Top Reasons to Seek Help from a Study Abroad Consultant Before Moving Overseas

Open the website of any international university. There will be reams of instructions on the course eligibility requirements, including academic credentials and test scores, essential documents, campus accommodation, the application process, and so on. Phew! Don't forget the pre-admission processes, including the Visa application. Seeking the guidance of a professional study abroad consultant before moving overseas helps you navigate many things that would otherwise be a frustrating experience. Right from assistance with selecting a university and the initial paperwork to financial aid options and a pre-departure checklist, a study abroad consultant makes all this easier for starting towards your international education goals.

Let's elucidate the many reasons to seek help from a study abroad consultant when planning to move overseas for your studies.

Multi-Pronged Career Guidance

Perhaps you know you wish to study in Canada, Australia, or any other country but have a ton of confused data churning in your head about the specific course and the university. A reputed study abroad consultant steers you on the right path without limiting your career choices. Not just your academic profile but also your particular interests and aptitude and potential employment opportunities are discussed. For example, you may consider a marketing course but are keen to learn about business growth strategies. Your study abroad consultant may suggest that you pursue a strategic management course that teaches you how to meet the company's goals and gives you better career prospects. A multi-pronged approach is thus beneficial to making a meaningful decision when heading abroad to study.

It's all about Timing

One thing you cannot be laid back about when planning to study abroad is the timing of your application. Different countries have different schedules for their admission process. In Australia, did you know that admission applications are accepted in February and the July intake is known as the secondary intake? Or that in the USA there are spring, summer, and fall intakes? A consultant has this awareness and can help you start prepping well in advance with their meticulous planning and time-management skills.

The Paperwork

It's a well-known fact that there is a lot of paperwork involved in the study abroad process. A study abroad consultant helps with the documentation work, including:

• Passport and Visa: Many universities make it mandatory for international students to have a passport, which is valid for at least six months once the course begins. A study abroad consultant checks your passport and alerts you to apply for a new one if needed. Similarly, your Visa application eligibility and the documents needed for it are checked.
• Flight Tickets: Once the passport and visa are in hand, the study abroad consultant assists in booking your tickets if you need help.
• Important Document: A study abroad consultant ensures you have all the required academic documents and those related to achievements, projects, etc. ready for the online admission process.
• Any other documents that are required, such as those related to insurance and health, and even travel insurance if required.

Money Matters

Without a doubt, finance is a major factor in fulfilling your international education goals. A study abroad consultant makes you aware of multiple options for financial aid. In addition to university scholarships and bank loans, you will get details on scholarships offered by the Government of the country where the university is located, those offered by corporate houses as part of their CSR, meritorious scholarships of private Trusts for EWS students for their studies abroad, etc.

Did you forget money matters in terms of currency? No worries! A study abroad consultant can provide timely assistance in getting your foreign currency through an RBI-authorized foreign currency exchange service provider.

Visa Support

To avoid needless delays in getting your visa processed, approaching a study abroad consultant is a wise decision. Competent personnel will meticulously check all the paperwork required to apply for a visa. Students often miss out on reading the fine print about the photo requirement, such as the size of the photo, which differs across countries. Your study abroad consultant gives you current updates for Visa photos. You can also seek guidance to get tips for the visa interview.

Test and Interview Prep

Many universities require students to submit standardized test scores, such as the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)/Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Study abroad consultants let you know the scores of precisely which tests are mandatory for admission and guide you in preparing for them. Similarly, you will get useful tips for the interview process, if this is a requirement to get admission to the college or university.

Application Process

A study abroad consultant provides complete assistance in applying for admission. This includes the online pre-registration steps, which many students overlook and so needlessly waste a few precious minutes in the application process. Filling in the correct personal information, uploading transcripts of academic credentials and extracurricular activities, including media-based materials (if these are permitted), etc. are all required to be done with care. A study abroad consultant double-checks that you provide details accurately and do not miss out on anything. Lack of documents or misrepresentation of credentials can lead to a denial of admission.

There are many other aspects of moving overseas that a study abroad consultant can help a student with, such as a pre-departure checklist (e.g. bank account, vaccination), applying early for campus accommodation/looking for budget off-campus accommodation, etiquette requirements based on the country’s culture, etc.

Conclusion

With 15 years of professional experience in guiding students to move overseas for their studies, Godspeed Immigration is your go-to study abroad consultant in Kerala. We have an innovative 531-Zero process to make your international education admission path smooth- 5 competent personnel perform a thorough document check before submitting them; 3 Case Officers are up to date about all aspects of your application to avoid delays in processing in case one of them is not available due to personal emergency issues; 1 person with excellent communication skills is your point of contact for all queries, updates, and help, and this collaboration ensures Zero worries for you. Get help from our experts on your journey to study abroad. Contact us now!