Tag Archives: Nicy Binu

Your consultant in overseas education- why professional guidance is necessary…

Leave a reply

If you have decided to study abroad, it is very important to be completely aware of the programs that you are pursuing. There are many factors to be looked upon as you try to get an admission. Yes, studying abroad involves a lot of steps and detailed procedures. It differs from country to country and college to college. This is where your overseas consultant can be of good help.

 

Nowadays many universities abroad have stopped taking direct student applications. A classical example is Canada, one of the most sought after destination for overseas studies. These days most of the universities and colleges in Canada are accepting applications only through their authorised consultants. The reasons are many.

 

Unfortunately, there are lots of cases of fraudulent documentation reported in the market and in order to prevent applications foolproof, colleges have appointed authorised consultants through which an aspirant can forward his / her application.  Overseas education just doesn’t mean getting an admission alone. Students are often not clear about the benefits and outcomes of international education. They have many questions and queries related to the factors involved- like, accommodation, lifestyle, finance, etc. Overseas consultants have the required know-how to help aspiring students in these situations.

 

Finding the best university that offers the preferred course/ program, preparing the documentation for Visa process as well as following up the Visa process with the embassy might sound simple but most of the students tend to fail in the process as they lack the proper guidance, preparation and experience.

 

Role of an education consultant is important as they guide the student in several aspects related with the admission process -right from understanding a student’s profile to guiding an aspirant with program possibilities and communicating the requirements and career prospects after completing the course.

 

A consultant also provides professional help in documentation.  It is important to know the right way to prepare the Letter of Recommendation, Statement of Purpose, Resume, Essay, etc. Education consultancy agency has a team that tailors or edits context wherever needed. They interfere. They help you out when you are about to make a mistake.

 

Education loans – Consultants offers practical guidance & information regarding bank loans and financial planning.

Visa counselling is another area where a student needs proper guidance. The consultants will give detailed information about the visa process and help students prepare for the interview well. Even though a student can proceed with the applicants independently, it is only practical to take advice from a seasoned consultant. Moving or migrating to another country on the basis of student visa has many sets of regulations that have to be meticulously followed. Even a minor error will end up in Visa rejections and delays.

 

An experienced consultancy will brief & prepare a student well before he or she leaves his/her homeland. They even provide post landing support and helps in the official joining formalities. An experienced consultant will be able to find accommodation in advance or as soon as a student obtains visa. Which is very important as a wrong decision can be financially taxing otherwise.

 

——————————————————————————–

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.

 

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

Leave a reply

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.
——————————————————————————–
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.

 

 

 

 

Which are the Countries Keralites prefer while pondering overseas education?

Leave a reply

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.

——————————————————————————–
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.

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

Leave a reply

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.

 

——————————————————————————–

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.

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

Leave a reply

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.

 

 ——————————————————————————–

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?

Leave a reply

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.

——————————————————————————–

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.

Why Malayali parents consider or prefer Canada for higher education?

Leave a reply

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

——————————————————————————–

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

Leave a reply

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.

——————————————————————————–
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.