A study abroad consultant plays a vital role in the admission process of international students.
Although getting admission to study in schools abroad might not seem like a big deal, it is advisable and beneficial to get the necessary assistance so as not to run into any form of problems or complications.
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Additionally, international students who want to study abroad have probably never done that before in their lives, so they are not familiar with the school system, admission process, and requirements.
Hence the need to allow a study abroad consultant to guide you through the process and make your admission journey as seamless as possible.
Table of Contents
First, Who is a study abroad consultant?
Study abroad consultants are experts who assist students through the difficulties encountered in the process of studying abroad.
As stated earlier, international students can be clueless about how the whole “study abroad” thing works.
Rather than navigate through this path themselves, they accept the help of a study abroad consultant to put them through. This prevents them from making unnecessary mistakes that might cost them their admission or a delay in their admission.
They help in every area of the process including selecting the best country that suits your career goals, the best universities that fit your budget, and the program and course to study, and so on. In essence, they make the admission journey a whole lot easier for you.
Benefits of Employing the Services of a Study Abroad Consultant
There are many benefits international students get to enjoy when they employ the services of a study abroad consultant to aid their study abroad dreams.
Some different details and requirements are involved in the processing of admissions at universities abroad and sometimes, it might be tasking for the student to keep up with everything.
Some of the benefits international students get to enjoy from a study abroad consultant include:
- Students get access to relevant, important, and accurate information about different countries, their universities, the cost of studying, courses and programs available, and so on.
- Students also get information about the costs that are incurred during the admission process like tuition fees, visa costs, living costs, standardized tests, and so on.
- They help follow up on the students ‘ application process.
- Additionally, students get enlightened on the relevant tests necessary documents, and the eligibility requirements for their desired schools.
- Because it is their area of expertise, students will be privileged to have an error-free application process to their preferred universities.
- Also, students get to learn about the scholarship opportunities available that will benefit them.
- Students also get connected to other students who have been helped by educational consultants so that they can familiarize themselves and settle in properly when they get to their country of study.
So, What does a study abroad consultant Really do?
A study abroad consultant offers a wide range of services that are beneficial for students who want to study abroad. Their job description entails:
1. Provide Guidance
There are important questions students who desire to study abroad need to ask themselves. Leaving your home country to a foreign country for months or years isn’t a decision one takes impulsively. Some introspective questions to ask include:
- Which country, university, program, and course is right for me?
- What are the requirements I need to pursue my education dreams?
- How much will it cost me?
- What are the important things I need to take note of?
- What are my career goals and how will my proposed course of study be beneficial?
- What are the standardized tests I need to take?
- Do I need to start learning a new language and culture?
Study abroad consultants provide personalized guidance to aspiring international students. They get to learn about the courses and programs that best suit them and will be beneficial to achieving their career goals in the long run.
2. Helps with the application process.
There are different documents aspiring international students will be asked to submit.
Additionally, there are also documents they will have to fill out. Imagine filling out a form and you don’t know what a question means or what to even write.
The paperwork is inevitable. A study abroad consultant helps students with the application process. If the process is not handled, the student’s application might be rejected hence the need for a study abroad consultant.
3. Provides expert insight and direction
This is another responsibility of a study abroad consultant. Being that they have to keep abreast of the latest trends in the educational sector, they have an edge in this sphere. They know the latest trends and insights and what works best.
So, they help aspiring international students navigate their path. Some of the ways study abroad consultants can prove helpful include:
- Identifying the best programs and courses to study in different countries.
- Understanding academic offers
- Knowledge of country-specific regulations to adhere to.
Their in-depth insight will improve aspiring intern students’ decision-making process.
4. Provide Academic and Emotional Support
Study abroad consultants can also function as an academic and emotional support system for aspiring international students. They know the likely problems that might crop up along the line and they know how to handle it because of their wealth of experience.
Aspiring international students can therefore discuss the problems they are encountering while they proffer the best possible solution to them.
5. Provide Visa application and financial aid
Some study abroad consultants also help with the visa application and financial aid where necessary. Visa applications can prove to be stressful and there are certain requirements involved. Employing the help of a study abroad consultant can make the whole process much easier.
Also, since they’re conversant with the educational sector, they know the available scholarships and the best loan options that will help aspiring international students with their studying abroad expenses. They also put the students through the process.
6. Assist in test preparation
Additionally, study abroad consultants know the right tests required for the different programs and courses. They help aspiring international students familiarize themselves with and know the necessary documents they need to provide to process their admission.
That’s not all, they are also aware of the standardized tests and the eligibility requirements and they put them through all that they need to know to make the process easy and hitch-free. They offer necessary tips and advice that will be beneficial to aspiring international students.
7. Cultural Integration
Furthermore, aspiring international students who are changing their environment to a new culture in a new territory might not find it easy to fit in immediately.
However, a study abroad consultant can proffer advice, tips, and information about the new place, culture, and how to fit it in. They can also give the students a heads-up on what they are expected to see and experience when they get there. This can go a long way in helping international students mentally prepare for the journey ahead.
How to Choose the Right Study Abroad Consultant?
Getting connected with the right study abroad consultant might be a bit challenging, but below are some helpful steps to guide you and aid your search:
- Research and get a list of the study abroad consultants available in your country by proximity. Ensure that you look out for the ones who offer the services you’re seeking and who have a quick response time as it will be beneficial to you.
- Ensure that the study abroad consultants you choose are reachable and accessible.
- Look at the price list. Ensure you will get enough value for your money and the amount that they charge will fit into your budget.
- Track records are important. Examine their past track records, get their rating online, and read the testimonials and feedback before you proceed.
How much does a study abroad consultant cost?
Before going ahead to employ the services of a study abroad consultant, ensure that you get familiarized with their price list and the amount they charge.
While some work on a commission basis, it might not be so for everyone. Ask them about their fee before you begin the process.
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Wondering how to go about your admission processing into schools in the US and Canada?
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Enrolling in the top universities in the world can increase your chances with employers. Unfortunately, it can be quite expensive to study abroad due to the current economic crisis. But this shouldn’t limit you as there are other options you can explore to enhance your career.
MPower Finance and Prodigy Finance are some of the best student loan providers for international students. They also do not require any cosigner or collateral before application. At EdXtra Associates, we can help you with your loan application process.
We also provide educational consultancy services for aspiring international students to help make your journey easier and faster. You can reach out to us, as we’d love to guide you through this journey.
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