In the previous episode of Students Speak, we covered Ashutosh Jani’s academic and professional journey so far, his university and study program and what encouraged him to pursue higher education. In this episode, let’s understand his experience with the English proficiency test, the role of his education consultant, and his research mechanism.

How did he shortlist his study abroad destination?
He had shortlisted countries such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, Finland, Ireland and other Nordic regions. However, countries that met his expectations in terms of coursework and budget are Canada, Germany, Finland and some of the Nordic countries. He finally chose Canada due to quality education and a student-friendly environment. When he researched the programs offered by the University of Canada West (UCW), the curriculum perfectly matched his expectations.

Key Highlights:

• His experience with English proficiency test
• Role of his education consultant
• His research mechanism

His experience with English proficiency test

For overseas education, students must pass English language exams such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or Pearson Test of English (PTE). As the programs are taught in English, universities want to ensure students can comprehend the program. Ashutosh proudly shared that although he completed his education at a college that uses a language other than English as the primary medium of instruction, it never discouraged him from preparing for IELTS. He dedicated his time and efforts by practising ~10 modules of the IELTS exam of the previous years and cleared this English language exam with flying colours.

Ashutosh participated in several activities, including the National Service Scheme (NSS), to build a robust student profile and develop good communication skills. In fact, he won the best NSS award, a state-level award. He also anchored several programs in his college that provided him with a competitive edge during his IELTS exam. 

Role of his education consultant

Ashutosh approached an education counsellor who assisted him throughout the application process. They provided him with moral support, encouraging him to continue his overseas education journey despite a few delays and setbacks. Most consultants help students find the right course, university, study abroad destination and further guide students to draft engaging Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letter of Recommendation (LOR).

His research mechanism

He advised all the students to conduct thorough research when shortlisting courses, universities, and study abroad destinations. YouTube and university websites are informative sources for finding the right information. He shared that he shortlisted ~6 YouTube channels that he regularly followed to understand universities, part-time work opportunities and more. Ashutosh went beyond the online research by connecting with his university alumni through LinkedIn. Also, when researching, he kept three things in mind: employment opportunities, the university’s reputation and his budget. Students must self-introspect to identify their requirements and expectations from their study abroad journey.

So that’s it for now. In the next Students Speak blog, let’s understand his future plans, student loan experience and valuable tips for study abroad students. Meanwhile, if you have queries related to education loans to study abroad, education loan rate of interest and more, please connect with us.