10 Factors To Consider When Choosing A Course To Study
10 Factors To Consider When Choosing A Course To Study. Many colleges and universities in South Africa offer different courses to learners. Choosing what course to study is a big decision that one can make in life simply because the course that you choose to study will determine your future. Check out the top 10 tips on choosing your course for the lowdown on getting where you want to be.
1. Why That Particular Course
Are you looking to diversify your knowledge or change career path completely? Studying is an ideal option if you are looking to change career, providing the chance of selecting from a wide array of subjects, which in turn can provide opportunities in a variety of jobs. If this is your reason for studying it is important that you consider what career you wish to pursue.
2. What Your Interests Are
It’s really important to think about what you are interested in, and what course you want to study. Is it because you can see your exciting, glittering career ahead? Or is it because it’s what your parents want? By questioning yourself now, you can work out the exact path you want your course to take you on.
3. Where You Would Like To Study
It’s a good idea to ask yourself: where in the world would you love to live for a few years? This is an opportunity to learn a new language or adopt a new culture, make amazing friends, and experience a very different way of life. And if you’re happy in your life, you’ll be happy in your study.
4. Be Realistic
Can you afford the flights, tuition and cost of living? Do you need to have certain qualifications first – English language proficiency? Don’t get discouraged, a pathway program may be all you need to cross those hurdles. And if this really is your passion, then prove it in your scholarship application and you may get some financial help.
5. Do Your Homework
You need to narrow down all your options to about five real, practical choices. That takes a lot of research. Read student blogs to see what it’s really like. Glossy prospectuses don’t always tell you the full story, so talk to people you know who have studied in that country or city about what it’s really like.
6. What’s Important To You
While you are researching, you’ll come up with all kinds of different criteria to judge a university or course by. So make a shortlist of the top three features you’re looking for. These could be school ranking or prestige, research facilities, practical experience and internships, cost of tuition, student support services, safety, social life, chance to travel. There are so many variables, and what’s right for you may be completely wrong for someone else.
7. How You Would Like To Study
Some people prefer final exams, others like regular assignments to keep them busy throughout the year. Some like theory, others like practical hands-on application. Some like to work in groups, others like to work individually. Some like to present their assignment verbally, others prefer to create written reports. Choose a course that suits your study style, and you will be more confident in your success.
8. Look At Your Career Prospects
Studying overseas can be expensive, so think of it as an investment in your future. And that means your career and your salary. Find out where other international students at that university have worked after graduation, and if there’s an active alumni network, or the opportunity to meet industry leaders during your course.
9. Focus On The Detail
Every subject has so many different options, so it’s good to know the most specific interest you have. Engineering students could study anything from bio-medical engineering to civil engineering. So if you’d rather build bridges than human body parts, understand that before you sign up.
10. Know You Can Always Change Your Mind
You are allowed to change your mind. If you get there and you realize you’ve made a terrible mistake, it’s not too late. Talk to the student counselor on campus, and see if there are better options for you there. Don’t spend the next five years of your life staring at textbooks you have no interest in whatsoever.
