5 Tips for Choosing the Right Study Abroad Consultant

Why Consider Studying Abroad? 

A great education is the key to a great career – undoubtedly. Sure, there are innumerable high-quality institutes in India itself, so why should you think of studying in a foreign country? When you leave your comfort zone and go to a new place, you have to adapt and learn a great deal – and we’re not talking just academically.  This will help you grow individually as a person, broaden your perspectives, and help you become a global citizen, vastly improving your chances of having a lucrative career abroad.

Importance of Study Abroad Consultants in Kerala

For most students who make the decision to apply to colleges in other countries, there is the question of which country, institute, and course to choose. This is where study abroad consultants come in. They have in-depth knowledge about living conditions in different countries, visa formalities, courses available, college rankings, student facilities, funding options, and so on, and are well-placed to match students to the right course in the right college. They take the time to understand your interests and aptitude, and make appropriate recommendations.

Key Factors to Consider in Choosing a Study Abroad Consultant

There are literally hundreds of education consultants in the market. So how do you choose the right one? Let’s see what to look for in overseas education consultants:

Expertise and Services

Abroad education consultants must be thoroughly knowledgeable about the various destinations, colleges, courses, scholarship and other funding opportunities, and so on. They must also be familiar with the application processes of different institutes, visa requirements for various countries, and be willing to help with all these processes. 

A reliable agency will take the time and effort to thoroughly understand your aptitude, requirements, goals, and academic background, and make the best recommendations. 

A good abroad education consultant should also be able to prepare you for the interviews that most colleges are likely to conduct before they extend offers of admission. An added bonus would be if they have the connections to either book tickets for you, or are able to refer you to an agency that can book tickets at the most economical rates. 

Reviews and Referrals

Check study abroad consultant reviews from students who have used their services to know if the company has the expertise it claims, and has placed students to their satisfaction; check their track record – what is their success rate in placement? Take a look at their social media pages; how is the tone of their posts? Do they seem approachable? Check their responses to negative feedback from students. You can also ask among friends and family if anyone has used consultants to find courses abroad.

Accreditation and Affiliations

These factors are critical for any study abroad agency. You know they are reliable and credible if they are affiliated with reputed professional organizations like the American International Recruitment Council (AIRC), National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), Association of International Education Administrators ( AIEA), etc. This shows that the agency is ethical and highly professional in their approach. You can also verify if they are certified by education bodies like the British Council, AIRC, ICEF etc. for agent training. This indicates that the consultant is equipped to provide the proper guidance to students who want to study abroad.

Cost and Transparency

Of course, the fees charged by the overseas consultancy should not be the only factor in deciding on an agency, but you still have to check if it is an affordable option for you. Take a look at the fee structure of different agencies and verify if they are transparent and providing proper breakdown of the costs. If they are promising scholarships with vague details, beware, it’s a red flag. A trustworthy consultancy will give clear and detailed information with regard to fees, refunds, scholarships, additional charges, and more.

Range of Destinations and Courses

The more destinations the study abroad advisor has tie-ups with, the more courses they can recommend to you; this helps a great deal, as you can find something that interests you and suits your aptitude and interests. 

Study in Canada and immerse yourself in the welcoming atmosphere and high-quality education. In the UK, experience a blend of tradition and modernity while studying in UK’s prestigious institutions. Australia education consultants provides research-oriented education that will captivate you as you explore courses in science, technology, and healthcare. For a unique study experience amidst natural beauty, New Zealand’s study abroad program focus on sustainability and practical learning is ideal for courses in environmental studies and more. Study in Ireland, a land of myths and vibrant culture, offers courses in arts, humanities, technology, and business. 

Benefits of Signing Up with A Study Abroad Consultant

Expert Guidance and Knowledge

Reputed study abroad consultants, having the requisite knowledge and expertise, are in the right position to guide students towards the best institutes and courses that will help launch their careers. As a student who has just completed high school or a graduate degree, most of you are likely to be overwhelmed seeing the ocean of courses and institutes out there. Making the right decision can be daunting, not just difficult. The entire process can be eased when you hire a study abroad consultant.

Simplified Application Process

As the overseas consultancy has the experience and expertise of applying to various courses and colleges in different countries, as well as the visa processes, they can take care of the applications on behalf of students or guide the students so that the process of applying to courses abroad becomes relatively easy and simple. 

Access to Exclusive Opportunities

Education consultants have tie-ups with numerous universities and build good relationships with them over time. Often, due to such relationships, they are in a position to offer exclusive opportunities like scholarships and other funding, knowledge about newly introduced courses, hostel and other economical accommodation facilities, and so on.

Why Salve Maria Is Your Overseas Education Consultant in Kerala?

Salve Maria is one of the best study abroad consultants in Kerala, thanks to our years of excellent services and high success rate of placing students at some of the most sought-after colleges in countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and so on. Since 2007, we have placed hundreds of students at numerous institutes, in courses of their choice. We have a 100% success rate in obtaining visas for our students, and also help them in submitting applications correctly. 

At Salve Maria, we also help students with their IELTS exams, easing their path to a college admission in a country of their choice. We have a dedicated team of expert professionals who are passionate about helping students follow their passion of studying abroad, and we go the extra mile to make it happen.

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