What to discuss with parents

It’s important to understand if an overseas education is suited for you, and the support from parents is also of utmost importance. Going overseas to study is a significant move, so please make sure you make an informed choice. Remember, a tertiary education is an investment. 

Things to consider discussing:

1.    Cost

 The total expenses of studying in the US (including tuition, dormitories cost, food, travel, books and supplies) will be around $100 000 USD per year, that’s around $150 000 AUD. It is a very significant expense, and it is important to be realistic about whether this is feasible for you and your family.  

For the UK, this will be slightly cheaper, in addition to the degree only being 3 years. However, it is still a great amount of financial dedication compared to studying in Australia as a domestic student.

2.    Life after university

 Do you want to stay overseas or come back to Australia after graduating? If you’re not a US/UK citizen but intend to study in the US/UK, you will need to consider visa options and increased challenges of finding a job after graduation.

It should be noted that an overseas degree may not be as advantageous as imagined if you would like to return to Australia. If finding a job after graduation is a large priority of yours, consider if an overseas education is truly necessary.  

However, graduating overseas will still grant you a lot of options if you want to work in other countries! Many people are also simply very passionate about the experience of studying overseas in general, rather than solely focusing on employment options. 

3.    Family style

Does your family have a tradition of children “moving out” or does your family emphasise on meeting each other and staying very close?

There are two holidays in the US. From the end of December to the end of January, and from May to August. These are also the time periods where you can come back to Australia to visit family.