Learning the foreign way

Going overseas to earn a foreign diploma or degree is the dream of millions of Indian students. Although the country has made significant advancements in the education sector, a foreign qualification still holds its allure. The United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany and Canada are some of the favourite destinations where Indian students flock to. If you are one of those aspiring students wanting to go abroad for a coveted foreign qualification here are some tips to how to go about it.

The US

Students can source information regarding the USA from the United States Educational Foundation in India commonly called USIEF. USIEF advising centers are located at New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai.

The USIEF centers also administer the following tests at their respective locations :

New Delhi: SAT I, SAT II, PSAT and AP tests

Mumbai: AP tests

Kolkata: SAT I and SAT II

Chennai:SAT I and SAT II

Undergraduate Study

English Proficiency Exams

International students whose native language is not English may be required to take a test to establish their English language proficiency. Students should visit individual college websites for more information. Options include:

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)

SAT/ACT

US universities may require students to take either the SAT Reasoning Test OR ACT. The most competitive US universities may require students to take the SAT Reasoning Test and 2-3 SAT Subject Exams OR the ACT with Writing. Some US universities do not require any admissions tests.

If the US universities to which you apply accept both the SAT and ACT, it is a personal choice as to which to take. Choose the test that you will do best on.

AP Exams

Advanced Placement Exams are college-level undergraduate exams that test an applicant's knowledge of a particular subject. Participating US colleges and universities may grant college credit to Indian students who score well on these exams. USIEF administers the AP Exams in May.

PSAT

The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) is a standardized test that provides an opportunity for international students to practice taking the SAT. The PSAT is administered by USIEF.

Please check the websites of individual universities to learn which tests are required for admission. It is important that you begin test preparation well in advance. An examination fee needs to be paid to take each of these tests. Check the websites of the admission tests for detailed information.

In addition there are graduate and post doctoral studies also available in the US. Log on to: http:// www.usief.org. in/New-Delhi- (Head-Office ).aspx

The United Kingdom

The most popular undergraduate qualifications are the Bachelor's degrees (also called undergraduate or first degrees ), which are now required for entry into a wide range of careers in the UK and other countries. British degree programmes incorporate the most upto-date subject developments. Many universities and colleges now co-operate to deliver degree courses, and this has further increased the number and variety of courses and study environments. For English proficiency one has to take IELTS or International English Language Testing System.

UG Studies in the UK

Undergraduate applications are processed through the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), a centralised clearing agency. For UCAS forms log on to http:// www.ucas.com

International applicants

If you are applying from outside the UK or EU, whatever your nationality, you need to be aware of the three application deadlines, although many universities and colleges will consider your application up until June 30. This does not apply to applications for the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, courses in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or veterinary science. For all of these, you must apply by October 15.

Universities and colleges do not guarantee to consider applications they receive after January 15, and some popular courses may not have vacancies after that date. Please check with individual universities and colleges if you are not sure. You are advised to apply as early as possible.

Remember to allow enough time for entry clearance or immigration ; also travel and accommodation arrangements , which can take longer during the summer when immigration departments are busy. If you think you may be assessed as a 'home' student (UK or EU) for tuition fees, you should apply by the relevant deadline at the top of the page.

Several countries require their citizens to complete mandatory military or national service. If this affects you, check with universities and colleges in advance to discuss when you should apply. You can defer through UCAS for a maximum of one year. It would be useful to include information on your military or national service in your personal statement.

Also log on to: www.britishcouncil. org/india.htm

Australia

According to Australian High Commission estimates, the number of Indian students studying in Australia has also grown rapidly over the past few years. The end of year Indian student enrolment data 2009 shows that 1,20,913 Indian students had enrolled to undertake an Australian qualification in 2009. India is now the second top-source country for Australia's international education industry. Log on to www.studyinaustralia. gov.au; http:// www.india. embassy. gov.au/ndli/study.html; and, www.aaeri.org

France and Germany

In France one can choose among universities offering academic or technical programmes or specialized schools offering engineering, management among other courses. By logging onto the given website you will get to know all about the study programmes available, as well as scholarships and financial help. There are two types of institutions of higher education in Germany: Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences. Universities are research-oriented . The Universities of Applied Sciences are professional institutions. For France log on to: http:// www.inde. campusfrance.org/en For Germany log on to: http:// newdelhi .daad.de/

Canada

Canada is fast catching up with other nations to be among one of the best education destinations. For all information on studying in Canada have a look at the website of High Commission of Canada to India . Log on to: www.canadainternational .gc.ca/india-inde /index.aspx

UAE

Although it cannot be compared with the aforementioned countries as a popular educational destination as of now, the fact that lakhs of Indians are working in UAE, in Sharjah, Dubai among other cities, there is a lot of potential for educational ties to grow. There are lots of universities welcoming international students . Log on to: http:// www.uaeinteract . com/education/links.asp