and can extend it for an additional 11 months if you use it.

If you want to stay for a longer period of time, If you are under the age of 18, you can apply for a Tier 4 (Child) student visa; if you are over the age of 18, you can apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa.

Student Visa Requirements:

• Valid Passport
• Recent photo
• A statement from your course’s provider
• If you are studying a sensitive subject, you will need to show proof of adequate English language skills as well as an ATAS (Academic Technical Approval Scheme) certificate.
• Proof of your financial stability

How to Choose a College to Study in the United Kingdom?

It is entirely up to you where you want to live in the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is a large country with a diverse landscape. In the United Kingdom, there are over 350 colleges. So you have a lot of options. All of the colleges are well-known for their specific subjects as well as the quality of their education. Colleges such as Oxford and Cambridge are ranked fourth and seventh in the world, respectively. Some colleges, such as Bristol University for Engineering and Technology or Oxford and St. Andrews for Business and Management, are particularly well-known for their subjects and courses.

Studying in the UK can also be costly. Top colleges almost always charge $30,000-$32,000 per year, which is exorbitant. Furthermore, living expenses in cities such as London, Manchester, and Brighton can be prohibitively expensive. Most colleges provide on-campus housing for international students, but you are free to live elsewhere in the city if you prefer. The cost of renting will be determined by the area in which you choose to live.

As a result, selecting a college and a living area based on your budget is critical. There are good colleges, such as Suffolk, Cumbria, and Coventry University, that provide a high-quality education while charging low tuition. You can expect to pay between $9,000 and $15,000 per year.

ALSO READ:6 Reasons Why Studying in Ireland the Best Option

Top Universities in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s best universities. They all have beautiful campuses, playgrounds, laboratories, parking, and other amenities. Colleges in the United Kingdom provide much more than just education. They create a lovely environment for their students. Here are the top five colleges you can study in the United Kingdom:

1.    Oxford University

We’ve all heard of Oxford University at some point in our lives. It is the world’s oldest English-speaking college. It is also ranked fourth among the top ten universities in the world. Oxford University accepts students from over 150 different countries. International students make up 21% of the student body. It is best known for its research and inventions.

Engineering, Humanities, MBA, BBA, MBBS, and other courses are available to students at Oxford University. International students from outside the EU typically pay between $32,000 and $40,000 per year, depending on the course.

2.    The University of Cambridge

Like Oxford, the University of Cambridge is a research university. It is the world’s fourth-oldest college and the second oldest in English. This university currently has over 20,000 students, with over 9,000 of them being international students. Every year, students from more than 150 different countries apply.

It provides computer courses, MBA, BE, Btech, BBA, MIM, Engineering, and other programs at the master’s and bachelor’s levels. International students pay between $30,000 and $45,000 per year.

3.    University College London

University College London is ranked eighth among the world’s top colleges. It is one of the best universities to study in the United Kingdom. It is the third-largest university in terms of total student enrollment. It first opened its doors in 1826. More than 43,000 students study here, with international students accounting for 25% of the total. For students, there are over 800 professors and over 7,000 academic staff members available.

It provides students with both master’s and bachelor’s degree programs. Science, Business, Computer, MPharm, MBA, MIM, MEM, and many other courses are available. International students typically pay between $15,000 and $40,000 per year. These will be the best option if you intend to study in the United Kingdom.

4.    Imperial College London

The Imperial College London was founded in 1907. It is ranked ninth among the world’s top colleges. It is one of the world’s most prestigious public research universities. It is the only university in the United Kingdom that focuses solely on Business, Engineering, Medicine, and Science. Half of the students are international. Its main campus was primarily intended for research purposes.

Its students can pursue both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. It provides MSc, computer, medicine, engineering, MBA, MIM, MS, and other courses. International students typically pay between $14,000 and $40,000 per year.

5.    University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is an open university that accepts students from over 150 countries. It first appeared in 1582. It is the sixth oldest university in Scotland. It is also ranked 20th among the world’s top colleges. The university is divided into three colleges and provides students with a wide range of subjects.

It provides courses in computer science, business, engineering, and science at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Depending on the course, international students pay between $12,000 and $35,000 per year. You can decide to study in the United Kingdom by choosing the University of Edinburgh.

How to Apply for study in the United Kingdom University

International students can pursue master’s, postgraduate, and undergraduate degrees at UK universities. Before you apply, keep the following points in mind:

Choose at least five colleges and courses that interest you.

If English is not your first language, you may be required to take language tests such as PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, and C1 Advanced.

The application procedures for postgraduate and undergraduate courses are distinct.

Undergraduate:

On the UCAS website, you must provide all required information and complete an application form.

• Create an account on the UCAS website
• Fill in your personal information
• Select your subjects and universities
• Include your educational credentials
• Fill in your and your family’s financial information

ALSO READ: 7 Mental Health Tips for International Students

Popular Cities in the United Kingdom

1.    London 

London is a popular destination for international students in the UK. As a leading global city, it offers a range of work experience and internship opportunities. It has more international students than any other city in the world, which makes it diverse and welcoming. Outside of class, there is a wealth of things to see and do. This includes eight royal parks and renowned museums including the British Museum and the Natural History Museum. London is also home to more libraries than any other city in the UK, giving students plenty of places to study outside of campus.

2.    Glasgow

Glasgow is the biggest and busiest city in Scotland. It is known for being a welcoming and diverse destination for international students. Students can explore its vibrant music and clubbing scene, as well as Turner-winning visual exhibitions. There is also impressive architecture like the Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis. The city is within easy commuting distance to Edinburgh and the stunning Scottish Highlands, allowing the stunning countryside to be right on your doorstep.

3.    Cardiff

As the Welsh capital, Cardiff is a bustling city with a rich and impressive heritage. Students are part of a large international community that makes student life welcoming and diverse. Cardiff also offers a vibrant combination of history and culture. Boasting more castles than any other UK city, there is plenty to learn about and explore. It is also home to regional headquarters for the BBC and the Bank of Wales, as well as British Airways Engineering.

4.    Belfast

Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland and is a thriving commercial hub. Located on the banks of the River Lagan, on the country’s east coast, it is surrounded by stunning countryside. Students can get involved with outdoor activities, such as canoeing and kayaking, as well as trails and hiking. The coast is also only a short journey away and is a popular destination for international students. It is home to Stormont, the building of the Northern Ireland Assembly, and students can observe political change as it happens. 

5.    Manchester

A modern and expanding city, Manchester is a bustling metropolis. Famous for its sports teams, era-defining music, and vibrant nightlife, it is home to one of the largest student populations in Europe. Students here are part of a rich heritage of world-leading innovation and research. This includes engineering, computing, medicine, and politics. It is also home to offices of leading banks, multinational companies, and retail including The Hut Group, Coutts, Natwest, and Rolls Royce. Your study in the United Kingdom at this destination will be so interesting with a lot of fun.

At SIlvercloudtravels, we offer Amazing and affordable travel services. You don’t need to break the bank for us to help you achieve that goal. Just contact us by visiting our website,www.silvercloudtravelsng.com today. We’ll take it from there.

ALSO READ: Study in Canada: 11 Tips for International Students

This blog post is originally from Top 5 Reasons to Study in the United Kingdom as an International Students and written by silvercloudtravels