Study Abroad: How to choose the right consultant for overseas education? In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the inclination of Indian students towards pursuing education in foreign countries. Nearly every student aspiring for promising future opportunities contemplates the idea of studying abroad at some juncture. Nevertheless, the path to reach the desired international study destination is challenging, leading to a growing need for dependable support. As a result, numerous consultants specializing in overseas education have emerged in the market, offering high-quality services to assist students in achieving their study abroad aspirations. However, the abundance of choices simultaneously creates confusion and difficulty for students, hindering them from making the right selection.
Role of Overseas Education Consultants in Shaping Study Abroad Dreams
Students seeking assistance from overseas education consultants expect reliable guidance and support throughout the complex journey of studying abroad. They anticipate comprehensive services that aid them in navigating the challenges associated with international education, including assistance with application processes, visa requirements, and university selection. Moreover, they expect clear communication and transparency regarding the services offered, ensuring that they can trust their consultant to steer them towards the right path for a successful study abroad experience. Additionally, students desire personalized attention and solutions tailored to their unique needs and ensuring a smooth transition to the university of their choice.
The Student-Consultant Relationship in Study Abroad Ventures
Students entrusting their study abroad plans to an overseas education consultant anticipate a partnership built on trust and reliability. They seek consultants who not only deliver timely and efficient services but also provide a realistic portrayal of various study destinations. The expectation is for consultants to bridge the information gap by offering insights and expert talks that go beyond glossy brochures, shedding light on the actual challenges and opportunities in different countries. Students value consultants with strong alumni connections, as this provides tangible evidence of successful experiences and a supportive network abroad. Furthermore, the importance of genuine testimonials, such as those found in Google reviews, cannot be overstated, as students rely on these real-life accounts to validate the credibility of the consultant’s services. In essence, students desire a holistic and transparent approach, combining expert guidance, alumni connections, and positive reviews to make well-informed decisions about their international education journey.
The Need for Holistic Information
Price is perhaps also an important factor in choosing a consultant for overseas education. Trustworthy consultants will provide clear information about their fees, refund policies, and any additional charges that may arise throughout the process. Most consultants receive commissions from every university for each student, and there are some universities that offer higher commission. Make sure your consultant suggests university options as per your grade scales, caliber & budget as opposed to pushing you for a specific list of universities that may not be ideal for your higher studies. Further, what is also important, is to understand & gauge the knowledge of the counsellor in their talks & behavior and at the same time, information on how many students were recruited for higher education in the past helps to gain credibility about the consultant.
In most consultancies, you will notice that employees are designated to be counsellors and a smaller boutique consultant will have the owner as the counsellor of the consultant. Vision International, based out of Matunga in Mumbai is one of the leading overseas education consultants with Mrunali Kulkarni, Founder & CEO, personally counselling students and providing all required services under one roof to make students careers a grand success.
By Mrunali Kulkarni, Founder and CEO, Vision international, Overseas education consultant.