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STUDY GUIDE Some of the important things you need to look into before heading out. SRIRAM SRIDHARAN

Studying abroad has long been a statement of privilege and intelligence for an Indian. But, now, with most of the aspirants having direct access to the information superhighway, studying abroad is no longer the mystery it used to be. So here are some tips for your quest for higher studies. My tips are intended with an education in the US in mind; but if you are going elsewhere, some might still apply to you.

Selection

Start as early as possible; ideally June of the year before you intend to go. A student who intends to start his/her education in Fall 2010 should start now. Even earlier would be better as it will give you more time to shortlist prospective schools and courses. Remember that courses like Nuclear Engineering, Nano Technology and Artificial Intelligence might raise flags during your visa interview and you might need additional processing (a delay of up to a month), where they run all sorts of background checks. against you. at DC and make sure everything is kosher.The best sources for information include your college’s higher studies department, seniors, friends, relatives and the Internet. I recommend a subscription at US News as it provides a definitive ranking of schools of almost every discipline in the U.S. It is worth the $10 or so that you pay there. The Internet is your friend if you need any help, Google it.

Book your GRE/TOEFL/IELTS date as early as July to ensure time for a second attempt if needed. Do plenty of practice tests online and offline. to get a feel of the real thing. Use flashcards to learn when waiting at the doctor’s or travelling in a bus. Try reading books or, at least, newspapers and online news articles. Watching a few Hollywood movies might be in order, to analyse and assimilate that American accent for your TOEFL and watching BBC is very helpful for that delightful English lilt for IELTS. Just don’t go overboard though!

Relevant documents and visa

The worst part is waiting. Do not bombard the admissions office or department with e-mails asking them about the status of your applications. Patience is the key. Make sure you send in all your application packets via tracked mail so that you can see and confirm delivery. Most international couriers like FedEx or DHL have special rates and benefits for students. Apply for an education loan at the earliest to avoid processing delays at the last minute. And do NOT forge or fudge your documents for the visa interview. Though the whole process is sometimes as frustrating as crossing Anna Salai at rush hour on a Monday morning in the summer with a bunch of hyperactive kids and a Seeing Eye dog, the satisfaction that you get in the end more than makes up for it. Remember don’t give up, persevere and stay clean. Best of luck!

Sriram has completed his engineering from Satyabama University in 2008.

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Popular courses in Australia …

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ANKIT RAHUL, Masters in Accounting and Finance Management, Latrobe University, Melbourne, Australia

Popularity: 1% [?]