Studying abroad
definitely need a little bit more thought and planning than a degree in India;
but it is not unachievable. All you need is few pointer that you need to keep
in mind.
Haven’t most of us at one point or the
other wanted to go abroad to study? When we see our
peers going outside, we wish we could also. It is not that, Indian education
isn’t good; Indian education system is one of the best in the world. But the
diversity, exposure and the chance to learn at a global platform is definitely
something we all aspire to have. With also the luxury of going to one of the
most sorted after locations in the world, gives you that extra pull.
Go Abroad
So when we talk about going abroad, what
all do we need to consider, before we take that big leap?
The Cost Factor
One of our prime worry is the cost;
whether or not we can afford it. Sometimes we don’t even consider overseas
education, because of this very factor. Yes, studying abroad can/will be a bit more that what you would spend on a similar degree in
India.
Cost of education
This varies depending from the course
you have select, the university and location. For example a university in
Australia might cost you up to 18 Lac* and a course in UK would be about 35
Lac*; in Singapore course could cost up to 30 Lac* etc. (*these figures are
bound to change).
Scholarship
You have
different scholarships for postgraduate studies, graduate or women etc. You
also have specific scholarships for Indian students, some of them are:
·
Tata Scholarships at Cornell (US): This is via
the Tata Education and Development Trust. They provide scholarships for around
20 Indian undergraduate students. To be eligible for this, first you need to be
accepted in Cornell University and then apply for the scholarship.
·
Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (UK): To
be eligible for this, you need to have a prior degree from an Indian
University. This scholarship is eligible for both undergraduate and graduate
studies.
·
Edinburgh Napier University (UK): The
scholarship is offered to both undergraduate and graduate level Indian students,
who opt for Scotland’s Edinburgh Napier University. The criteria for this scholarship
are on merit, based upto $ 3000* for Indian students.
·
Huawai Maitree Scholarships (China): this is
specific program for the Indian students; financial aid would be given upto $
5000* to students who opt for higher studies in China.
Most of the universities offer you’re the chance or work while you
study. Your student visas would make you eligible for you to earn your cost of
living. Most of the universities have
hostels and in house accommodation. They also allow you to seek accommodation
outside your university post one year/semester in the college hostel. The cost
various from $200 - $800* and more.
Traveling Cost
Many airlines offer some sort of baggage
allowance and discounts for students who travel abroad; with that they also
provide travel and accidental insurance for their passengers.
Safety
Through years, Indians have always been
a victim of racism, when they go overseas. But due to the wide diversity in
today’s day and age Racism is something that has been bought under some
control. With few cases still propping up, the government and the local police
and campus heads are making sure that they universities are racism and ragging
free.
Nothing is 100% assured, keep in mind
that you are in a unknown country, try following some basic rules and
regulations like keep your eyes open, be careful when you travel in the night,
try not being alone (especially in the first few days and months), if you
notice something out of the ordinary – inform the office and the local
authorities, carry some sort of safety precaution with you like pepper spray
etc. and the most important one is don’t keep quiet if something or someone
threatens you.
Eligibility
Other points vary, depending on the
location to the course and college selection. For example your cut off marks
for both your boards and the exams mentioned above.
To be on the safe side you should at
least have 60% and above in you boards.
Along with that each university has its one eligibility criteria. There are two major
English tests that determine your eligibility of various universities in US,
UK, Australia, Canada etc – IELTS and TOEFL. Other than that you have GMAT for
MBA aspirants, MCAT for medical aspirants etc. Students who are applying for
undergraduate studies in US should also sit for SAT. This is equivalent to your 12 boards and
tests your eligibility for college.
Once you fill the prospectus you also
have various other categories that you need to fill, like recommendations
(teachers or previous employers), couple of essays (selling point) etc. Make
sure you fill the prospectus to the best of your ability. Sometimes in rare
cases, even if you are barely crossing the merit point, your essays,
extracurricular activities extra might give you the required edge.
VISA
To apply for a student visa, at first
you need to have an admission letter from, the university. On the process of
that, your visa process would start. You would be required to give the relevant
documents like your birth certificate, details of your sponsor (the one who is
paying for your fees etc.), educational qualifications etc. There would be police
verifications and once that is cleared your visa would be approved.
Educational structure
The programs are divided into a semester
system (most often). You are taught throughout the semester and rated on the
various projects and assignments. End of the semester you sit for the term
paper, which would judge if you are eligible to go to the next semester or not.
Author
Bio: Trisha
is a professional writer and adviser on education. She is an ardent reader, a
traveler and a passionate photographer. She wants to explore the world and
write about whatever comes across her way.
No comments:
Post a Comment