The Office of Collaborations is organized a virtual talk on higher education abroad for the Final-year Engineering, MBA and MCA students, focusing on various options and opportunities to the students on 30th September 2020 at 4:00 Pm to 5:00 Pm. The Speaker of the talk was Mr Shijo Yeshudas, Marketing Manager, IDP Mangaluru.
Studying abroad is a life-changing experience and so, before students plunge into the first destination that pops in your mind, sit back and research. It is crucial to weigh all the pros and cons of a country where students plan to further your career.
That is your foundation to start with – identify your course of preference by listing down your interests and strengths. Research extensively on the modules, program and its duration offered for your preferred subject. And while students at it, ensure to explore employment prospects and long-term benefits as well.
Understand the industries that are open for you to explore employment opportunities once you’ve completed your program. Take into account the countries that have maximum avenues for students undertaking your chosen course. Check how strong is the destination in your industry base and if any level of industrial training is available.
For instance, if you wish to make it big in civil engineering, New Zealand is one of the best destinations for you. With the current expansion of construction projects across the country, there is a growing demand for civil engineers with handsome perks here. Ireland is great for students in the healthcare and pharmaceuticals industry and Australia is the country to be if you are seeking research opportunities.
Different destinations have different educational structures, which may or may not be in sync with your thought process. Check for the teaching pedagogy followed in the classrooms. For instance, a lot of universities add weightage to practical training over theoretical concepts. Do you think such an approach would work for you? Would you be comfortable working on research papers and assignments every week?
Always look for the entry requirements for the programs available in your desired destination. Does it offer a program at the level you wish to take entry in? Is it a diploma program or a degree? Understand your preference and select accordingly. For instance, several colleges in Canada offer a postgraduate diploma instead of a master’s degree. Similarly, the UK offers two kinds of master’s – taught and research.
It is essential to consider the overall expense involved in studying at a particular destination. When calculating your costs, don’t forget to consider ancillary expenses such as accommodation, utilities, transportation, etc. Consider the duration of your course as that’ll majorly affect your overall cost of studying abroad. For instance, masters in the UK and Ireland are offered for just one year whereas masters in other countries like Canada and Australia can take up to two years.
Did you know that the academic year in universities abroad differ from the ones in India? Consider your current situation – does it allow you to gather everything and apply for the upcoming intake? Applying to a university requires collating all your documents (such as Statement of Purpose, Letter of Recommendation, Curriculum Vitae, Transcripts, etc.), ensure that you have all this in place before your chosen intake begins. If you don’t have enough time for all these formalities, consider going for the next intake.
Our chosen course should be able to help you grow professionally and put you in a state where you can find employment. Consider a destination that offers multiple employment opportunities for your course. For instance, if you’re getting a masters computer science, the US will offer you endless avenues. After all, it is home to tech hubs such as San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston and Silicon Valley.
Check for the visa entry requirements of the destination you are interested in. Each country has a different set of rules to abide by, and sometimes visa processing may take more time than expected. Also, visa processing costs vary for each country. If you’d require, our counselors can help you understand the visa process with ease.
As an Indian student who’ll be spending a lot of money, effort and time, it is natural to calculate the return on investment (ROI). Does the destination offer you the kind of return you’d want on your investment? Does it make you job ready? If you are planning to immigrate to another country, reflect upon the opportunities and monetary benefit. Consider the value of your degree back home especially if you intend to return back. Students going for niche courses must also ponder upon this aspect.
