Monthly Archives: November 2019

Which are the Countries Keralites prefer while pondering overseas education?

Leave a reply

Canada

These days, it has become a trend to send kids for higher studies in foreign countries due to many factors. Canada is the most popular study destination among students from Kerala. Assured placements, affordable higher education, and immigrant-friendly permanent residency policies are some of the major attractions favouring Canada.

When we compare education in Canada with other countries, it is evident that the studies are more affordable there. The Canadian government is granting huge subsidies to the education sector which is beneficial to the student community. In certain provinces where the population is less, a student can do a diploma course, a Bachelor’s degree or a Postgraduate specialisation in Universities with only 6 /7 lakhs Indian rupees per annum. This is a very pocket-friendly budget for the students seeking a foreign degree. Even a middle-class family can opt to send their ward to study in Canada with some sponsorships and student loans (or both) due to these affordable fee structure.

New Zealand

New Zealand has emerged as the most sought after destination for overseas education after Canada. Certain policies that were enacted recently by their government are in general favourable for students aiming the overseas education. Even Visa policies support spouses of expats to continue education. Part-time work facility with three-year open work permit and PR possibilities make New Zealand a popular destination.

Australia

Australia is another popular destination for higher studies. Being a big country with good PR prospects Australia is favoured by many. Students doing Bachelors and Masters have a two-year open work permit which gives them ample time to find a decent job. Australia also has immigrant-friendly policies that promote long term stay and citizenship.

Ireland

Ireland is also attracting students with good policies. Affordable education with a two-year work permit is what the government is offering currently. Ireland is the second-best investor-friendly country in the world attracting a lot of investments which are beneficial to the students pursuing higher education.

Sweden & Germany

Among other European countries, Sweden & Germany are also preferred by Malayali students. Career opportunities are mostly for engineering stream and applied sciences.

France

France is famous for business courses as it hosts a few of the world’s best business schools.
A challenge students face in these countries is the native language. Students have to be thorough in the native language as often that language will be the main medium of communication. Also if a student wants to make a career in these countries, it is necessary that they have to be proficient in native languages.

Holland/ Netherlands

Yet another attractive destination is Holland/ Netherlands. Students mostly prefer Bachelor’s degree and the government is providing very affordable education with good subsidies. With 8 to 9 lakhs, an aspirant can get admission in high ranking universities. For a four-year course, students will get a 1-year stay back and they can find a good placement during this period. Another advantage is that once a person completes 5 years in that country they can apply for permanent residency.

UK & US

For years the UK and the US had been the only known destinations for foreign education but
Currently, the USA is relatively less preferred among Malayali students due to the cost factor. Students who seek admission in the US are normally highly ambitious students who are aiming for higher studies at tier 1 universities or the elite community who have relatives residing there.

As far as foreign education is concerned the UK provides cost-effective quality education in many prestigious institutions. The current scenario is favourable to India as more visas are granted for Indians. Recently the maximum number of Job Visas granted by the UK for foreign nationals were for Indians. This in turn, inspires many students to study abroad.

——————————————————————————–
About Ms. Nicy Binu, Director, Santamonica Study Abroad
——————————————————————————–
With over a decade’s experience in international education, Ms Nicy Binu is the brain behind Santamonica’s overseas student program and has steered the organization to a position where it figures today among the prominent overseas education facilitators in India. You may contact her at +91 6282 903 703 for overseas education queries and doubts.

How to select a course while opting for higher education in Canada?

Leave a reply

Since parents are more concerned about the possibilities of their wards getting a job in Canada and are always in search of a curriculum that secures immediate placement for their kids, this is one of the “most asked” questions related to studying abroad. But in reality, for a parent who is planning a future for his child in Canada, this concern is practically irrelevant.

 

Since Canada’s education system is regulated by the Canadian government, their curriculum is designed in tune with the needs of the economy.  This means Universities only run those courses that cater to the need of the market. For those who want to pursue research in a subject, they have the facility to do so in Universities irrespective of their subject.  University curriculum is designed in such a way that if a particular course has come to a saturation point (in providing jobs), that course will be discontinued with immediate effect. This is because in Canada courses are designed for the future and the possibilities that lie ahead.

 

Another thing the parents & students have to keep in their mind is that in Canada the Universities offer many unconventional courses.  These courses may seem irrelevant now because of our limited knowledge and exposure. One example of this is the courses related to Environment and Forestry. They even have courses on emerging future technologies which we are not familiar with and is yet to be introduced in our Indian curriculum. In a nutshell, the main advantage of studying in Canada is that a student can pursue a course/career of his or her interest without worrying about the placement possibilities.

 

Which brings us to the obvious question, what will be the approximate course fee/expense for pursuing higher education in Canada?

 

A student opting for education have a choice of studying either in a Government community college or a University. In colleges, for almost all courses costs average between Rs 8 to 9  lakhs per annum which varies depending on the location of choice.

 

That is, the cost differs depending on the location and university/college ranking. University fees come on an average of Rs 10 to 18 lakhs depending on the ranking of that particular University. Then again there are certain provinces where University education is available on a subsidised cost of just 7 lakhs per annum. On top of these government subsidies, Universities normally grant scholarships and other grants as financial assistance for the deserving International students- this, in turn, further reduces the expenses.

 

In addition to this, students can plan their expense by choosing a modest living along with working part-time. Facility to work on summer holidays can be utilised effectively. This way students can make enough money to meet their overall expenses.

 

——————————————————————————–

About Ms. Nicy Binu, Director, Santamonica Study Abroad

——————————————————————————–

With over a decade’s experience in international education, Ms Nicy Binu is the brain behind Santamonica’s overseas student program and has steered the organization to a position where it figures today among the prominent overseas education facilitators in India. You may contact her at +91 6282 903 703 for overseas education queries and doubts.

Choosing the right course – what’s important and what’s not!

Leave a reply

A decision to study abroad is an important decision with multiple consequences. This decision alone will change the course of a students career and his life in many ways. Other related factors that have a huge impact on his foreign education are the course that he selects to pursue, the country of his choice and the University/ College he is planning to join in. So a student has to be careful and well informed while making these decisions.

Yet it can be seen that often the parents and students are undecided and confused when it comes to selecting the right course. They are simply unable to focus and decide on a course. Most often this confusion prevails among the plus two completed students. It’s understandable as they are often naive and inexperienced.  But it is quite shocking to see that even our graduate students are dazed and perplexed. Many of these children are quite bright academically and they are good in many subjects. But somehow they seem to be undecided when it comes to what to pursue further.

So, what to be done? How can a student select a course that suits him? How can his parents guide him on one of the most important decisions in his life? Well, there are certain things a student can do as he contemplates his future course of interest

Analyze themselves

Yes, the first thing a student should do is to take a look at himself. He has to be himself, for the course he is going to pursue, is that career that he is going to build. For the rest of his life, he will be doing things that are connected to what he is going to study now. Simply put, he has to do what he really wants to do and study.

Do be driven by fancy ideas. Don’t get carried away because your friends choose one subject or you think one course is cool. Being hip is different from being successful. Your course is not a status-quo you have to maintain or a symbol of prestige. It’s your life. So follow your own path. Follow your potential and passion.

Marks are not everything

You may be good in many subjects. But doing good alone does not make one subject special, you should feel driven by that subject. Often parents will suggest their children pursue a course/subject on which he has good marks. But that’s not always ideal as the student has more potential in another subject as his personality and tastes suit something better. So choose wisely.

Nature of the job after the course

Another thing the student has to contemplate is the nature of the job that he will be following after completing the course. Is he satisfied with the requirements and demands that career brings? Does he know the personal commitment and career involvement that’s required for that career? If the student wants to pursue law as a subject, he has to think about the nature of a lawyer’s job, its professional demands & commitments and so forth. Decide wisely.

Because ultimately a student is going to live the outcome of his course. He has to give serious thoughts about his choices by connecting his ambition, personality, skills and love for the subject before making a decision.
——————————————————————————–

About Ms. Nicy Binu, Director, Santamonica Study Abroad

——————————————————————————–

With over a decade’s experience in international education, Ms Nicy Binu is the brain behind Santamonica’s overseas student program and has steered the organization to a position where it figures today among the prominent overseas education facilitators in India. You may contact her at +91 6282 903 703 for overseas education queries and doubts.