study abroad

Exams to Consider for Studying Abroad

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Studying abroad is now open to all students regardless of their background. However, students are required to meet some academic criteria before they are given admission. There are various criteria, but passing an international entrance examination is at the top of the list for most universities. In most cases, people who display an excellent performance in these examinations receive scholarships or financial aid. SAT, IELTS, GRE, LSAT, TOEFL, among others are the most popular tests. Universities or colleges make these tests a requirement for admission. Each university has a minimum score that they can accept from people who take any of these tests. You should find out and ace which of the tests are required if an international university is what you aim for.   IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) This test is the most used English Language test in the world. IELTS can take you to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom and the United States. IELTS helps you work or study in a country with English as its native language. This test assesses your ability to listen, read, write and speak. Acing this test will prove to the university you intend to go to that you have a good command in English Language. IELTS is recognised by over 11,000 organisations including professional bodies. There are two types of IELTS: Academic and General IELTS. For studying in an English-speaking university, it is advisable to take the academic IELTS. However, for work or immigration, the general IELTS is recommended. The test is in four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking test. The total test time for IELTS is 2 hours and 45 minutes and it is graded on a scale of 1 – 9 in each area. You should find out the format and minimum score that your intended university requires.   GRE (Graduate Record Examination) This is a multiple-choice test. If you want to study in an ivy league school, taking a GRE should be on your list of considerations. The admissions assessment of GRE is in two types: GRE general test and GRE subject tests. The GRE general test assesses your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills. This test focuses on the skills you have developed overtime and are not related to any specified field of study. The GRE subject tests measure your knowledge and skill in a particular field of study. The disciplines in question are: chemistry, physics, mathematics and psychology. These test scores supplement your other qualifications for graduate-level study. The tests are done three rimes in a year in the month of September, October and April. The total testing time is 2 hours and 50 minutes.   TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) This test has four sections: Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. It tests an individual’s ability to understand and use English. Universities trust TOEFL scores so if you ace the test, you will prove to them that you understand English and you can excel in your studies. TOEFL is held throughout the year. The test scores last up to 2 years. However, most universities prefer the latest scores. So, until you are ready to apply for admission, do not take the test unless you want to use it to practice.   SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) This test evaluates a student’s skills in mathematics, writing and verbal aptitude. SAT test is over 1600 and 400 is the minimum score a student can get. The sections are reading, writing, math and essay writing (which is optional). All questions are multiple choice apart from some math problems. The test scores are usually available after 2 weeks of taking the test. Each section is an hour long, making the test a h-hour test. The optional section (essay) is about 50 minutes long. To register for SAT; Go to the College Board website and create a profile by signing up. Fill out a SAT application form. Book a suitable exam date and centre. Pay the SAT registration fees.   Opeyemi Kareem

Working While Studying in Canada – A Guide for International Students

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Are you a student of a university in Canada who is looking for a way to gain experience and make a little money on the side? Well, you clicked the right link! You are of course aware that, as an international student in Canada, you can work for up to 20 hours a week. Working and studying at the same time is, after all, one of the many advantages of going to study abroad in Canada. But it can only be possible if you meet the requirements that make you eligible to earn while studying. Once you pass these requirements, you can work on or off campus. If you wish, you can help your spouse to get a job while you study.   Working on Campus Working while studying on campus means that if you meet the criteria, you are allowed to get a job in the buildings around the school campus. You are only allowed to work on the campus where you are studying if your school has more than one campuses. However, there are exceptions on the basis of which you can work at both campuses: if you are working as a teaching assistant or if your work is related to a research grant, you can work as many hours as you want so long as you are eligible. If you decide to work campus, your employers can fall under one of the following categories; ·         The school ·         Yourself (if you run a business on campus) ·         A member of the faculty ·         A student organisation   Eligibility You can work as an international student on campus without a work permit if; 1.       You have started your study program. You cannot start working if your study program has not commenced. 2.      You have a valid study permit 3.      Your study permit explicitly says that you are allowed to work on campus. 4.      You are a full-time public/private post-secondary school student. 5.      You have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). When are you no longer eligible? You should know that you risk your student visa being taken away if you keep working when you are not eligible to. You should stop working when: ·         Your study permit expires. ·         You are no longer studying. ·         You are switching schools.   What is a Social Insurance Number (SIN)? It is a 9-digit number that is given by the Canadian government and enables you to work and receive government benefits. To be able to apply for this number to work on campus, your study permit must have this condition printed on it. “This permit does not authorise the holder to engage in off campus employment in Canada. May accept employment only on campus if meeting eligibility criteria as per R186(f). must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria.”       Working Off Campus You can work off campus without a work permit. Just like working on campus, you must only start working after your study program has begun. You can only work for up to 20 hours a week if you are eligible and if you have your SIN. Eligibility You can work off campus if: 1.       You are a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI). 2.      Your study program is at least six months long 3.      You are enrolled in a training program. 4.      Your study program leads to a degree, diploma or certificate. 5.      You have started studying. 6.      You have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).   When are you no longer eligible? You must immediately stop working if: ·         Your study permit does not grant you access to work. ·         You no longer meet the requirements. ·         You are only taking general interest courses.   To get your SIN to work off campus, your study permit must have this condition printed on it: “May work 20 hours per week off campus or full-time during regular breaks if meeting criteria outlined in paragraph 186(v) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.”   Opeyemi Kareem

Top Five Countries with the Easiest Student Visa Procedures

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The procedures for getting a student visa for some countries are gruesome and frustrating. Some are so bad that you begin to rethink your decision to go abroad for your studies. We understand. If you want to avoid the unnecessary hassle that comes with getting a visa, this is for you. Here are five countries with the easiest student visa procedures.   1. Australia The Australian educational system is one of the most advanced in the world. If you are looking for a country to study in, this should be among the top countries on your list. They offer a range of scholarships for foreign students. A certificate from an Australian University is recognized all over the world. An Australian student visa gives you the opportunity to work even after your studies. The process to get the visa is not hard. First, you need to apply into the university of your choice. It is advisable to apply into more than one university so that you will have a range of choices. Once you get admission and it is confirmed, you will then proceed to pay the course fees. Then, you will gather all the necessary documents required of you. After your visa has been confirmed, the rest is a smooth-sailing ride.   2. Ireland Imagine having the opportunity to stay back for up to three months after your studies have ended. Having an Irish student visa gives you that opportunity. Aside from the fact that Ireland is a peaceful country, its educational system is great. What is even greater is that you can start your application online. You can also begin the process of visa renewal online. Ireland is one of the best places for international students. As far as you have your letter of admission from the institution you wish to go to, it will be seamless. All you need to do is gather required documents like proof of funds, admission letter, document confirming payment of course fees, among others. This student visa allows you to work part-time or full-time. However, you must begin your application online.   3. Germany Tuition is free in Germany. This is why international students flock to the country for their studies. What’s more? Germany has a low cost of living. The quality of life there, however, is high. Your studentship will be a joyride. You can also work as a student in Germany. If you really want to go to Germany for studies though, learning the German language is a must. If you cannot learn it from where you are, that is okay! You can apply for a language-study visa. This will enable you to learn the language for up to two years. After this, you can apply to any German university and re-apply for a German student visa.   4. Canada Canada has about a hundred universities and over 160 colleges. It is among the top countries that are receptive to international students. This country should be on your list of countries to study in. Not only is the climate favourable, the education system is also top quality. Canadian universities offer a wide range of courses for students to choose from. You can also work as you study, earning money on the side, provided you have a permit. Application for a study visa in Canada is one of the easiest. It does not require too much work. Getting accepted into a Canadian university is one of the few requirements. Next, check if you are eligible to apply for the visa. Prepare the necessary document needed, apply for the visa and then wait for a decision to be made.   4. Finland Finland is great for international students too. Although it is not the most popular, it is a lovely place to further your education. Tuition is affordable and like in Canada, you can work and study at the same time. However, you can only work if you have a residence permit. Once you get a full-time job, you can apply for permanent residency. Applying for a visa to Finland is not difficult either. You need to be accepted into a Finnish University first. Then, you will have to gather documents that prove you are financially capable of supporting yourself. Another document needed is proof of health insurance and some other important documents. Once you submit all you need to, you will be given the visa. So, what do you think? Now that you know that applying for a study visa to these countries is not as hard as you thought, which will you be opting for? Opeyemi Kareem