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
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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.

 

 

 

 

Possibilities of studying biotechnology in Canada

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When we talk about biotechnology courses, it can be seen that in India these courses have a bad reputation among the kids and parents. There are many reasons for this attitude, major deterrent being the non-availability of jobs in the same field after the course completion. So the majority of the students choose to pursue research after completing MSc and BSc. Getting into an industry that offers possibilities in Biotechnology is practically impossible in India.

But this scenario is quite different in Canada. Canada is a global leader when it comes to biotech research and boasts many reputed research laboratories and hospitals. There are huge industries with big investments and high interest in biopharmaceutical R&D. To tackle this ever-growing demand, colleges offer various biotech courses- from diploma to masters to PhD, enabling a pool of talented professionals to meet the market needs.

The diversified biotech industries in Canada, like food & agriculture industry, also offer substantial job opportunities. The health industry is also a related major field where biotech students can diversify. Many of our students even after completing their masters in India, go to Canada to study special courses like forensic biotechnology, which is emerging as a prospective course to pursue. Plus two students can opt for diploma courses in biotechnology while students with degrees and diplomas can select niche courses that offer great job prospects.

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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.

 

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

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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.

Which are the Countries Keralites prefer while pondering overseas education?

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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.

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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.

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

——————————————————————————–

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.