Engineering and technological industries are on the rise and continues to be future trends. How to pick out a destination for study abroad journey is not an easy decision. Let’s go through these following information to make a right decision.

Each country has a typical culture and climate depending on its geographical location. This is one out of many other factors which need considering when choosing a university to study at. You should spend time discovering a lot about national cultures, traditional customs or even festivals, national holidays to prepare yourself. Except for summer breaks like any other universities, Australian students also have other vacations lasting from 10 to 20 days, which is the occasion for overseas students to come back home or go on a long trip.

On the other hand, similarly located in Asia, Japanese and Vietnamese culture have a lot in common. Japan also has Lunar New Year like Vietnam. This all makes Asian students in general and Vietnamese students particularly blend more easily into the new environment when studying abroad. Moreover, because of the cold winter, Japan also has winter vacation, the length of which depends on the university’s location to change from 2 to 3 weeks.

CLIMATE

The second most important factor you need to take into account is climate. Japan is 4300km away from Vietnam and in the cool temperate zone, which makes Japan become appealing to overseas students, especially Vietnamese students who are familiar with four distinct seasons and not too cold weather.

In Australia, a day can exchange quickly from one season to another. Some states’ temperature can go down to -20 Celsius degrees in winter. If you are not able to put up with severity or constant changing of Australia’s climate, Japan would be a better choice for you.

TUITION FEE IS A VITAL FACTOR

The distance between Japan and Australia tuition fees is significant. Average tuition fees at Japan university are about 200 – 250 million VND/ year, whereas at Australia university are about 700 – 800 million VND/ year. Therefore, Japan becomes the ideal destination of Vietnamese students for the past years. However, depending on financial eligibility of each family, you should make according decisions. Moreover, scholarships are also the motivations to boost up study spirit and encourage students’ development. Universities always provide attractive scholarships for overseas students, which you should put an eye on.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PART-TIME JOBS

The total hours allowed to work when studying abroad is of consideration of most overseas students. Part-time jobs is crucial to earn money, accumulate working experiences and improve language skills. Those studying in Australia can work up to 40 hours/ 2 weeks, whilst they can work 36 hours per week in Japan due to Japan’s old population and shortage of labor force. Let’s not jump to discussion about the pros and cons of part-time jobs, overseas students always want to have more legal working time in the country they are staying to earn more income.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AFTER GRADUATION

Whether in Australia or in Japan, overseas students are allowed to stay and work after graduation, however, the duration depends on study programs and visa of each student. Students can stay from 1.5 to 4 years according to study programs in Australia. On the other hand, Japan has a more open policy which allows graduates to stay longer, especially those graduated from engineering sector and have N2 and upper language certificate. Japanese government makes great effort to support students to have more time working in Japan.

In short, which country to choose relies on many factors, from one’s interest to financial eligibility and one’s ability. Each country has different study programs, but basically they all provide students with fundamental knowledge. In Asia, it is a great loss if talking about machines, equipments and engineering sector without mentioning Japan. Besides, Australia is famous for education system creating many excellent engineer generation and updated technology, facilities, laboratories, etc. So ask yourself a question and find out your own answers. Prepare yourself with knowledge about the country you want to go and well-preparation to sail your boat.

T.U