Which exams to give to study abroad

 

Studying abroad has been a major dream for a range of students. It is the pathway to not only earn world-class education qualifications, but also opens doors of career opportunities. Apart from the student themselves, a significant number of parents also yearn for their child to study abroad.

However, the process can be quite daunting and one may often feel lost. The decision to study abroad is one that cannot be taken on a whim, it takes careful deliberation and planning.

Once the student has selected the course and the university, the next step is appearing for the admission tests. Here is a list of all the likely tests you will be required to give when you decide to study abroad.

IELTS

·         International English Language Testing System assesses English Language Skills in areas of Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

·         IELTS exam preparation can be undertaken in either Academic or General Training.

·         Graded on a parameter known as the Band score, the total scale ranges between 0-9.

·         The results for the IELTS test are available within 15 working days.

TOEFL

·        Test of English as a Foreign Language is a standardized English proficiency test that assesses the English Language skills of a student in the areas of Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

·        The test is offered 30-40 times a year.

·        To study undergraduate or postgraduate courses abroad, students need to appear for TOEFL.

·        The exam is scored out of 120, with every section being scored on a scale of 0-30 with a 1-point increment.

PTE

·         Pearson Test of English Academic is a computer-based test that evaluates the Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing abilities.

·         There exist three types of PTE examinations, which are namely the PTE General, PTE Academic, and PTE Young Learners.

·         The PTE academic test score results are valid for a period of 2 years.

·         An overall score is out of 90 and a good score is 65.

GRE

·         Graduate Record Examination is a world-renowned admission test undertaken by candidates for graduate programs primarily in the areas of Engineering and Sciences at universities in USA.

·         The total duration of the entire Test Format is 3 Hours 45 minutes.

·         Scored out of a total of 340, a good score is considered that of 320 and above.

·         Students can retake the GRE test once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period.

GMAT

·         Graduate Management Admission Test is required to be given by those candidates who are desirous of taking admission to Graduate Management programs at management education institutions.

·         Sections of the exam include Analysis of Argument, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal.

·         The test is scored out of a total of 800, and a good score is 650+.

·         The test is for a duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes.

SAT

·         The Scholastic Assessment Test is given by those who wish to seek admission to undergraduate courses in USA.

·         The SAT exam is conducted in March, May, October, and December in India.

·         Sections include Reading, Writing and Language, Maths, and an Optional Essay. It is scored out of a total of 1600; a good score is considered that of a 1250+

·         The SAT exam scores are valid for a period of 5 years. The process to attain the scores takes between 17-22 calendar days.

ACT

·         The American College Testing has 5 components namely, English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing Test.

·         The duration of the exam is 3 hours and 35 minutes.

·         Score reports are generally released within 3 to 8 weeks after each test date.

·         Scored out of a total of 36, a good score is considered that of 30 and above.

To prepare for these exams get in touch with study abroad consultants, Edwise today.

 

 

 

Blending Learning and Education Abroad

 

With the lockdown now easing and countries gradually opening their borders to international students. However, before students can go back to attend classes full-time on campus, a new form of education has emerged. This is the blended form of learning which ensures that the health, as well as education prospects of students, are catered to.

·         Blending learning is an amalgamation of online as well as on-campus classes for students.

·         The primary motive now is to ensure that students are safe, and their health isn’t compromised. Universities across the globe are working hard in this direction to ensure that this is possible. They have assured that they need of every student is catered to and wherever possible a blended form of learning will be utilized.

     Certain universities have made statements regarding their protocol for the future and students are advised to get in touch with their respective universities to understand the same. Taking into account the situation in the local area, universities will undertake decisions accordingly. Reiterating the point made before, the health, well-being and safety of students remain the priority when making these decisions.

·         A major benefit of online classes to study abroad is the fact that it addresses both the issues we are currently facing adequately. It simultaneously ensures that the health, as well as education prospects of students, remain intact.

·         Blending learning for education abroad is seen to have widespread advantages to those online students, who earlier may have not received the opportunity to access these avenues.

·         The beauty of blended learning classes is profound. For instance, you don’t have to put your education prospects on the back burner. Even when you are in your home country you can commence your study abroad journey. What’s more, when the situation normalizes you are set to travel to your study abroad destination. This means you don’t have to wait like others who haven’t started their online classes.

·        Moreover, attending blended learning classes ensures students stay in their destination and with the time in hand, students have the opportunity to undertake part-time classes as well. Technology is the future, and it comes as no surprise that it is continuing to hold a strong grasp in the realm of education as well.

It is important that you keep up with the changing times as well. Thus, don’t hold back seize the opportunity that has come to your hand and commence your study abroad journey with blending learning.

Get in touch with Edwise, to know how to do that.

Scholarship Tips to Study Abroad

 

One of the most arduous aspects of the process to study abroad is that of making financial considerations. For many, this can be a make-or-break decision. The tuition fees, accommodation and other living expenses are some of the many considerations a student has to make when it comes to attaining an education abroad.

To solve exactly these issues is where scholarships and other financial aid comes into the picture. Attaining this scholarship will not only make the entire process a whole easier, but is often subject to requirements. Only upon successfully fulfilling these requirements is a student able to grab a scholarship.

Undertaking research is one of the paramount considerations a student needs to make when attaining a scholarship and this enables the pupil to understand the options at their disposal.

Connect with Edwise

·         The first stepping stone on your endeavour to attain a scholarship is getting in touch with India’s Leading Overseas Education Consultant, Edwise.

·         After a meticulous analysis of your entire student profile, we at Edwise recommend the best scholarship for you. We connect you to the most suitable university that offers to its students’ impeccable scholarship avenues.

·         For instance, those students looking to study in UK, Australia and New Zealand can make applications for Commonwealth scholarships. These scholarships are available at the undergraduate as well as postgraduate level.

·         With Edwise, you will not be limited to one university or course, but will have at your disposal a range of avenues. Since there can be some paperwork and other considerations to bear in mind, we are your best bet.

Interact

·         With the advent of social media and making use of your own connections, you can garner further details about scholarships.

·         Interacting with past alumni will help you understand the options you have at your disposal. Since they have gone through the experience themselves, they will be a great source of support when seeking scholarships to study abroad.

·         Moreover, there are a considerable number of support groups that also offer their services for scholarships.

Research

·         Before looking at your study abroad destination, it is also important that you investigate your home country. Many countries themselves have scholarship programs for their residents who are looking to study abroad. Thus, it is best to look into the same as well.

·         Apart from scholarships, there are also other financial avenues such as loans that a student can consider.

·         The Fulbright scholarship program to studyin USA is a prominent scholarship platform.

Therefore, your personal savings, coupled with scholarships and other financial avenues will make your dream to study abroad seamless. As a student, there are a range of avenues at your disposal, all that you need to do is take advantage of them.

Scholarships are awarded based upon various criteria, which usually reflect the values and purposes of the donor or founder of the award.

To get details about the best scholarship avenues, get in touch with Edwise today.

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.