MYTH VS FACT OF ABROAD STUDIES

Have you encountered any myths about studying abroad recently? Are these misconceptions holding you back from pursuing a Master degree overseas? This post aims to clear up all common misconceptions that students hold regarding international education. Taking your higher education abroad is often viewed as an intimidating step. However, proper planning and thorough research on your destination countries will give you the certainty you need to embark on this journey.

Below are the typical myths surrounding the concept of studying abroad,

MYTH: IT COSTS A FORTUNE! FACT: IT'S AFFORDABLE!

Expense is frequently one of the primary worries people have regarding international studies. Many assume that pursuing higher education overseas is excessively costly and financially out of reach. That is, however, incorrect. Through careful planning and research, you can uncover various budget-friendly choices that prove it is not as expensive as presumed. Program costs vary depending on your selected discipline, city, and institution. Numerous universities now offer financial support and scholarships to students. As global education grows in popularity, institutions go above and beyond to provide financial assistance and scholarships. Nations like Germany and Canada also offer permanent residency pathways, enabling students to work locally and offset the expenses incurred during their Bachelor or Master studies.

You can also apply to Loan Assistance Program on Ashiraj.

MYTH: IT'S ALL FUN AND FROLIC. FACT: IT'S ABOUT GAINING KNOWLEDGE.

The notion that attending school in a foreign land is purely recreational is unfounded. It is significantly more than that. It represents a pursuit of adventure and experience alongside a method for acquiring practical wisdom. Studying abroad exposes you to a wide array of diverse cultures and traditions from different places and populations. An ideal international education balances learning with enjoyment. It presents a wonderful chance to immerse yourself in unique customs and traditions while picking up new languages. Ultimately, it centers on the insights you gain during your studies so you can return home enriched by an educational adventure.

MYTH: I NEED TO LEARN NATIVE LANGUAGE FACT: ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY IS NEEDED

You might be anxious about not knowing the local languages of various destination countries. Rest assured, you do not need to worry. Universities increasingly focus on recruiting international students and offer programs taught entirely in English. While it is helpful to learn a few local phrases to enrich your overall experience and deepen your cultural immersion, hundreds of programs in non-English speaking nations still deliver English-medium instruction for global scholars.

You can also refer to the tips and articles for TOEFL and IELTS on Ashiraj, which are actually a mandatory requirement by the universities.

MYTH: IT'S DANGEROUS FACT: IT'S AS SAFE AS IT GETS

Given current news reports, you or your parents might feel hesitant about overseas study, but this concern can be resolved through proper planning and awareness of current events. Naturally, certain nations are safer than others, yet this should not cause major alarm since institutions provide essential measures to ensure international scholars feel secure. Universities offer ample facilities to keep foreign students comfortable and protected throughout their stay. Educational institutions publish crime rate reports on their official websites, allowing you to utilize that data to make an informed choice.

MYTH: DO EMPLOYERS CARE? FACT: THEY DO.

In today's globalized environment, employers place high value on cultural diversity and international academic exposure. The global experiences and adventures you gather will add valuable assets to your CV, giving you an edge over other candidates. An international degree will support your dream career and job search. Displaying a foreign qualification on your resume signals independence, a willingness to embrace risk, and strong adaptability to various working cultures and customs. The competencies you develop while attending an overseas university will continually demonstrate your value to prospective employers.

MYTH: IT'S NOT EASY TO GET ACCEPTED. FACT: IT IS IF YOU PLAN ACCORDINGLY!

Proper preparation and the clear presentation of your qualifications go a long way in securing admission to your dream institution. You simply need an understanding of admission criteria and your required paperwork ready. Below are the admission prerequisites for various countries that may answer your questions:

United States:

• Research your options- Post secondary includes six-degree levels and it's up to you to choose the correct university as per your needs.
• Finance your study- There are various student scholarships and grants available for international students looking to pursue Masters or Bachelors in the US.
• Complete your application- Higher educational institutions and licensing boards in individual states evaluate academic coursework, degrees, and professional licenses. It is important to fulfil their all criteria for the admission process.
• Standardized Test - As part of the application process, some programs require students to take one or more standardized tests. Plan to take your tests in advance so your scores are available when you submit your application.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Many colleges and universities require this test to measure your English language skills. Scores are according to the requirement listed by the universities.
• Apply for Visa- Visa applications is a very crucial step for students applying for masters abroad. F1 visa is the common student visa required for masters abroad. You need to line up all the required documents and schedule the visa interview in order to get your visa approved by the authorities.
• MS in US is the most popular searched topic.

United Kingdom:

• Applicants are typically expected to maintain a strong CGPA throughout their undergraduate studies and demonstrate English proficiency, usually requiring at least an IELTS score of 6.5 for most programs.
• Undergraduate Degree - High School plus IELTS - 6.0-6.5
• Pre-master's- Undergraduate degree plus IELTS 5.0-5.5
• PG Cert/PG Dip- Undergraduate degree plus IELTS 6.5-7.0, or a pre-master's course
• MS- First or upper second class undergraduate degree plus IELTS 7.0, or a pre-master's course
• MBA- First degree, 2-3 years’ business experience, plus IELTS 6.5-7.0

Singapore:

• Eligibility for Undergraduate Degree - SAT/IB/AS-A Levels with IELTS/TOEFL.
• Eligibility for Masters- To apply for postgraduate studies, students must have completed minimum 3-4 years of undergraduate studies depending on whether a student wants to take up master’s degree program or a doctoral degree.
• 4-year bachelor’s degree offered is similar to that of bachelor's of engineering or technology offered in India.
• English is the medium of education in Singapore; students must be fluent in all aspects of English: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
• Those looking to apply for an MBA course in Singapore universities are required to hold on a minimum: a bachelor’s degree and 2-3 years of work experience.
• Application requirements- Depending on the course the students want to apply for, they should submit the certified copies of the required transcripts/mark sheets/certificates of the minimum qualification that is asked.
• If not already, the students should get the above-mentioned documents translated into the English language from an individual or authority recognized by the authority of a student’s home country.
• Students should also get the marks converted according to the grading system that is followed in Singapore. School/University/College authorities can be contacted for the same.
• Scorecards of IELTS/TOEFL and GMAT exams are also to be submitted to the university authorities. Although the minimum score varies according to the university/institution; it’s advised that, for competitive reasons, students should look to score above the minimum scores asked.
• For students seeking admission in an MBA course, it’s absolutely mandatory to have a minimum of 2-3 years of work experience. A detailed CV along with the letter of recommendation, from the professors with their contact information mentioned on the same is to be submitted to the university or institution.
• For students seeking admission in a doctoral program, letters of recommendations and a statement of purpose (personal essays) mentioning the reasons as to why the student wants to pursue the particular field of study in doctoral degree should be submitted.
• Apart from the above requirements, the students may also be asked to submit certified copies of their birth certificates or identity proofs and medical reports if they have or have had any illnesses or disabilities.

Australia:

The academic requirements (including evidence of English language skills) you need to study in Australia will vary depending on the level of education you want to study. Institutions can have different entry requirements, so read the course information on their website carefully and contact them to ask for advice.

• English language - Entry requirements vary between institutions, and according to the level of English language course you want to study.
• Schools - Entry requirements vary between schools depending on the state or territory you will be studying in. Academic performance and ability are considered during the application process.
• Vocational education and training - In most cases there are no entrance exams for VET institutions. However, some courses may have specific pre-requisite subjects or work experience requirements.
• Higher Education Undergraduate - To gain entry into an Australian undergraduate course you will need to have an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12), or the overseas equivalent. Some undergraduate courses may also have specific pre-requisite subjects.
• Higher Education Postgraduate - As well as the satisfactory completion of at least one degree at an undergraduate level, your institution may take research ability or relevant work experience into consideration.
• Visa Requirements- Typically, students must submit the following to get the visa:Completed Australian student visa application form (157A)
• Paid Visa Application fees – currently AU$560 (~US$430) in most cases.
• Copy of passport biodata page (some students may be asked to physically provide their passport)
• Certificate of Enrolment or Letter of Offer
• Evidence of sufficient funds
• Evidence of health insurance cover
• English proficiency test results
• Criminal record check results
• Four recent passport-sized photographs.

Germany:

• Visa and Residence proof: As an international student you may need an entry visa for Germany depending on where you come from and how long you plan to stay here.
• Proof of financial resources- Before you begin your studies, you will have to prove that you have enough money to support yourself. In most cases, applicants have to prove that they have around 8,700 euros at their disposal for one year.
• If you want to study at a Germany university, you will need a “university entrance qualification”. This is a school-leaving certificate which qualifies you for university study.
• To know more details regarding your education in Germany, you can refer to MS in Germany .

All of the above points debunk the myths created by people over a period of time. Mostly ‘myths’ are the other word used for ‘excuses’. Do not believe other people’s opinions. There is no reason why you should not pursue your dream of studying Masters abroad. Make your own decision and let the adventure begin!