|
Given a chance and a choice, everyone would like to have
an opportunity to study abroad but that is not the right thing to do. Often the
reasons to make this choice are low percentage marks in India or peer pressure.
In some instances, the only reason one studies abroad is to settle down in the
destined country after the completion of the course. Then there are some
instances where a wrong course or overseas study destination is chosen, simply
because ones’ IELTS language score is not good or one is just desperate enough
to study abroad; irrespective of what the course is.
Often it’s parent’s pressure to study abroad because of their societal status!!
It is often forgotten that overseas education comes at a very high price and
parents often take loans at high interest, sell their land or family silver to
fund the expensive education. So this investment ought to be backed by serious
planning and clear objectives.
To start with, one should always look within ones’ own country for higher
education options available in the areas of their interest. If qualified to get
admission into a good academic institution and especially at the undergraduate
level, there is no need to go overseas for education. Overseas education,
especially on research and specialization side, is best taken as post-graduate
level.
The primary reason behind a student going abroad is to receive higher and better
quality education and from that perspective following points needs special
consideration:
1. Choose an overseas course as per aptitude and exclusivity. Unless overseas
education is offering exclusivity vis-à-vis knowledge, there is no point going
for it. Sad but true, that many a times such decisions are taken because of
beautiful buildings and other attractions that are of particular interests to
youth.
2. Choose a university or college that is recognized by local government
agencies to accept international students. This is especially important in
countries like Canada, Australia and New Zealand that offer pathway to work
permit, followed by permanent residency, after the qualification has been earned
and studies are over.
3. Choose a course of right duration, which qualifies the student to apply for
post qualification work permit and subsequent permanent residency.
4. Choose a course that looks into future and addresses the shortages of future
job market.
5. Always choose a course that will have good demand and is recognized within
ones’ own country or will help one in contributing to family’s business. This is
very important in situations where one is not settling down abroad or one does
not get a post qualification work permit or residency. The huge investment made
in overseas education must not go in vain.
6. Choose a course that suits ones’ parent’s budget and not just because fellow
companions are doing it.
7. Choose a university and course, whose credits are easily transferable to
other courses and institutions.
8. Choose a university and course that offers options of internship and
training. Getting practical experience and skills is very important.
And last but not the least; choose the overseas educational consultant very
carefully. Ask all the right questions when opting for the right destination,
institution and course. Following tips will help:
1. Go to a known consultant, who has infrastructure, offers the best advice on
all the popular destinations and has well-trained staff.
2. An ideal consultant will have official representation of these institutions
and not be a sub-agent of an authorized agent.
3. Most of the time students get cheated because they are not informed about the
institutions accreditation with local Government as regards acceptance of
international students is concerned.
4. Ensure that there is no misinformation about the duration of the course one
should undertake; especially if the intention is to settle down in the destined
country under an immigration program. Such programs will normally require local
qualification for certain duration to be eligible.
5. Don’t be misguided into short team 6-12 months, unless that is what one is
looking for and relates to a specialization or a skill. These certificate
courses rarely carry any value.
6. Check with the consultant on his fee policy before starting the process. Most
of these consultants get commission from the institutions.
7. Ensure to get right advice on the English language test that is required to
meet admission requirements.
8. Ensure to keep the officials of the university/college in the loop before any
payments are made and also clear all the queries, if any. Ask them directly to
an authorized university/college official rather than just depending on the
agent.
In Summary, take overseas studies as a lifetime investment and right decision
should be taken after comprehensive research and thought. Most importantly, go
for it only if it is offering something that the country of your origin does not
offer. And don’t forget your Indian values while studying abroad, and share them
with everyone.
|