Author Archives: Ronnie Fredrick Thimothy

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

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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.

 

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About Ms. Nicy Binu, Director, Santamonica Study Abroad

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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!

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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.
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About Ms. Nicy Binu, Director, Santamonica Study Abroad

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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.

Why students from Kerala perform well in foreign countries/universities?

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Our students are hardworking & dedicated

 

Last 10 years have seen tremendous growth in students seeking international education. Students from Kerala is now studying in almost all countries that allow foreign student intake. When we consider all these countries, Canada, New Zealand, Australia & Germany turn out to be very popular among our students.

 

For example, consider Canada. We at Santamonica Study Abroad have seen students preferring Canada for many reasons. Their high-quality education, immigrant-friendly policies, job opportunities, quality of life etc. attract students from across the globe. But while considering all the foreign students enrolled in various universities and colleges in Canada, it can be seen that our students are performing well.  Colleges and Universities prefer Malayali students because our students are academically brilliant, hard-working and result-oriented.

 

If we probe deep, this brilliance can be attributed to our culture. We give utmost importance to education and we prioritize learning to anything else. Academic excellence is something that our children push for, it is the aim of our education per se. So be it IT, Business, Law, Engineering, Medicine, Humanities or any other faculty or school; students from Kerala do well, naturally.  It is evident in the statistics published by the colleges.

 

If we take Canada as an example, even from South India, most of the students are Malayalees. Many colleges even associate South India to Kerala, thanks to our students who are performing well consistently.

 

Due to these factors, Universities & Colleges in Canada prefer to attract students from Kerala. Their feedback about our students are very encouraging so far and that’s something we all should be proud of as a state.

 

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About Ms. Nicy Binu, Director, Santamonica Study Abroad

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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.

What are the important things a parent or a student has to consider while pondering overseas education?

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There is one major thing that both the parents and students should do while pondering overseas education- that is, they have to do a thorough search about the course the student wants to study, the college or university he wants to join and the job prospects of the course he wants to pursue.

It is true that it’s the duty of an overseas consultant to evaluate the student for his potential and suggest him a course and a college that will suit his taste and needs, but it is also very important for the student to research and find all the things that are important to him. Like the campus he is going to join, the city he is going to live in, part-time job prospects in that city, its climate or in other words everything that will affect the quality of his life in the new country.

Often it happens in such a way that a student wants to join a course that’s suggested to him by his friends or his family. While their suggestions have value, it should be noted that a student should follow his own ambitions and skills while deciding on a course. Normally the student can find all about the course and what all is expected from him as a student while studying for that course from the college/university website. Research the website thoroughly. Know everything that’s there to know.

It’s really necessary to have an understanding of these things beforehand

  1. Accreditations of the course

  2. Professional licensing that the course enables after completion

  3. Mandatory or optional internship

  4. Required grades to get into internship programs

  5. Learning outcomes

  6. Credits divided among semesters

  7. Courses covered in each semester

  8. Flexibility in selecting majors/minors

  9. Career outcome

He has to learn about the job market and the possibilities that are offered. He should develop an understanding of the political, social and economical scenarios so that it’s easier for him to blend in.

While asking for information from relatives and friends regarding the course and the college he is contemplating his admission is okay, never take their words as final. They may not be in a position to advise him as they are not career or education professionals. Practice caution.

Also, know that overseas education is not a vacation trip to a foreign land where you go to leisure. A decision to study abroad is a serious decision involving a large amount of money and personal time- so respect that. Do the necessary research regarding the course and the country so that one is prepared beforehand.

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About Ms. Nicy Binu, Director, Santamonica Study Abroad

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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.

Why Malayali parents consider or prefer Canada for higher education?

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Malayali parents are considered as very practical people who always demand the best. Out of all foreign countries which people prefer for higher education, few factors make Canada very special for them.

 

1. Affordability

 

When we compare education in Canada with other nations, it is evident that the studies are more affordable. The Canadian government is giving 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, Bachelor’s degree or Postgraduate specializations in universities with 6 /7 lakhs Indian rupees per annum which is very pocket-friendly for the ones who are seeking a foreign degree. Even a lower-middle-class family can think about sending their ward to study in Canada due to these affordable fee structure with some help from banks and sponsors.

 

2. Return on Investment

 

Another major attraction of studying in Canada is the return on investment, that is the Government is promoting education in Canada by offering a 3-year open work permit for a two-year student visa. The right to work along with studies helps students to cover their daily expenditures. Unlike other countries, in Canada students can work full three months of their summer vacation. Once they finish their studies they have the facility of an open work permit for three years or till they get placements in a relevant field. They have the right to do any job and thereby recover the expense that occurred during their studies. This helps to repay the loan as most of the students take loans to pursue higher studies.

 

3.Quality of Education

 

Canada is ranked as the third-best in terms of the quality of education it offered. Keralites being the most literate community who give utmost importance to the quality of education, Canada is their obvious right choice. Universities in Canada offer world-class facilities and relevant curriculums, helping students secure good placements globally.

 

4. High Employment Prospects

 

In today’s competitive world, one of the major obstacles a fresh graduate face is to get a job in the relevant field. Canada offers good job opportunities and high quality of life as well.

 

5.Permanent Residency Prospects

 

As we all know, Canada has less population and the majority of the population is octogenarians, Canada is in need of a young workforce in order to sustain its economy. So the majority of the students who do higher studies in Canada get an opportunity to work and acquire permanent residency. One is entitled to all the privileges of that country once you get PR

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About Ms. Nicy Binu, Director, Santamonica Study Abroad

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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.

Positive changes in students that come with overseas education

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Overseas education- studying with students from across the globe in a foreign country, is an unparalleled experience. It’s venturing into the unknown-the thrill, the culture, the campus, the student life, everything is new to a student who has just enrolled in the program. His new way of life and his experiences will influence him and will affect him profoundly, he will assimilate the best his international exposure has to offer and begin to look at life and himself with a new viewpoint and eyes.

Let’s look into some of the important positive changes that happen to him and his way of life due to his foreign education and exposure.

Unmatched Confidence

To live independently in a foreign country is not a small thing by any measure. He is his own boss and he decides what is good and bad for him. The confidence that develops in him when he mingles with students from far away countries and listen to teachers with international exposure is something truly special. His personality starts to exude that confidence. He has changed for the rest of his life.

Character Development

Next is his character development. His exposure to new cultures, people and possibilities leave a deep impact on the way he thinks, his attitude and tastes. He becomes more matured and refined. As he faces his day to day challenges alone by himself, he knows how to tackle his daily hurdles and troubles. He is more responsible and professional now as his part-time job demands that. He is doing jobs that he may not even think about doing in his home country. That grounds him. It makes him into a global citizen.

Finance & Money Management

Home is where he is pampered. He is less responsible there as he knows his parents or relatives will take care of him. But in this foreign land, he has to be careful enough to save money. He should learn how to spend wisely and take care of his finances. This makes him realize the importance of knowing one’s self and thus he becomes more humble and grounded. He starts to respect people and other ways of life that are different from one that he is used to.

Respect for Fellow Human Beings

He ultimately understands that the world is a big stage and everybody has their own ways of existence and living. He learns to collaborate and tolerate and finds that the only way to address his concerns is by carrying out rational dialogues and not by creating a ruckus. He values the system and respects its underlying mechanisms.

Cross-Cultural Skills

Interacting with different individuals with different cultural backgrounds teaches him to broaden his horizons. He is more understanding now and has better cross-cultural understanding & skills. This later even helps him to jump-start an international career by positively enhancing his employability.

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About Ms. Nicy Binu, Director, Santamonica Study Abroad
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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.

 

The Unquestionable Standard of Education

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US UK Education Fair 2019

US and UK universities offer the seductive promise of a world- class research environment combined with unparalleled facilities. For many in the world, this is the model that should be imitated. The robust policies opted by the government in the field of education has escalated the enrollment rates of students drastically. Both these countries have been successful in creating a global classroom and a diverse cultural experience to each student. The wide range of scholarships with high standard of education is the pivotal reason behind the success of these countries to stay in the front row, despite the high competition from all around the world.

The UNIVERSITAS 21 has continuously ranked US in the first position for the past few years. This shows the uncompromised effort made by the universities as well as the government in maintain the highest quality parameter. USA is the only country that offers students the complete liberty to customize the subjects according to their field of interest. The placement options offered by most of the UK universities facilitate the students to get a hands-on experience, catalyzing the chance of employment. More than 27,000 companies in UK are listed as licensed employers to provide the employment opportunities to overseas students; this has significantly increased the chances for students to get a job after studies.

Representatives from more than 50 US/UK universities are flying down to Taj Gateway Hotel on 16th of February 2019 for the UK and USA education fair conducted by Santamonica study abroad in association with Malayala Manorama. Each invitee would be given an opportunity to discuss their profile in person with the university delegates. Deserving candidates would be offered special study grants, scholarships, bursaries etc. for more info contact 0484-4140999, 9645222999

 

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Santa Monica Overseas Education Expo September–October 2018– Your Overseas Education Expressway!

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The Santa Monica Overseas Education Expo 2018 , South India’s biggest convergence of 50+ world class  universities/ institutions from 10 + countries, including   Canada, New Zealand, Australia, UK, , Ireland ,Sweden, Germany, Switzerland , Singapore …will be held at three prominent  Kerala cities, Trivandrum at Hotel  Taj Vivanta   on 27th September , Kochi, Hotel Taj Gateway on   29th September and Calicut Hotel paramount Tower on 2nd October  respectively. The expo, organized by Santa monica Study Abroad, one of south India’s  most reputed overseas education consultants,  in association with Malayala Manorama would offer  excellent opportunity to students who have completed their 12th grade, those undergoing Bachelors degree or looking for diploma or Masters Programs in varied fields ranging from Engineering/IT, Business Management, MBBS, Nursing/Healthcare, Hospitality, Tourism and more to gain authentic information directly from official representatives on various programs and admission criteria and further discuss their profile and choose an institution and program that best meets their needs. The overseas Education Expo over the years has become South India’s largest study abroad Expo, much awaited by students and parent community of Kerala to make an informed choice in selecting world class institutions to study abroad, which is evident from phenomenal footfall it generates edition after year. Exhaustive seminar sessions by experts on topics ranging from job-centric programs, Education loans, scholarships/internships stay back, work rights  spouse accompaniment rights visa, PR options, Part-time/ full-time jobs coupled with personalized education counseling, spot offers based on eligibility, assistance for hassle free education loans, application fee waivers free IELTS, PTE training for students registered with Santa Monica makes it a  must visit for seeking best of world class education  avenues abroad all under one roof . HOW TO DRAW MAXIMUM BENEFIT FROM THE EXPO?

  • Visit the dedicated expo website www.overseaseducationexpo.com, using the student registration link, you will be attended to on priority basis, and would be appropriately guided through accurate career counseling, course options based on the registration info you have submitted.

Bring copies of your education certificates right  from 10th to  degree or your last qualifying examination  Passport size photographs and IELTS or PTE score (if you have one. Reaching the expo with the above said documents  will help representatives to give you a more accurate advice. Hurry! Register today @ www.overseeducationexpo.com  for more info contact 0484-4140999, 9645222999

Study In USA

Despite the competitions US maintain its top position in the education sector

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Why Study in the USA?

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Since time immemorial USA is considered as the most sought-after destination for higher education. The wide range of scholarship options with a high standard of education is a pivotal reason, behind the success of US to stay in the front row despite the high competition from all around the world. Availability of specializations’ concerning anything under the sky is another peculiarity of US. Their extensive array of courses in the field of bio-science, engineering, business, mathematics, law etc. is a great example for this. The most distinctive factor that differentiates the US from other countries is, students, do not have to engage in mundane part-time jobs rather they could do quality jobs like graduate assistance-ship, teaching assistants, campus tech support etc. while they study.

The Universitas 21 has continuously ranked US in the first position for the past few years. This shows the uncompromising effort made by the universities as well as the government in minute details pertaining to maintaining the highest quality parameters. The US is the home for most prestigious universities like Harvard, Yale, Stanford etc. Every university has representations of students from all parts of the world. This diversity in the culture equips the students to endure on a global platform which is very much essential in this era of globalization.

The USA is the only country offering the students the complete liberty to customize the subjects’ according to their field of interest and also to combine two or more diverse field of studies by taking double majors. This could diversify the academia of prospective students. The OPT and CPT provisions offered by the universities, facilitate the students to get a hands-on industrial experience, which would catalyst the chance of employment. A higher degree from any US university would potentially distinguish a student from his fellow competitors in every aspect of life.

Planning to Study in the USA? Call us today at 0484-4140999, +91 9645222999