Showing posts with label "abroad study". Show all posts
Showing posts with label "abroad study". Show all posts

Thursday, 5 July 2018

Top Reasons To Choose Ireland As A Study Abroad Destination

Lately, students have started exploring other countries, specifical nations in the European Union, for higher studies.


In recent times, India has become one of the fastest developing nations in the world and is considered to be one of the biggest economies globally. Its progress has trickled down to most citizens as well, with more and more people now able to afford several basic things, which until a decade ago, were considered luxury. One such aspect is education.

In India, access to basic education is increasingly becoming the norm owing to rise in disposable income, and better opportunities. Moreover, with a substantial number of middle-class households in the country leading a significantly better lifestyle as compared to a decade ago, many families have begun to consider investing in only the best education of their children; be it in India or abroad.


Ireland -- A dream destination for international students

Ireland or the Republic of Ireland is an island nation that is part of the British Isles. The country has a rich culture and tradition, which is most commonly depicted across the globe in the form of Saint Patrick -- one of Ireland's patron saints. Ireland also happens to be one of the countries in the European Union to recognise English as an official language.

Education structure

The education structure in Ireland is mainly made up of levels -- primary, secondary, and tertiary (third-level). The country is home to some of the finest educational institutions in the world and has an excellent academic infrastructure. Some of the top universities for international students in Ireland are Trinity College (Dublin), University College (Dublin), National University of Ireland (Galway), and University College of Cork.


Let us further explore the various factors that are leading Ireland to become one of the most preferred studies abroad destination among students from across the world:

Excellent education infrastructure: As previously stated, Ireland has an excellent education infrastructure, with most of its universities equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and academic resources. In fact, the progress made in the field of education has significantly contributed to Ireland's growing economy. For international students, this is an added advantage of studying in a culturally rich nation.

Scholarships for international students: The Republic of Ireland has an outstanding scholarship program for international students. Each scholarship is based on specific criteria for eligibility laid down by individual institutions in Ireland.

For example, Dublin Institute of Technology offers a Centenary Scholarship Programme for all international students pursuing a Master's degree at the institution. Similarly, the National University of Ireland in Galway offers several scholarships specifically for Indian students, such as the Max Arthur Macauliffe Special Merit Scholarship, and the Sir Peter Freyer Special Merit Scholarship.

Safety first: Ireland is one of the safest and friendliest countries in the world, allowing international students to complete their course without worrying about their overall well-being. While petty crimes like pick pocketing are common throughout the world, students just need to be cautious about their surroundings to avert such rare incidents.


Work opportunities: International students enrolled for full-time courses that are recognised by the IDES do not require an additional work permit to work in the country. However, they do need to have the proper documentation to be able to gain employment.


In conclusion, it can be said that Ireland is certainly becoming one of the most preferred studies abroad destinations among international students; and if you are a student hoping to study overseas, you should definitely consider the island nation to fulfil your education goal. (http://indiatoday.intoday.in/education/story/study-abroad)






Friday, 29 June 2018

StudyAbroad: Trinity rises in World Rankings


Ireland, a neighboring country of the United Kingdom, is one of the wealthiest countries in the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) and over the last few years, it has emerged as a preferred destination for Indian students.



Trinity offers 47 majors, 59 minors, and several interdisciplinary and advising programs. Along with opportunities in undergraduate research, internships, and study abroad programs, students may merge their talents with self-designed interdisciplinary majors.

Why study in Ireland?

English language
Although Irish Gaelic is recognized as the first official language of the country, only 36% of the Irish population actually know it. 94% of the population know English, with it being the second official language.

The Irish accent and dialect may be a little overwhelming at first, but you will soon get used to it. Living, studying, and working in Ireland is a great way to improve your speaking and listening ability in English.

Post study visa
One of the major benefits of studying in Ireland is the post-study visa. This makes it easier for students to look for job opportunities in the country after they graduate, and once they have a job, they are then eligible to apply for a green card/work permit.


Scholarships
There are plenty of generous scholarship opportunities available in Ireland. For example, Trinity College Dublin offers bursaries worth €5,000, NCI Galway €2,0000 and UCD provide 50% and 100% off fees.

Culture and lifestyle
Ireland is like few places on earth. Beautiful landscapes, scenic beauty, famous hospitality, and a rich culture of music, drinking, and sport. Did you know that there is one pub per 100 people in Dublin?

A study in Ireland would be definitely one of the best experiences of your lifetime. For information about Studying in Ireland, arrange a free consultation click here or send us an email at info@aliffoverseas.com


Request a call from us and get FREE guidance from our experts today! or call us on 9987099890 Or register on our website: http://www.aliffoverseas.com

Wednesday, 27 June 2018

StudyAbroad: Why Is Germany Becoming The Most Preferred Place To Study


In the past decade, India has witnessed a rise in the number of students aspiring to fulfill their higher education in overseas study destinations. With the constant development in the field of education, coupled with improvement in the standard of living, many families in India are now capable of considering the choice of allowing their children to pursue their studies abroad.

Over the past couple of years, STEM courses have gained popularity all over the world, with many universities tying up with certain organizations to further lend their support to these fields of study. The most popular courses that Indian students wish to make a career in are the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education programs as such students stand to gain several lucrative job opportunities following their graduation in these subjects. Be it in Accounting, Computer programming, Life sciences, Statistics, or Engineering, STEM students can look forward to a rich and fulfilling career in multifarious industries.

In terms of studying abroad, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand have long been considered the top 5 destinations among international students. However, following recent global developments, many European nations are gradually joining the list of popular overseas study destinations, with Germany being the most favorite among Indian students in STEM subjects.


In terms of being an education destination, Germany saw a 14 per cent increase in the number of international students from 282,201 to 321,569, enrolled in its education institutions between 2013 and 2015. The major source countries for international students in Germany were found to be China (12.8 per cent), India (4.9 per cent), and Russia (4.9).



Five reasons why Germany is most preferred study destination among engineering students:

1.    Little to no tuition fees: 

While private universities in Germany are mostly financed from tuition fees received from students, public universities in the country do not charge any tuition fees for any of their Bachelor's and/or Masters programs. This rule is applicable to both native and international students. Students typically need to pay an annual administration fees and semester fees, depending on the university where they wish to enroll. Some of the tuition-free universities in Germany are the Universities of  TU9.

2.    Availability of courses taught in English:

Germany happens to be one of the few non-English speaking countries that offer courses taught in that language. Most universities offer Master's degree programs in English exclusively for international students, especially in the fields of engineering and technology.

3.    Scholarship programs for engineering students:

Germany offers some excellent scholarship options for international students under the DeutscherAkademischerAustauschdienst (DAAD) - the German Academic Exchange Service, and Deutschlandstipendium. Some scholarships for Indian students in the Engineering field include Bilateral Exchange of Academics, DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme, Leibniz-DAAD Research Fellowships, etc.

4.    Home to top ranking universities in the field of engineering:

Germany is home to some of the top ranking universities in the world and is known for its overall academic excellence. As per the QS world university rankings, the top 7 German education institutions in the fields of engineering and technology in 2017 are Technical University of Munich, RWTH Aachen University, TU Berlin, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, University of Stuttgart, Darmstadt University of Technology, and TU Dresden.

5.    Work opportunities within the country post completion of studies:

As a country that is primarily focused and driven by its manufacturing capabilities, Germany offers lots of job opportunities for engineers. Moreover, since this country actively invests in advanced research and applied technology, the demand for experts in the STEM field is expected to remain high here for years to come. The average salary for engineering experts could be up to 46,126 EUR year. For international students, such opportunities can become a dream come true as Germany allows such students to work 120 full or 240 half days per year after they gain a permit from the 'AgenturfurArbeit' (Federal Employment Agency).

Going by above-mentioned facts, it can be said that Germany is certainly becoming one of the most preferred study destinations in Europe among aspiring engineering students, and could top the list of overseas education destinations in the near future.


Why study Engineering in Germany  


The German federal foreign office grants students an 18-month extension of visa after studies for the purpose of seeking a job. Considering that most of the students would like to shift to the industry after studies, this extension gives us ample time to explore opportunities.


In terms of employment opportunities, especially in the field of IT and engineering, Indian students certainly have an edge over others with a majority of them holding engineering degrees. “This combined with Germany’s constant demand for engineers is a win-win for both Germany and Indian students.  





Request a call from us and get FREE guidance from our experts today! or call us on 9987099890 Or register on our website: http://www.aliffoverseas.com

Tuesday, 26 June 2018

Short-Term Study Abroad ‘Better For Building Teamwork Skills’


US survey finds development of curiosity, leadership and work ethic unaffected by length of international experience

Valuable experience: studying abroad results in positive gains in 14 of the 15 skills measured in the survey
Students who go abroad as part of their degree for a short period of time develop better teamwork skills than those who go overseas for a year, while other areas of development are unaffected by the duration of international study, according to a survey of alumni.

A survey of 4,565 US university alumni, conducted by the Institute of International Education, found that 76 per cent of respondents who went abroad for eight weeks or less said they developed teamwork skills somewhat or to a significant degree, compared with 69 per cent respondents who went overseas for a year.

In fact, the development of teamwork skills correlates “significantly negatively” with a longer period of study abroad, according to the survey.

Overall, 30 per cent of respondents said their experience had a “significant” impact on their development of teamwork skills.

Meanwhile, in three areas – curiosity, leadership and work ethic – perceptions of skill development were unaffected by the length of the study abroad programme.

The research, Gaining an Employment Edge, asked alumni who had studied abroad between 1990 and 2017 whether their overseas experience contributed to their development of 15 soft and hard skills. The skills list was compiled based on several previous studies on the competencies most desired by employers.

The development of teamwork skills was the only attribute that was benefited by a shorter period of studying abroad.

Overall, the research found that studying abroad results in positive gains in 14 of the 15 skills; the only area that was not developed or improved through study abroad was technical or software skills.

A longer period of studying abroad had a “significantly positive effect” on the development of 11 of the 15 skills surveyed, including language skills, self-awareness, intercultural skills and confidence.

The research follows a 2015 study, conducted for the British Council and the UK Higher Education International Unit, which found that UK-domiciled undergraduates who went abroad for a short period of time believed they gained similarly significant benefits to those who travelled overseas for a year.

Deputy head of research at the IIE and co-author of the study, said shorter-term study abroad programmes were more positively correlated with the development of teamwork skills because such experiences “tend to be more structured and experiential in nature”.

“Students are engaging in real-world learning experiences and with groups of other students, so they…really provide the opportunity for students to develop teamwork skills,” she said.

“This is in contrast with longer-term or medium-term programmes that tend to be more classroom-based and [in which] the learning is more independent.”

She added that the research shows that it is important for universities to provide a “variety” of study abroad opportunities. Source Times Higher Education







Saturday, 23 June 2018

5 Things To Consider Before Choosing A Study Abroad Destination

Dreaming of studying abroad? Confused which country to go to? Wondering what to look for while shortlisting a country for your higher education? As the number of students leaving the country to pursue higher studies increases, the question of where to study has become more important. While choosing a destination to pursue studies there are a number of factors that an individual should take into consideration to find a place most conducive to a positive learning experience. The number of options available to a student are huge and it is imperative to find the most suitable one for studying and living in.

Here’s a list of 5 things to consider before you choose a study abroad destination.


1. Which course are you planning to pursue?
The first thing every student must consider, irrespective of what kind of return on investment you expect, is the course one is planning to pursue. While most of the top colleges across different countries offer brilliant opportunities, the fact remains that there is always one particular course that would have more advantage in a country than the next.

2. Location
An important factor to consider when deciding to study abroad is the location. It is imperative that a student be certain about where he/she desires to study, as this is where the student will be spending the next several years. It is important to choose a location that is well suited to what the individual is about to study and to check if it has all the facilities the student will require to complete the course successfully. It is helpful to research the location thoroughly, and find out a little about the culture beforehand as it will help the student acclimatize to the new country faster.

3. Finance
A major factor to consider before taking the decision to study abroad is the cost of the course. A large number of potential students do not go abroad to pursue higher studies due to the high costs involved with studying abroad. There is a plethora of financial aid options available to a student aspiring to study abroad and there are a number of scholarship programs that universities abroad offer to promising students who have show a consistent level of performance in academics. It is important that an individual carefully researches all the options he/she has before choosing a specific one. There are a lot of costs associated with living abroad other than the tuition fees of the university, which a student will realize once he/she is abroad. An individual moving abroad for studies should be prepared for these costs and should always have a certain amount of money kept aside for miscellaneous expenses and emergency situations. Students should also inquire with the university if there are any discounts that students can avail of public transport, rent, utilities, etc.

4. Duration
The duration of the course if an important factor to consider as it directly relates to the cost of the course. An individual should determine how long he/she is comfortable living abroad as a student for. If the course duration is over a long period of time the individual should consider choosing a country where he/she will be comfortable living. The culture of the country should be something that an individual can integrate with, as they are planning on staying there for an extended period of time.

5. Employability
A student who has decided to move abroad for studies should consider the number of jobs that he/she can apply for after the completion of the course, and if the student has a desire to live and work in the country where he/she has completed the course the student should check the job market and the qualifications required for various jobs in an associated field. It is also important to check how employable a person will be after the completion of the course and which part of the world is there a requirement for that specific skill.

Start your research with the country pages at Aliff overseas education to understanding about the countries and then make an informed choice. 


At Aliff Overseas Consultant  we offer a full suite of study abroad counselling services:
  • Course and university selection
  • Academic profile evaluation
  • Submission of admission applications
  • Visa application assistance, visa-counselling and mock-interviews
  • IELTS/TOEFL training
  • Pre-departure guidance and assistance in terms of private accommodation recommendations in select countries.

Tuesday, 19 June 2018

Study Abroad: Top reasons to choose Ireland as a study abroad destination

In recent times, India has become one of the fastest developing nations in the world, and is considered to be one of the biggest economies globally. Its progress has trickled down to most citizens as well, with more and more people now able to afford several basic things, which until a decade ago, were considered luxury. One such aspect is education.

In India, access to basic education is increasingly becoming the norm owing to rise in disposable income, and better opportunities. Moreover, with a substantial number of middle-class households in the country leading a significantly better lifestyle as compared to a decade ago, many families have begun to consider investing in only the best education of their children; be it in India or abroad.
While students from India usually prefer to study in the top 5 study abroad destinations -- the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand -- there are some who have started exploring other countries, specifically nations in the European Union. One such country is Ireland, which is fast emerging as a prominent education hub for international students.
Ireland -- A dream destination for international students
Ireland, or the Republic of Ireland is an island nation that is part of the British Isles. The country has a rich culture and tradition, which is most commonly depicted across the globe in the form of Saint Patrick -- one of Ireland's patron saints. Ireland also happens to be one of the countries in the European Union to recognise English as an official language.
Education structure
The education structure in Ireland is mainly made up of levels -- primary, secondary, and tertiary (third-level). The country is home to some of the finest education institutions in the world, and has an excellent academic infrastructure. Some of the top universities for international students in Ireland are: Trinity College (Dublin), University College (Dublin), National University of Ireland (Galway), and University College of Cork.
In terms of hosting international students, Ireland witnessed more than 27,778 international student enrollments in its universities during 2014-15. In terms of place of origin, the country saw an influx of over 4,470 students from the United States, 2,711 from China, and 1989 from France. During the same period, Irish education institutions also received over 905 applicants from India, making it the 9th country in the list of Top 10 sending places of origin, according to IIE.
Let us further explore the various factors that are leading Ireland to become one of the most preferred study abroad destination among students from across the world:
Excellent education infrastructure: As previously stated, Ireland has an excellent education infrastructure, with most of its universities equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and academic resources. In fact, the progress made in the field of education has significantly contributed to Ireland's growing economy. For international students, this is an added advantage of studying in a culturally rich nation.
Scholarships for international students: The Republic of Ireland has an outstanding scholarship program for international students. Each scholarship is based on specific criteria for eligibility laid down by individual institutions in Ireland.
Safety first: Ireland is one of the safest and friendliest countries in the world, allowing international students to complete their course without worrying about their overall wellbeing. While petty crimes like pick pocketing are common throughout the world, students just need to be cautious about their surroundings to avert such rare incidents.
Home to several global industry giants: Some of the biggest multinational companies (MNC) can be found in Ireland. Companies like Google, Apple, and Facebook have headquarters in the Island nation, apart from Ireland's own homegrown organizations like CRH, DCC, and Kerry group.
Work opportunities: International students enrolled for full-time courses that are recognised by the IDES do not require an additional work permit to work in the country. However, they do need to have the proper documentation to be able to gain employment.
According to Education Ireland's official portal, all international students equipped with a valid immigration stamp 2 permission are permitted to work 40 hours/week in Ireland, but only between June to September, and from December 15 to January 15. During the rest of the year, international students holding the valid work document can work 20 hours/week. All students are allowed to work till the expiration of the Immigration permission Stamp 2.
In conclusion, it can be said that Ireland is certainly becoming one of the most preferred study abroad destinations among international students; and if you are a student hoping to study overseas, you should definitely consider the island nation to fulfill your education goals.




Sunday, 17 June 2018

Canada Announces Student Direct Stream for Four Asian Countries

Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has launched a Student Direct Stream (SDS) to make processing times faster for students from India, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Students from those countries who can satisfy a series of criteria encompassing language skills and financial resources will benefit from faster processing times. Students who don’t satisfy the requirements of the expedited program can still apply through the regular study permit application. The SDS complements Canada’s Express Entry system for skilled immigrants, IRCC explained in a statement, and these students will be “well placed” to proceed on to permanent residence and Canadian citizenship after they finish their studies.


Benefits of studying in Canada
  • You will have several options to choose from: big or small universities and small-town or city universities.
  • Students can enjoy an active and varied lifestyle in this beautiful country, along with great health-care benefits, and the thing that Canada is most known for – politeness of the locals.
  • Students will have incredible opportunities to meet like-minded people and gain valuable international student experience through student clubs and organisations.
  • Visa requirements in Canada

Study options
There are three academic intakes at the institutions in Canada: fall, winter and summer. Fall lasts from September to December, winter lasts from January to April and summer lasts from May to August. Though fall is the primary intake in most colleges, some colleges do offer a winter intake.  

International students are advised to apply at the earliest, as scholarships and admissions get more and more competitive closer to the deadline. A typical application deadline would be 6 to 9 months before your session starts, and it can vary depending on each department and the subject of choice. Though deadlines are not flexible, except for diploma programmes, some institutions might accept students if seats are available.

Students can choose from a number of study programmes –
  • Certificate or diploma (One or two years)
  • Advanced diploma (Two or three years)
  • Undergraduate (three or four years)
  • Postgraduate (two years)
  • PhD (four or five years with dissertation)
Some popular courses at the undergraduate level are engineering and administrative studies and at the postgraduate level are management, finance, MBA/MIM, MS and LLB degrees.

Cost of studying in Canada
The price tag for higher studies in Canada is roughly half compared with other leading study destinations. Tuition fees vary from institution to institution. On average, students will have to shell out CAD 11,000–30,000 (INR -6 to 15 lakhs) per year.

Annual living expenses will depend on the living location you prefer and the type of accommodation that suits you, i.e., private, homestay or on-campus accommodation.

International students can work part time for 20 hours per week – generally the first six months on campus and off campus post this period. Some universities with more intensive courses allow their students to work for nearly 12 hours since working for more hours can affect their students' performance. 

International students can apply for work permit post their studies, which gives them the opportunity to work in the country for a three-year period. 
The following steps outline the process of applying for a study permit in Canada.

Step 1: Understand the Visa process
Step 2: Collate visa documents

Your Aliff Overseas counsellor will support you to collate documents in support of your application for a study permit to Canada. The general sets of documents you will require for your study permit application comprises:
  • Passport 
  • Passport-size photographs 
  • Unconditional letter of acceptance 
  • Fees receipt (recommended) 
  • Scholarship letter (if applicable) 
  • Any relevant correspondence with the institution 
  • Financial documents 
  • Academic documents 
  • Test scores 
  • Work experience certificates (if applicable) 
  • Medical report (if already undertaken). 

Step 3: Check provincial guidelines
Step 4: Submit application (online through IRCC website or paper submission at VFS offices for Canada)



Tuesday, 12 June 2018

StudyAbroad: College De Paris Is A Top Notch Fashion School In France

Ever since it was created, the Collège de Paris has striven to promote French excellence through training. To do this, we bring together recognised institutions of higher learning  – the oldest dates back to 1949.


The member schools of the Collège de Paris are all recognised in their specialised domains and guarantee that graduates will achieve insertion on world job markets. The faculty is made up of an academic lecturing body and the best professional players. All the programs lead to a state-recognized certification or recognition by international assessment bodies.

College de Paris is a top notch business school in France based in Paris. Partner with institutes in London & Milan, the school offers several programs for international students such as The oldest one was formed in 1949 and the recent was formed in 1994

Member school
1) Ascencia Business school (Business and Management School)
2) Ecole Conte (Art and Fashion School)
3) ELFE (French Language school)
4) Digital School (Digital School)
5) ISE Institue superior de environment (School of Environmental Studies)
6) Finance Business School (School of Finance)
7) French School of Decorative Arts (Ecole Décor)
8) ENSMI National school of real Estate Management (School of Real Estate)
9) Ecole Bleue (Global Design School)

Accreditations CNCP (National Directory of Professional Certification (RNCP). CIEP (public labelling body for centres teaching French)


Currently, they have seats for the following Master Degree Program: 
In these programs, the student will go directly to College de Paris.

1)    Master in Fashion and Luxury Brand Management
2)    Master in Food & Beverage Management
3)    Master in International Marketing

Eligibility: Graduation compulsory 
English test results: IELTS (5.5), TOEFL (70) or TOEIC (750) Tuition fees: 10,000 euros + 290 euros (non-refundable) administration fees + 215 € (for French social security payable on arrival). 


There are a variety of study options available within fashion design.  Click Here To Apply

Study Fashion Abroad Request a call from us and get FREE guidance from our experts today! or call us on 9987099890 Or register on our website:- http://www.aliffoverseas.com 

Sunday, 3 June 2018

StudyAbroad: Nearly 9 in 10 companies plan to hire MBA graduates, says GMAC survey



Globally, 86% of companies plan to hire recent MBA graduates this year, up from 79% that hired them last year, according to a new employer survey report from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). The survey shows that corporate hiring plans for this year point to robust employment opportunities for graduates of MBA and business master's programs. 


"Despite the political uncertainty about the status of immigration and work visas in the United States and other parts of the world, companies are keen to hire graduates from this year's MBA and business master's programs, including international candidates," said Sangeet Chowfla, GMAC president, and CEO. "This signifies the value these programs create for students and the vital role their skill sets bring employers." 

At the time GMAC conducted the Corporate Recruiters Survey in early 2017, respondents in Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the United States declared their companies are staying the course with plans to hire international graduate business candidates. Overall, 59% of the survey respondents plan to hire or are willing to hire MBA and business master's graduates requiring legal documentation — a gain of seven percentage points from 2016. 


The survey shows that data analytics expertise continues to be in high demand, and 69% of employers plan to place recent graduate business school hires into data analytics roles in 2017, just trailing marketing, business development, and finance roles — each with 71%. 

GMAC conducted the 16th annual Corporate Recruiters Survey in February and March 2017 together with survey partners EFMD and MBA Career Services & Employer Alliance (MBA CSEA), in association with 97 participating graduate business schools. 

The survey findings are based on responses from 959 employers representing more than 628 companies in 51 countries worldwide. Two additional organizations, CEMS and RelishMBA, assisted with recruitment of survey participants. 

More students keen to do MBA abroad

Why Indian students prefer MBA abroad?

Why study MBA in Ireland 


Friday, 1 June 2018

Smart Ways To Choose Your Study Destination Abroad

Who doesn't want to study abroad? Even if you discount the quality of education, there is a whole new world out there waiting to be explored.

The experience, exposure, life skills you will receive is priceless. However, there is one major factor which stops many of us from adding the flight to our foreign dreams and more often than not - it is the cost. Living and studying in some of the best of countries and some the best of colleges in those countries can be exorbitantly expensive.


Now, the good news is that it is possible to study abroad on a small budget. Even there are countries where tuition fees are low, or even non-existent. Some of these countries are Dubai, Ireland, Germany, Canada, Australia, France, Poland, and Russia.

Here are some smart ways to choose your study destination that doesn't burn a hole in your pocket:

• First and foremost, be true to yourself - Go for a degree and a college you want to and not something you think you need to do or have to. If you decide to go for your passion, it will be much easier to go through tough times.

• Research carefully and use multiple sources: A degree takes about one to four years to complete and can be direly expensive. Though it is true, it can be a life-altering experience yet doing your own research will only enrich your choices. Go through university websites meticulously and through student's forums.

• Search for what you want. Maybe you want to study in a university where the language of teaching is French. Or you have a specific budget in mind or you want to study in a university in a particular region. Choose a subject you want to study and narrow down your choices. Choose your preferred university and the course you want to opt for in those universities. You can check out the international rankings too.

• Be on a constant lookout for scholarships that can reduce your expenses of studying abroad. Not all scholarships have the same terms and conditions. Some cover tuition fees and living costs whereas others- student visa and air fair or both. When planning and budgeting, it is wise to send multiple applications to all scholarship-granting institutions. Start with your admissions office and the university you have chosen to study in. There are several Government scholarships too.

• Enquire about the tuition fees and select your payment scheme. Tuition fees are one of the major cost for anybody who is looking to study abroad. Prices vary per country, course and institution. There are schemes such as loans and "pay later" options that you can count on in order to save yourself from paying such exorbitant amount upfront.

• Keep a budget aside for miscellaneous expenses such as books and extra-curricular activities. Such expenses are often kept out of the tuition fees. Calculate how much expenses you require depending on the course you opted for.

• Also, different countries have different cost of living: Calculate the cost of living in the country of your choice. Refer to sources such as the program coordinator and available statistics and country comparisons. Europe has several top-notch schools and excellent programs but it also has cities where the cost of living is very high. On the other hand, Asian countries have a relatively affordable cost of living and premier educational institutions. Keep in mind that cost of living fluctuates so keep a track on your budget.

• Choose a roomie: Most students will have the option of living in a dormitory or a student's apartment somewhere near to one's school. A dormitory will give you the option of staying with a roomie. Having your own apartment can often turn out to be overly expensive.

Study Abroad!