While the opportunities for studying abroad are diverse and exciting, it is a multi-faceted undertaking that students need to research and prepare for well in advance. Students must first select a short list of schools to apply to and thoroughly investigate the admission and application requirements for each, the cost of tuition, fees, room and board, travel and other expenses required to attend each school and your family’s ability to meet these costs.
Most colleges and universities now offer comprehensive websites including information geared to foreign students. This is a great place to begin your search. In addition to information on the degrees and courses offered you’ll also find information on a school’s admission requirements and the cost of the education they offer. They typically also provide information on their facilities, their faculty, their student body and the school’s social life. You’ll find useful “country” sites that provide detailed information for foreign students planning to study abroad. Three of the best are: www.studycanada.ca, www.educationuk.org & http://educationusa.state.gov .
It is important to note that any time you choose to study in a country in which you are not a citizen there will be immigration requirements you will be obligated to satisfy. In most instances to enter a country to study you will be required to show proof of your acceptance at the university or college you plan to attend, you will have to produce all required immigration documentation and you will have to provide proof of your ability to pay the required school fees. If you are planning on attending school in the United States, the U.S. Consulate recommends that you thoroughly review the information on their website hamilton.usconsulate.gov (this website address DOES NOT have a ‘www’ prefix). To quickly access the student information on the site click on Visas to the U.S, then Non Immigrant Visas, then Common Visa Classes then Student Visas. Though Visas are not required for Bermuda students studying in the U.S., there are other requirements you do need to satisfy. Similarly, if you will be attending school in Canada the Canadian Consulate office recommends that you visit their website www.newyork.gc.ca. Once on the site, click on Visa and Immigration, then Studying in Canada, then Study Permit. If you plan to attend school in England, Wales, Ireland or Scotland you will find useful information on the site www.britishcouncil.org and can also contact the Executive Officers in the Office of the Deputy Governor here in Bermuda for further details. Students from British Overseas Territories can now be treated as home students for fee purposes in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland as long as they satisfy the eligibility requirements.
Cost and Financial Aid
The cost of a college education at an overseas college or university varies dramatically depending on the country and school you plan to attend and your course of study. To fully assess the cost of studying overseas you will need to include the cost of tuition and fees plus the cost of room and board, miscellaneous living expenses and travel to and from school. In Canada, the cost of tuition plus lodging in a dormitory residence is approximately CA$15,000 to $19,500 per year according to the website www.studycanada.ca. This does not include food, expenses or travel. For the U.S. the site http://educationusa.state.gov does attempt to pull all the figures together to give you the total picture. In 2007 they put the cost of one year of study at an American university for an overseas student at US$27,791 for a public school and $35,374 for a private school inclusive of tuition and fees, lodging, personal expenses, transportation and other expenses. In the U.K. students with home fee status pay fees of £1,100 per year for a degree course while foreign students pay considerably more – anywhere from £6,250 to £18,000 per year. Clearly Bermudian students wishing to study in the U.K. can save a tremendous amount of money on fees if they have the proper paperwork in place. Living expenses for foreign students are the same whether you have home fee status or not. For a 9-month school year expect to pay £750 per month in London and £650 per month elsewhere for accommodation, food, clothing, books, entertainment and travel.
Fortunately there is a great deal of financial assistance available to students. The Bermuda Careers Centre’s website www.bdacareer.bm provides a comprehensive list of the scholarships, bursaries, awards and loans that are available in Bermuda. In addition the site lists a great deal of helpful information on financial aid including tips for applying. Students will also want to investigate what financial aid options are offered by the school they plan to attend.
