Skylark - Overseas Education, Immigration & HR Services

Why Study Abroad?
Several reasons exist for the question "Why Study Abroad". Few of them are:

Quality education with research exposure
Degrees from top ranked and rated universities
Better prospects of education in terms of quality, effectiveness and value
Overseas degrees are highly respected in India
Accessible career resources and student friendly atmosphere
Intellectually stimulating environment with cross-cultural exposure
Opportunities for Permanent Residence and Post-Study work permits upon completion
Availability of education loans from banks making it easier to afford

In the 21st century, corporate policies and practices are forcing every individual to reconsider their career decisions. With globalization and economic liberalization, many foreign MNCs have entered the Indian market, resulting in companies restructuring and refocusing on their business practices. This phenomenon has put a lot of emphasis on "employee productivity", a practice which has not been of much focus before. The end result being "shorter job cycles" for every individual. With opportunities becoming fewer and more number of qualified persons available, fresh grads out of college are being forced to go abroad in search of opportunities. Hence, a better degree from a reputed foreign institution has become the "order of the day".

Why Career Advisors?
Annually about 100,000 students from India travel to the US and another 50,000 students travel to other countries (Australia, Canada, UK, Ireland, Germany, Sweden, etc) to pursue their higher education. Globalization and economic liberalization has brought in many foreign universities to Indian shores with the idea of attracting the creamy layer of students to study at their institutions. While the experience of studying abroad can be intellectually stimulating and economically liberating, for some, it may not be the case. The primary difference lies in informed decision-making. This is where the role of a Career Advisor becomes crucial and essential. While a well-informed career decision can change your life forever, an uninformed career decision can do quite the opposite. Hence, it is essential to take the advice of a professional career advisor in making the right choice as career decisions once taken are "IRREVERSIBLE".

For the last 4 decades, Indians have ventured and settled in foreign countries where the "lands are greener". Hence, many students may have a relative or a friend abroad to give them a fair idea of what to expect when studying abroad. But considering the humongous number of foreign universities (4500 compared to a mere 350 in India), making the right choice can be quite difficult. Moreover, the amount of time, money and effort spent would not be worth if you cannot make the right choice(s). Hence the role of a professional career advisor is vital in taking the first step to your dream career abroad.

Which Country?
An extremely difficult question considering the vast majority of benefits that each country has to offer, but here a few helpful tips that would help resolve the confusion. The choice of a country or university should primarily be made as per each student's personal, academic, economic and social backgrounds. Every country has its own pros and cons as no country in the world would provide 100% benefits to immigrants, but considering the fact that majority of Indians have made quite an impact in most countries world wide, it would be appropriate to select a country based on personal preferences. The table below might be used like a comparison chart:

COUNTRY	BENEFITS	COSTS	ELIGIBILITY	INTAKES
AUSTRALIA	Education standards are monitored by Australian government Part-time jobs allowed off-campus 3-year Indian degrees accepted GRE/GMAT/SAT not required Flexible immigration laws are favorable for international students Students are eligible for PERMANENT RESIDENCE after completion Easy to migrate to other countries after completion of studie	Undergradute AUD$12,000 onwards Postgraduate AUD$14,000 onwards MBA $16,000 onwards	Undergraduate: 10+2 with 60% min Postgraduate: Degree or equivalent with 55% min IELTS is mandatory, except for foundation courses	Regular intake: Feb and July April, July, September and November intakes for colleges
CANADA	INTERNATIONALLY recognized degrees Part-time jobs allowed off-campus 3-year Indian degrees accepted GRE/GMAT not required 3-year Post-Study Work Permits PERMANENT RESIDENCE eligibility even for 2-year PG Diplomas Citizenship after 3 yrs of Permanent Residence PR allows individuals to work in US under North American Free Trade Agreement Canada is a land of immigrants with a total population of less than 3.5 crores Canadian government grants 3,00,000 permanent residence visas every year	Undergraduate CAD$12,000 onwards Postgraduate CAD$14,000 onwards MBA CAD$14,000 onwards	Undergraduate: 10+2 with 60% min Postgraduate: Degree or equivalent with 55% min IELTS mandatory for all courses	Regular: January & September May and June intakes available for colleges
GERMANY	German univs enjoy the highest standards of education German engineering and research is reputed world-wide Post-graduate and post-doctoral research opportunities available in Engineering, Biotechnology and Pharmacy No TUITION costs, only lab fees of 500 EUROS is charged per semester Opportunity to work on collaborative research projects with Nordic countries like Sweden, Finland and Denmark English medium of instruction offered in most postgrad courses	No TUITION fees, only laboratory fees of 500 - 650 EUROS is charged per semester	Undergraduation: Offered in German medium, so German Language proficiency (TestDaF) is a must Postgraduation: Degree with 65% and above min, IELTS is mandatory	Regular intakes: April and October
IRELAND	INTERNATIONALLY recognized degrees on par with UK Part-time jobs allowed off-campus 3-year Indian degrees accepted GRE/GMAT not required 2-year Post Study Work Permits after completion PERMANENT RESIDENCE option Ireland is home Microsoft, Sun Microsystems, Dell, Intel, etc	Undergraduate EURO 10,000 onwards Postgraduate E:URO 10,000 onwards	Undergraduate: 10+2 with 60% min Postgraduate: Degree or equivalent with 60% min MBA: Degree or equivalent with 55% min, no work exp required IELTS mandatory for all, except foundation courses	Regular intakes: January and September March/April intake available for colleges
SWEDEN	INTERNATIONALLY recognized degrees No TUITION fees (as of 2010) Education strictly regulated by govt High academic standards in all univs English medium of instruction for postgrad courses 3-year Indian degrees accepted GRE/GMAT not required Postgrad research opportunites available	No TUITION fees	Undergraduate: 10+2 with 65% min Postgraduate: Degree with 65% min MBA: Degree with work exp of 2yrs	Regular intakes: January and August
UNITED KINGDOM	World-class education standards British education is reputed for its academic excellence Part-time jobs allowed off campus legally 3-year Indian degrees accepted GRE/GMAT not required for many colleges IELTS/TOEFL waiver possible for some courses 2-year Post Study Work Permits after completion	Undergraduate: GBP 6000 onwards Postgraduate: GBP 8000 onwards MBA: GBP 6500 onwards Pre-payment of tuition fee is mandatorys	Undergraduate: 10+2 with 60% min Postgraduate: Degree with 55% min MBA: Degree with 55%, work exp not compulsory	Regular intakes: January and September April, July and October intakes for colleges

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