Study abroad: Choosing the right degree

Interests vs. the realities of the global job market

You don't need to write a thesis on how your personal interests align with global socio-economic challenges, but you do need to reflect on what you enjoy. Unsurprisingly, your interests are one of the first filters when choosing a field of study, whether you plan to move abroad or not.

Some people know from the start what career they want. For them, studying abroad is a clear path to achieving that goal. Others, many, in fact, only have a vague idea. In that case, moving abroad can serve as a way to explore options and better understand yourself.

That said, your interests shouldn't be overvalued. At their core, they simply indicate what you like and dislike. They're just a starting point. Very quickly, you'll need to confront reality: does your chosen field even exist abroad? And if so, in what form?

Does your chosen field exist abroad?

This is just as important as your personal interests. You may find a field you love, only to realise it doesn't exist abroad, or not in the way you expect. This is especially common in the arts, where certain programmes are offered only in specific countries (often where the discipline originated or became popular). Another possibility: the programme exists abroad, but doesn't lead to a recognised degree or offer clear access to the job market. This is where comparison charts ranking the best countries for specific disciplines become useful.

Should you rely on career aptitude tests?

Career aptitude tests are increasingly popular, especially newer AI-powered versions that claim to identify your ideal field of study. Traditional tests aimed to do the same. You can absolutely take one to guide your decision, and some are specifically designed for professionals changing careers or returning to education. But be cautious: in countries where such tests are widely used, regulation is often lacking. Some are reliable, others less so. As the name suggests, these tests are meant to guide you, not decide for you. Their value depends largely on how seriously and honestly you approach them.

Passion, motivation, and studying abroad

You might feel so passionate about a subject that you're ready to move across the world to study it, only to realise later that passion alone wasn't enough to sustain you. The opposite can also happen: you might choose a field based purely on strategic thinking (best country, best university, best career prospects) and discover, once you're there, that you genuinely enjoy it.

There's no universal rule here, just individual experiences. You may need to test a field before committing fully. But given the high cost of higher education and rising living expenses, studying abroad isn't something to improvise. That's why preparation matters: your choice must be solid enough to carry you through. Because ultimately, one key question remains: will you stay motivated until the end?

Study duration and teaching methods abroad

How much time are you willing or able to dedicate to your studies abroad? Are you thinking in years (five, even ten if necessary), or in months (one or two at most)? Your student visa may allow you to study for several years, provided you pass your exams. But beyond immigration limits, what are your own limits? The time commitment is closely tied to your field of study. Some programmes require long-term dedication and can't be shortened. Thinking about time also helps you align your interests with the realities of studying and entering the workforce.

Teaching methods are another important factor. Some fields are more practical and hands-on, while others are more academic. You may naturally lean toward one style over the other: learning by doing rather than by theory, or vice versa. On top of that, teaching approaches vary widely from country to country, even for the same subject.

The long-term value of your degree

What will your degree be worth? And what will it be worth in five, ten, or fifteen years? In theory, a degree reflects your professional competence. You studied abroad, you succeeded, so you should be ready to enter the job market in your field.

In reality, things are more complex. Many international graduates report working in jobs far below their qualifications. Despite studying in countries like Canada, Australia, or France, some find themselves in low-skilled, underpaid roles. This can lead to a vicious cycle: staying in a job unrelated to your qualifications gradually diminishes the perceived value of your degree. Meanwhile, newer graduates continue to enter the market, increasing competition and further affecting the value of earlier degrees.

Job prospects after graduation

The value of your degree is closely linked to your employment prospects. Does your chosen field offer real opportunities aligned with your qualifications? Fields facing labour shortages can offer a more direct path to stable employment. However, even these are not risk-free. For example, recent UK immigration reforms tightening access for foreign doctors show that even high-demand sectors can become less accessible. This doesn't mean the situation is bleak for international students across the board. The global job market is competitive for both locals and foreigners, and immigration policies can change career plans.

There is no guaranteed job at the end of your studies, whether you study abroad or not. That said, you may improve your chances by choosing fields such as new technologies (especially AI and robotics), healthcare, or construction, particularly in countries with favourable immigration programmes.

Is your future job already becoming obsolete?

It's impossible to discuss fields of study today without mentioning artificial intelligence. Graduates in big data, data science, or AI are currently in high demand and enjoying strong job prospects. These are clearly future-oriented careers. But other professions are at risk of disappearing or being transformed by AI, such as subtitling, content writing, photography, translation… and even data science itself.

So what will your chosen career be worth by the time you graduate? Should AI be the main factor guiding your decision? No. Other criteria remain just as important. It's hard to succeed abroad in a “future-proof” field if you have no interest in it. AI is not the only path to building an international career or securing stable employment. However, the growing influence of AI highlights the importance of lifelong learning. As degrees risk losing value over time, and as people live longer, healthier lives, continuous education becomes one of the best ways to access hidden job markets and secure roles aligned with your qualifications. This also puts early career choices into perspective: it's always possible to retrain, upskill, or study abroad again to reshape your career.