Introduction
Moving to another country to study is so life changing, and the correct choice of any academic consultant can send this decision onto a completely different level. So many advisors of study abroad and so many agencies of counselors, you tend to get overwhelmed. A right academic consultant to study overseas will even give you advice on how to study, not just in the orientation of getting into universities, but also in visa procedures, housing, and even culture. The question though is how do you choose the one who really means best to you?
The following is a plain and clear guideline on how to find proper academic consultant on international education particularly when one is new in foreign studies.
Why You should have an right Academic Consultant to Study Abroad
A highly accredited consultant will be able to:
- Assist in the short list of universities according to your academic background and interest.
- Provide advice regarding scholarship opportunities
- Make you ready to pass such tests as IELTS or TOEFL
- help with application forms and due dates
- Guide you to obtain visa
These procedures are difficult to handle on your own and particularly, one who does not understand the educational system of a country.
The best way to identify a good academic consultant.
Here are the things to look out:
- Individual attention: You should not feel that you are a member of an audience.
- Experience: Have they assisted other students such as yourself?
- Transparency: Do they share or not fees, deadlines, and procedures?
- Life-long support: Do they support later on-after filling out application, such as visa preparation or guidance on places to stay?
Insight:
In exploring the UK during my master studies, one consultant impressed me because she only wanted to ask timely questions, such as, “Why this course?”, “What are your long-term goals?”, or “What kind of learning environment do you prefer?”. That had made me feel noticed and it also had assisted me in understanding what I needed to do as well.
The Red Flags To Be Wary Of
Not all consultants will be looking out to see you succeed. Watch out for:
- Assured admissions or visas – that is not how it really works.
- The pressure to apply to certain universities – They could be commission-based decisions.
- Nonspecific communication- When they fail to give out straight forward answers then that is a problem.
Real case:
I have a friend who was literally hustled to make an application to a university in Eastern Europe. As it turns out, the consultant was affiliated to that institution. Simply because he or she had not challenged the advice, the student found herself stuck in a program that did not fit her objectives as well as her career plans.
There is the Ask before you Commit
The question before registering is:
- How are the universities chosen to recommend?
- Do you assist with SOPs, LORs and interview preparation?
- Is it possible to talk to students whom you have helped before?
- What assistance do you offer following an offer to me?
When the consultant is honest, then he/she would not have problems responding to these.
Take Your Time it is Your Future
The decision making as to right academic consultant to hire must not be hasty. Read reviews, do the rounds, compare and above all, trust your instinct. When something is not right, it is likely not to be so.
The fact that you would like to study abroad is already legitimate, and with the help of competent adjustment, it is definitely possible. Yet the first step on that path can be taken by the wise decision making the first of which is who you allow to mentor you.