9

SECRETS OF
STUDYING
ABROAD

TOP COUNTRIES

APTITUDE TESTS

OW TO APPLY
H

GETTIN
G A VIS
A
DESPITE COVID-19 CHALLENGES,
91% OF INDIAN STUDENTS WANT
TO STUDY ABROAD: SURVEY

Secrets Being Revealed For The First

Time In A Decade....
CHOOSING THE PERFECT CAREER

TOP DESTINATIONS

UNIVERSITY RESEARCH

TEST SCORECARDS

LOR AND SOP

HOW TO APPLY

FINANCIAL SUPPORT PROOF

STUDENT VISA

TRAVEL TIPS
 INTRODUCTION

Here’s a fact: applying to universities abroad is more about smart work than hard
work. And for that, you need to know which tools and factors REALLY matter
when you're sending in your application.
This guide reveals everything you need to know about the study abroad process
and talks about the most powerful tools & factors you can use to get into your
dream university!

CHOOSING THE PERFECT CAREER

When faced with the challenge of how to choose a career for yourself, keep these
five factors in mind-

What interests you

Take an inventory of the things that appeal to you most in terms of work. Start
asking questions like-

What are your hobbies?

Which are the activities you’ll miss the most if you stop doing them
What can you do without getting tired easily?
Do you prefer working indoors or would love to be on the go at all times?

Start by underlining the things you can do well and compare it with what you’ve
done in the past (if you’re changing jobs). This will help you discover the skills that
can help point you to the right career path.
Which skills set you apart

Everyone has abilities and activities that they’re good at. So the question is: what
are you good at? This is one of the most important tips on how to choose your
career. Find out what your talents are from childhood and which skills you’ve
picked up over time.

Skills can be divided into hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills refer to the skills you
learned by studying, e.g. like graphic design or painting. Soft skills refer to people
and life skills you have, e.g. time management or communication. Examine
different career paths and find out the one that best compliments your talents
and skills.

What are your strengths

Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Discover the things that make you
unique and are most likely to help you succeed in a particular career path. It
could be your ability to coach people, interpersonal skills, excellence at research,
or something else altogether.

Personally, I suggest you create a list of these skills before choosing a career and
get your family or friends to get an external perspective before you choose the
strongest of them (your Unique Selling Point) and find out the career path that
fits it most.

What do you want the most

In trying to answer the “what career is right for me” question, you must be sure of
who you really are by understanding your personality. Are you an introvert or an
extrovert? Are you self motivated or do you need others to motivate you? And are
you a thinker or an action taker? What is your temperament? These are some of
the questions you must answer before you decide what you want the most.

After you’ve assessed yourself with these 4 points, the only thing left to do is
decide on the actual profession you’re going to choose. Find occupations that
align with everything you’ve just learned about yourself.
Create a list of these professions based on the basic information and think if they
offer you all you want. Do they offer the kind of lifestyle you want? Does the
career match your professional expectations? These are some of the questions
you should research while you shortlist your final occupation.
 TOP DESTINATIONS

With immigration policies changing every year and countries competing to

provide better and better education to international students, it can be very
difficult to choose the right study abroad destination. To help you ease the
process of shortlisting the perfect study abroad destination, we have compiled a
list of the 10 best countries to study abroad and work in 2021. Read on to know
more about their quality of education, cost of studying, immigration policies, and
much more!

Canada

Known for its scenic beauty and a high standard of living, Canada is also the most
educated country in the world.
It is quickly becoming the top destination for international students because of
its quality education and low tuition fees.
You will find that the universities in Canada do amazing research and provide a
great study experience.

Top universities-
1. University of Toronto
2. McGill University
3. University of British Columbia
4. Université de Montréal
5. University of Alberta

Studying in Canada is cheaper than pursuing your education in the US, the UK, or
Australia. The cost of studying in Canada will depend on the program you choose.

While the cost of studying subjects like Arts and Humanities can be around CAD
$13,500, universities charge international students an overall amount of CAD
$17,300 on an average.

Canada is also one of the most diverse places to live in, and it welcomes students
from all over the world. What’s more, it’s one of the very few countries that
provide international students with job opportunities after they graduate!
 Australia

One of the best countries to study abroad and work in 2021, Australia has a
friendly, laid-back nature and high standard of living. This is why why studying in
Australia is a choice made by many international students.
Another important factor that motivates international students to study there is
Australia’s education system. Out of the top 100 universities in the world, eight of
them are Australian universities.
The country’s education system also focuses more on research-based work which
makes students studying there think out of the box.

Top universities-
1. Australian National University (ANU)
2. University of Sydney
3. The University of Melbourne
4. University of New South Wales (UNSW)
5. The University of Queensland (UQ)

The annual tuition fee in Australia ranges between 20,00,000 and 25,00,000 for
undergraduates and 25,00,000 and 45,00,000 for postgrads. And the cost of living
in this country can be anywhere from 5,000 to 15,000 AUD.

At the same time, it’s important to remember that Australia changed its post-
study visa policy in 2013. Since then, it has had an influx of international students
from all around the globe.

New Zealand

Ranking high on the Global Peace Index, New Zealand offers a relaxed lifestyle
and a perfect balance between modern life and beautiful nature. Not only that,
but it also has a thriving economy.
The country is known for its unique, hands-on learning approach and the
opportunities it offers to international students.
This is why all the eight universities in New Zealand rank amongst the top 500
institutes of the world.

Top universities-
1. University of Auckland
2. University of Otago
3. Victoria University of Wellington
4. University of Canterbury
5. University of Waikato

The annual tuition fee for bachelor’s degrees is between $22,000 to $32,000 per
year, while master’s degrees cost $26,000 to $37,000 per year.
 United Kingdom

One of the top study abroad destinations for a number of reasons, the United
Kingdom is a culturally diverse and welcoming place.
UK universities consistently rank among the top universities in the world, offering
a vast variety of specializations and connecting you with a successful alumni
network.
Not only that, but the universities here also mentor their students by providing
all-around support and offering financial aid.

Top universities-
1. University of Oxford
2. University of Cambridge
3. Imperial College London
4. UCL (University College London)
5. University of Edinburgh

The cost of studying in the UK will depend on which course and level of study you
wish to pursue.

For example, studying Management can cost you anywhere between ₹11,13,119
and ₹46,37,999, but a course in the arts will cost you around ₹13,91,399 to
₹18,55,199 only.

United States

The United States has dominated the global education arena for decades.
With over 4000 universities scattered across the country, it has attracted
students from a vast variety of cultures and nationalities, helping any new
individual to easily adapt and find students of similar thinking and mindset.
12 American universities rank among the Top 20 universities around the globe,
offering a wide range of degrees and courses, that are recognized and accepted
worldwide.

Top universities-
1. Harvard University
2. Stanford University
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
4. The University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
5. Columbia University

Not only that, universities in the U.S. provide courses for almost every possible line
of education that you can think of. Plus, the US is filled with the best MNCs and is
home to most mega-companies around the globe, making it nearly impossible to
come back home without any job opportunity.
 UNIVERSITY RESEARCH

Researching schools is not that easy. It is important to identify schools that have
the field of study you are interested in, have the type of student organizations and
extra-curricular groups that you want to involve yourself in, and most importantly
have a good job placement rate. Not to forget, countries like USA, UK, Australia,
Canada, etc. all have a variety of weather conditions and you need to pay attention
to the location of the school. We recommend that you apply to at least 5 schools
to increase your chances of getting admitted.

Two ‘Dream schools’ – These should be schools with a rank higher than what you
might expect to get into. You never know – if luck is on your side or if you
underestimated your worth, you might actually get accepted!Two

‘Within Reach’ schools  – These are the schools where you might have a fair
chance of getting in. Pay extra attention to detail on your applications to these
schools. Thoroughly research and pick these ones.

One ‘Guaranteed Accept’ School  – This can be a lower-tier school that you have
almost a 90-95% chance of getting in. This option is for students who are
desperate to start a school year when they apply. We recommend that if you don’t
get through your dream school or ‘within reach’ school, you might actually benefit
from waiting another year.
Choosing the right university

If this flowchart isn't enough

You can talk to an iSchoolConnect advisor and get some help when selecting your
schools. The more schools you apply to, the better. However, you need to be
mindful of the money you spend on application fees.
 TEST SCORECARDS

Most universities ask students to submit test scores for exams apart from the
academic ones.
Not every university mandates these tests. But if asked, make sure you have the
test scores ready for one Aptitude (GRE/GMAT) and English proficiency test
(TOEFL/IELTS) before the application process starts.
Some universities have different deadlines for submission of test scores but it is
better to send the scores with the application.

GRE

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a multiple-choice, standardized test

conducted by ETS.
Universities use the GRE scores of applicants to gauge their preparedness for
graduate programs.
The exam lasts for the average duration of 3 hours 40 minutes.
It is divided into 3 main sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Section, and
Quantitative Reasoning.

GMAT

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is an exam designed to

assess a person’s analytical writing, verbal, quantitative and reading skills in
written English.
The exam is a pre-requisite for admission in graduate management programs
such as MBA and Masters in Finance.
The total time for the GMAT exam is clocked at approximately 3 hours and 30
minutes.
It is divided into 4 main sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Section,
Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing.
IELTS and TOEFL are English language proficiency tests mandated by most
universities for an international student.

TOEFL

The TOEFL exam (Test of English as a foreign language) is an English proficiency

test used to assess your ability to speak and understand English.
The exam lasts for the average duration of 3 hours 30 minutes.
It is divided into 4 sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.

IELTS

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS), is a language

proficiency test designed for non-native English speakers to assess their language
skills.
The exam lasts for the average duration of 2 hours 45 minutes.
It is divided into 3 sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.

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 LOR AND SOP

When submitting a university application, your Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

and Statement of Purpose (SOP) are as important as any academic score and test
scores.

LOR

A letter of recommendation is an account of one’s character from a third person’s

point of view.
There are two types of Letters of Recommendation.
1. Academic Letter of Recommendation
The Academic LOR is a recommendation from the current or past teachers,
professors, or project heads who have taught you or worked with you.
2. Professional Letter of Recommendation.
Unlike the Academic LOR, a Professional LOR talks about your work ethic and
performance as an employee. This letter is usually given by your team leader,
manager, senior manager, and if it’s a startup, your CEO.

How to write a letter of recommendation

When it comes to drafting a LOR, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
So get started only after you have read through these LOR writing tips-
Each LOR you write should have a different writing style since it needs to look like
different people have written all these letters
Your Letter of Recommendation should not exceed one page
The structure of your LOR should be something like this –
A. Start by talking about how the recommender met you and how long he or she
has known you.
B. Mention a string of your academic/professional accomplishments your mentor
has watched you achieve. Divide these pieces of information between 3 small
paragraphs.
C. Next, move on to extracurricular activities. Dedicate one paragraph to it.
D. End by saying that the recommender believes in you and would always be
available to answer any questions the university might have about you.
Add a few lines here and there about your soft skills; highlight your social
personality.
Don’t repeat yourself.
In every other part of your application, it is advisable not to brag. But when it
comes to the Letter of Recommendation, you can definitely boast about your
accomplishments. Take advantage of that fact.
 SOP

The Statement of Purpose, also known as the SOP, introduces you to the
admissions committee and gives them a chance to get to know you better. It’s
objective is to convince the committee that you deserve to be a part of the
university’s community.

How to write a Statement of Purpose

 HOW TO APPLY

At least 9 months before school starts, go to the school’s website and start your
application process.

Fill in your basic profile information

Submit your admission test scores
Add your SOP and LOR's
Look for any additional information requested by the school in your application

This would be a good time to reach out to the Admissions Department of the school
and let them know that you are interested in their program and have started your
application.

Admissions departments are always more than happy to assist students in the
application filling process.

There is a chance that they might inform you of a possible scholarship opportunity or
even suggest any new programs that might be of interest!

Not just that, but reaching out to the schools lets them know that you are serious
about your application.

Who knows? You might actually be talking to a person who eventually might help
your application get through by recommending you!
 FINANCIAL SUPPORT PROOF

Examine your financial support proofs thoroughly before you apply for your visa.

Financial support proof shows the current financial circumstances and is available
at the bank as a bank statement.
Show that you will be able to support yourself during your stay while paying the
tuition fees. If your parents are the ones supporting your education, present the
statement accordingly.

Bank Account Statements

The university might require you to submit your sponsor’s bank account statement
for a specific period as a proof of finance for students. The format of these
statements should be clear and simple. Keep in mind, the bank statement should
be of the person who will be financing your studies.

Scholarship Letters

While many students opt for education loans or short term loans to manage their
finances, several others are privileged to receive scholarships. In case an
international student has been awarded a scholarship for their program, they need
to attach the scholarship letter with the application form. Scholarship letters are
offered by universities or institutions providing the scholarship. Unless you have a
government grant, you’ll have to attach its copy as well.
Loan Approval

International students can also submit an education loan approval letter as proof
of funds to universities. This document is easily available from the bank you applied
for the education loan. Banks have a specific format for this document. The main
purpose of the document is to convey the bank’s approval on your eligibility for
education loan for your venture abroad.
 STUDENT VISA

Your Visa is the final step and the most important document in your study abroad
checklist. With the right documents, obtaining a visa will not be as difficult as it
seems.

Once you have recieved your university acceptance letter and collected all your
financial documents, you can apply for a student visa.

The application process for a student visa varies from one country to another. You
will find details about the visa processes of top study abroad destinations here.

Canada

If you want to study in Canada, you will need a Canadian study permit. This study
permit will also allow you to work part-time during your studies.
Given the amount of time it takes to process the permit, it is recommended that
you apply for it 4-5 months in advance.

To apply for the Canadian study permit-

1. Get a letter of acceptance from a recognized institution in Canada
2. Fill out the application form on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website
3. If you’re told you’re eligible to study in Canada, start collecting your documents
4. Within 60 days, you will have to submit your documents and pay the processing
fee
5. Some applicants might be called to attend an interview at the Canadian consulate
nearby

The study permit will allow you to stay in Canada for the duration of your program,
plus 90 days, during which you can renew it.
 Australia

The Australian student visa application process is fairly straightforward and won’t
take much time to finish. Still, when applying for the visa, make sure you start the
process at least 6 months before the start date of your course.

Here’s what you need to-

1. First of all, head to the Department of Home Affairs website, enter a few details and
get a list of all the papers you need to submit. Gather all these documents and
keep their copies ready (I have included a rough list below)
2. Create an ImmiAccount on the website, login, fill the application form, and attach
necessary documents
3. Double-check all the details you have entered and submit your application
4. Pay the Australian student visa cost, which is about AUD 620
5. After this, you may be asked to submit a few other essentials, like biometrics, police
certificates, and health exam results (which will add to your Australian student visa
cost)
6. Check your application progress using your ImmiAccount and wait for the visa
outcome

New Zealand

The New Zealand student visa this visa will let you study a single course for up to 4
years, work part-time, and live by yourself in New Zealand.

Follow these steps to complete the process for your New Zealand student visa
application-
1. Collect your documents. Don’t rush in the end moment to find these papers. Keep
them ready in advance.
2. Choose how you want to apply. While most students prefer to apply online
because it’s faster, you can also decide to apply using a printed form.
3. Apply. If you choose to apply online, set up a New Zealand Government RealMe
account and start filling your application form. Otherwise, download the Student
Visa Application form (NZ 1012) and fill it.
4. Submit your application. In case you want to apply offline, you may want to check
where to send the form and the supporting documents.
5. Pay the New Zealand visa fees (around $57)
6. Wait for a decision. It takes between 4 to 6 weeks for a student visa to be
processed. But you can always check the progress on your visa application online.
 United Kingdom

Students above 16 who want to pursue their higher education in the UK need to
apply for a student visa through the Student Route.

The application process for a UK student visa is as follows-

1. Secure an admit, or a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies) from a UK
university or college
2. Head to the gov.uk website and apply for a student visa
3. Fill the form with all the required information, upload the necessary documents
(mentioned below), and submit
4. Pay the UK student visa fee of £348
5. Make a payment of £470 for the immigration health surcharge, availing access to
UK’s National Health Service

The earliest you can apply for the UK student visa is 6 months before your semester
start date.

United States

International students can enter the US in the form of an F-1 student visa or the M-1
and J-1 visas. A majority of these students pursue a doctorate, master’s, and
bachelor’s degree programs in the United States.

Although your specific country or embassy may have additional application steps,
requirements and conditions, here is the general process-
1. Apply and get admission into a SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program)
approved institution.
2. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee ($350) for enrollment into the SEVIS (Student and Exchange
Visitor Information System).
3. After this payment, your school provides you with an I-20 form which you will need
to present to the consular officer at your F-1 visa interview.
4. Pay the non-refundable visa application fee and fulfill the application requirements
of your specific embassy or consulate.
5. Visa application is available online through which you could complete your
application before printing the DS-160 form which you will take to your F-1 visa
interview.
6. Schedule and make preparations for your interview while you wait. It is key to
whether you will be awarded an F-1 student visa or not.

You can schedule the date but be aware of the variations in waiting periods for
interview appointments which differ with regards to the visa category, season or
location.
 TRAVEL TIPS

Leaving your home and flying abroad for your higher education can be a daunting
experience. Here are a few travel tips that will make this transition as stress-free for
you as possible.

Consult your bank

Never forget to make a call and take the information about your bank balance
from your bank. Make sure that your credit card won’t be the reason for wasting
your money by charging international fees. Also check if they have any student
loan packages, you can take advantage of.

Find out the cheapest way to fly

Search and try best to find out which is the shortest route to your destination. Give
a profound thought to the travel company you are going to choose. Check out all
the possible routes and travel companies along with the packages being provided
by them to find an affordable and comfortable flight.

Gird up and start searching all the information regarding your flight and its
expenses at least 5-6 months before your flight is due. One of the most important
travel tips for students is that it’s economical to book tickets on Tuesday or
Wednesday. The best time to buy a cheap ticket is described to be around 3 to 5 O
clock in the morning.

Connect with other students at university

Nothing beats an expert piece of advice. Reach out for the student groups at your
campus and gather the information that can help you in your journey. Moreover,
contact your university and ask what you may to ease yourself from all the burden.
Ask those students to pick you up from the Airport and help you to reach your
destination.
To help you get a clear understanding of the study abroad timeline, here is
a clear representation of the process:

Remember, no matter which document it is, always keep multiple

photocopies of the same. A study abroad checklist helps in keeping a track
of things so that you don’t miss out on anything. iSchoolConnect  helps
you with everything you need for studying abroad. Right from shortlisting
universities to arriving at the destination. So  reach out to us on
our website or call us on+91 9145332283.
Ready To Start Your Study Abroad
Journey?

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