Studying abroad is an attractive course of action for many students. Availability of diverse courses, lucrative job prospects, and state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities are some of the top reasons students choose to further their academics abroad.
Though many students aspire to study abroad, what prevents them from doing so, is the long procedures like visa applications, scholarships, boarding and lodging, expenses, and other complex issues.
Appointing a study abroad consultant can be the one-stop solution to all study abroad hurdles.
A study abroad consultant has the expertise to handle all procedures and documentation concerning foreign university admissions and courses, scholarship availability, visa procedures, boarding and lodging in a foreign country and other issues that may arise.
A study abroad consultant can give you the best possible advice and will be able to answer all your queries.
Through this blog, we endeavour to answer the most frequently asked questions by students and parents, when it comes to studying abroad.
25 Questions to Ask Your Study Abroad Consultants
1. Is It a Good Idea to Study Abroad?
Yes, studying abroad is a great idea. It not only opens up a whole new world for you but also lets you experience different cultures, languages, and creeds.
2. Am I Eligible to Study Abroad?
A study abroad FAQ is regarding the eligibility for studying abroad. Depending on the country you wish to study in, the rules for foreign students may vary.
While some countries require a minimum standard of knowledge of English, other universities or countries may have different criteria for admissions.
Your study abroad consultant will be the best expert to guide you on the required criteria.
3. How Much Will It Cost to Study Abroad?
One of the most frequently asked questions about studying abroad is how much it will cost to study abroad? Well, the expenses involved in studying abroad vary greatly. Several factors affect the total expenditure involved in studying abroad.
For example- university, type of course, duration of the course, traveling expenditure to the country and within the city, ease of living in the country chosen, boarding, lodging among other factors.
However, it must be noted that loans and scholarships are available to students and these can drastically ease the financial burden for many.
Also, many students work part-time in these foreign countries to partly pay for expenses in the country.
4. How Much Planning Is Required Before Applying for A Study Abroad Course?
Being well prepared is always advantageous. It gives you more time to do thorough groundwork and make the most out of your study abroad experience.
Hiring a study abroad consultant can ease out the preliminary preparation and guide you with all the procedures from the beginning.
5. What Countries Are Best Suited for Indian Students?
One of the questions to ask your study abroad consultant is the list of countries that offer foreign students benefits.
Nowadays, many countries are opening up their borders to foreign students. Indian students are being welcomed almost everywhere because they are seen as a possible asset to the country.
USA, UK, Canada, Australia are some of the countries that have the most Indian student population. Other countries like Malaysia, Singapore, France and Germany are also picking up the pace when it comes to accepting foreign students.
Deciding on which country you would like to further your academic pursuits would depend on the course availability and other factors like expenses and university rules. Your study abroad consultant can give you expert advice in this regard.
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6. Can I Work While I Study?
Another frequently asked question about studying abroad is whether a student can work while studying? Yes, it is possible to work while studying.
Some countries allow students to work part-time while studying. Many foreign students take up part-time jobs to take care of living expenses in the foreign country.
At times, students are also able to pay their tuition fees with their earnings.
However, it must be noted that working while studying is a purely personal choice. It can be tiring and energy-draining to work while studying, but students take it up to sustain themselves.
7. How Long Does the Application for Studying Abroad Process Take?
Before starting the application process one of the questions to ask your study abroad advisor is about the university academic year.
Different universities have different academic years. Therefore, you must ensure that you keep the academic year in mind while starting the study abroad process.
Ideally, starting the process a year in advance would be the best decision. This way, you can fill out applications at ease without having to hurry and make hasty decisions at the last minute.
8. What Should I Consider Before Planning to Study Abroad?
There are various points students must keep in mind before planning to study abroad. Some of the points can be summarized as follows:
- Course availability
- Fees and Expenditure
- Scholarships
- Visa rules
- Placement or job opportunities
9. Is It Safe to Study Abroad?
It is safe for students to study abroad as long as they adhere to the laws of the land. As the saying goes “While in Rome, behave like a Roman.” It is important to respect the culture and traditions of the country of residence.
10. I Cannot Afford to Study Abroad. What Can I Do?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions about studying abroad.
Expenditure in a foreign country, especially for pursuing any academic course, is not a small amount. Expenditures can amount to astronomical figures. Many students face financial crunches.
However, you can always take up an educational loan or apply for scholarships. This can considerably reduce your financial burden.
Educational loans by banks and private parties are available. Your study abroad advisor will have more detailed information on the available educational loans and scholarships that you can apply for.
11. What Are the Possible Difficulties I Might Experience on My First Visit Abroad?
A study abroad FAQ is what can you expect to experience abroad? Remember, when you go abroad for the first time, you have left behind your own country and family back home for the first time too.
So, it is most natural to experience being homesick in the beginning. You may feel lonely too. This issue can be solved with time.
As you settle down, get busy with your course and make a few friends, you will soon find yourself in a better position than when you first arrived in the country.
You may also experience a culture shock when you arrive in a new country. Different countries have different cultures which may be alien to your own culture. Language barriers are also a concern for many students going abroad.
12. Will the Course I Pursue Abroad Be Accepted in India and Other Countries?
Many courses require additional validation to be accepted in any country. The rules for courses vary from country to country. One of the questions to ask your study abroad consultant is what are the rules regarding your course.
13. What Are the Documents Required to Study Abroad?
Studying abroad requires a lot of documentation for visa and university applications. Some of the basic documents required are:
- Birth certificate
- 10+2+graduation certificate
- Postgraduate certificate (if applicable)
- Visa
- Passport
- Proof of funds
- Medical certificate
- Recommendation letters
- Essays
- Curriculum Vitae
- Entrance examination results among other important documents required by the country or university
14. Does Studying Abroad Ensure a Great Career
Another common study abroad FAQ is whether studying abroad is advantageous for your career. The answer to this remains solely on individual performance.
However, it is safe to say that studying abroad does give you a head start in your career. A curriculum vitae with a study abroad highlight is more likely to impress an employer.
An employer will know that since you have studied abroad you have experience with foreigners and exposure in a different country. These may be added advantages for a great career.
15. How Do I Cope with Language Barriers in A Country?
Many countries do not require foreign students to learn the language of the land.
However, countries like the USA require a minimum knowledge of English and for this purpose test foreign students through the TOEFL tests in the language before allowing admissions.
For other countries where English is not the language of communication like Germany and France, students can take short time spoken language courses before arriving in the country.
16. Can I Speak to Other Students in The University Before Applying?
Many universities and colleges have public websites for viewing. These websites have private student chat forums.
It is possible to log into these chat forums and speak with other students to gain an insight into the college programs for foreign students.
You can even speak with the administration of the college through the contact page mentioned on the website, for further details.
17. Do I Need a Study Abroad Consultant?
The most obvious answer to this question would be Yes. A study abroad consultant has knowledge and expertise concerning procedures and country rules.
Study abroad consultants also have agents in various countries that can guide you upon your arrival in the country.
Apart from easing the procedures upon your arrival in an alien country, Study abroad advisors also know about available scholarships and educational loans.
18. Is the university/ college accredited?
\As they pay the consultants a sizable charge for sending students, many consultants send students to universities that are not accredited or that the immigration authorities label as “Bogus.”
To learn how the college or university ranks, you’ll need to conduct some independent research and check for reviews of universities and colleges written by current students.
Direct evaluations will assist you in obtaining an unbiased assessment of the college as opposed to the consultant’s partial representation.
19. What prerequisites do I need to fulfil?
Different prerequisites must be met for prospective students to attend colleges abroad. You will need to provide recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and perhaps even proof of some job experience.
You will need to tailor your application since each course’s prerequisites are different. Make it clear from the beginning which documents must be submitted.
20. Are there any scholarships available?
There are numerous scholarships supported by the college and various organisations for international students that allow them to pursue their studies without concern for the associated expenditures.
Inquire with the consultant in advance if you qualify for these scholarships. Many scholarships demand that you take an entrance exam, while others will automatically consider your application. You should therefore be fully informed in case any further preparation is necessary.
21. What kind of accommodations are there?
The requirements for student accommodations vary by country and university. While some institutions require students to reside in dorms, others allow them to live off campus.
The majority of overseas education consultants also assist their applicants in finding suitable accommodation. Therefore, this has to be one of the crucial study abroad questions you bring up with your study abroad counsellor.
22. How long can I remain in the country after completing the course?
This becomes a crucial study abroad question to clarify if you want to work part-time while pursuing your university degree or if you are self-funding your education.
Again, since each country has its own protocol for living, studying and working during and after the completion of the course, it is essential to get clarifications in advance.
23. What services and resources do you provide?
Find out what services your study abroad consultancy can offer:
- Guidance for programmes and courses
- choosing a university or college
- Visa support
- Scholarship details
- Pre-departure assistance
Guidance during the study abroad program is what sets a good consultant apart from a fantastic one. This begins with the original application procedure and typically comes to an end while you are relocating to your host country.
24. What are the job prospects for the course that you are opting for?
Make sure to ask them directly about employment opportunities in India and overseas for the course you are opting for. To choose wisely, you should understand return on investment.
25. Can you connect me with some of the students who have previously received counselling and been moved abroad?
Regardless of how secure the procedure is, you should talk to students who have already travelled abroad to find out about their experiences.
You can get in touch with Indian students who have already studied abroad or who are farther along in the process through advisers.
Ask your study abroad advisor this question if you think getting to know those students will give you a better understanding of studying abroad.
Conclusion
Studying abroad can be exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. Make your experience hassle-free and easy with the help of an accredited education consultant or study abroad advisor.
Appointing an accredited education agency can provide a hassle-free study abroad experience.
Study abroad consultants are in a position to answer all your study abroad queries and questions.
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