Category Archives: Study Abroad

Student- teacher relationship – what to expect while studying abroad

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Deciding to study abroad is a major decision one would take in his life. Even though studying abroad is expensive compared to pursuing a course in India, people pay more to get better outcomes out of their experience.

One of the major differences that a student notices while studying abroad is the warm and friendly nature shown by his teachers & professors. This attitude helps the student to explore more and to be fearless while approaching his teachers.

It’s a cultural thing. Our culture often depicts a student-teacher relationship as sacred and they are bonded by the student’s respect and reverence to his teacher. A teacher is a Guru and his wisdom shines above all. The Guru is always placed on a high pedestal. A student may not ask a question that bothers his mind because of his thinking that his question may offend his teacher.

While western culture portrays teachers as just learning facilitators. A student has to pursue knowledge by himself and the facilitators are there to help him on his path. They guide the student in his journey. This approachability is generally rewarding to the student as in the process of learning he is with his teacher, and they are a team. They both collaborate in the learning process and this, in turn, produces awesome results. This motivates and encourages the student to learn more as he has access to his teacher’s unfluctuating support.

Another important thing is that education is primarily outcome-based. In our culture or system, the student puts focus more on completing his course so that he can get a degree. High marks are his primary concern. But in western universities, it’s more about the activities and assignments that engage the student to discover the subject better. He has individual assignments and group activities to complete and discussion to take part. It’s where he is holistically developed than to be trained just to get high marks on exams. He has more exposure and chances to network with the industry and society.

It’s interesting to note that many students whom are considered to be lazy and dumb, turn out to be outstanding and promising when they are nurtured in an atmosphere that is rewarding and encouraging. This change itself motivates some children to bloom into their full potential.

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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.

Studying in New Zealand- Expenses & Fee Structure

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Universities VS Colleges

When we ponder about the studying expenses in New Zealand, one has to keep in mind that the country has both Universities & Colleges. Expenses to study in Universities vary from that of Colleges and more often Universities tend to be more expensive than the Colleges.

If you are aiming to study at a college, you have to be ready to spend an amount of Rs. 8 to Rs. 9 lakhs per year. And for a masters degree, it comes around Rs.9 to 10 lakhs per year. If it’s a university, the expenses can be between Rs. 13 lakhs to 17 lakhs per year, depending on the ranking of the university.

A student has to demonstrate the financial capability of 15,000 New Zealand dollars to obtain a student Visa. This comes around 7.5 lakhs Indian rupees.  But please note that this is not going to be an actual incurring expense as students have part-time work rights while they are studying in New Zealand. And in their summer holidays, they can work full time and this means more financial independence and less dependability on deposited funds.
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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.

Your life as a student in a foreign country, what to expect!

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Academics VS Holistic Development

If we really look into the factors that make student life different in India compared with that of other countries, one major factor that stands out is that we Indians give lots of importance to academic success. Our courses prioritize learning a subject and getting high scores on exams, while in western universities it’s often about the overall performance of the student where academics plays only a part, though an important one.

So a student who is performing well in academics in India has to undergo a subtle transformation in recognizing the importance of holistic development in his curriculum and act accordingly. He is not directly placed on a high pedestal just because he is very good in his subject. He has to earn his grades and success by transforming into a better student by actively involving in many social & cultural activities that are directly and indirectly related to his course.

This emphasis on holistic development is evident when we look at the possibilities that are offered to a student. There are student unions and clubs in which he can be a member whereby he can explore various interests and engage in events & activities. It’s an ideal place to learn about cultures and network with students from various countries. For example, he can join a music club or pursue his passion for modern art or cookery by joining and following the corresponding clubs or associations. The possibilities are vast and the benefits are immense. Often one can even start a club by himself if he has five subscribers to that activity or program. So you have an interest in stamp collecting? No problem, gather round people who share the same interest and you are done.

In a nutshell, academics do not sum up your entire education. It’s an active & important part of your education for sure, but it’s through engaging with people and following your passion that you become a better student. A right balance between academics & the socio-cultural activities is of prime importance. This helps in building character and awareness. Often our students rediscover themselves and find their latent hidden potentials when they get these types of opportunities while studying abroad.

Ultimately when you mingle with people from various cultures and backgrounds, you develop a sense of self-fulfilment because of your increased exposure and understanding. You learn to get along well even with differences. You become more tolerant and empathetic. You evolve into a better person and then into an amazing student with international exposure.
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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.

 

 

 

 

Prospects of Engineering/ Nursing/ Hospitality/ Social Work courses in Canada

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pexels-photo-356040

 

Opportunities for Engineers

Canada is a very popular destination among students pursuing Engineering courses due to the excellent job prospects the courses offer. It’s favourable to the engineers that Canada has a strong industrial economy. Mining is one of the major industries in Canada. It’s interesting to note that the mining industry alone can sustain almost all categories of engineers. The manufacturing industry is yet another sector in Canada where engineers are in high demand. Apart from basic engineering branches, there are other disciplines that are in high demand, viz. Aerospace, Biomedical, Environmental, Oil and Gas, Robotics, Computers, Automobile etc. Yes, this makes Canada an Engineer’s Paradise when it comes to placements.

Unlike engineering courses in Kerala, the course curriculum is industry-centric with compulsory internships. Even though almost all engineering branches offer career opportunities, one engineering branch that can be suggested is Sustainable Engineering, a branch that is very futuristic and yet to gain its deserving popularity in India. In a nutshell, opportunities are great in Canada for Engineering programmes and Diplomas.

Opportunities for Nurses

Nursing is considered a highly dignified profession outside India. A registered nurse in western countries is highly paid & respected for her/his profession. It’s worth to note that nursing is a much sought after course in Canada. Seats for nursing courses in Canada are very less and most of the seats are filled very well in advance. Point 7 score in IELTS is a requirement to study nursing in Canada, which is not that difficult for our well-educated students. Demand is high and seats are less as the Nursing is also popular among natives looking for a good career option.

Opportunities for unconventional courses

Till a few years back Malayali parents were only keen on conventional courses with job opportunities but now that scenario is slowly changing. Thanks to the internet and a growing willingness among our parents to accept new career streams, they are becoming more & more understanding, supporting and sympathetic to their children’s ambitions. Kids are also well informed and have a clear idea of what they want to study. Creative courses are in high demand in western countries and these days a student has plenty of choices, even on subjects they have particular interests.

Opportunities for hospitality courses

Hospitality is another sought after course in terms of the career prospects it offers as Canada is a tourist destination brimming with tourist activities. This is one reason why hospitality is a very popular course among students from India. Both long and short term courses are available in this stream. One good thing about studying these courses is that students can start earning while doing internships. Career opportunities are very high as the industry is continuously in need of highly energetic, young, dynamic people.

Opportunities for Social Work courses

Social work courses carry very high demand in a country like Canada. Canada, being a country that offers awesome social security to its citizens, social workers have excellent employment opportunities both in the non-governmental and governmental sectors. Government’s initiatives for the welfare of its citizens can only be fruitful with capable professionals. A student with a positive attitude and a mind to do service to their fellow human beings can join this course.

Canada offers lots of specialisations under this stream. A student after his higher secondary course can take admission for diploma courses. Good placement with high pay is generally assured in this sector.

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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.

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.

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

——————————————————————————–

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

——————————————————————————–

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
——————————————————————————–
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.

 

Study in Sweden and get set for a grand global career

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Sweden final image

Looking for quality global education abroad? The land of the Nobel Peace prize, Sweden naturally comes as one of the most promising study destination. The largest Scandinavian country has lot to offer for International students looking for first rate affordable global education, especially engineering, technology science and medicine and more. Beyond the stellar reputation for offering the best education in the world here are some cool reasons to study in Sweden

1. Sweden has long been on the cutting edge of technology.

2. The inventors of dynamite and the ATM were Swedish; the country is also home to World famous brands like Volvo, Ikea, Saab, Ericsson and H&M. Some other inventions that have come out of this country are the pacemaker, the Celsius thermometer, chlorine, the adjustable wrench, the roller bearing, and ultrasound diagnostics. You will get to be part of such innovations.

3. The Swedish market is considered to be so trendy that it is often used by International companies to test new products. Research and development, information technology and bio-medicine are some of the most heavily-funded Sweden’s business sector, putting them in the top percentile of countries in the world for published research and inventions.

4. Inventors, scientists, computer programmers, and anyone interested in cutting edge technology will find this small country a world of inspiration.

5. Sweden, has always taken academia seriously. Standards of achievements remain high. Universities work closely with industries to give students practical experience and the independence they need to be competitive. This gives you distinct advantages over your peers when entering the job market.

6. All courses taught in Sweden are subject to rigorous quality control every six years. In addition to the government, universities are also very receptive to the student’s opinions on academic standards. The result – An Education that is sought World over.

7. Personal initiative and independent thinking are prized. You will be required to take an active role and contribute with your opinions and ideas at lectures, seminars and in group discussions.

8. Society and companies place a high cultural value on innovation, and you’ll not only be exposed to the latest developments in your field but also could be creating them.

9. There are also over 200 Master’s programs being offered in English, so foreign language should not be a barrier. In fact, many businesses use English as their official working language.

With the Sweden education fair happening on the 24th of November 2017 from 11 am -4 pm at Hotel woods manor, at the heart of the Kochi city, there cannot be a better opportunity to explore diverse job- centric programs offered by top rated institutions from Sweden. Organized by your trusted overseas education consultant Santa Monica study abroad Pvt. Ltd. For registration and more details kindly contact -0484-4140999.

Five sure questions you might have about Studying abroad

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Study-Abroad- sptember 2017

Q Which are the popular countries for pursuing higher studies abroad?

Canada, Australia and New Zealand are most preferred for higher studies in IT, Engineering, Accounting, Business, Hospitality, Nursing, etc. While USA tops for IT studies, engineering qualifications earned from Germany, Sweden and Norway are gaining global attention. Singapore is increasingly becoming popular for cost-effective western university qualifications. Countries like Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Latvia, and Lithuania, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Malaysia, Philippines, China offer quality and cost effective courses in medicine studies.

Q What are the different ways of financial support for my studies abroad?

The different methods to support your studies abroad are: Education loans, Sponsorship by individuals / organization; Scholarships by Indian/foreign governments, private trusts and also individual universities.

Q What are the post study job prospects available abroad?

Most countries offer stay-back options for students to explore job opportunities on successful completion of their studies. The Co-ops and internships during the study help the students to network and search for employment opportunities after the completion of the course. Countries such as Canada, Sweden, Germany, New Zealand, Australia, etc, encourage students to stay back and explore job and PR opportunities after their successful study and few years of work/stay in the country, subject to certain conditions. Your family can accompany you for your studies; however, the work rights for your dependents are subject to the laws of that country which may change from time to time.

Q What services can I expect from a study abroad consultant?

Experienced and trusted consultants like Santa Monica provide candid counseling in choosing the right study options as well as assist you in applying to the institutions of your choice, getting offers, availing bank loans and scholarships, payment of tuition fees, visa documentation, pre-departure guidance and domestic (Global SIM card , air tickets, money exchange) and post landing assistance including (airport pick up, temporary accommodation, job search, community connections, legal issue helps, etc) to help ensure you have a smooth transition.

Q What are the entrance tests/proficiency tests/ important requirements to study/ migrate abroad?

All the western countries insist that the students belonging to non-English speaking countries should be able to handle the English language fluently while studying in their country for English taught program. English language proficiency is therefore an important requirement to assess your visa application and hence we would recommend having English language proficiency scores. English Language Tests: Pearson’s PTE Academic (PT)/IELTS/TOEFL are the most common English language proficiency tests accepted by the institutions and immigration authorities across the world. Please check individual institution/official immigration department website for their requirements.

For MBA/Engineering studies in many countries Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) standardized test used to get admissions in various graduate schools or business graduate schools in various English speaking countries, especially the United States. Graduate Management admission Tests (GMAT) scores are used by graduate business schools to make admission decisions.

Still have more questions kindly visit your nearest Santa Monica branch or mail us at  nfo@santamonicaedu.in. You may also call us at 0484- 4140999/+919645222999 or visit www.santamonicaedu.in for more details.