Going abroad involves scoring high in aptitude and English language tests, apart from this there are things like accommodation, handling of forex, bank accounts and credit scoring.
If you are reading this then you do know that you are bitten by the bug of going abroad to catch your dreams with the University of your choice.
But, did you know that to catch that dream-train you must prepare yourself in an order that can take you abroad without a glitch. This blog will try and demystify all those things for you.
The Language Tests
First and foremost there are the English tests such as Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS). If you are going to the USA or the UK these are tests that you cannot ignore.
The former is accepted in 190 countries and 11000 Universities across the world. The latter (IELTs) is used in countries such as Australia, UK and New Zealand. The test itself is accepted in over 140 countries.
Remember that you should score 6 or above in IELTS to qualify and apply at a University. In the TOEFL exams you have to score 75 percent or above to apply for your Business programs or 85 percent or above for your undergraduate programs.
Now let’s imagine that you have prepared for these exams. But you parallely have to write two more exams that will test your Math and Logic skills.
These exams can fetch you a scholarship.
If you are a science student then you have to take the Graduate Record Examinations or GRE. Scoring high in this examination and a good recommendation from your undergraduate research director can get you a scholarship at a University in the USA or Canada. However, your test scores should be high.
To score a scholarship you have to get a mark of 150-170 in quant, 150-170 in verbal and score a 6 in analytical writing.
Only 1 percent of the world’s students make that happen. So, if you believe you can do it then please work hard and smart. Let there be no pressure on you to perform.
If you are a business student then you must write the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). It is a three hour exam and like any test you must score high for a scholarship. .
The fee for the GRE and GMAT is around $250 to $300.
If you are an undergraduate student then you have to take the SAT or the Scholastic Assessment Test. It is the oldest test in the USA, especially for students going to their undergraduate programs.
Now that you are done with your tests, you apply in several Universities and have been selected. Well! Congratulations.
But, now you have to arrange the finance. Don’t worry, we have your study abroad fee covered. Check out our blog on the same. Nevertheless there are several things to apply for, let’s get on with it.
The next step is the Visa application process. Have these documents ready before you go to the embassy.
The Visa Process – USA
Remember that over 250,000, on an average, Indians go abroad to study every year according to the Bureau of Immigration.
Now if you are going to the USA visit this website of the USA government where all the details are provided.
Visit the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) website to learn more about SEVIS and the SEVIS I-901 Fee.
The first step is to apply to a SEVP-approved school in the United States. After the SEVP-approved school accepts your enrollment, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
The SEVP-approved school will issue you a Form I-20. After you receive the Form I-20 and register in SEVIS, you may apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a student (F or M) visa. You must present the Form I-20 to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview.
If your spouse and/or children intend to live with you in the United States while you study, they must also enroll in SEVIS, obtain individual Form I-20s from the SEVP-approved school, and apply for a visa (but they do not pay the SEVIS fee).
Visit the Department of State Education website to learn about educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate study, and an overview of the application process.
Here are the government websites of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Germany which will help you with your study abroad Visa applications.
So you are done with exams, accepted into the University, you have been granted the visa to catch your dreams, you have got Creditap covering your student fee loan and you have booked your flight tickets to fly towards it. Now here is the next thing you have to do.
Apply for a Forex Card at your bank
A Forex Card is a simple prepaid card that comes loaded with cash. It comes with a complimentary insurance cover, protection against change in currency price, and there are many more benefits. Do speak to your bank about the same.
Some of the essential ForexPlus Card essential benefits include:
· Working as an identification card worldwide
· Providing exclusive discounts on books, accommodation, food, shopping and more
· Providing insurance cover and comes in several different currencies.
Don’t leave the country without it. Also apply for an international credit card for safe keeping.
Also before you travel make sure you have applied for your dorm rooms at the University otherwise you need to do the next thing, which is to stay outside of the University, especially if you are in the USA, you can ask your University’s liaison officer to guide you. Here is a guide to live outside campus.
Make sure you have good credit
If you are planning to stay in the USA after your graduation, start focusing on credit. Or if you want to live outside of the University you need to have credit. Let Creditap explain this for you.
You are going to need it.
Without a credit history in the USA it is difficult to rent an apartment or even own a car. It is even needed if you want a job.
You need to build credit in the US to live a comfortable life.
Your Credit History in India means nothing abroad.
In the USA you need a score over 700.
Here are a few steps to build great credit in the USA for those with F-1 visas. It applies to those with H1-B visas too.
- Create a bank account immediately.
- Create Rent reports.
- Get a store card from one of those big box retailers and use that card to build credit.
- Get a secured credit card from a well known bank.
- The American bank can give you a Credit Builder loan, which is good for your credit score
A credit builder loan is provided to showcase to the bank that you have the ability to pay back the loan. Paying all your installments in six to 24 months will get your Credit Score up.
Once you have done this your immigration is complete, your education is done, you can get a job and focus on your career and also pay back your student fee loan originating in India.
We wish you all the best. Or just visit a travel and education consultant if you need a little bit of guidance on the visa process.
Remember no pressure, focus on your studies, everything else is just a process. Visit the Creditap.ai website for all financing options.
