Artificial Intelligence in Preparing for Higher Education Abroad

For those of you currently studying at the undergraduate level, the dream of pursuing higher education abroad is probably swirling around in your minds. This dream is not groundless, because compared to Bangladesh, research environments in developed countries are much better. Equipment, funding, and opportunities for international collaboration are all more accessible there. That’s why many aspiring scientists want to go abroad. But the big question is, how do you prepare yourself to make that dream come true? In today’s world, artificial intelligence (AI) platforms can be a great support in your preparation.

First, remember that AI is not a magic wand. Always use it as a helpful tool, not as the ultimate truth. Because artificial intelligence can sometimes provide incorrect information. If you blindly trust the answers given by AI, you may end up confused. So, after getting any information, make sure to cross-check it. Ask the same question to different AI platforms and compare their answers, and if possible, verify from reliable websites or official university sources as well.

The first challenge you’ll face in studying abroad is finding out—which university to choose, which country to go to, which lab would be best for your research. Previously, to know these things, you had to dig through countless websites. Now, with AI, you can quickly make a list. For example, you could ask AI, “Which universities in Europe are strong in machine learning?” or “Which public health programs in the United States offer scholarships?” AI will give you initial guidance, and you can further verify and refine your list from there.

Another important aspect is personalization. Suppose you’re about to email a professor. AI can help you draft an email. But it would be a mistake to copy and paste that text directly. Professors can easily spot generic, mechanical writing. So, read their background first, learn about their recent research, and then write your email in your own words accordingly. Use AI only as an assistant—you might tell AI, “Draft an email about this research topic.” Then, tailor it using your own experiences and information. This is how your communication will be high-quality and credible.

Another common mistake is the copy-paste mentality. If you use AI-generated answers verbatim, it not only hides your own personality but can also backfire. Professors abroad want to see how genuinely interested and original you are in your thinking. So, even if you use AI, make it a habit to write in your own language in the end.

Now, let’s get a bit technical. The way you frame your question to AI determines the quality of the results. This is called Prompting. If you don’t prompt properly, the answer may often be shallow or vague. Researchers use various formats for this. The most commonly used is the RTF (Rich Text Format) or organized text format. This helps AI clearly understand what kind of response you’re looking for. For example, you could write:

“Write me a comparison of three universities in Europe for PhD in Public Health, focusing on scholarship opportunities, faculty research areas, and student support.”

When you ask structured questions like this, AI will also provide organized and useful answers.

Today, it’s not enough just to know how to use AI; rather, the key skill is knowing how to use it correctly. Think of AI as a collaborator—it can make information gathering easier, help draft your writing, or provide basic guidelines for research. But at the end of the day, it’s verification, personalization, and originality that will set you apart.

If you start learning to use AI smartly now, you’ll be far ahead in preparing for higher education abroad. In the sea of information, selecting what’s actually important, communicating properly, and making your identity trustworthy—these are the things that will one day get you into your dream university or lab. And then you’ll realize, artificial intelligence is not just a tool, but your companion on this journey.