Things to do after the submission of the university application to study abroad

Overseas education continues to be the crown jewel of academics in the world today. Every year, a large number of students make the conscious decision to study abroad as they look to bolster their profiles holistically. As the mode of education abroad focuses greatly on application-based education, students are met with the opportunity to enhance multiple spheres of their personalities and profiles, simultaneously.

Along with courses abroad, students also get an opportunity to join various clubs and associations, in about to interact with students of different nationalities and schools of thought. This not only helps students build a wide and varied network but also build friend circles that may prove to be beneficial in the future.

In order to study abroad, students must follow a certain application procedure, ticking all the boxes as they go along. Once the student makes a firm choice of the destination and university of preference, they must compile the required documentation and apply it to the course of their choice, in tandem with their field of study and career prospects.

After the student has submitted their university application to study abroad, there are few things the student has to be mindful of. These are given below:

1.       Wait on Offer

-          After completing the long and extensive application process and submitting the application, students now to wait for the university to revert back with their response to the application. Different universities have different process times.

-          While some universities in UK may revert back in 4 weeks, some take longer.

-          While for universities in Canada, the processing time is around 3 months, maximum.

-          Instead of being anxious about the university’s decision, students must hold strong and focus on sharpening their skills as they prepare for their overseas education.

2.       Interviews

-          In some cases, sometimes universities abroad set up interviews with students. This is usually done to understand the student’s profiles more in-depth.

-          These are part of the application process and are usually prevalent in Engineering and MBA courses.

-          The interviews are usually in English are the questions asked are either impromptu or follow a certain question set.

-          Students do not have to panic or be anxious about these interviews as they are protocol. These are majorly hosted online through a video calling medium.

3.       Funding

-          After receiving an unconditional/conditional offer, the student must now prepare funds for their study abroad.

-          For universities in the UK, students are required to pay a deposit to secure their admission, while across other destinations; this may be a tad bit different.

-          If the student has arranged the funds through personal savings etc. they can pay the fees for the first semester/year and proceed to accept the offer.

-          In case of a lack of funds, students may avail of student loans that are specially tailored to the requirements for study abroad, with competitive interest rates.

-          Hence, students must prepare and arrange for funds as soon as possible to make the transition to university as seamless as possible.

4.       Scholarships

-          To help students manage their finances and reduce the financial strain of education abroad, a number of colleges and universities abroad offer a number of scholarships that are available based on the fulfillment of certain requirements.

-          These can be of a fixed amount or certain percentage depending on the university. Some universities in UK offer a default scholarship to their students while some universities in USA require their students to write essays explaining their eligibility to be awarded a scholarship.

-          There are other scholarships that are need-based and are offered to students who can bear certain expenses and are provided financial assistance.

-          There are some scholarships that are also exclusive to international students that can be availed of based on the students’ preference.

5.       Accommodation

-          After completing the payment formalities and accepting the offer, students can now look at accommodation options that fit into their budget for overseas education.

-          Students are met with opportunities to stay on campus, at a private apartment, shared rooms, homestay, or student living establishments.

-          Among the options available, living off-campus and renting is economical option.

-          But however, while staying on campus, in student accommodation, the rent includes all amenities.

-          Depending on the student’s lifestyle choices, they may opt for their preference of accommodation.

6.       Visa and Travel Arrangements

-          The most vital step of this entire process is the visa application and travel arrangements one.

-          After securing admission and paying all the requisite fees, students must focus on making an application to secure a visa to enable them to travel to their universities abroad and commence their education.

-          Visa applications can take anywhere between 15 working days to 3 months to be processed.

-          After receiving their visas, students must then begin making the necessary travel arrangements. This includes transit arrangements, flight bookings, insurance, etc.

-          After confirming these arrangements, students must prepare for their departure.

For further assistance or queries you can contact us, Edwise International, and avail our wide range of services for students on destinations like Universities in UK, study in USA, study in Canada, study in Australia, study in New-Zealand, Study in Ireland, study in Singapore and many other countries.

 

 

Factors to consider while choosing your study abroad destination.

 Many questions pop into our minds whenever we think about the factors of studying abroad. There are many minor and major factors to reconsider the choice of studying abroad. It’s not easy to decide on one go. The number of options available for students is huge and it is burdensome to find the befitting for studying and living in. Here are some of the factors that students should consider before determining to study abroad.

· Courses

The course that the student decides to study will determine in which country the student should study. Selecting a course plays a vital part in an individual’s life. Students sometimes get confused about whether they should undertake a master’s degree or go for a 6 month’s certificate course. Students should list down their strengths and interest. They need to research vastly on the course duration, modules.

· Country

After the course, one must need to decide which country they want to study in. Numerous universities across the world rank high and offer a wide range of courses. Students need to narrow down the list and choose what is best suited to them. To begin with, students need to find which country is well-known for the selected course. To point out the UK offers Law, Computer Science, Design Studies on the other hand the USA is famous for STEM courses and MBA.

· Universities

If the student has decided which place he or she wants to study then they need to look out for the universities in which these courses are being conducted also search for long-term benefits and employment prospects. Many universities offer practical training over theoretical training. Some students like to work more on assignments and research papers every week. Every university has different intakes. Students need to be prepared with the documents and complete the process before the intake begins. Preparations such as Statement of Purpose, Letter of Recommendation, Transcript should be done beforehand, if the student does not have enough time with all the formalities, consider going in the next intake.

· Requirement

Every country has different rules. From visa policies to universities has a different requirement. Before sticking to one country or a particular university find out what are their criteria. Visa policies can be found on the official country site, some universities requirements can also be found on the university sites or students can contact the university officials through the mail and phone calls.

· Employment Opportunities.

Students should thoroughly search the countries and the universities that will benefit them after completing the course. They should keep in mind that the place you are going to should help them grow professionally. Students should consider places that will offer employment opportunities. They should check the job market and qualifications required for various jobs. They should also check how much a person can earn after the completion of the course and in which other countries require these specific skills.

· Other Information

Besides checking out the main factors, students should also check out the other factors such as

1. Language: It is an important point to consider, as there will be a lot of interactions with the people during the time of course. Not only with university people but also with the locals and not knowing the language can be difficult for a student. As English is a commonly spoken language around the world but if the students decide to go to a non-English speaking country it would be very difficult.

2. Accommodation: Some students apply directly to the university dorm during the time of admission. Rather than dorms, students live in a rental flat or with a host family. Living in a rental flat and living in a host family has theirs negative and positive points.

For further assistance or queries related to Study in Australia, Study in Ireland, Study in UK, Study in USA, etc you can contact us, Edwise International, and avail of our wide range of services for students on destinations.

Things To Do Before Submitting The Application To Study Abroad

 

In today's time, studying abroad has become the upcoming trend amongst many students. A number of students choose to pursue their higher studies at a foreign destination. Countries all over the globe are blessed with well-known universities and colleges. Studying abroad is an expensive affair as well as an exciting prospect for many students. It provides students an experience of a lifetime in addition to helping them gain invaluable experience. The following things need to be done before submitting the application to study abroad.

Selection of country, university, and course of interest:

The first step before starting your study abroad venture involves selecting the right country to study in. There are a number of top-notch study abroad destinations for international students including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand. Students should select their preferred study abroad destination. A lot of research is required to be done by the student in selecting their country of choice as they are going to be spending a considerable amount of their time living and studying in that country. 

A number of factors such as the language spoken in that country, climatic conditions, cultural differences, distance to the country where you reside, living conditions, tuition fees, accommodation arrangements, and the availability of post-study work opportunities play a key role in selecting the country of choice.

After country selection, the next step of your study abroad decision involves selecting the right university and course. UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc. have well-acclaimed universities for international students to pursue their higher studies. Popular universities in Canada include the University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, McGill University, University of Waterloo, among others. The well-known Australian universities include the University of Melbourne, Monash University, The University of Sydney, UNSW, etc. for international students to study at. Similarly, there are many sought-after universities in other countries as well. Course selection also plays an important role when one wishes to pursue higher studies overseas. One is expected to select his/her course of interest. A number of courses are offered at universities abroad. The trending courses in the UK include Computer Science, Law, Medicine, Accounting and Finance, Architecture, etc. Similarly, Engineering, Art and Design, Hospitality Management, Animation, etc. are among the popular courses opted for by students desiring to study in New Zealand. 

One should plan well in advance in order to avoid regretting their decision later on.

Arranging Letters of Recommendation, Preparing SOPs, and Compilation of Transcripts:

The student, once he/she starts filling the university application is required to select a topic to write on. Most universities overseas require the student to submit one or two essays. This is vital for the admission process as it helps the admission committee assess the student's application. A Statement of Purpose(SOP) throws light on the student's background, academic credentials, the reason for the student to pursue the said course at the said university, future prospects, etc. The student should invest a lot of time in writing a personal essay that portrays clear and eloquent thoughts within the prescribed word count. This will enable the student's application to stand out amongst the rest.

A LOR is a document written either by professors or managers recommending and supporting the student's decision to study abroad. A Letter of Recommendation is a crucial part of the admission process. The author should talk about his/her acquaintance with the person, the student's experience, performance, skills, achievements, and his/her contribution either to the college/ company he/she is studying in or working at. Through the LOR, the admission council gets an insight into the student's life. They can accordingly decide on the student's admission.

The student is also required to compile his/her mark sheets, scan the transcripts and submit the same to the university of application. The scores obtained by the student are converted to credits or GPA. This, however, depends on the educational system of the preferred country. The following documents need to be scanned and submitted:

·         All academic mark sheets or diplomas

·         Secondary school and college reports recorded by the counselor/principal

·         Report of character

Academic transcripts are the student's academic record and are similar to the consolidated mark sheet that we have in India. This is available from the student's respective university and includes all the courses/subjects opted for, grades obtained, credits, and degree earned.

Appearing for tests and submission of test scores:

In order to seek admission to universities and colleges abroad for the pursuance of higher studies, students are required to appear for standardized entrance exams. The most popular and crucial international entrance tests to study overseas include IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, GMAT, PTE, GRE, among others. The marks scored by the student in these tests have to be submitted to the university along with the application. The English language proficiency tests viz. the IELTS test scores are required by most countries and institutions to ensure that the student can write, speak and read in English apart from being able to converse.

These test scores largely determine the student's chances to seek admittance to his/her desired college or university. 

 

Filling out the Application Form:

Upon selecting the country, university, and perfect program for the pursuit of your higher education abroad, the final step is to fill out the application form to study abroad. The application form contains the student's personal and professional details. In order to avoid any problem, students' should very carefully fill in all the required details (mandatory fields) correctly in the application form as any discrepancy or mistake can result in the cancellation of the entire application process. Always double-check the application form before submitting it.

Students should await the Admission Offer from the university/college he/she has applied to.

 

For further assistance or queries students can contact us, Edwise International, and avail of our wide range of services for students on destinations like Universities in Ireland, a study in Ireland, a study in UK, study in USA, study in Canada, study in Australia, study in New-Zealand, study in Singapore and many other countries.

 

UK Student Visa Process

 

The UK, a pioneer in the field of education and home to one of the world’s oldest education systems, is recognized the world over. A number of international students aspire to study in UK. The top-ranking universities in UK focus on independent learning. This helps students develop relevant skills, highly appreciated by many employers. Courses in UK are offered in a vast array of subjects and with modern teaching techniques, making it a preferred study destination among international students.

The country is open to different cultures from all over the world. UK college admissions take place in two intakes: the primary intake commences in September and October. On the other hand, intakes for several other courses commence in January until May. Students who study in UK, can work for 20 hours per week during the semester and full time during semester break. Universities offer numerous scholarships that are competitive in nature.

Students believe that applying for a UK student visa is a difficult task. However, that's not true. The Student Visa Application process in the UK is a streamlined one. One wishing to study in UK and above the age of sixteen can apply for Tier-4 General Student Visa.

The application process to apply for a UK Student Visa is mentioned under the following points:

One can apply for a Student Visa to study in UK if:

• He/she has been offered a place on a course and has enough money to support one’s herself and pay for the course.

• Can read, write, speak and understand English

Students are advised by universities in UK to start applying for the course, three months before its commencement.

Once you have applied for a UK student visa, you are likely to receive a response within a period of three weeks. Healthcare surcharge cost is also included in the UK student visa application. A student who has received the visa can arrive one week prior to the course commencement if the program is for six months or less. However, if the program is for over six months, one can arrive one month prior to its commencement.

Making a UK student visa allows one to not only study but also be a member of student unions and apply to extend one’s stay. Applying for a student visa enables you to take on certain jobs based on course and sponsors.

One who has received an unconditional offer on the course along with a licensed Tier-4 sponsor can apply for a UK student visa.

All students are provided with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies(CAS) number. The criteria for UK student visa applications are different for different applicants. Nevertheless, each and every student is required to prove his/her English language skills.

To apply for a Student Visa, one needs to make an online application. The student has to provide biometrics and photograph and collect his/her biometric residence permit, 10 days after arriving in the UK. However, the application can be extended and the student will have to meet certain eligibility requirements and stay in UK.

To extend one’s student visa, one has to follow certain guidelines. This should be done within six months of receiving a confirmation of acceptance offer and before the expiry of the current visa. However, the Student Visa application for extension is done online and not before three months before the date of course commencement. A student wishing to speed up the process will have to pay an additional fee.

It is relatively easy to obtain a UK student visa application. After the introduction of the Point Based System(PBS), the application is simplified further and one has to achieve 40 points to be eligible to acquire the Student Visa. The normal length of the visa will be the full length of the course plus 4–6 months depending upon the program length.

Six steps to apply for a UK Student Visa Application

1. Visit the websites to acquire information and make an online application.

2. On the appointment day, carry your appointment letter, passport, application pack, and a valid travel document. Once the application is completed, an acknowledgment receipt will be issued.

3. Visa should be applied for three months prior to the departure date.

4. One should attend an appointment at the visa application centers to complete the application. All those applying for a UK Visa need to book an appointment before submission.

5. Students can receive the documents at the application center either in person or via post.

6. Biometric information collection(fingerprints and photographs) should be enrolled at the application center.

One should check the information printed on the visa.

Documents required when applying for a UK Student Visa:

1. Original Passport and copy

2. One passport-sized photograph

3. UK visa application form

4. Proof of finance to cover all your living costs while in the UK

5. Accommodation proof

6. Travel itinerary in detail

7. Results of Tuberculosis test done

8. Biometric information

9. Originals of Academic Documents and/or work experience Certificate (as mentioned on the CAS Certificate)

10. Proof of paying the visa application fee

11. UK visa invitation letter

Assistance is offered by high-ranking universities in UK when one is applying for a UK Student Visa. The application process can be achieved upon meticulous consideration and careful planning.

For further assistance or queries students can contact us, Edwise International, and avail of our wide range of services for students on destinations like Universities in the USA, study in USA, study in UK, study in Ireland, study in Canada, study in Australia, study in New-Zealand, study in Singapore and many other countries.

Biggest festival and celebration in Canada for international students.

Canada is well known for its multicultural and ethnic atmosphere. People around the world resident in Canada for ages. Canada is also known as Great White North because Canada is Great, white is because of its Arctic Frozen tundra and snow and North is because it’s the north of the United States. It is filled with amazingly friendly people, a diverse landscape like tundras, deserts, mountains, rainforests. People around the globe come to Canada to study also as a tourist. Canada is so big that you cannot complete it in just one hour.

Studying abroad is an experience in itself. Experiencing foreign culture, atmosphere, the climate is a good thing. There are many study destinations in the world in which Canada is the most popular one. Students easily get adapted to this environment. Many universities are on the list of the world’s best universities. International students need to experience the biggest celebration of Canada.

Here is the list of the biggest festival and celebrations in Canada for international students to enjoy

· Folklorama: It is a two-week festival. It is celebrated each August. Thousands of people come to enjoy this festival. It is celebrated in Winnipeg. People come to taste different types of cuisine and celebrate the culture and ethnicity of people from different cultures. There are also different kinds of stalls available for visitors. Folklorama was first held in August 1970. it is the largest and the longest festival celebrated in the world.

· Canada Day: Canada is the national day of Canada. It is celebrated on 1st July every year. It is celebrated on a large scale as it is an anniversary of the Canadian Confederation that occurred on 1st 1867. it is celebrated with musical concerts, gigs, fireworks, and many other things. Cities like Ottawa, Ontario, Toronto, Vancouver, and British Columbia start celebrating early in the morning till midnight. Many cities host parades, barbeque, air, and maritime show and free musical concerts. Canada Day is referred to as Canada Birthday.

· Vancouver Festival: It is the largest festival in the Vancouver region. It is called the Celebration of Lights. This festival takes place in July every year at English Bay. It also lasts for three consecutive nights. It is the longest firework competition in the world. Three different countries compete with each other to woo the crowd. Every year the competitors have a theme. People enjoy it by having their favorite food. The festival ends at Sunset Beach with a music festival.

· Toronto International Film Festival: It is also known as TIFF. It is the largest film festival attended by the public. It is the most popular festival celebrated in Toronto by around 5,00,000–6,00,000 people every year. This festival is known for the best movies with big stars. Around 8,000–9,000 film industry people attend this festival in which it screens 500–600 films. Toronto International Film Festival’s mission is to transform the way people see the world through film. TIFF is the second festival after the Cannes festival where a variety of high profile people show up.

· Winterlude: It is the largest annual winter festival in Canada. It is celebrated in the city of Ottawa and Gatineau. It is run by the Department of Canadian Heritage. It was started in 1979. many races are held at this festival. It is also known as a cross-country ski race. Events like a snowshoe, bed racing, ice dragon boat, and fat bike are also held.

There are many more festivals celebrated in Canada like the Toronto Caribbean festival, Quebec Winter Carnival, Edmonton Folk Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, and many others. Canada is filled with celebrations and enjoyment. This is the reason why international students dream to study in Canada. They have their best time here while studying and We at Edwise helps them to achieve their dream.

For further assistance or queries students can contact us, Edwise International, and avail of our wide range of services for students on destinations like Universities in Ireland, study in Ireland, study in the UK, Study in Canada, study in Australia, and many other facilities.

International students and the obstacles they encounter while studying overseas

Pursuing studies at a foreign college or university is a dream of many students. Getting an opportunity to study abroad is very exciting. However, one experiences a number of challenges in a foreign country. The most common obstacles one encounters are as follows:

1. Culture Shock

• The most common challenge faced by students studying overseas is culture shock i.e. cultural differences in the new country that one has to adjust to that are completely different from one’s own culture back home.

• Every student is expected to adjust to life in the host country.

• The Indian culture and value system varies tremendously from the ones that students might encounter in the UK, USA, New Zealand, Australia or any other European country.

• The environment, people and culture overseas are completely different from one’s home country.

• A student will meet people from different backgrounds, speak different languages, eat food unheard of, etc.

• The way things are done in a foreign country differs from the way things are done in one’s home country. However, instead of criticizing the manner in which these things are done, one should try hard to adjust to the same.

• Adjusting one’s self to a new culture is not easy, and one easily experiences culture shock. However, to overcome this, one should just be one’s self, make new friends and communicate.

• This, in turn, benefits one, in the long run, providing one with a well-rounded, liberal and broad-minded personality.

2. Communication/ Language Barrier

• Upon arriving in a new country, international students face several challenges, the most important being the language barrier.

• In several countries viz. In Germany or France, English is not the local language and thus, language can prove to be a communication barrier.

• The most obvious of all the challenges faced by international students, to overcome the language barrier, students may struggle to learn the new language in the host country, or may not be able to understand the local accent.

• Adjusting to the new lifestyle and routine may seem challenging for many.

• One may find it difficult to communicate with their peers and fellow students. Thus in turn may cause one to feel unwanted or like an outsider in the foreign land.

• However, to overcome this challenge, one should freely open up to other people. Go out, talk to people and try to understand them.

3. Away from family and friends i.e. the feeling of homesickness

• Another common challenge faced by students studying abroad is the feeling of homesickness i.e. the feeling one experiences when one is away from friends and family.

• Many times, a student has to stay all alone in the foreign country as he/she might not have relatives or friends here.

• One might experience homesickness and loneliness for a few months as you are far away from your beloved ones.

• It is a very natural feeling and to overcome the same, one should regularly talk to family and friends back home.

• Not just this, one should also make friends in the host country, go out, talk to people, etc.

4. Day-to-Day Finances

• Studying overseas is an expensive affair and students are likely to face financial problems at some point in time. One should learn to manage their daily expenses.

• Apart from the costs of studying abroad, students have to incur accommodation costs, traveling costs, costs of study material, day-to-day living expenses, tuition fees, etc.

• The student will also need to purchase a laptop or personal computer for the purpose of the study. In case of any unforeseen circumstance, the student may find it hard to arrange for the required funds to take care of expenses.

• In bigger cities, costs are more expensive and are dependent on one’s lifestyle, spending habits and choice of accommodation.

• Avoid wasteful expenditure. Instead, manage money. Bagging a scholarship will help reduce one’s expenses.

For further assistance or queries students can contact us, Edwise International, and avail for our wide range of services for students on destinations like Universities in the USA, study in USA, study in UK, study in Ireland, study in Canada, study in Australia, study in New-Zealand, study in Singapore and many other countries.

How to make it through exam season.

 The exam is around the corner and many students get too stressed up. Exams bring mixed feelings and anxiety but you are not the only one who feels this. Many people go through a tough time. Some students deal with tons of coffee, all-nighters, lack of social life. Looking at the brighter side, after exams there’s always a holiday and soon you will get to enjoy those beautiful times. Here are some guidelines on how to study during exam time, how to keep your mind calm, and to be motivated.

· Manage wisely: This is the most important tip. One needs to plan a whole day’s schedule until exams end. Write down on the sticky notes, on a calendar, planner. It will be good to write down every minute detail. Also make notes of your exam date, time, and location and pin them on the wall. This is better than stressing over that you have forgotten your timetable because your phone had a glitch. Make notes of important notes that your professor tells you. These notes will help you work easily and accordingly. Divide the subjects or topics.

· Payback yourself: After completing one topic or a subject reward yourself by taking a short break or treating yourself with little chocolate. This will help you in motivating yourself to study more. You can do more things to spice it up. Don’t forget to pat yourself at the back after completing each task

· Study in Group: Studying in a group with all your friend can ease the exam pressure and make the study fun. Even if you are a lone wolf who likes to study alone still reach out to your friend during this intense period. It will motivate you as well as your friends. Discussing topics or subjects with each other can also make you learn faster. There might be some difficulties in understanding some topics, studying in a group can also clear many doubts. Sometimes studying in a group can be a distraction as well but it all depends entirely on your friend group.

· Efficient sleep: worry about the exam is ok but not sleeping and working intensely is not ok. We all need sufficient sleep to make our bodies work healthily and properly. One can pull up nighters but the next day you will feel drained and in this way, you will miss out on your study. Your body needs to refuel from the exhaustion. It is better to wake up early than not to sleep at all.

· Never worry about what others doing: Sometimes someone might behave completed more portion than you at that time you get more panicked. All you need to focus on yourself and your studies. They might have different methods for studying and it be may be helpful for them but it is not necessary it will be useful for you. So just stick to your gun.

· Avoid Junks: During exams, we get so indulged in our curriculum we forget to eat our meals and all we crave is some junk food. Eating junk will make you sluggish and unmotivated which will end up not completing your studies on time. Rather than eating junk food stick to some whole grain and fresh vegetables which is healthy.

· Relax by exercising: first of all, in between your paybacks, you need to do little meditation to relax your mind before jumping to another subject or topic. You can add more exercise to the schedule, it is the best revision tool. It gives you energy and alert. Most importantly it helps you release your stress.

For further queries, contact Edwise International, and avail for our wide range of services for students on destinations like the University of UK, a study in Canada and many other countries.