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The decision to study abroad is a crucial one as it is a high value investment both in terms of money and time and most importantly when it determines one’s future career hence a trial and error method would be the last thing anyone would have on their mind.  Questions of various natures are bound to surface. Though this may vary from student to student some of the frequently asked questions are as follows.

 What are the benefits of studying Abroad?

 World class education helps one to shape career successfully in the global market. An international qualification is recognized around the globe. Studying abroad gives one a chance to network with global citizens and work for multinational companies. It also provides platform to familiarize with the global market demands and enhance ones career prospects.

Which are the popular countries for pursuing higher studies abroad?

 UK, 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 and 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, Lithuania, and Poland Hungary Malaysia Philippines offer quality and cost effective courses in Medicine.

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

 The different means to support one’s studies abroad are: Education loans, Bursaries Sponsorship by individuals / organization; both Indian and foreign governments, private trusts and also universities and institutions.

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 Coops and internships during the study help Students to network and search for employment opportunities after the completion of study Countries such as Canada, Sweden, Germany, New Zealand, Australia, etc. encourage students to stay back and explore job and PR opportunities after their successfully completing their Study however, the work rights for your dependents are subject to the laws of that country which may change from time to time.

What services can I expect from an overseas Education consultant?

Experienced and trusted Overseas education 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 (police clearance certificate, air tickets, money exchange) and international support (airport pick up, temporary accommodation, job search, community connections, legal issue helps, etc) to ensure a smooth transition.

What should I do if the institution rejects my application for a particular program?

If an institution rejects your application, you can re-attempt to apply for a suitable program matching your profile in the same institution itself with more supporting documents or choose an alternative option in other institutions where your profile would be eligible.

What are the options available in case my visa is rejected: Will I incur any financial loss?

In the event of your visa being rejected, you can resubmit your application by providing explanations and documentations to alleviate the concerns raised by the High commission/embassy.  Your visa fees are non-refundable but most institutions do refund the tuition fees already remitted to them, after deducting nominal administrative charges, which is usually mentioned in the offer letter or in the concerned institution’s website. The consultant can assist you for claiming the refund of your tuition fees from the institutions.

Can I visit my home during my studies abroad?

Most countries allow students to visit their home country during vacations. If you have a multiple entry visa you would be allowed to visit your home during your study period easily.

Why 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 scores Graduate Management Admission Tests (GMAT) scores are considered for gaining entry in to graduate schools or business graduate schools in various English speaking countries, especially the United States.

Should you have more questions we would  suggest you to visit the Overseas education expo 2016 organised by SantaMonica Study Abroad Pvt .Ltd  in association with Santa Monica study Abroad pvt.Ltd. to be held on  23rd and 24th of September at Taj Gateway Kochi or  Kindly visit your nearest Santa Monica branch or mail us at info@santamonicaedu in  you may  also call us at 0484-4140999/+919645222999or visit www.santamonicaedu.in

Study abroad phase is undoubtedly an exciting phase in anybody’s life. With sizable investment being made, one is likely to feel the pinch. And moreover, pestering parents for additional money is the last thing, one would have on mind. So what is the solution? Obviously finding ways to earn a few bucks for your pocket money and other expenses, let us see how.

1.  Find a tutoring opportunity

For Students with good academic standing, one of the best ways to earn money is through tutoring students having difficulty with their studies. One doesn’t have to hunt for tutoring jobs elsewhere, as many of your juniors itself, would be in search of someone to help them with their studies.  Tutoring opportunities not only earn money, it can help you improve your own studies.

2.  Find a Part-Time Job

Managing work alongside studies can be quite a demanding task. But for those who can handle it with proper time management and prioritization, part time work can provide handsome rewards financially and can add valuable work experience. However, make sure your job does not stretch that far, where you are compromising your studies and putting your health in the back-burner.

3.  Take up summer jobs

Summer vacations are real time to cash in as international student. In majority of overseas study destinations, students can work for unlimited hours, as number of seasonal businesses, require increased work force during this seasons. There is huge demand for workers during this period. Usually such vacancies come up in restaurants, amusement parks; catering services etc as these businesses are at its peak during summer vacations.

4. Freelance

Freelancing is one of the best ways for international students to garner money during their study abroad period. Internet in a great way has enhanced avenues for freelancers, with scores of freelance site offering jobs and projects in diverse areas. All that one requires is to create an account on these sites. One can bid for a particular work through the site.  With regard to payment, as most credible freelance site has escrow arrangement, which means that a particular payment remains in an escrow account for the service provider.  So there is very little chance of fraud. There are number of students studying abroad who are making considerable amount per month through freelancing. This not only helps you earn money, it also helps you build valuable work experience.

5. Look for Promotional and on-Campus Jobs

With companies requiring promotional activities round the year,  there are ample number of jobs available for international students as volunteers for promotional  events,  pamphlet distributors, product promotion assistants at public places , supermarkets etc, which provide  a tidy amount. Apart from promotional jobs, on campus jobs can be a possible earning opportunity.  Though the remuneration would be no match considering what outside job offer, one can have a steady job throughout the study period, without having to travel much for work, plus university jobs are relatively easy which you can  take along with ease.

6.  Try your hands at business of small scale

Most of us just require a spark to exhibit our business acumen, though not of mammoth proportion but surely one that can help earn a tidy amount. One of the best options would be to organize stalls at small events to sell your wares. It wouldn’t also be a bad idea to try your hands at events, by hosting birth day parties, get together etc, fully adhering to the rules and regulations of the host country.

Your Study abroad phase need not be fully dependent on money from home. As with the right attitude, networking, time management and prioritization; one can effortlessly do part time jobs while studying abroad and earn money. So do not just limit your study abroad phase for studies, master the art of becoming self reliant from day one.

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.

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.

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.

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.