Career guidence | Imagine and Achieve Overseas Education

September 8, 2023 / 05:02 PM IST

Career guidence | భారతీయ విద్యార్థులు అనేక దశాబ్దాలుగా విదేశీ విద్యపై మక్కువ చూపుతున్నారు. ఒకప్పుడు విద్య కోసం విదేశాలకు వెళ్లి తిరిగి భారతావనికి వచ్చినవారు ఎక్కువ. పెరుగుతున్న అవగాహన, మన దగ్గర ఉన్న ప్రీమియర్‌
ఇన్‌స్టిట్యూట్లలో ఉన్న సీట్ల సంఖ్యలో అంతరం ఉండటంతో విదేశాలకు వెళ్తున్నారు. దేశం లో అకడమిక్‌ సంవత్సరం సాధారణంగా ఏప్రిల్‌, మే నెలలో ముగుస్తుంది. కాబట్టి విద్యార్థులు ఆగస్టు, సెప్టెంబర్‌ నెలలో విదేశీ విద్యను ప్రారంభించే ప్రయత్నం ఎక్కువగా చేస్తుంటారు. దీనివల్ల సమయం వృథా కాదు. వచ్చే సంవత్సరం విదేశాలకు వెళ్లాలనుకునే వారి కోసం ఈ కథనం..

Indian Students Abroad

If you imagine studying in a foreign country, believe in your abilities, prepare for the admission process, and finally achieve your dream.
According to a recent news article, Indian students travel to at least 240 countries for Higher education as per the statement made in Rajya Sabha. In March of 2022, the Ministry of External Affairs released an annexure with details of at least 70 countries welcoming Indian students. It is estimated that at least 13 lakh students are in those countries. (https://mea.gov.in/ Images/CPV/lu3820). USA, Canada, and Australia attract students in Lakhs. Germany and the United Kingdom are also popular among students. Our Premier institutions, like Bits Pilani SP Jain, have global campuses. Indian institutions have tie-ups with International universities, so students are interested in courses where semesters are studied abroad too.
International education requires careful planning and meticulous execution. It causes a lot of anxiety when we hear about some students’ troubles, which is unfortunate. However, we need to move forward with great caution.

Do’s & Do n’ts of international travel

The Ministry of External Affairs lists pointers for students to consider before travelling abroad.
The predominant ones among those Plan about the country you wish to visit.
The opportunities are many. It is crucial to consider your opt ions care fully. The choice of the country you intend to study in should provide you with the course you are interested in. The institution should be welcoming international students. The opportunities you can get in terms of practical experience or job opportunities later also matter.
Check the latest travel advisories.
Your safety is paramount. Recently, many students were evacuated from Ukraine when the war with Russia broke out. Choose those countries that are politically stable and rank better on the safety index.
Take care of your personal safety, finances and behaviour.
International education requires you to fund your education in foreign currency. Your financial capacity matters. Availability of loans and scholarships needs to be considered. Some universities require you to pay a semester or annual fee in advance. Also, they require you to show bank statements with sufficient funds.
Register with the local embassy
Contact the local Indian embassy when needed. If you get arrested or detained, insist on Consular access (under the Vienna Convention) to a representative from the nearest Indian Embassy/ Consulate. (https://mea.gov.in/ dos-and-donts-for-foreign-travel.htm)

International Entrance Exams

Students must fulfil specific academic require ments per the country’s needs and the institu tion to which they seek admission. The scores in Indian exams and the medium of instruction must be looked into. Also, each university may have different marks and score requirements.
The required exam depends on the country and university of your choice. However, the following is a list of the most common entrance exams written by students interested in studying abroad.
Graduate Record Exam (GRE): The GRE was created more than 70 years ago to evaluate students’ eligibility irrespective of their backgrounds. Since then, it has undergone many changes. The last one was in the last decade. And now it’s changing. The latest changes will be applicable from September 22, 2023. This exam is going to be shorter than the previous one. However, your current preparation can still help you take it. Business schools, too, accept GRE scores along with other universities.

Graduate Manage ment Admission Test (GMAT)

GMAT is taken for admission into busin ess schools. According to a news source, from 2017 to 2021, the number of GMAT test-takers in the U.S. dropped from nearly 104,000 to just under 48,000. GMAT is a diverse exam designed to choose suitable candidates for B School admissions. It is a 60 year old exam, and the last major overhaul happened 20 years ago.
GMAT Focus edition is going to be a revamped version. The old version is expected to be open for students until early next year, as they are already preparing for it. The new version is expected to be open from August 29, 2023. It’s going to be shorter and also focus on data analysis. The Quantitative and Verbal sections are going to stay.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

IELTS is an English language test that tests Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking students. Students take IELTS Academic for educational purposes. IELTS General is taken for work purposes. IELTS is available on Computer and Paper based. However, the results are faster in computer-based test format. Also, more slots are available for it. Paper-based is conducted only on a few days a month.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

TOEFL is accepted globally in around 160 countries. It tests students on Liste ning, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. From July 26 2023, TOEFL iBT has become shorter and more transparent.
Pearson Test of English (PTE), Scholastic Aptitude test (SAT), LNAT, LSAT for LAW, USMLE for medical admissions, etc. Students have to learn about the test and then prepare for it.
Students are strongly encouraged to prepare for these exams and take mock exams before writing the test. The better the scores, the better universities you can aim for. For instance, some universities may need a minimum band of 6 in IELTS for admission, while others may need 7. Some universities may need a 300+ score on the GRE, while others need more than 315. Recently, we have heard of admissions without the requirement of these tests; we advise you to research the universities carefully.
You may have some universities in mind, so check the scores required for admissions in advance and accordingly aim for it.
Schedule your test to get your scores in time for the admission cycle. Some exams can be taken multiple times, so retake if your scores could be better. Plan to complete your tests at least 2-3 months before the admission cycle begins. Check the validity period of your test scores; some of the above have a validity period, sometimes 2 years to 5 years. So, you can take them early too.

After the Test

Send your scores to the university. Submit all required documents.
Your admission may only be processed once the university receives all relevant documents. Apply for admission with all relevant documents like Recommendation letters, Statements of Purpose, etc.
Once you get an admission offer letter from the university, prepare for Visa Interviews. Book your visa slot and be ready with all forms required.
Do go through the details mentioned in the admission offer. Fill out the proper forms and apply for the required type of visa.
Plan your finances or funds. Banks provide study loans; check if you need them. Universities offer scholarships, too. Do check if you fall into any of those categories. If you have good scores, the university may offer you scholarships. A scholarship from the university reflects positively on your financial health. International credit cards and International driving licences are also available. Research them in advance so you can be comfortable in the initial days of your landing.
Complete your immunisation before you travel. Check the travel rules and regulations. Read the Insurance rules.
Do coordinate with students in the university, and plan for your pick up from the airport and stay. Do read the lease agreements carefully before signing in. We encourage you to get in touch with the students already studying there. Most universities have separate departments for international students; you can reach out for guidance or support.
Plan and Prepare for a bright future.

Sirisha Reddy
Director- Academics
Abhyaas Edu Technologies
+91 9849733780
www.Abhyaas.in