Monthly Archives: March 2016

7 ways to keep in touch with your loved ones while studying abroad

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Landing in a foreign land, surrounded by unfamiliar people, customs can give any one a harrowing time, at least for the first couple of months, where the only respite would be to talk to ones loved ones, which ever medium it might be through. This is where technology comes to our rescue. Communicating with our loved ones is no more a hassle and also need not cause a fortune. Let us explore a few of them here.

Skype

Skype is more than handy while studying abroad, as it offers free video chatting and allow one to make phones at fraction of a cost. Depending on your location and country to which you are making the call, Skype credit can be purchased and calls can be made to mobile numbers and landlines. This really helps in an emergency, when one does not have access to a computer or if the time difference makes it difficult to make a Skype chat.

 Whats App

This application has taken the world by storm and is considered one of the fastest, convenient and cost effective way as it allows one to text internationally through ones data plan, and help keep in touch with family  and friends, without bearing international texting charges. The best part is that even if there are internet disruptions, incoming texts notifications are received as soon as you are connected to the internet.

Facebook

Face book is probably   the world’s most explored tool by people, which helps one to stay in touch with family and friends, no matter which part of the world they reside, as it not only allow one to chat with friends in ones friend list, it also allows one to post photos within a matter of seconds, helping you post your status which your loved ones can track.

Google chat and hangouts

Google+ and Google Hangouts are wonderful applications which help one have normal chats and video chats; with a number of people simultaneously this can be a great way to interact with your friends and family without trying them separately. Once in a week scheduling a video chat can help you keep a tab on all happenings back home.

 Phone Calls

International phone calls by no means are cheap, so that this cannot be a regular feature. For those who can afford this luxury, many exciting plans are provided by telephone service providers. So choose a plan that has maximum talk time and minimum call rate and top up options.  Make full use of a time slot when calls are charged the bare minimum, which is usually during the wee hours. If these suit your home country’s time zone, make the most out of it.

Emails

Email is the best option to communicate with your near and dear ones back home, which only requires internet connections at both the ends.  You can write (read type) your heart out, without bothering about the limitation of words, space consumed etc. The best part is that, you can attach your photographs along with your mail and simply sent it across within a second.  Though mails are not fashionable way of communication in this lightning quick world, it is still effective.

Snail Mail

Though this is never suggested for swift and reliable communication it still has its charm as the feel of writing in your own handwriting and that your loved ones are getting the message in a tangible form in itself strikes a emotional chord, so it would be a best choice to sent a snail mail or use a post card to scribble some lines on it and sent it across.  Your family would love to receive it from you.

Though this is not an exhaustive list of tools that aid your study abroad communication needs, at least one might serve your purpose, so cheer up,  studying abroad does not mean you are totally cut off from your family and friends. Make the most of cost effective communication tools and stay connected throughout your study abroad phase.

8 Things to consider before deciding on a medicine study destination/institution abroad

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The trend of pursuing medicine studies abroad is catching up at a steady pace and is gaining momentum with each passing year; as a result students and parents are being presented with a variety of options in terms of medical universities and institutions abroad, putting many in a dilemma, as to which destination and institution to choose. Here are some basic parameters, one should consider before finalizing on a destination and institution for medicine studies abroad.

  • Quality of the education

It need not be said that the quality of medical education offered should be your top priority. Since there is no concrete mechanism to evaluate the quality aspect of foreign universities/institutions, the best way would be to research on your own by visiting the web site of the respective university/ institution. One need to look at couple of things like the facilities at the institution, curriculum, assignment submission patterns, faculties, research publications, lab and library facilities etc to note a few. Considering the limitations of the research through internet, it would be worth taking reference from students who are currently pursuing study at the concerned institution or alumni’s.

  •  Cost of the course 

Apart from the quality of the program, cost is one factor that needs to be kept in mind before taking a decision. Cost of medical education varies from country to country.  Having a clear picture of the total fees for the entire duration of program is very important to avoid financial crunch in between the course period. With many countries in Europe and Southeast like Philippines, China, Bulgaria, Armenia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Russia, Malaysia, offering cost effective medical programs of world class nature, the options are endless.

  • Cost of living and additional expenses

Though Course fee forms a sizable part of expense, it should not be the only criteria to reach a conclusion, as apart from course fees, all other expenses like food and lodging, toiletries, cost involved in eating out, recreation etc need to be taken in to account as all these expenses, account for the entire amount you spend on your medicine education abroad.

  • Location of the Institution

The location of the institution is one important thing that both students and parents consider before taking a decision, as somewhat proximity to their native country is mostly preferred.  Though with increased flight connectivity and communications, no place is far, however transportation facilitates, law and order aspect, accommodating nature of local population towards international students are certain things that plays an important role in selecting a study destination.

  • Facilities offered

Though academic infrastructure is of prime importance, so are other facilities including the study rooms, housing facilities, canteens, emergency care, sport facilities, internet connectivity etc and hence need to be scrutinized before deciding on the institution.

  •  Duration of the course

The program duration may vary slightly from university to university, so, having clarity on the duration of the program is highly important. One would also need to ensure where an additional year need to be spend to study the local language, which is mandatory in some countries. Internship period also need to be factored in before a final decision is reached.

  •   Medium of Instruction

Most universities / colleges across the world conduct their medical programs in vernacular as well as in English.   It goes without saying to opt a program where the language of instruction is English medium and moreover studying the program in the native language would require an additional 1 year of study.

  • Approach credible overseas medical education facilitators  

There are scores of overseas education facilitators who offer universities and institutions from different parts of the world; it is advisable to choose the best, one that has solid reputation and experience in the domain. Reference checks can come handy here

Now that you are well aware of the yardsticks for selecting the medical institutions abroad, take a well informed decision and prepare to become a globally certified doctor.

Santa Monica has been working closely with well established institutions with world class facilities in Philippines, Bulgaria and China offering internationally recognized, WHO & MCI approved medicine degrees in English medium   and can surely help you identify your best option.

The team at Santa Monica has personally visited the institutions and have assessed their facilities and interacted with students before facilitating admissions to their associated institutions. For more details, please seek the advice of our experts in choosing the right destination for your medicine studies.  For more info contact us on 0484-4140999

*Kindly note that all foreign medical graduates wishing to pursue their medicine practice in India should mandatorily  clear the MCI clearance test.

 

10 THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE ATTENDING A U.S. STUDENT VISA INTERVIEW

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Studying in the United States is nothing short of a dream come true for students across the world, owing to its first rate education, top notch infrastructure, excellent research environment, and vibrant campus life and to top a promising global career ahead.  Easier said than done, studying in the U.S. requires an F-1 visa, securing one, requires one to attend a Visa interview conducted by the U.S. consulate in your country. The word interview doesn’t have to put you under undue stress, as the purpose of the interview is to assess whether you have genuine intention of studying in the USA and that you are not taking education as a pretext to migrate to the U.S. Here are few of the tips to give your best shot at the U.S. visa interview.

  •  Be on time for the interview

Reach the consular office, at least 15 minutes before your appointment as this will help you get accustomed to the place and would give you ample time to mentally prepare for the interview those arriving late by 30 minutes or more may not be permitted to attend the interview, so make sure you don’t turn up late on your D day and start things on a negative note.

  • Sound genuine

Having  a sound clarity on the purpose  of the interview, will help you  face it  with  confidence,   as,  all  that the visa officer  wants  to  ascertain is whether  the candidate is honest  in his intention   to study in the United states and is not making it as a pretext to enter U.S.  The visa officer also would verify whether you have reasonable funds for your education, boarding and lodging, upkeep etc, for the entire duration of your studies, and that, you will not become a liability for the state. Having a clear cut answer about how you intend to pay for your studies; stay etc would help you to convince the interviewing officer on all these fronts. Don’t try to outsmart the visa officer with tricky answers, as they must have interviewed hundreds of students like you before, so don’t even try that.

  • Exhibit your keenness to return post study

As under U.S. law, all applicants for non immigrant visas are viewed as potential immigrants, until one convinces them otherwise. You must be able to convince the interviewing officer that, you have strong ties with your home country, and that you have strong reasons to return back, which may include employment, business interest, inheritance, strong family relations, long term plans etc.   You should have strong reasons to put forth your objectives in taking up education in the USA and how it would help you in future course of life. The questions expected can vary from person to person on ones financial standing, back ground etc, but will have a true bearing on the outcome of visa results.

  • Be prepared to speak in English

Obviously you can’t expect a U.S. visa interview to be in your native language, so be prepared for it.  As someone intending to study in the U.S. a certain level of language proficiency is expected from your side.  It wouldn’t be a bad idea to practice English conversation with a friend or someone, this will give you a fair idea about areas that you would need to work on, as far as avoiding any potential grammar mistakes; lack of clarity, comprehension is concerned etc. Now since, English language is not something that one can master in a days’ time, such preparation should be done well in advance.

  • Know in detail about your intended course and how it will benefit you

The most important question, one can expect is about the program, you intend to pursue and the reasons for selecting this particular program in the United States and how you in tend to benefit from it.  Answering these questions in the most convincing manner, would help you in proving to the Visa officer that you are serious about studying in the USA and not using studies as a route to migrate to the U.S.

  • Bring All Required Documents

Make sure you bring all required original documents and its photocopies to the visa interview. Failure to produce them during the interview may cause delay or denial of the visa.

  • Avoid being accompanied by someone to the interview room

Turning up at the Visa interview room with your parents or relatives, sends a wrong message that you are not capable of carrying yourself and would require an aid to assist you.  How can a visa officer, expect a student to travel all the way to the U.S. and complete the study period, when he /she is not able to attend an interview without outside help.

  • Be brief with your answers

With large number of visa interviews scheduled, visa officers are under considerable time pressure to wind up interview of each applicant within a stipulated time, and arrive at a decision and hence expect straight forward answers to the questions asked. Usually an impression is created within the first few minutes of the interview. Don’t expect that the visa officer would be convinced with your long answers in chaste English.

  • Don’t be too vocal about your part time work intentions

Remember that your primary aim is to study and not work. Though working part time is allowed within allowed limits and should be put forth as something that is incidental in completing your studies in the U.S. and that you have very strong reasons to return back home.  If your spouse is accompanying you on F-2 visa, be prepared to answer questions like what she / he intends to spend this time period in the United States, as a F2 visa holder they are not legally allowed to work, though there are exceptions to it .So make sure you don’t give any answers that would jeopardize your chance of getting a student visa approved.

  • No arguments please

Remind yourself that you are here for an interview and not to win an argument, so make sure you answer in a calm and composed manner, don’t force your argument on the visa officer.  In case you are denied a visa, remain composed and ask him /her reasons for the refusal in writing.

There is no fool proof method of cracking a U.S. visa interview, as it depends on the particular case, however with these simple tips, you will be able to put your best before the visa officer, and moreover being original, would increase your chance of succeeding in a U.S. visa interview, rather than going there with tailor made answers.

7 COOL TIPS TO LEARN SWEDISH

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Sweden is a great destination to launch your career, post study, provided you are to some extend acquainted with at least basic conversational Swedish. Though a sizeable number of Swedish population speak English and majority of companies use English as their official language, if you aren’t good at Swedish language, then that much deserved first Swedish job can remain all elusive. Then how can it be learnt, here are few tips that can help.

START EARLY 

It wouldn’t be a bad idea to start your Swedish language learning process, as soon as you receive your university offer, rather than wait for the classes to start, as an early start would give the luxury of time against someone, who is learning it at the eleventh hour.

START WITH THE BASICS  

Start with basic Swedish words and phrases, general salutations, greetings like Good morning, good evening, thank you, good bye etc, these are small but firm steps that can help you strike a conversation in Swedish with some level of confidence.  Never waste any opportunity to try out your newly acquired skills it can be student get together, party you are invited to or a casual chat with an ice cream vendor these are all your preliminary language tests so make the most out of it.

MAKE  MAXIMUM USE OF FREE WEB BASED COURSES AND RESOURCES  

The Internet has revolutionized the whole manner in which languages are learnt, with unlimited excess to language resources. What better way to start your Swedish language study with http://www.linguanet-worldwide.org/ a World Wide search engine for language learning resources  that offers an extensive directory of resources which are searchable based on a variety of criteria.

The Swedish institute is a pioneering institution that conducts a free online course in Swedish for beginners with material for self-study. The course gives basic spoken and written knowledge of the Swedish language, as well as an insight into Swedish culture and society. All instructions are given in English. https://eng.si.se/

The all famous https://www.duolingo.com/course/sv/en/Learn-Swedish-Online has come out with a Swedish course that teaches Swedish in a fun way that will help you with free language learning lessons, courses, learning activities etc.

The following resources can also be useful in your Swedish language studies:

  •  Stockholm University: ‘Kom loss på svenska‘, a beginner’s course.

http://svefler.su.se.preview.binero.se/komloss/

  •   Safir: an interactive course.

http://www.digitalasparet.se/safir/startsida.htm

  •  Loecsen: pronunciation of common Swedish phrases.

http://www.loecsen.com/travel/0-en-67-2-23-free-lessons-swedish.html

  •  Swedish Flashcards: practice with words, sentences and texts.

https://www.learnwitholiver.com/swedish/

  •  Språkbanken: a collection of links to dictionaries and concordances of Swedish literature, maintained by the University of Gothenburg.

http://spraakbanken.gu.se/

  • LEXIN: a contextual dictionary that translates between Swedish and 18 other languages.

http://folkets-lexikon.csc.kth.se/folkets/

  • Interglot: a multilingual dictionary that translates between six languages, including Swedish, and provides verb conjugation help.

http://www.interglot.com/

  1. DISTANCE PROGRAMS ARE A GREAT CHOICE 

Distance learning courses are simply great, when it comes to learning Swedish at your own pace, in which ever part of the world you are. Many private organizations offer paid distance learning courses, below given are few of the names and urls of the respective institutions

 JOIN THE SFI PROGRAM 

Don’t be amazed with the acronym, SFI stands for Swedish for immigrants, which is a free system of Swedish course for both beginners and advanced learners, open for all Swedish residents. These programs are offered free of cost across Sweden, in an attempt to help immigrants learn, at least basic Swedish, towards helping them in furthering studies and for seeking employment.

 MAKE USE OF YOUR UNIVERSITY  SWEDISH CLASSES 

Most of the universities in Sweden offer Swedish course, which are run throughout the year. These programs are aimed at giving foreign students, decent grasp over Swedish language, at least of rudimentary level. Make it count, as majority of them are absolutely free, and even if there is a charge, it is going to be a nominal one.

THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE TO SPEAKING  

However hard you might try, it is not going to work if you do not speak the language. So get rid of your mental block and start speaking in Swedish with your room mate or a neighbor. occasionally you might be tempted to use English in your conversation, but remind yourself that Learning Swedish is more of a mission now, one that will pay you rich dividend in near future.

Language is no barrier when the resolve is strong so get going

How to cope with home sickness while studying abroad

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Studying abroad, though quite an exciting phase of one’s life can be emotionally taxing, owing to the extended period of time, one spends in an alien land, away from near and dear ones. It is quite normal that home sickness sets in. In fact almost all of us at some point of time must have felt it, while being away from home, even on a short stint.  Though most common manifestations are loss of appetite, anxiety, depression, nostalgia, feeling of missing ones home, family, friends etc but can differ from person to person. Experiencing homesickness is a pretty normal thing to happen, however if it is seriously hampering your study abroad phase, don’t down play it. Here are few strategies to fight home sickness head-on.

  • Stay busy

Being busy does not mean spending hour’s eagerly, checking latest face book updates of friends. Blokes, now since, you are in a new country, that too only for a pretty brief time, make the most out of it. Get on to exploring your new city, its most happening spots, popular hangouts, food courts etc and not to forget, getting  fully immersed in the college extracurricular activities, student clubs etc  

  • Bring out the tourist in you

Start as a tourist with passion to know the city you are in and try to delve deep in to its popular spots, culture, history etc, this will make you well aware of the city, its routes, etc no doubt you are sure to locate a park or spot to spend quality time or a restaurant that serves your favorite meal.

  • Take a liking to local food

With ingredients, barring slight variations, there is every possibility that you might stumble upon a local dish, which tastes very much like the one you regularly have back home.  Trying out a few dishes, most preferable vegan ones initially and then graduating to the non vegetarian one would be preferable. Taking a liking to local food is good sign that you are adapting well to the new environment.

  • Stick to your old routine

Moving abroad does not mean that you have to change your daily pattern altogether, obviously, moving abroad would have led to missing out your buddies at the health club, ,yoga class or club but there are ways to compensate for it. Take a membership in a local gym or join a group of Yoga practitioners in your new country. Obviously you cannot replicate all  that you had  back home, however you can continue your routine  chores which would help yourself  free from the disorientation ,isolation and culture shock to a large extend.

  • Make an emotional connect with your temporary home

However brief your stint may be, as a student, your room is an integral part of this phase   so make an emotional connects with it. Adding a little bit life to your room would be a brilliant idea. How about painting your room with your favorite color if permission and money does not come in the way, if that is not possible, adding a few photographs of your loved ones or a couple of colorful portraits can add a different feel to the environment. If you are not a self professed Introvert, try to win maximum friends in your new neighborhood.

  • Try your hands on something new

Keeping you mind active is the best way to fight home sickness. No better idea than to learn the local language, a new dance form, learning to play a new instrument or trying your hand at cooking a couple of local delicacies, by this, apart from keeping your mind active and involved,  you are subtly  becoming part of the new environment.

  • Don’t be unduly occupied with affairs back home

Though keeping in touch with your family and friends back home is quite normal, getting immersed in an hour by hour development can keep you disturbed and can take a heavy toll on your psyche. Limit all forms of interactions to bare minimum. Studying abroad is a great opportunity to not only study but to explore and experience a new country its flora and fauna, people, landscape, culture, art etc make full utilization of this time rather than spending your time worrying about home.

  • Think positive

Your thoughts can be your best or worst enemy. Make sure your thoughts are positive and forward looking, rather than being defeatist, think about the positive side about coming abroad for studies and how it is going to help you build a solid career, as such positive thoughts, not only help overcome teething problems, help you to find solutions to it on your own.

Just understand that this is a transitory phase in your life and that with a little bit of patience and resolve you can beat it.

6 Tips to learn a new language while studying Abroad

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Necessity can make you do things, which at a point of time seemed impossible, the same is applicable, when you land up in a new country as a student and find that your knowledge of English, is not of much help in communicating with the locals and immersing in its culture, and after all, knowing the language of the land, where,  one is going to spend a sizeable time, first as a student and then may be as a professional, would require at least some hold on the language. Let us look at how to making this learning experience fruitful.

  • Take a strong resolution    

Conditioning your mind is the way forward. Learning a new language by any stretch is not going to be an easy job, as it will take months to see any tangible result. Keep up your motivation levels high and tell yourself that you are certainly going to master it.  Certain languages with its pronunciations etc, can take some time to set in,  take it all part of the challenge and move on, reminding that you are going to benefit, big time, both on personal as well as professional front.

  • Get enrolled in a language class

Though some may not agree with it, leaning a new language becomes slightly easier, when the conventional class room way is adopted, as they train you about the different aspects of the language, its pronunciations vocabulary, potential grammar mess ups, accent training etc, and most importantly, you learn all these amidst people, who are on the same language proficiency level, which will help you to talk more freely and without any inhibitions or shyness. If your university doesn’t offer language courses, look for institutions, offering part time language classes in your city.

  • Never restrict your learning to the class room

Never leave any opportunity to pick up the language, may be a stroll in the park or visit to a cinema or a restaurant or a sightseeing trip with your friends, can offer you opportunities to learn a new words and get to observe variations in slang, the nature of voice modulation etc, this can help you brush up, what you have learned in the class room.

  • Talk Talk Talk

There is no substitute to talking, when it comes to learning a new language. Don’t miss an errand to strike a conversation on just about anything. Conversations, however small it may be, can help you overcome that language block and develop confidence to speak in public.

  • Prepare to make mistakes

It goes without saying that you are bound to make mistakes while learning a new language.  Never think about quitting.  Though certain languages seems a bit difficult to grasp initially, have patience and continue to have short conversations with people around, may be your local friends, nearby shop owners etc.  However crude your language might sound, no one is going to sent you to the gallows on account of it and on the contrary, would be all praise for the effort being put in the initiative.

  • Set your new language as the phone language

This seems quite simple, but 99 out of 100 people do not make use of this.  Wondered how much time is spend texting, why not do it in the language that you are learning.  May be a few grammar mistake here and there will not cause any significant  harm as you are texting your friends  and at worst by making some mistakes,  you will invite some laughter which is no big price for a brave effort.

So start practicing, you never know, may be by next year you would be the one who will be initiating a new bloke to a language class.

7 tips to live on a budget while studying abroad

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Keeping a check on spending is a difficult feat to accomplish, even more where you are in a new country as a student, with very little knowledge about the local currency. Spending recklessly can leave you cash strapped, well before the cash reinforcement from back home arrives. Here are 7 tips on how to how to avoid a cash crunch while being abroad as a student.

  • Cook on your own 

Though enjoying local delicacies is very much an important part of your study abroad experience, eating out on a regular basis can burn a hole in your pocket. Self cooking is the best way out, with how to cook videos rampant on the internet and cook books in plenty, cooking your own meal is not going to be much of a fuss, which part from churning out healthy food, can also help you save loads of money.

  • Eat out at modest restaurants

Modest restaurants are seen to serve foods that have an ethnic feel to it and  are known to serve local delicacies with ingredients sourced locally,  which makes the food far cheaper than what you get at high end restaurants. There are chances that you might get to savor some exotic recipes, which conventional restaurants do not have on their menus, all at half the amount you might have otherwise coughed up at a high end restaurant.

  • Take to public transports

Travelling is one area that gobbles up lot of your money, hiring a cab can be an expensive option.  Get yourself acquainted with the route and timing of the local transport system like bus, trains, trams etc.  It wouldn’t be a bad idea to walk to places which are quite nearby, this apart from getting some exercises, will get yourself acquainted with the nearby places.

  •  Shop responsibly

This is one area where most of us lose the plot and end up spending lot on money on things that catch our fancy,  without even thinking about whether it is required or not. Though qualities of products we buy are important, you don’t have to shop at expensive malls or supermarkets that charge a premium.  Take to shop at cheaper supermarket and look for discounts and offers.  Signing up on loyalty programs can ensure that you get the best deal.

  • Share your accommodation

Unless you require a hell lot of space to live in, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to share your room with a fellow student, this part from reducing the rent burden can help you save on additional cost like the internet bill, maintenance charge, news paper etc. If the roommate is from your part of the country there is every possibility of sharing a meal with him, which can bring down your monthly expense to a large extent.

  • Make use of cheaper communication means

International calls add up to a major monthly expense for students from abroad as most students, call up family on a daily basis and end up paying a hell of a lot of money on expensive call plans. Making use of international calling cards or using specialized overseas calling plans can help you save a lot of money.  Internet telephony and instant chat options like what’s app, viber, G talk etc have made contacting families back home well within the budget for every international student.

Follow these simple tips and stay financially healthy all through your study abroad period.

 

6 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE FINALIZING YOUR STUDY ABROAD DESTINATION

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The very thought of Studying abroad generates great amount of excitement. The Question of where to study abroad is a tricky one,  with endless number of options being available,  with each destination having its  unique selling propositions pertaining to type of program offered , post  study job opportunities, permanent residence opportunities  to note a few, giving room for confusion. Here are six questions to consider before choosing a study destination abroad.

  • Is the destination best for the course I am choosing?

This is a question that student intending to study abroad should ask themselves, though study destinations offer a range of programs, they have their unique selling propositions like USA, which is known world over for its MBAs and Master programs in computers, bio technology, medicine etc to mention a few, whereas UK is known the world over for its arts and humanities  programs and Sweden and Germany for engineering courses etc.  It is important to choose the country that is best for the course you intend to pursue, based on different parameters like the educational system of the country, nature of the institutions, teaching methods adopted etc

  • What is the medium of instruction?

This is of prime importance, as deciding on the medium of instruction; narrows does your search for study destinations.  If English is your preferred medium of instruction, USA, UK, Australia, Canada can be ideal choice, though cost may be on the higher side.  Countries like Germany, Sweden etc are also slowly taking up their due positions and are being taken note of for their top rated programs with comparatively low tuition fees. A host of other European and South east countries are also gaining prominence for their quality programs, especially medicine studies, which are offered in English as well in the respective national language.

  •  How difficult is the entry and visa requirement of the study destination of your choice?

Admission requirements and visa requirements are things,  one should keep in mind before deciding on the study destination, though no effort should be  spared to  gain entry to the best institution possible in the country of your choice,  this is where your educational qualifications, back log history, Marks, language proficiency  test grades etc  are taken in to account. Be realistic in choosing a destination depending on the strength of your profile and where entry is possible and visa formalities are less cumbersome and time consuming.

  •  What is the value of the qualification offered? Is it recognized worldwide and in my country?

Acceptability of the qualification is a crucial factor in deciding where to study, as you are investing precious time and money. There should not be any laxity in ensuring that the university or institution selected is a credible one and its qualification are accepted globally and back home in your country. The study destination can seem to be attractive with liberal entry requirements, economical fees and scholarships etc but all that must not take precedence over the credibility and the acceptability of the qualification offered.

  •  Does the destination opted fit my budget?

Finance is an important factor in deciding the destination of study. One has to realize about the cost of education he / she will have to bear for the entire period of study, which should include the tuition fees, boarding fees, food, travel etc.  Though one may gain student loan or scholarship, getting to know the realistic figure about the options, one have in mind is important in deciding which destination to choose.

  • How good is the destination with regard to employability?

This is a factor most students and parents overlook when selecting study destination.  In fact the return of investment aspect needs to take precedence over the affordability part  as destination with excellent economy and greater economic avenues might seem on the expensive side, but offer  great career opportunities for pass outs ,  as the industry  in these country offer internships, training and placements in their areas of study which is vital in gaining a job soon after studies, so the return on investment is rather fast rather than options for a economical study destination with poor or mediocre prospect of gaining a job soon after course completion.

Still not able to decide on your study abroad destination?  Feel free to contact Santa Monica study abroad Pvt. Ltd., the trusted overseas education facilitation with over 13 years of experience in the domain, facilitating admission to over 200 universities/institutions to 20 + countries across the world. Contact us on 0484-4140999.

 

5 tips to make the most out of your study abroad period

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A successful career is a dream of all, even more, when you have decided to pursue studies abroad. This is a crucial period of time, with studies obviously taking a centre stage. But it should never be limited to merely engrossing in studies, a mistake most students commit. Study abroad period can get you loads of international exposure, which should be utilized to transform oneself into a cosmopolitan citizen, one who effortlessly becomes part of any environment, a priced quality, rated higher than academic prowess by foreign employers.  Here are few tips on how to make most use of this period abroad and get transformed.

 

  • Learn the local language

This is very important, as it brings down the language barrier and can make you more acceptable in the new environment.  At least, one should develop an armory with the most essential words and a couple of common salutations; this can help you start a conversation initially. Once you start getting into the communication mode, seeing your passion, it is more likely that locals might volunteer with some valuable language lessons. Though your hold on the new language may not be anything to speak about, it can have a positive bearing on prospective employers.

 

  •  Mingle with fellow students from other cultures 

Once you have necessary vocabulary in your possession, it is time to make the most out of it.  Mingle with people from other cultures; there cannot be a better place than your university to start this. As your campus will have students from different parts of the world with different language, culture, etc, this is the most conducive environment to help develop cross-cultural skills that are highly valued by international employers.

  • Take up new responsibilities

This is the right time to prove your worth in the eyes of future employers, these roles however small it might be, can project you as an individual who have the drive and initiative taking capacity. Make use of every small opportunity to showcase your abilities, organizing a small event etc can work in your favor. Volunteering is the key, as this gives opportunity to exhibit your multifaceted skills in a totally different environment.  It wouldn’t be a bad idea to help out a professor as an intern or if that is not possible, volunteer to help a local student with his / her project work. By doing small things like this, you are building up valuable experience and at the same time,  stuffing your resume with experience that make employers interested in hiring you.

  • Get to know the outside environment

Don’t limit your world to the four walls of your campus.  Get to know about the community that live outside, this can start from the campus itself. Befriending a couple of local students is the way to go about. when invited to any function, make it a point not miss them, similarly, don’t waste any opportunity to interact with the local population, something which will help you get a lot of valuable information about  the geography, core industries around, local customs, traditions etc, this apart from helping you, know about career opportunities, can come handy during interviews sessions. Your prospective employee would appreciate the rich mine of information you have about the surrounding.

  • Venture out of your comfort zones

This is the best time to challenge yourself and bring out the latent power within you. Don’t miss out on any opportunities to explore the country, utilizing all modes of transports possible. Immerse in local food, cultural events etc and truly blend yourself in to the surrounding like a local, this apart from gifting some wonderful experiences will equip you gain valuable knowledge about various parts of the country, travel routes, facilities etc which can really project you as someone who gel well with the local environment with ease, a quality which foreign employers love to see in International students.

Opportunity to study abroad should not only be seen as any other study phase ,it presents the perfect avenue to lean valuable insights, experiences , cross cultural skills that is vital in turning you in to a global  professional,  so make the most out of it.

Need more information on best overseas education destination  that suits your profile?  contact Santa Monica study abroad Pvt. Ltd., the trusted overseas education facilitation with over 13 years of experience in the domain, facilitating admission to over 200 universities/institutions to 20 + countries across the world. Contact us on 0484-4140999.

 

HOW TO BALANCE YOUR STUDIES AND PART TIME JOB ABROAD

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Finding a part time job  while studying abroad can be a great way to earn a tidy amount as pocket money, which might come handy in paying at least some part of your college expenses, without having to put extra burden on your  parents, and most  importantly,  can help gain some work experience  that can add value to your resume.  

Easier said than done, working off hours  while being at  college,  needs lot of self discipline and time management skills  to do a perfect balancing act  that does justice to your work as well as studies .If the job is in the domain you are about the join, it’s all the more good.  But what is the secret behind ensuring that your work does not come in the way of finishing college with excellent grades, let us find out.

Take up a job preferably near to your college or accommodation

It wouldn’t be a bad idea to take  up  a job near to your college or  accommodation as far as possible ,  as you can save precious time,  which could have been otherwise lost on account of travelling to  and fro. By near, it doesn’t mean that it has to be across your campus, a couple of miles from your place won’t be much of a problem as you can easily traverse it on a bicycle. For locations with excellent road and rail connectivity, even a couple of kilometers are fine.

Time management is the mantra

Squeezing the best out of the 24 hours available is the essence of any successful time management plan.  Now since  your primary aim is to study, make sure you dedicate maximum possible time for it and do not skip portions with the intention of  catching up on studies in the last few  weeks,   when exam fever is at its peak,  believe me,   9 out of  10 times  it doesn’t work out.  However apart from studies, dedicate some time for your weekly video chat with family, shopping, washing etc a proper time table chart can help you plan according.

 Do not compromise on your sleep

 Sleep should not be a casualty in your tight schedule, as sleep deprivation can have serious irreversible health issues.  Getting hospitalized for a couple of days would be the last thing on your mind. Late night shifts on a regular basis must get hands down, unless you are working on weekends or vacations, with ample time to catch up on lost sleep. Moreover sleep deprivation can affect your memory and mental alertness, which can play havoc equally at college and work place.

Take a break from work during peak academic sessions

Sometimes, it would require you to take some time off from work, especially during project submission time or towards your exams, preferably, at least a month before your exam starts, this would help you dedicate full time for studies. Appraising your supervisor or your boss well in advance would be ideal, as your supervisor would appreciate your commitment towards studies and will respect for your truthfulness, a gesture that might help you retain the job once the peak time is over.

Devote  time for  yourself, once in a while

Be honest to yourself, no one can know you better than yourself.  Be realistic about the amount of work you can handle.  Do not take up lengthy hours of work, just because you are being offered a decent salary, as this can result in a burn out from which recovering would be an uphill task. Once in a while,  take some  time off for spending with  your friends, dine out at your favorite restaurant  or watch a movie,  all this can help you unwind yourself and get charged  for hectic schedule  ahead.