We’re certain, you’ve heard the terms ‘international student’, ‘study abroad student’, and ‘exchange student’ thrown around during university or study days! A lot of people do end up using these terms interchangeably when they are vastly different from one another. It’s important for you to know the key difference between these terms and that’s exactly what we’ll be focusing on in this blog. Each term refers to a different type of student experience, and understanding the differences between them can be important for students who are considering studying abroad.
International Students
An international student is someone who comes from a different country to study in another country. This is a broad category that includes students who are studying at a foreign institution for a degree program or for a shorter period of time, such as a semester or year. International students are typically responsible for their own admission process, including meeting the institution’s admission requirements and obtaining the necessary visas and permits to study in the country.
The experience of international students can vary depending on the institution and country they are studying in. Many institutions offer support services to international students, such as language classes, cultural events, and counseling services. International students come from a variety of countries and bring diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to their host institution.
Study Abroad Student
A study abroad student, on the other hand, is a student who is enrolled in a degree program in their home country but chooses to study abroad for a short period of time. This could be for a summer program, a semester, or a year. Study-abroad students typically receive credit towards their degree program for the courses they take while abroad.
Study abroad programs are often run by universities or third-party providers and offer a range of options for students, including internships, language immersion programs, and cultural activities. Study abroad students may also receive support services from their home institution, such as pre-departure orientation and academic advising.
Exchange Student
An exchange student is a student who participates in an exchange program between their home institution and a partner institution in another country. Exchange programs are typically reciprocal, meaning that students from both institutions have the opportunity to study at each other’s schools. Exchange students typically pay tuition and fees to their home institution, but may be responsible for other expenses, such as housing and travel.
Exchange programs offer a unique opportunity for students to fully immerse themselves in the culture and academic environment of another country. Exchange students often receive support services from both their home institution and the host institution, and may have the opportunity to participate in cultural activities and language classes.
To summarize, international students, study abroad students, and exchange students are all different types of students who have the opportunity to study abroad. International students are enrolled in a foreign institution, study abroad students are enrolled in a degree program in their home country but choose to study abroad for a short period of time, and exchange students participate in an exchange program between their home institution and a partner institution in another country. Each type of student experience offers its own unique benefits and challenges, and understanding the differences between them can help students make informed decisions about their study abroad options.
If you’re looking to apply to international universities or exploring overseas higher education options, The Headmaster Consulting can help you narrow your selection and provide you with insights about universities. For more information about universities, you can check out our University Insights. If you’re unsure of your profile, book a free consulting session with one of our consultants to help you build a standout profile.
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