How to Study Abroad during COVID-19

 

Some of the most popular study abroad destinations bore the brunt of the pandemic. However, students across the globe showed unwavering confidence to continue their education abroad prospects. With the travel restrictions in place, some students are witnessing a relief in with certain destinations opening their borders. If you too are a student planning to study abroad in the midst of the pandemic, here are some tips on how you can do just that.

Prepare for Admission Tests

·         A common feature in all university applications is the requirements to give tests. These include English Proficiency tests such as the IELTS/PTE/TOEFL or other entrance tests such as GRE/GMAT/SAT/ACT.

·         This is the perfect time to prepare for them. Since you have time in hand, start prepping for these tests. Use this time wisely to attain the best score possible which will help you shine in your university applications.

·         As study abroad consultants, we at Edwise are now offering these services online, which means you can prepare for these exams with the help of our experts from the comfort of your homes.

Make your Applications

·         If you were making an application when this pandemic hit, don’t stop.

·         Universities across the globe have taken into account the tiring times and have made adjustments accordingly. For instance, several universities have prolonged their deadlines and other application waivers have also been provided.

·         As an overseas education aspirant, if you ensure to get your application in the right now, you save yourself the hassle of what is expected to be a busy intake in 2021. 

Utilize online resources

·         There are several online courses available, which you can study to up your application.

·         These not only add value to your application but also help you stay in the loop with the subject of study.

·         Moreover, you will also be able to fruitfully utilize this time to enhance your skills.

Start your online classes

·         While there may be several reasons deterring you to start your online classes, there also exist several compelling reasons for the same that you should take into account.

·         For instance, even in your home country majority of the classes are being conducted online. Therefore, if you decide to start your classes online from universities abroad, you can always attend classes in person when the situation normalizes.

·         Moreover, with online classes, you ensure that there isn’t a gap in your resume.

·        Another the major benefit of online classes is its economical nature since you will be saving a considerable amount of expenses of travel, food, and accommodation.

·        Coupled with this, the time you save is also an additional benefit that you can now utilize to undertake part-time work in your home country.

It's best to hold your horses and let the storm pass, as there is definitely light at the end of this tunnel.

Thus, as an aspiring study abroad student stay in a constant loop with what’s happening around you. And the best way to do this is by getting in touch with Edwise, India’s Leading Overseas Education Consultants.

 

 

Things students studying in 2020 should know

 

Nearly, every imaginable individual has been affected by the adversary brought upon in the name of COVID-19. Especially those students who are graduating in 2020 have been significantly affected. Although the future may seem dim at this given time, it is important that students keep a positive mindset and have a deterministic approach. It is important to not lose faith and emerge victorious in the battle against the COVID-19.

International students who are currently or considering pursuing education abroad are faced with concerns. Faced with a task at hand, international students have thousands of questions running through their minds. A significant part of these questions is related to jobs, internships, and visas.

Jobs

The main reason a student decides to study abroad is to benefit from the illustrious job opportunities and stay back possibilities offered. However, due to the current scenario, there exists an air of uncertainty. Some popular study destinations are ensuring that they still present students with alluring job prospects. For instance, the USA is actively seeking work from home student interns to drive its business activities. Moreover, the Canadian government has taken an excellent step to incorporate flexibility in the post-graduation work permit rules for international students. Those students who are commencing their Fall 2020 courses online can complete 50% of their program offshore. This will have no detrimental effects on a student’s post-graduation permits. Furthermore, the 2 years stay back opportunity offered by Ireland continues to remain intact.

Internships

Notably, popular study destinations such as Australia and New Zealand have undertaken several steps to provide international students with internship opportunities. Part-time health care workers in New Zealand are permitted to work beyond the permitted 20 hours per week. Apart from this, even those students working at supermarkets can put in the extra hours. It is important to note, that this said phenomena will not have a negative impact on the visa status of the students. Moreover, individuals are pushing for this trend to continue in the future as well. Since a considerable number of students have lost their jobs due to the on-going pandemic, the Australian state government of Victoria is offering international students AU$1,100 to support them through these tiring times. Not only this, but students can also access their accumulated retirement savings to combat the pandemic.

Visa

Student looking to re-enter to study in USA need to have the following document:

·         Valid I-20 with a valid travel signature

·         A valid passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond your expected return to the U.S.

·         Valid F-1 U.S. visa stamp

·         Proof of funding or financial evidence

·         Autumn 2020 class schedule showing courses

·         SEVIS I-901 Fee Receipt

The government is granting visas to those outside Australia. This means, that when the borders are opened, those students with visas will be able to travel. Post-study work visas for students who are enrolled at universities in Australia will face relaxed entry requirements. Meaning, current as well as new students who are studying online due to the COVID-19, will have this duration counted towards their Australian Study Requirement. Those graduates affected by travel restrictions can apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa outside Australia. Students who held a student visa on or after 1 February 2020 and couldn’t complete their course within the validity due to COVID-19 will receive a waiver in the visa application fee.

October 20th onwards, those DLI's that have an approved COVID-19 plan, can welcome international students. Before students decide to travel, they need to ensure that their institution's plan was approved prior to their travel plans.

Therefore, it is important for the students to remember that there is light at the end of this tunnel.

For the latest updates about higher education abroad, get in touch with Edwise today.

 

 

 

Travel Tips for International Students

 

Leaving the comfort zone of your home country to experience the culture and seep in all the knowledge that is to offer at your study abroad destination can be a gruesome process. After going through the nerve-wracking process of university applications, the next hurdle study abroad applicants face is that of traveling to their destination. With the onset of the pandemic, traveling to your study destination has become all the more challenging.

Here are the latest updates on traveling to popular study abroad destinations:

Canada

October 20^th onwards, those DLI’s that have an approved COVID-19 plan, can welcome international students. Before students decide to travel to study in Canada, they need to ensure that their institution’s plan was approved prior to their travel plans. Students need to be traveling for necessary purposes only. These include:

·         Students living in Canada

·         Students required to be in Canada for classes in person

·         If the college or university in Canada does not offer online classes

·         Students cannot study from their home country due to technical restrictions

·         Students cannot study through online classes due to time zones

Australia

The health of the world remains a top priority currently, thus international students will be permitted to travel to Australia when it is safe to do so. Universities in Australia are ensuring to offer all possible means of support to international students and thus, offer mental health and medical support, accommodation and food support, as well as the deferral of studies, payments and fees.

With these measures being brought into place for student visa Australia, students can expect a streamline of the process. As Australian education consultants, we urge our students that this is the perfect time to get their application in order, thus when the time is ready, they are ready to travel to Australia.

Ireland

It is the responsibility of the international student to apply for the visa and to follow the necessary processes to study in Ireland. Upon arrival, students are asked to restrict their movements for a period of 14 days and are asked to fill a form to the same effect. Students must complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form and present it to an immigration officer at the point of entry.

UK

With the majority of the universities in UK currently undertaking their classes online, students are urged to stay in a constant loop with their respective universities to be in tandem with the latest travel updates. Students are reassured that the admission criteria will be adjusted taking into account the current scenario to ensure that maximum benefit is allocated to students.

These times are indeed tough for us, but as leading overseas education consultants we at Edwise offer all means of support. You can now connect with us virtually through our Live Free Virtual Counselling.

 

 

 

 

Why Students Need IELTS Coaching

 

Edwise offers comprehensive IELTS training services to students looking to give the exam. Our IELTS coaching provides services in the tested areas of Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

International English Language Testing System, famously known as the IELTS, is a globally recognized, standardized English Proficiency Test that assesses English Language Skills. Students can appear for either the paper-based or the IELTS online test method.

IELTS exam preparation can be undertaken either through the Academic or General Training. Academic Module is required to be given by test takers who plan to study abroad at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. While the General Training Module is generally a prerequisite for candidates who either want to pursue vocational studies or plan to immigrate.

Test Format

IELTS Test format is divided into 6 sections namely-

Listening PB / Listening CB: 40 Questions to be answered in 40 Minutes

Reading Academic Module: 3 passages (40 Questions) to be answered in 60 Minutes

Writing Academic Module: 2 tasks (Diagram Prompt/Argument Prompt) to be answered in 60 minutes

Speaking: 3 Parts in 11 to 15 minutes

The Total duration of the entire Test Format is 2 Hours 45 Minutes

Grading System

Graded on a parameter known as the Band score, the total scale ranges between 0-9. The scores students are required to attain depends on the level of study, course, and university under consideration. The results for the IELTS test are available within 15 working days.

Scores required at varied study abroad destinations

The English language proficiency of students is tested when they wish to study in UK, and thus, they are required to appear for the IELTS. The minimum score for PG courses is 6.5 and 6.0 for UG studies.

Universities in USA, accept IELTS. IELTS score of 6.0- 6.5 for Undergraduates and 6.5-7 band for Postgraduate studies is usually sought after.

To study in Canada, candidates can appear for the IELTS exam. An IELTS band of 6.0-6.5 for undergraduates & 6.5-7 for postgraduate courses is desirable.

A band for 6.0-6.5 is usually sought after by Australian universities.

A band of 6.0/6.5 for undergraduate & 6.5 / 7.5 for postgraduate courses in New Zealand is suitable.

FAQ’s about IELTS

How can we get the venue details for the IELTS Examination?

IELTS is conducted by British Council so the venue details are been given by 7 days prior to the examination.

How many hours of coaching is given for IELTS?

For IELTS 30 hours of training is given.

IELTS Training at Edwise

We use the Cambridge IELTS Book, an official publication for IELTS, to conduct classroom sessions. For Listening, firstly the test is played non-stop and students answer the questions as they listen. Once the test is over, the answers are given explaining the focus on spellings, conventions of writing, and marking scheme.

For Reading, our teachers provide the details about various question types and explain the approach to answer the same. After introductory discussion, usually, the passages are assigned and students are asked to complete the same. Towards the end of each test, questions are discussed with the students, and answers are explained. For the writing segment, firstly the types of tasks are explained with essay-writing guidelines.

Students are made to practice 4 essays of task 1 type and 4 essays of task 2 type. Each essay is assessed and guidelines are provided to make the essay better. For the speaking section, one-on-one sessions are conducted exactly on the lines of the test and the answers are discussed after the session. Scores are given and guidelines are provided to improve the scores.

 

What is it like to study abroad?

 

If you are on the pathway to study abroad and often ponder over what it means to do so, you have come to the right place. The prospect of attaining your higher education abroad is so much more than the educational aspects it possesses. From receiving a quality education to interacting with international players, a study abroad program truly enhances your profile.

Affordability

A significant number of students often deter from studying abroad in the misconception of the cost component attached to the same. However, the flip side of the coin is its economical nature. Universities abroad along with the government offer a variety of scholarships and other financial support avenues through which your endeavor abroad is affordable. While at first, it may take some time for you to adjust to having to manage your own budget, but with time things eventually fall into place. Moreover, certain study destinations such as the UK have their own student union which allows students to benefit from several discount facilities. Another instance is the Oyster Card facility that London possesses. This travel card has many economical perks that it offers to the students. Like these, other study destinations possess a plethora of financial support services for international students.

Homesick

Another battle that a significant number of students face is that of feeling homesick. Being away from family and loved ones often take a toll on students. However, universities abroad have increasingly become receptive to the needs of the students and ensure that they include social activities as well. These activities and participation in social clubs ensure students that they have people to interact with. This helps them take their minds off loved ones back at home and at the same time enables students to engage in networking activities.

Know the Local Language

As a study abroad consultants, we reassure the students that while the programs may be conducted in English it becomes important that they are also well-versed with the local language. This helps the students in manifold ways. Firstly, not only will it be easier for them to assimilate into the local culture and understand what is happening around them, but will also make the locals more accepting. Moreover, having smooth communication makes a study abroad experience much more enhanced. Knowing a language certainly helps the resume thus, students are highly encouraged to go the extra mile and know the local language.

Flexibility

Another issue that students face is that upon reaching their destination and partaking in their program it dawns upon them that they are interested in another program. Certain study destinations such as the universities in USA ensure they incorporate flexibility in their approach. The flexible nature of the curriculum allows students to change their program of study or institution if they desire to do so.

Travelling

As mentioned earlier, the prominent reason you have decided to embark upon the decision to study abroad is to attain education. However, the side perks that come alongside it are significant. One such perk is that of travelling. Students often during their time-off or during breaks visit nearby countries. This helps them not only disconnect from class and have a holistic experience but also meet new people. If students decide to study in any European country, they are often minutes away from a major tourist attraction that they can always decide to visit.

Augments your Career

Employers often actively seek students who have attained an international education. Therefore, studying abroad only adds to your skills. Since students have taken the decision to step out of their comfort zone and make attempts to enhance their skills, they automatically stand out from the competition. Moreover, with the increasingly globalized nature of the economy, companies often actively seek students who can bring in a breath of fresh air and an international perspective. As study abroad consultants we highly encourage our students to participate in networking activities. Interacting with faculty, alumni and peers helps goes a long way since it helps establish connections. These connections then come in handy when students seek a job. 

Now that you know what it is like to study abroad, it is natural to need a guiding light. We at Edwise can be just that and help you reach your study abroad goals. We now offer Live Free Virtual Counselling services, where you can interact with our expert counselors from the comfort of your homes.

 

 

 

 

Reasons to let your child study abroad

 

Every parent wants what is best for their child. They aspire to see their children climb the ladder of success and attain access to bountiful opportunities. One of the greatest investments that a parent can make for the future of their child is education, an added cherry on the cake is the fact that education abroad opens wider doors of opportunities for your child. While some parents may be sceptical of sending their child to study abroad due to a variety of reasons such as the safety and the cost component, it is important to bear in mind the many benefits that your child can attain. Apart from the educational opportunities that a student gains by studying abroad, there comes into a picture a plethora of other life altering consequences.

These insights will help you concur as to why it is a great decision to let your child attain an overseas education

It helps augment their communication skills

While majority of programs are conducted in English, it will be a great stepping stone if the student also has a basic understanding of the local language. Knowing this will help them communicate with the locals and make the whole process easier. This is in turn catapults their communication skills and thus, enriches their personality. Being by themselves in a foreign land will thus enable students to gain confidence in their own abilities and help furnish their personality traits.

Adds a wow factor on their resume

With the increasingly globalized nature of the economy, companies are constantly seeking those students who have international exposure. If your child has a degree from abroad, it easier for him to stand apart from the pool of competition and makes it easier for them to make their mark. Companies are receptive to the innate abilities and traits of these international students and have confidence in their ability to take their company the extra mile.

Studying abroad makes students more receptive

Once your child is in a foreign land and interacts with individuals from all walks of life, he becomes more receptive to the culture around him. This makes them more receptive to their culture and enables them to have a more holistic and approachable attitude to those around him. Not only does this make them better individuals, but also allows them to get ahead in their career.

Studying abroad is more than just an education

While the primary motivating factor to send your children to study abroad is the education they will attain, a positive outcome is how it will help develop their overall personality. The experience that your child will have overseas cannot be compared to what they would have been able to attend if they were here. Interacting with locals, experiencing the local culture, networking with international players goes a long way in the run.

Pathway to settling abroad

Many parents aspire for their child to settle abroad. Studying abroad can be seen as an excellent pathway for students to settle abroad since it becomes easier to do so with a degree from the local country. Since your child will have a degree from abroad, it becomes all the easier for them to take the steps towards their permanent residency.

Work Opportunities Abroad

Universities abroad permit students to undertake part-time work during their studies. This not only helps students earn the extra cash and support their education, but it also acts as a means to practically apply the knowledge learnt in classrooms. Moreover, if your child later decided to return to the home country, he will have access to wider job opportunities since employers will be in awe of the fact that the child has worked overseas. Participating in a program abroad allows students to experience an international work which becomes a life-changing experience for him altogether.

Helps harness their skills

While living with you, your child was under your wing and all their needs were catered to. But when your child decides to study abroad, they will be in charge of their own future which then seeps traits of responsibility and independence in them. With the challenges that they will face abroad, their problem-solving skills will be further harnessed and other important life skills will then be developed.

It is natural to have a ton of questions running through your mind in regard to your child’s education abroad. As India’s Leading Overseas Education Consultant, Edwise understands your woes and is at your service. You can now get in touch with our Live Free Virtual Counseling and interact with our overseas education experts from home.

 

Scholarships to study abroad for Indian students

A major road bump that students face in their decision to study abroad is that of costs. There is often a misconception that education abroad burns a major hole in the student’s pocket. However, when students look at the bigger picture do, they realise just how critical this decision is. Education abroad is one of the greatest decisions that a student can undertake for their future prospects and is the best investment for students. A major helping hand in their prospect to study abroad is that of scholarships.

Universities abroad offer financial aid to students to ensure that they are able to attain their dream of overseas education. If you as a student are looking for tips to attain a scholarship here are some hacks on how you can do just that.

Ameliorate your Passion

When universities or governments are allocating scholarships, they wish to know if their money is being spent wisely therefore, make sure to give them a peek into your passion. Talk about how much studying abroad means to you. Go on to highlight your passion for the field of study, country and university under consideration. Once they are able to see that you are a passionate student who is looking to make great leaps in the field of study, their confidence in your application will automatically increase manifold. Thus, let your passion flow and show them just how much study abroad scholarships mean to you.

Academic Background

A fundamental requisite that students looking to attain study abroad scholarships need to have is a strong academic background. In some cases, the academic grades that a student holds becomes a determining factor when assigning scholarships. Thus, students looking to make applications for scholarships should bear in mind to put immense focus on their academic grades. The reason that academic grades hold such prominence in the process is that it shows to the committee whether the student is serious in studies and will correctly utilize the money that has been allocated to them. Thus, scholarships to study abroad for Indian students is dependent on the academic background they possess.

Plan

When making your university application make sure that you are wary of the application deadlines for the scholarships as well. These seats tend to fill up fast thus, students should remember to stay on the clock for the same. Make sure that you have all your documents in order thus, when the opportunity comes knocking at your door you know how to deal with the same. Meticulously plan everything and make sure to give in your best shot in the application. Students often do not make an application to just one scholarship, thus, if you too are looking to make applications for multiple scholarships do so and increase your chances of attaining one.

Customise

Many students often make the mistake of copy-pasting the same content in their scholarship applications for various applications. The admission committee goes through a significant number of applications on a daily basis and thus, it only takes them a second to figure out when the student hasn’t put in the requisite effort. Make sure to not commit this mistake and create a negative impression on your application. Curate and customize each application, thus shows the committee that you are deserving and are interested in the scholarship. The committee likes to see when the student goes the extra mile to make their application shine. Different study abroad scholarships have distinct determining factors and thus, students should ensure to address the same in their application.

Scholarships to study abroad for Indian students can be divided into three main criteria:

Indian Scholarship

Indian Scholarships are usually introduced on the grounds of enabling the Indian students to work to their potential. Many students are extremely talented but due to lack of finance, they cannot proceed for higher education.

University Scholarship

University Scholarships are grants, tuitions waivers etc awarded by the institution on grounds of institution’s preferences. They are sought by students who indulge in a specific area or interest of study.

International Scholarship

International Scholarships are awarded to international students coming into the host country. Factors that influence international scholarships include quality statements of purpose, experience/expertise in extracurricular that the host country lacks.

Get the best chance to attain a scholarship with India’s Leading Overseas Education Consultants, Edwise

 

 

 

Study in Canada: Home for International Students

 

Through the years, an increasing number of students embark upon the decision to study in Canada. While the entry requirements at universities in Canada may be competitive, the quality of their programs is impeccable. Coupled with the economic nature of education, Canada becomes the number one choice for students seeking higher education abroad. Canada also offers alluring stay back opportunities which is why a significant number of students are further drawn there. Moreover, during the duration of their study in Canada, students are permitted to indulge in part-time work which acts as an excellent starting point to commence their professional journey as well as earn money to cover the costs of their education. Furthermore, a UN survey has found Canada to be the best place in the world to live in.

Top Courses to study in Canada

· Humanities and Social Sciences

· Engineering and Technology

· Biological and Life Sciences

· Business Management Studies in Canada

· Aviation

· Sports

· Tourism and Hospitality

· Law and Regulations

Intakes

Students looking to study in Canada should commence the process one year prior. Canada primarily has a Fall and Winter intake in the months of September and January respectively. Some universities may have a May intake as well. Students should also take into consideration the program and university they are making an application into.

Costs to study at universities in Canada

One of the most educated countries in the world, as per Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Canada is amongst the top 3 countries in the world, in terms of spending per capita for public post-secondary education.

The tuition fees to study at various educational levels in Canada can be understood as follows:

Program

Tuition Fees (Approx.)/Year in CAD

Diploma & Certificate Program

13,000–16,000

Bachelors Program

13,000–18,000

Master’s Program

17,000–25,000

Levels of study in Canada

There are several levels of study in Canada and the entry requirements for the same can be looked at as follows:

Advanced Diploma/Certificate/Diploma:

Along with a Higher second-class score in HSC, students should also have attained the requisite scores in IELTS/TOEFL. Other conditions by universities also come into play.

Bachelor’s Degree:

Colleges and Universities in Canada need prospective students to have First Class in their HSC and clear their IELTS/TOEFL. Other conditions by individual universities also need to be considered.

Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma:

In their Bachelor’s Degree, the student needs to have attained a Higher Second Class and clear the IELTS/TOEFL. Other entry requirements depend on the university under consideration.

Master’s Degree:

Only students with a First Class in their 4 years of Bachelor’s degree can make an application for the same. They also have an alternative route of pursuing their Bachelor’s (3 years in India) and then attain a Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate from Canada. Along with this, the student also needs to successfully clear the IELTS/TOEFL as the conditions laid down by the university.

Scholarships

Scholarships in Canada are of the limited nature and in some cases may not cover the entire cost component of education, coupled with this they are also extremely competitive in nature. A strong academic record plays a determining role when a student is seeking a scholarship and it also depends on the discrepancy of individual universities under consideration. Students need to make an application for their scholarships along with their admission applications. Community Colleges, Career Colleges, School Boards, most Private Schools do not offer scholarships in Canada.

Work Opportunities

Full-time students are eligible to work up to 20 hours per week and full-time during vacation. Several programs may even have a paid co-op term where one gets hands-on experience in working in the industry in their field of study. They can earn approximately C$ 10.50 onwards. Students can work full time off campus during co-op terms, amounting to earnings between C$ 700 to C$900 per month.

Stay Back Opportunities

On completion of their study in Canada, students graduating from a program of 2 years or more in length would be eligible for a 3-year work permit after graduation with no restrictions on the types of employment and no requirement for a job offer.

Get in touch with Edwise today to take your first step into a university in Canada.