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.