Study Abroad News & Alerts

According to research done in the USA, in 2020 64% of the students took some amount of loan for the purpose of their education. It is very important for students to understand the rules and regulations associated with the repayment of loans. A lot of times banks lure students into taking loans with high-interest rates which later cause complications. Here are some tips for students which will help them in minimizing their debt and even avoiding to take any loans-

• Enroll in a community college instead of getting into a university or a big private institution. This will help you in saving a lot of money in terms of accommodation and you will also have the opportunity to work part-time because they are not that stressful.
• Do your research about ‘no loan’ colleges and try to get into one. 
• Look beyond conventional sources of sponsorships like scholarships and endowments. Do your research to find out about other charitable trusts and private organizations that help students with their university fees. Try to expand your options as much as you can.
• Don't spend too much on your living expenses. Avoid living in lavish apartments no matter how gravitational they may look. Spending too much on your accommodation is unnecessary and futile.
• Make sure that you are well acquainted with the norms and rules of the loan that you have taken. Consider hiring an advocate or someone with legal smartness so that you are on the safer side. Also never borrow more money than you need.

Toronto is one of the most famous and largest cities in Canada. It is a very developed city with a high population so it is considered a happening place to be in. There are a lot of popular colleges in Canada that international students can get into. Some of these colleges are-

• George Brown College
• Seneca College
• Humber College
• Centennial College
• Algonquin College
• ILAC College
• Toronto School of Management
• Tamwood International College
• IBT College
• Evergreen College

Some of these are private colleges whereas the others are public colleges. Private colleges are on the expensive side so always remember that you must choose your college in accordance with your budget.

Choosing an English degree will take you on a path of exploring the foundations and development of a language that is right now the most used language in the world. It is almost like studying history as you will get to read the writings of poets and writers throughout different times and generations. Pursuing an English degree can also be very rewarding in terms of your career opportunities. You also gain a lot of emotional intelligence while studying literature as you will be reading books of different genres. These books will have an independent story of their own that will stimulate all your emotional muscles in the body. Here are the things that you can expect from a quintessential literature degree-

• You will have to read lots and lots of Shakespeare as a part of the curriculum. In English literature the vitality of Shakespeare is unparalleled.
• Be ready to read lots and lots of essays from different writers. As a part of your degree, you will have assignments that will include drawing critical analyses from essays written by famous writers.
• Don't make the mistake of perceiving an English degree as just a literature-based degree. This will include exploring themes like social structure through the writings of different writers. You will also study the history of language and the political tangent associated with it today.
• A good English degree will also teach you how to become a professional storyteller. During your degree, you will read a number of novels and each novel have its unique way of telling people the story that the writer wants to tell. This way you will learn how different and uniquely you can share your voice through your writing.

As the cost of education keeps on rising, the financial burden on students and families is also increasing. Unavailability of financial resources leads to students taking loans. After graduating from college, students have excessive pressure to take on a job as early as possible because they have to pay back the loan that they took for their education. To overcome this debt trap a lot of colleges have come up with a ‘no loan’ policy. Under this policy instead of taking loans from banks and financial institutions for your education, the college itself sponsors your studies through scholarships and endowments. This way you don't have to pay back anything to anyone after your education is done. It also gives you the liberty to go on and pursue higher education without an obligation of starting to earn. Each college and university has its own eligibility criteria for choosing students for the same. But one thing that is important to consider students from only lower-income families will be preferred for the  ‘no loan’ policy. The United States of America has made many such decisions to improve the condition of students. The Biden Administration recently announced a plan to forgive up to $20,000 in federal student loan debt, which is likely to affect many of the nearly 43 million Americans who borrowed to attend college.

When you are new and naive it's very obvious to make mistakes. Making mistakes is essentially not a wrong thing to do because that's how you learn. But sometimes these mistakes are so lethal and deterremental that they leave their impact for a very long period of time. Freshman students in university make a lot of common mistakes that can be avoided if they know certain things initially. Here are some of these mistakes that you can avoid-

• Many students miss out on university orientation as it is conducted a few days before the session is officially started. This is a very big mistake because it is during orientation that you learn a lot of things about how the curriculum would function throughout the year and what things you have to take care of as a student.
• Make sure that you get your course registration done as soon as you arrive on campus. Procrastination is very harmful because college is a very competitive environment and you will be left out of a lot of opportunities if you don't take action quickly.
• Buy books for your course from your official bookstore of university only because that's where you will get the most amount of discount.
• Don't just limit your network and friend circle to your batch. Try to come in contact with students of all courses and different years.

Extra curricular activities are very important as they can have a magnificent impact on your career. Long gone is the time when employers used to only consider your academic performance. Now what you do outside of your classroom also carries a lot of weight. So be careful while choosing your clubs and hobbies as they can be deal breakers. As a law student here is what you need to know-

• As an aspiring law student or a selected law student make sure that you enroll yourself in clubs like mock trials, public speaking, and political activism.
• Try to get an internship with an already practicing lawyer and work under them for some period of time.
• Doing community service is a very important part of practicing law. You can do this in various ways like giving free tax advice to people, volunteering at a charity place, or something like that.
• Develop the quality of working in a team and polish your leadership skills because that will come into your use.
• Improve your public speaking and make sure that you are confident whenever and to whomever you speak. Confidence is one tool that will take you to great heights in this profession.
• Develop some hobbies that give relaxation to your mind. Practicing law is a very consuming task where you have to focus for long stretches of time. This is why it is very important to give yourself some leisure time and relax your mind. Find out what relaxes your mind the most and do it as often as you can in your free time.

O.P Jindal University of Sonipat, Haryana has come into collaboration with six prestigious universities in the UK. This means that the students of this university will be highly benefited from this partnership.JGU has signed new agreements with the following UK institutions -- the University of Birmingham, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Essex, the University of Liverpool, the University of Nottingham, and the University of Sussex. The collaboration is expected to improve the quality of research and faculty. Students from the departments of Law, Liberal Studies, Economics, Commerce, Business Administration, and Management will be highly benefited from this new initiative. The core objective of this global initiative by JGU is to enhance the number of opportunities that students get on campus. JGU already has 360+ pre-existing partnerships with other international universities.

Most students step out of their comfort zones when they start going to college. This experience in itself is overwhelming enough. Additionally, if you are studying in a university that is in a different country or a continent from your home then it amplifies the pressure. Feeling alone and depressed is very obvious. In situations like these, it's very important to remember that you are not the only one who is going through such a thing. Almost everyone who is studying in a different country experiences anxiety and the feeling of being left out. On top of this, cultural shock is another problem that one must tackle. Studying in a different country makes you realize how different people are and what different cultures they have. It may take time for you to understand and amalgamate with them but the trick is to trust the process. Give yourself and others time. Try to mix up with everyone. Go out and join clubs and social groups along with people of alike mindsets. Never undermine the importance of a good company. Avoid living alone and try to have roommates as they keep you entertained. Select your university after doing research so that you know there are like-minded people there.

The demand for business degrees has become a potential requisite in the CVs of candidates. No matter which discipline you are from, having a business degree ups your game more than other people. On top of that, having a degree from a prestigious business school is like a cherry on top. But one must remember that these business schools are extremely competitive and not easy to get into. So how do you make your way into one of the schools? First of all, forget about the idea of a perfect candidate because there is nothing as such. There is no candidate who is perfect in all aspects. We all have our areas where we lack. Also, remember the fact that marks are not everything and they can be overlooked if you compensate them with other important things. Many liberal arts majors students think that their chances of getting into a B-school is lesser than others. This is also a false narrative since B-schools look for knowledge beyond classrooms. Your undergraduate university also doesn't matter. What they see is your personality and drive in life. How much do you want to succeed and make big of yourself? If you are able to convince them then you have your seat.

Preparing for the LSAT can be exhausting as it requires hours of study on a stretch. But you can achieve whatever you want if you study effectively and efficiently rather than doing hard work that doesn't have any velocity. Here are some prep tips for you-

• The reading section of the LSAT is very complex because of the difficult passages that they give each year. At the same time, you also have to maintain a fixed pace so that you don't run out of time. Try to practice essays that are extremely difficult and fix the time period so that you become accustomed to solving such passages.
• Learn to take the stress and function with it. Practice it till the time you become immune to stress and it doesn't bother you anymore.
• Try to meditate every day as it helps in maintaining your composure. This will help you in combating examination anxiety.
• Don't go by the theoretical norms and try to solve the paper logically. Your logic is your biggest strength and uses it as much as you can.
• Make sure that you are taking care of your body and have healthy meals. Exercise daily and try to strike a healthy balance between studying and rejuvenating. This exam is not only based on the mental aspect but is also a physically draining exam for you. Keep your body healthy and active.

Estonia is located in the northern part of Europe with a population of just 1.3 million people. It is known for its architecture, history, and lush green forests. What is even more special about this country is the well-developed education system that it has. It has a very highly developed IT and also offers free healthcare to students. Also, Education is free for all at the Ph.D. level in Estonia. It will cost you around 1,660 and 7,500 euros per year to pursue a bachelor's in Estonia. Here is a list of some highly inexpensive countries in Estonia-

• Tallinn University

This university was founded in 1919 and is one of the oldest universities in the whole country. It is named after the capital of the country. It has six schools: humanities, education, science and health, governance, law and society, digital technology, film, media, arts, and communication.

• University of Tartu

This University was founded in 1632 and is the most popular university in Estonia. It is the national University of Estonia, and most of the courses here are taught in the Estonian language. Although there are many English-based courses available as well. It is ranked 296th  globally in the list of the top universities of the world.

• Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech)

This university is also known as TalTech. This university was founded in 1918 as the only technological University in Estonia. European students do not have to pay any tuition fees whereas students from outside of Europe have to pay their fees.

A Lot of schools in India have started accepting the curriculum of foreign boards leaving behind the traditional methods of CBSE. International Baccalaureate (IB) and the UK’s Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) have lately become very popular in India. Despite the high tuition fees that these schools charge, the demand has been growing aggressively. Between the time period of 2018 and 2021, the number of students in IB schools increased by about 24 percent. Currently, in India, we have 204 IB World Schools and 338 authorized programs. The majority of parents who enroll their students in these foreign boards said that this is the path toward a bright future for their children. By making their children study in schools that are affiliated with foreign boards they are ensuring that their children are accepted into prestigious international universities in the future. Around 50% of the students studying in the schools end up in international universities in some foreign countries. The rest of the students get a seat in some of the premier private institutions of India like Ashoka University and OP Jindal University. Foreign boards make sure that their students go through an overall development during their school period. They focus on aspects like critical thinking, leadership, personality building, and research which CBSE lacks.

The title of this article may seem a little off-putting to you. This is because generally, you come across articles guiding you about the best countries for studying abroad. Very rarely do you see articles telling you to not study in some particular countries? It is important for you to be aware of what country you must avoid considering studying in if you're planning to go abroad to pursue your education. Here are those countries-

• Avoid countries like Thailand and Fiji if you don't like summers and can't bear the heat. Both of these countries are extremely humid and hot throughout the year. It is very difficult for students to adjust to the climate. Choose Russia or Canada instead for a cool temperature.
• If you are vegetarian or vegan, don't ever think about studying in Portugal or Japan. Both of these countries barely have any dish that is fully vegetarian. The right choice is India or Germany for this.
• Don't think of studying in China and Japan if you are a nature freak and like being close to nature. Both of these countries are high on human resources and are extremely capitalized. You will very rarely get to see any countryside or nature. New Zealand and Scotland are recommended options.
• European countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece are known for their natural beauty and beaches. If you're looking to accelerate your career opportunities and are a person of competitive nature then avoid all of these countries. For this South Korea should be your choice
• If you are a student who is concerned about your security then avoid studying in Brazil as it has high crime rates. Choose Japan instead because Japan is very low on crime.
• Are you a student on a budget crunch? If yes then cut the name of England from your list and instead add countries like Peru and Hungary.

London is a very beautiful city in the UK. Throughout old modern transitions that it has been subjected to, it has been able to maintain its rustic beauty as well. Here are some tips for you that will come in handy while studying in London-

• Don't overpack a lot of clothes. Only pack clothes that you will practically wear. Try to include articles that you can layer on top of each other.
• Never be afraid of traveling solo and going to places without any company. London is a very safe city so you don't have to worry about your security that much.
• Get out of your comfort zone and try to be the icebreaker. This is the only way you will make new friends and develop a network that will come to your own use only.
• Make a money map and decide the allocation of your expenses. Always remember that The currency that you are spending money in is different from the currency of the country that you come from.
• Always remember that study is the primary reason for your immigration. Don't let any other thing distract you from your goals.

Australia is one of the most expensive countries in the world for education. The average cost of studying here can be more than that of the United States of America and the UK. But one must also consider the fact that it is the IT hub of the world and hence the land of many opportunities. By careful research and selection of, you can study in Australia on a budget without compromising on the quality of education that you attain. The first step towards this is the selection of the right city for yourself. Here are some cities in Australia that will save up a lot of your money as they are very inexpensive.

• Canberra

This is the capital city of Australia and a very livable as well as the affordable city. The cost of living in this city will depend on the lifestyle that you want to accept. You can get accommodation for A$160 per week for a room in a shared house to A$400 to A$500 per week for a home with two to three bedrooms.

• Brisbane

This city in Australia is known for its warm behavior towards job seekers as it has a lot of opportunities for everyone. The average expenses for a student vary from A$556 to A$1,120 per month depending upon how much you spend.

• Gold Coast

It is the largest non-capital city in Australia and is located an hour down south of Brisbane. Weekly costs — inclusive of rent, food, utilities, and transport — total A$350 to A$700.

F-1 visa applies for a student visa for studying in the US. An f-1 student is applicable if you plan to study at a US college or university, private secondary school, or an approved English language program. If you are a student whose F1 visa is about to expire then here is what you need to do-

• You should understand that an F1 visa is applicable as long as you are pursuing your study in the USA. If your F1 visa has expired before the completion of your study then you have to apply for a new one.
• Make sure that you have all the documentation that is required for applying for a new visa.
• Evidence showing your intention to return to your home country upon completing the program, including evidence of compelling social and economic ties to your home country.

The vitality of doing an internship during your bachelor's and master's is unquestionable. Doing an internship during your college duration gives you an insight into the professional and capitalist world. It teaches you millennial behavior. Employers generally prefer students who have previously worked in some professional domain. Additionally doing an internship also provides you with financial support as you start earning through an internship. But not every student is available to enjoy this added perk of an extra income through internships. A lot of internships that students pursue during their college tenure are unpaid. But just for the sake of experience students are advised to pursue internships that are unpaid. The question is whether these internships are really worth your time. Well, this totally depends on your field. A lot of times pursuing an internship that is unpaid can also bring a lot of benefits for your own skill development. Students get to learn a lot of new skills during their work period which helps them further. Whereas in some internships, working for free can be very draining and exhaustive. Make your own decision by being smart enough to understand what is chasing at the moment.

Scotland is a beautiful country in Europe that is also a part of the United Kingdom. For years it has been outshined because of the ever-encompassing glory of England and its prestigious universities. But if you dig deeper and do your research, you will find that Scotland is home to some of the most highly developed universities. The best part about studying in Scotland is that it is much cheaper than in England. Here are some of the best universities in Scotland-

• University of St Andrews
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Glasgow
• University of Strathclyde
• University of Aberdeen
• University of Dundee
• University of Stirling
• Glasgow Caledonian University
• Heriot-Watt University
• Edinburgh Napier University
• Robert Gordon University
• Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
• Abertay University
• The University of the West of Scotland

Getting a fully funded scholarship is a dream of every student. It is once in a lifetime kind of opportunity that only selected students to get. By getting a fully funded scholarship you don't have to worry about your tuition fees and even accommodation expenses as everything will be financed by your university. But there are many other facets of a fully funded scholarship that many students don't know about. Before applying for a fully funded scholarship, here are the things that you must know about.

• Check what sort of expenses will a fully funded scholarship cover for you. Mostly all the scholarships specify everything that will be covered under their expense to maintain clarity of thoughts from the beginning. Some scholarships will cover your entire tuition fees but you would have to pay for your accommodation by yourself. Whereas some scholarships will fund you entirely by covering your university fees as well as your accommodation expenses.
• Most of the scholarships come with terms and conditions so make sure that you check all these vigilantly in advance. Some of the most common terms and conditions laid down by scholarships are-
• A student must return back to their native country once they are done with their education.
• The student must work with the organization that has given them the scholarship for a legally binding time period.
• Students must achieve a certain minimum grade throughout the scholarship otherwise it will be discontinued.
• After getting the scholarship, the student is not eligible for any other scholarship that can help them simultaneously.
• A lot of scholarships that you may come across will also be fake. Do authenticity research about scholarships so that you don't become a victim of some online trap.
• Remember that not all scholarships are transferable. This means that if you choose to change your educational Institute in between your scholarship tenure, then there is a probability that your scholarship will be discontinued.

Here is a link for your help-

finaid.org/scholarships

Both IELTS and TOEFL are English proficiency tests meant to check and mark your language skills. In order to study abroad, appearing for one of these tests is necessary. They serve as proof to testify your ability to speak and write in English. International universities, especially the ones that are based in English-speaking countries have a requirement to submit one of these test scores during the application process. Apart from these two, there are many other language testing exams but these two remain the most popular. All the students who prepare for studying abroad go through this confusion of which out of these two exams to pick.

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System and TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language. A lot of people think that TOEFL is the easier one out of the two but that is not the case. Both of them are equally difficult. IELTS and be given in both online and paper mode. The results of the online mode are out in 3-5 days whereas paper-based tests take around 13 days. The assessment of the test is based on the concept of ‘bands’ ranging from 0 to 9 where 0 is the lowest and 9 is the highest. The exam is 2 hours and 45 minutes long.TOEFL on the other hand is held only in online mode and is 3 hours 15 minutes long. The scores are usually in the range of 0-120, where 0 represents the lowest number and 120 represents the highest number. TOEFL is generally demanded specifically in countries like the UK, Canada, and some European countries. IELTS is accepted across the UK. In the US, to date, many universities insist on having a TOEFL score. So choose the test depending upon the university that you are aiming for.