Living abroad to study can certainly be an interesting experience but is that alone a good enough reason for spending years far away from home? To make the experience truly valuable, there has to be a purpose behind the decision to study abroad. This may be a wish to perfect language skills in a foreign language environment, or a clever move in your career development. You must also consider the costs, not just of living and studying abroad, but of applying (申请). Most universities now require international students to pay for application.
If you are sure that you want to apply to study abroad after considering these points, your next step is to choose the right programme of studies. Research your choices and choose carefully. You must do your homework well. Most universities have information online but you can also email and ask them to send you more details. You can find a lot of information on school ranking from education websites. But read carefully. Different universities emphasize different strengths (强调不同的强项). Don't just think about the university's reputation (名声); look for the most suitable for your purposes.
Next, you must deal with a large pile of paperwork. This includes filling in application form, preparing your school records, and getting recommendation letters. Reading the instructions and requirements of the universities carefully is of great importance. Sadly, many fine applicants (申请者) get kicked out in the first round, simply because they don't follow the application procedure (程序) properly.
Money is another important consideration. Some scholarships are provided by governments, others by schools and colleges. This information, again, can be found on the Internet. If you find a scholarship that is suitable for you, follow the application procedure carefully; the earlier you apply, the better your chance of getting it.
