🌍 Studying Abroad: What You Need to Consider Before Taking the Leap

More Than Just a Degree – A Life- Changing Experience

Studying overseas isn’t just about academics – it’s about stepping out of your comfort zone and preparing for a global future. This will be one of those experiences you will never forget and that will somehow shape your personality and character – for better or for worse. But before making the big move, careful planning and research are key. Here are some important perspectives to keep in mind:

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS

Every country has its own rules for international students. Be sure to check:

• Visa and Student Permit: What are the requirements? How long does it take to process? Documents required for student visa application are pretty much standard at the exception of some vaccinations and bank statement balance. For all of the countries we operate in, we advise students and parents to take at least 8 weeks to process everything however this is just given as a reference and should not be considered as a standard timeline.
• Work Rights: Can you work part-time while studying? Among the study destinations we offer, Mauritius is the only country allowing students to work while on their study permit (and even here the working hours are limited to 20 hours per week). All the other destinations, Singapore; Thailand; Malaysia; etc. do not allow for any type of work (whether remunerated or not)
• Health Insurance: It is mandatory? What coverage will you need? All of our university partners offer a standard and basic health insurance for international students – however, you still have the choice to extend your insurance policy as you see fit.
• Student Housing Registration: All of our study destinations require international students to register their accommodation upon arrival as it is one of the documents you will be required to share upon presenting yourself at the customs. Even the basic “Application to university” agency service offered by Engage include search and securing of accommodation.
• Visa Requirements Upon Entry: Be sure to inquire whether you need to apply for a specific visa before traveling and even entering the country. In the case of Thailand, a visa needs to be demanded before confirming your booking. On the other hand, for the case of Singapore and Malaysia, Malagasy students are only required to register their flight and arrival details within 72 hours of their arrival and visa will be sent digitally.
• Vaccination Constraints: As we are from the African continent, many countries require us to do specific vaccinations before flying. Required vaccines may include but are not limited to Yellow Fever, Flu Shot or Hepatitis.

💡 Tip: Start the application process early! Some documents may take months to process and we never advise students to submit their visa and university application unless all required documents are already available.

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS

Your budget should cover more than just tuition fees. Consider:

• Accommodation and Rent – Will you live in a dorm, shared apartment, or private housing? The type of housing along with the array of amenities (e.g. swimming pool, private security, laundry, etc.) that come with it and the location in which your building is found will impact your budget.
• Daily Expenses – Food, transportation, phone bills, and entertainment (pocket money). You will need to account for all possible expenses as most of the destinations will not allow to engage in any form of paid activities or jobs.
• Tuition Fees and Scholarship – Not all universities offer financial aid however, if scholarships are offered, they are often given based on merit and will only be attributed to a student as they are following their studies at the university already. Basically, before you leave Madagascar, you will need to be prepared to pay the full tuition first. Some universities such as PSB Academy Singapore offer grants – which are amount of money deducted from your original tuition fees.
• Currency Exchange Rate – The value of our home currency vs. the country you’ll study in needs to be carefully considered – especially for a volatile currency like ours.

💡 Compare destinations: Dubai, Switzerland and Singapore, for example, are known for high living costs, while Thailand and Mauritius offer more affordable options.

💡 Be smart in your choices: In some of the countries we propose, like Singapore, there are students’ housing which come with breakfast and dinner expenses – which may look expensive at first glance but upon careful budgeting will come out at the better deal.

Security & Well-Being

Your safety and well-being should be a priority. When choosing your study destination, consider:

• Crime Rate & Student Safety – Research the security situation in your chosen city.
• Access to Medical Services – Is healthcare affordable and easily available?
• Cultural Adaptation – Will language or cultural differences be a challenge?

💡 Tip: Join student groups and support networks to help with your transition.

Career and Post-Graduation Opportunities

Think beyond your studies! Your objective as you opt to study abroad should not only to gain international academic experience, but personal and professional as well. Choose a country where the probability of you staying to work (even briefly) is high. Ask yourself:

• Does my chosen university have strong industry connections? The universities with which we are working have already established networks with existing and strong players in different industries. Career fairs are also held at least yearly – acting as a platform to bridge potential employers with potential employees.
• Can I stay in the country after graduation to work? Since you are in the country on a student visa, the validity of your student visa is linked to the duration of your studies. Once your studies are done, you are given a grace period (which vary from weeks to months) to settle things and live the country. If you have already found a job, your employer will then assist you in applying for your employment visa.
• Will my degree be globally recognized? Most of the universities with which we are working (if not the majority) offer programs from universities in UK, Australia, US, New Zealand or even France. The universities offering the programs can be easily traced through international rankings such as QS rating – confirming the fact that the programs offered are recognized globally.

💡 For example: Singapore and Switzerland have strong job markets for business, hospitality, and finance graduates, while Dubai offers fast-track programs with industry-focused training.

The Right Fit For You

Now that we have taken into consideration all the major factors that will affect directly and indirectly your choice of study destination, you need to understand that choosing where to study is a personal decision—what works for one student may not work for another. Consider:

• Language of instruction – Will you be comfortable studying in English or another language?
• Climate & Lifestyle – Do you prefer a busy city or a more relaxed environment?
• Extracurricular Activities – Are there student clubs, internships, or networking events?

Deciding to study abroad is a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone! Engage is here to help you navigate the process – from choosing the right field, to opting for the right university, to handling paperwork and preparing for life abroad.

💡 Need expert guidance? Book a consultation today and start your international journey with confidence!

#StudyAbroad #YourFutureStartsHere #PlanYourSuccess #EducationMatters #EngageAgencyMadagascar🎓🌏