You’ve finally decided you’re going to study abroad. So, you went on telling your family and friends how thrilled you are about it. After all, it’s a once in a lifetime experience! But, when the excitement wears down, that’s when you have to face a real deal: how can you make it possible? With the stringent application process of university admission to foreign countries’ immigration laws, how harder can it get?
Definitely, meeting new people and experiencing other cultures make studying abroad an experience to look forward to. But remember, the legwork and paperwork count (a lot). So how are you supposed to do all that when you’re miles away and you may have no idea what that country’s rules are. Sure, there’s the worldwide web that you can always count on for information. But, it’s never going to be enough to get in (both in the university and in the host country).
Studying abroad can be worth the sweat and tears. But you don’t have to go through the process all alone (as it can be overwhelming). Consulting agents are there to lend you a hand and make things easier for you. It’s better to have someone who you can share not just the difficulties of the process but also all other mixed emotions you will encounter along the way.
Selecting your course, university admission, accommodation, visa application – these are the important things you need to accomplish. So, how can consulting agents help?
Partnerships with universities
Student consulting agents have an established partnership with reputable and highly recognized universities. They have been approved by an educational institution to promote and recruit students on their behalf. With this, they can provide you with consulting services in finding you a suitable course of your choice at one of their partner universities or colleges. This can lessen your time in finding the right university for you. They listen so that you can get into the program you wanted for your career and ensure you’re on the right path to your success. They also offer free guidance in completing and submitting the university application form for most programmes that don’t require work placement.
Some students said that they would not have managed by themselves to find the options of study places if these agents had not helped. Agents go to the extent of following up universities or colleges for offer letters, once application forms have been submitted. If at times offer letters come with wrong spelling of names or wrong course titles, they immediately get back to the universities to make the necessary corrections before sending the offer letter to the students. Agents make sure all important details are not left out and avoid going back and forth which can make the process even longer (and the waiting time for anxiety).
Licensed immigration advisors
Some students really dream of studying abroad, but when they check on visa application process they become discouraged to some extent. To quote one student, “Like many of my friends, I aspired to come and study in the United Kingdom because of its reputable education system but Visa regulations and procedure made it almost an impossible dream for a girl like myself.” But this student (though at first was doubtful) went on to seek for an agent’s services and got to study in the UK. If it has always been your dream, don’t let this one challenge keep you away from pursuing an international education. Get some help from someone who knows the rules like these consulting agents.
They are licensed by government immigration bodies to ensure that they will only provide services and advice to students in relation to visa applications according to current immigration laws and regulations. They guide the students during the visa application preparation process, check the supporting documents and advise them on correction or additional required documents.
It’s normal for students to feel really anxious about studying abroad as the place is going to be an unfamiliar territory. So you need someone you can fully trust. Consulting agents being regulated and watched over by the government can help you make sure that they adhere to government regulations and rules. As for you, you can be sure you legally enter the country. As things can get harder and complicated with immigration laws, it’s highly recommended for international students who intend to study abroad to seek for legal and professional advice.
Expertise and experience
Good consulting agents are experts in their field. Usually, they have been working in the industry for years, thus they have been updated with the latest information regarding university admission processes and visa applications, acquired a unique understanding of students’ needs, and established a broad network with educational institutions.
In addition, they can help you to liaise with university regarding your accommodation and airport meet and greet, as they also have access to this type of information. Accommodation needs can get so complicated especially when you arrive at the last minute, as lodging places are in demand and late arrivals will result in expensive accommodation arrangements. Thus, it pays to have someone who can coordinate it with you.
Aside from their professionalism, student consulting agents can provide you with encouragement and invaluable advice in every aspect of your study. They do more than helping you realise your dream to study overseas. They can be your trusted people who patiently walk you through the whole process and help you make sure you get the results (sounds like a parent teaching you how to walk while you take those baby steps). Thus, you take away the unnecessary fears and all other negative emotions, making your experience less frightening. You can just feel at ease and confident that you are on the right track. You define your educational goals. Then let professionals you can depend on help you in getting them.
