David Stiles Sparks, College Counsellor at Empowerly shares his thoughts on the prep necessary for international degrees
Pursuing an education degree abroad can be a life-changing opportunity, but it requires more than just a passport and ambition. From navigating language barriers and unfamiliar bureaucracies to understanding visa obligations, preparation is essential. Knowing what to expect can make all the difference in your success as an international student.
Here are key considerations when preparing to earn a degree abroad:
Master the language before you land for your international degree
Language study is essential for long-term success when studying abroad, more than grades or entrance exam scores like the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Fluency is more than just understanding texts; it’s about being able to thrive in fast-paced academic contexts that involve specific jargon and technical language.
Whether you’re a non-native English speaker heading to university in North Carolina or an American student about to hear a Welsh or Glaswegian accent for the first time in the UK, you’ll need to train your ear, be ready to ask for clarification, and speak up when you’re lost.
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Before you land at your host destination, be sure to immerse yourself in the language, whether that means watching British TV or working independently with a tutor to discuss academic topics at a high level.
Tackle bureaucracy with patience and a plan
Studying abroad long-term means entering a new legal, administrative, and educational system. You’ll be treated as a foreign resident, which means dealing with paperwork, registrations, and laws and regulations that may feel confusing, inefficient, or completely illogical compared to what you’re used to.
Whether it be opening a bank account, registering with immigration, applying for health insurance, or getting a local SIM card, expect delays, vague instructions, and conflicting answers.
Be proactive, be patient, and have everything ready in three copies. Read all documents twice, and bring several colours of pens, red, blue, and black. (Yes, some forms require a specific ink colour…). Ask questions to the appropriate office and save both digital and paper copies of everything, no matter how minor it seems, including receipts and proofs of payment.
Most importantly, talk to current foreign students who have gone through the process themselves, the International Office, and their program advisors. They often know what works in these processes. And, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider working with a legal advisor or consultant who specialises in student visas or residency processes. Many professionals offer support for international students navigating these systems. Bureaucratic processes can take weeks or even months, and delays can affect your housing, enrollment, or even your legal right to stay in the country.
Don’t let post-graduation policies catch you off guard
One of the most overlooked parts of studying abroad is what happens after you graduate. Many students assume they can stay and work automatically, but your visa status may not actually allow that, or it may only allow it under strict conditions.
For example, in the U.S., international students on F-1 visas may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), but you must apply on time, have your paperwork in order, and follow very specific rules. For most graduates, you will have 12 months of OPT with no extension. For STEM graduates, you can stay for a maximum of 3 years with the STEM OPT Extension. After OPT ends, however, if you want to stay in the US, you generally need a company to: 1) offer you a job, and 2) sponsor a work visa (typically an H-1B). This can be challenging, as there are visa caps and even lottery systems for visas, and employers sometimes view sponsorship of a visa as a financial and legal burden, often incurring thousands of dollars in fees and paperwork.
In the UK, most international students can apply for the Graduate Route, which allows two years (or three for PhDs) of post-study work. In Canada, graduates may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which can last up to three years, depending on the length of their program.
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Additionally, some students may have obligations to return to their home country, especially if they received government scholarships or financial support. Violating these terms could affect your legal status, future visa applications, or even job prospects.
Earning your education degree abroad can open doors, but only if you’re prepared for the unique challenges that come with it. By planning, knowing your rights, and seeking the right support systems, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother, more rewarding international experience.
About the author
Contributed by David Stiles Sparks is a College Counsellor for Empowerly. He has worked with students from Latin America on their applications to the U.S., Canada, and Europe, as well as helping U.S. students explore programs abroad. He has a Bachelor’s in Anthropology from Vassar College, a Master’s in Latin American Studies from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and will be starting his PhD in Cultural Anthropology this fall at Duke University.
