Students planning to study

abroad? - Tips to avoid study

abroad scams

The number of Indian students who decide to study abroad keeps increasing, some students convince their parents to send them abroad to study courses that either have no value in real life. The end result for many is an impressive looking diploma from a foreign country, perhaps issued by an unknown school or college. As the desire to go abroad gains momentum, it provides an excellent opportunity for unscrupulous businessmen to set up sham colleges abroad and entice students to fork up big bucks. All you need is a website and presto! Students will take the bait. The fact that a study abroad scheme is promoted by immigration and travel agencies in India should send a red flag to prospective students. Remember the time when students from India went abroad for higher studies. Many students received scholarships due to their outstanding performance and were admitted abroad in reputable colleges/universities. As it stands today, regardless of a person’s educational qualifications, if they have money, then they can go abroad to study. The reality today is that education has indeed become a business. An easy method of making money for some foreign colleges and universities is to get more foreign students as they pay full fees which are a lot higher than what they can charge local students.

Tips for students planning to study abroad

Do some research if you plan to study abroad. Here are some points to consider: Suppose a student in India wishes to study in Canada, perhaps he/she has seen one of the many advertisements across India advertising ‘Study in Canada’. Instead of contacting the advertiser, first do some research so that eventually you can make an informed decision. The best and most reliable source to study in Canada would be the Canadian Government. Check their website and here prospective students will find a list of universities and colleges in Canada. Here is a link to a page that lists Universities in Canada province wise http://www.univcan.ca/universities/member- universities/ Once on the page, click the University of your Choice and find everything about the university and their admission process. The same can be done for most foreign countries where students from India plan on studying. Before you even approach a foreign college or university verify their credentials. The Internet has made finding information easy. Stay away from travel agents who try and convince you to go abroad for study. They may make it sound really easy by saying they will arrange your admission, get the required visa and even take care of your housing needs abroad. Promises by agents of discounted fees, donations to guarantee admissions if a students marks are not up to par with admission requirements, part time job opportunities to pay for your study abroad should set alarm bells ringing. Don’t let someone talk you out of your money and put you in a foreign country where you may face numerous problems.