How to start thinking about study overseas?

 Starting a course involves thinking about all kind of big ‘life-questions’ like: What would you like to do with your life? Where lay your talents? And in this globalised world: where would you like to live? Study planning is all about career planning and even ‘life’ planning. Before you start you should think about four questions:

1. What do I like to do?

What would you like to learn in the next few years? Would you like to devote your time to arts or economics, to learning a profession or would you prefer to focus more on scientific knowledge?

2. What are my talents and job/career ambitions?

More creative than average? Maybe you are after an inspiring career as an artist or creative designer. If a corporate career is what you are hoping for, you may be better off with business, finance or commerce. Think about your talents and ambitions: what are you good at, what role does work play in your life and where do you picture yourself in five years time?

3. Does that picture include migration and life overseas?

Australia offers opportunities for foreign students to become permanent residents (PR). If this is an important consideration, then you should know that some studies offer a better chance of becoming an Australian citizen than others. It all depends on demand for labour in Australia which changes regularly. At this moment, for example, engineering and hairdressing are much in demand, so those courses deliver high points for your PR based on `TheGeneral Skilled Migration programme` (look at occupations listed on Australia's Skilled Occupation List (SOL): http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1121i.pdf. Applicants must be over 18 and under 45 years of age, with good English language ability, and recent skilled work experience or a recently completed eligible Australian qualification.

What are my capabilities and level of education?