9 answers
8
Asked 1065 views

Is it wise to apply for a local university as well as Universities abroad?

Living in BC, thinking of applying to some Ontario Universities, But was curious about whether I should apply for local Universities such as UBC. #university #study-abroad

university study-abroad
Answer This

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you
8

9 answers

1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

David’s Answer

It depends on your personal and financial profile and many factors to consider before you make this decision.

Depending on which university you select there could be a significant difference between the in state and out of state tuition and housing costs.

If you go to a school that is out of your state are you attending with a friend? Some do not thrive in an isolated or unfamiliar environment.

I would visit the campuses of the schools you are considering, my daughter plays basketball and on her recruiting trips you just get a vibe about a school by being there and observing the students and surroundings.

Pick the most important attributes of each school and go with the one with the best fit.
1
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Regina’s Answer

Hello Jack, a fellow British Columbian!

First - Keep Options Open
Depending on your field of study and your GPA, it can be competitive to get accepted into your program of choice. Keep your options open and apply to both - BC and Ontario - universities and community colleges. If there are universities abroad that align with the field of study you are interested in, apply to it. This way, you broaden your choices and "cast your net" wider.

Second - Review Your Finances
Who and how will you fund your post secondary education? Will you apply to bursaries, grants, scholarships, student loans? Do you have finances/budget to pay for lodging/rent, food, transportation, textbooks, etc.? Will you be studying full time only or studying and getting a job in the process to pay for tuition?

If you are studying in Ontario or abroad, do you need a student visa? How much will that cost? Do you have funds for moving expenses, plane ticket, as well as the other expenses mentioned above?

Third - Research Cost of Living and Tuition
Research the cost of living and tuition fees between BC and ON or abroad. Which is more economical and cost effective for you in your present circumstances?

Refer to:
https://www.univcan.ca/universities/facts-and-stats/tuition-fees-by-university/
https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/can/index.aspx?lang=eng
https://cbie.ca/what-we-do/

Basically, the closer you are to home, you can potentially save more.

Fourth -- Beyond Post Graduation
Start reflecting on what job opportunities can you do with and in your field of studies. What job opportunities do you see yourself going into after you graduate? What job opportunities are currently out there in your chosen field? Do you see yourself being in this field of study in the next 5, 10, 15, 20 years?

For me, due to finance and family situations at the time, it was more economical and beneficial for me to apply close to home.
I applied to UBC, University of Victoria (UVic), SFU, and Langara. I got accepted to 3. I decided to go to SFU and did 7 years of undergrad work (since I was also working full time) to complete my Bachelor's degree in Arts (English and Archaeology) along with a Certificate in Liberal Arts.

If I was to do a do-over, I would have done more research and reflection on Point #4. When I graduated, it was difficult for me to manage the employment world because I didn't really know what I wanted to do with my degree. It took me several more years and going back to school to get certified in Payroll which is where I currently am for the past 13 years.

I hope this helps.

Wishing you all the best in this next chapter of your life!

Regina
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Georgi’s Answer

If you can afford studying abroad I will not even think about local universities. Perhaps just as a backup plan if something goes wrong.

Having studied abroad I know for a fact that this was the best decision that really changed me as a person in many ways. Being close to your family and friends is nice but in my opinion it is exactly the late teens an early twenties when we need to learn to be independent. I have never heard of anyone regretting their studies abroad even if it did end up costing them more money.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Sandra’s Answer

You've got lots of good answers on this thread so I won't repeat them, but I do have another option for you.

Depending on your financial capabilities and your comfort level with being away from home, either in country or in a different country, you might want to consider doing your first year at a local university, then taking advantage of the "study abroad" options many universities have.

The first year of uni can be stressful and difficult to adjust to, and being close to home can give you some stability (and one less thing to worry about!). Once you have your major determined, you can apply to do a semester or semesters abroad, continuing your studies. Our local university, UFV, had many partner relationships with unis around the world. The cost of tuition was the same as at home, but you had to manage your living expenses etc. in the new city.

If you can manage to spend at least part of your education abroad, it is a great experience. It exposes to so many other difference of opinions, ways of living, culture, and you'll make lifelong friends. It also helps you mature and broadens your outlook.

Good Luck with your decision!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Tomiwa’s Answer

Going to a local school will definitely help you save money, also having your family and friends close is a great support group, as the first year of University tends to be very challenging for most people. I live in Edmonton and I decided to attend the University of Alberta which is in my city, and I'm very happy I made this choice. I applied at UBC and University of Calgary as well, but the way first year went for me it was a very good thing I decided to stay in my hometown. I do though eventually want to leave Edmonton, so I am considering transferring to a different University for third year, or I will just attend a different University for my Master's degree. I believe there are pro's and con's for either staying, or leaving home, at the end of the you should make your decision based on what's best for you.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Madhana’s Answer

Depends on where you would like to see yourself in the future, where you want to be in the Long term.

I can give you some examples -

My daughters are born in USA. We tried relocating to India. Her undergraduate education cost would have been a fraction of a US Degree. But she prefers to be at home and build her life in the USA, so she is studying in USA.

Some kids travel from India to Philippines or Russia for medical degrees, because of the competition.

In USA, it is cheaper to go to an in-state college. But some children go to other state universities or Private universities for the course offering, or the college ratings.

So, there are many factors to consider before you make this call.

Write down your important factors such as Family, Finance, safety, Courses you are looking for, Flexibility to change courses, Job offers, Campus offers in the universities you are considering. And pick the most important ones, and then make a list of universities or colleges that fit your need.

Start with making an elaborate list.

All the very best.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Riley’s Answer

When I went to college, I decided to stay in the same state as my home (Florida, USA). This was mostly because it seemed the farther away from home that I was the more expensive as well as the more difficult to travel back and forth. However, if this is okay with you then you should apply as far away from home as you would like, I think it is really great to use college as a time to go out on your own and find out what you like! On the other hand, it would always be a safe bet to apply to a couple schools near to home that are maybe easier to get into, just to have as a safety net in case the farther away schools don't work out.
Thank you comment icon Thank You for your comment Jack
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Samantha’s Answer

I always have advocated for looking at local and distant schools. Often, local schools are more affordable and can save you money in the long run. I went to a 4 year college in another area, and spent years paying it off. I have no regrets, but if I could go back, I might have done two years at a community college and then transferred to another school for that experience.

That being said, if you do decide to transfer, make sure the local college is an accredited university that has credits that will transfer over easily.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Angelique’s Answer

Dear Jack,

It is excellent that you are thinking about applying to college. I recommend that you apply to at least three universities (both local and abroad) that you feel would be a fit for you. This will increase your options and allow you the flexibility to prioritize your choices.

However, take time to consider the following:
• Why are you interested in universities abroad vs. local universities (pros/cons)?
• If you are seeking on-campus experience, please factor that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed how education will look like in the future for some universities
• Are you open to online /remote education? If yes, check out www.coursera.org – provides online degrees from elites universities around the world.

Next Steps:
• List all the universities (local/non-local) that meet your criteria (location, cost, culture, etc.)
• Reach out to them to determine if the pandemic is changing the way they will operate in the future
• Narrow down your choices (through the process of elimination)

I hope this information was helpful. Good luck!


Angie

Angelique recommends the following next steps:

Review www.coursera.org – they provide online degrees from elites universities around the world.
0