Study Abroad Tips | About Universities, Programs & Tests | iSchoolConnect

Hi guys, welcome back to the podcast. If you liked the podcast, don't forget to like, review, comment, and subscribe! Visit our website, www.ischoolconnect.com for detailed assistance. For the convenience of the students around the globe, ETS has shifted the TOEFL exam online, so that it does not affect the admissions process, but the shift has its own pros and cons. We interviewed Phil (TOEFL score - 108/120) to share his experience of taking the TOEFL test at home. Here are some tips he shared with us, 1. Technology Requirements - You can take the exam on a Mac or PC, but a tablet or a stylus are not allowed. You’ll need a webcam with speaker audio. You can’t use a headset or earbuds. Any other external devices are not allowed. You have to download ETS test browser to launch the test. 2. Proctor Interaction - If you have any issue during the exam, you can talk or chat to your proctor at any time. The proctor will try to resolve any query. 3. Internet Connection - Make sure you have a strong internet connection. Disruption or glitches will lead you to loose time, however in case there is a glitch the proctor will ask you to show your surrounding again (this time around it would be super quick), and you can resume your exam from where you have left it. 4. Rough Work - You are only allowed to use a white board or a plastic sheet with marker and a duster. Make sure that your white board is blank from both the sides before and after the exam. Keep two markers at hand and make sure the tip of the marker is thin so that you are able to understand your handwriting. 5. Surrounding - You’ll have to make sure that you’re alone in a room. The TOEFL test proctoring software will be listening for any sounds that might indicate that someone is there in the room apart from you. If they detect anything, they may ask you to show your surrounding to prove that nobody is in the room with you. 6. Top test prep sources - Phil mentioned some of the test prep sources like Magoosh, Manhattan Prep, Greg Mat from youtube, Lingua Marina's tips on TOEFL exam, among few others. Was this useful? Do review us:) That is all for now folks. If you have any queries, please do reach out to us:) Our Social media handle everywhere is @iSchoolConnect. Here's where you can reach out to us! Call - +91 9145332283 Email - support@ischoolconnect.com Until next time, take care:)

24 Jun 202017min

Hi guys, welcome back to the podcast. If you liked the podcast, don't forget to like, review, comment, and subscribe! Check out the blog here - https://ischoolconnect.com/blog/how-to-get-into-university-of-toronto-programs-fees-eligibility-criteria-more/ Check out the Youtube video here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6YdZHoQUgo Visit our website, www.ischoolconnect.com for detailed assistance. Toronto, the capital of Ontario is commonly known for it's rich culture and is home to many international students. Due to its world university rank of 29, students strive to attend this top-ranking Canadian university. I will be walking you through some important facts about the University of Toronto, 1. Admission process - The university of Toronto offers hundreds of courses in different fields. Students can choose from a variety of courses. Each course has its own requirements, for example, the type of proficiency test, scores requirement, documents, and many more. You can look at our website to know all about these courses and their requirements. 2. Top Courses - Some of the most popular courses among the student community are Humanities and Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Commerce and Management, Computer Science, Engineering, & Physical Education, Music and Architecture and many more. 3. Tuition and Accommodation cost - The application fees for the University of Toronto is US$ 65 for undergraduate students and US$ 120 for graduate students. Usually, the University of Toronto fees range from around $35,890 to $58,680. Depending on the program you choose, the average tuition fees $45,915. Besides the Academic fee, U of T also has living costs and accommodation costs which differ for each campus. The residence fee includes your room fee, meal plan and residence council fee that ranges between $12,801 to $15,906, depending on the type of room and meal plan. Also included in the living expenses are parking costs and commuting costs. 4. Campus life - University of Toronto is home to over 1,000 plus student clubs and student-run organizations across 3 campuses. There is a club for every interest, be it reading, space bots, dancing, beekeeping, or even academic clubs– there’s a community for every student with a passion. 5. Scores requirement - To get into the Graduate programs at U of T, a candidate needs a minimum score of 100/120 in TOEFL, 6.5 and above in IELTS, 570/800 on the GMAT and a GRE score of 309 out of 340. Was this useful? Do review us:) That is all for now folks. If you have any queries, please do reach out to us:) Our Social media handle everywhere is @iSchoolConnect. Here's where you can reach out to us! Call - +91 9145332283 Email - support@ischoolconnect.com Until next time, take care:)

17 Jun 202010min

Hi guys, welcome back to the podcast. If you liked the podcast, don't forget to like, review, comment, and subscribe! Check out the blog here - https://ischoolconnect.com/blog/how-to-study-in-germany-for-free/ Visit our website, www.ischoolconnect.com for detailed assistance. Germany is one of the greatest beacons of hope for international students looking to study abroad for free. Although there are many caveats and tangents associated with free education in Germany, we will still try to simplify the process of how to study abroad in Germany for free. I will be walking you through some important facts about studying in Germany for free, 1. Requirement checklist - The very first thing you need to do is find out if your qualifications are accepted by the Germany university you apply to. Before you study in Germany, you are required to have a Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB), meaning ‘higher education entrance qualification’.Be sure to check the university language requirements. Ideally, you are required to submit proof of proficiency in the German language up to B2 level for applying to a partially German taught program and basic B1 level for English taught programs. 2. Choosing the right course - If you have made your mind to get free education in Germany, start looking for the universities that actually offer post and undergrad programs without any tuition fee. It is important to mention here that not all German universities offer free courses. Only public universities have this facility. 3. Costs involved - Even if you get the fee waiver for your university program, that is only half the battle. You still have to arrange finances for your commute, accommodation, and other living costs. Keep in mind that accommodation costs can be pretty high in big cities like Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt. So, also keep this thing in mind while choosing and shortlisting tuition-free universities in Germany. 4. Scholarships available - Scholarships are the only way forward for international students looking to study in Germany for free. There are three avenues that you can try to make your entire student expedition in Germany free of cost. The Deutschlandstipendium, DAAD Scholarships and Erasmus + . Was this useful? Do review us:) That is all for now folks. If you have any queries, please do reach out to us:) Our Social media handle everywhere is @iSchoolConnect. Here's where you can reach out to us! Call - +91 9145332283 Email - support@ischoolconnect.com Until next time, take care:)

10 Jun 20209min

Hi guys, welcome back to the podcast. If you liked the podcast, don't forget to like, review, comment, and subscribe! Visit our website, www.ischoolconnect.com for detailed assistance. Because of this Pandemic students are not able to give the GRE exam. For the convenience of the students around the globe, ETS has shifted the GRE exam online, so that it does not affect the admissions process, but the shift has its own pros and cons. We interviewed Soumya Makhija to share her experience of taking the GRE test at home. Here are some tips she shared with us, 1. Timezone - Make sure the system time is correct and in sync with the exams time zone. If not, there is a chance you may not be able to give your exam. 2. Identity Proof - Make sure that you have an identity proof with you. If you are from USA you will need a drivers licence. However, Students from other countries will have to show their passport. 3. Rough work - You are only allowed to use a white board or a plastic sheet with marker and a duster. Make sure that your white board is blank from both the sides before and after the exam. Keep two markers at hand and make sure the tip of the marker is thin so that you are able to understand your handwriting. 4. Top test prep sources - Soumya mentioned some of the test prep sources like Magoosh, Manhattan Prep, Kaplan, Greg Mat from youtube, ETS GRE Guide, among few others. 5. Internet Connection - Make sure you have a strong internet connection. Disruption or glitches will lead you to loose time, however in case there is a glitch the proctor will ask you to show your surrounding and you can resume your exam. 6. Time Management - Make sure you manage your time efficiently. Time management is the most important tip if you want your exam to go smoothly. 7. Proctor interaction - The proctor and AI surveillance will strictly monitor you and your system. It will make sure that no malicious activities take place during the test. To interact with the proctor you can either chat in the chat window or you could speak out if there is any request. While taking the 10 minutes break tell the proctor you need the entire break before before you take the GRE test. 8. Dress Code - Make sure you dress appropriately, as your picture is going to be used for your university application. if you send out the letter of interest to any of the universities at the end of the exam. While you can wear PJ's at the bottom, you can wear a simple formal shirt ( so you are camera ready). Was this useful? Do review us:) That is all for now folks. If you have any queries, please do reach out to us:) Our Social media handle everywhere is @iSchoolConnect. Here's where you can reach out to us! Call - +91 9145332283 Email - support@ischoolconnect.com Until next time, take care:)

8 Jun 202019min

Hi guys, welcome back to the podcast. If you liked the podcast, don't forget to like, review, comment, and subscribe! Visit our website, www.ischoolconnect.com for detailed assistance. Because of this Pandemic students are not able to give the IELTS exam. For the convenience of the students around the globe, IELTS has been shifted online, so that it does not affect the admissions process. We interviewed David Wills a study abroad instructor from ted-ielts.com to share his experience of taking the IELTS indicator test at home. Here are some tips he shared with us, 1. Technology Requirements - You can take the exam on a Mac or PC, but a tablet or a stylus are not allowed. You’ll need a webcam with speaker audio; you can’t use a headset or earbuds. Any other external devices are not allowed. 2. Internet Connection - Make sure you have a strong internet connection. Disruption or glitches will lead you to loose time, however in case there is a glitch the proctor will ask you to show your surrounding and you can resume your exam from where you have left it. 3. Surrounding - You’ll have to make sure that you’re alone in a room. Software will be listening for any sounds that might indicate that someone is there in the room apart from you. If they detect anything, they may ask you to show your surrounding to prove that nobody is in the room with you. 4. Proctor Interaction - If you have any issue during the exam, you can talk or chat to your proctor at any time. The proctor will try to resolve any query. Was this useful? Do review us:) That is all for now folks. If you have any queries, please do reach out to us:) Our Social media handle everywhere is @iSchoolConnect. Here's where you can reach out to us! Call - +91 9145332283 Email - support@ischoolconnect.com Until next time, take care:)

3 Jun 202014min

Hi guys, welcome back to the podcast. If you liked the podcast, don't forget to like, review, comment, and subscribe! Visit our website, www.ischoolconnect.com for detailed assistance. Because of this Pandemic students are not able to give the GMAT exam. For the convenience of the students around the globe, GMAT has been shifted online, so that it does not affect the admissions process. We interviewed Stacey Koprince (GMAT Score - 740/ 800) from Manhattan Prep to share her experience of taking the GMAT test at home. Here are some tips she shared with us, 1. Technology Requirements - You can take the exam on a Mac or PC, but a tablet or a stylus are not allowed. You’ll need a webcam with speaker audio; you can’t use a headset or earbuds. Any other external devices are not allowed. 2. Internet Connection - Make sure you have a strong internet connection. Disruption or glitches will lead you to loose time, however in case there is a glitch the proctor will ask you to show your surrounding and you can resume your exam from where you have left it. 3. Surrounding - You’ll have to make sure that you’re alone in a room. Software will be listening for any sounds that might indicate that someone is there in the room apart from you. If they detect anything, they may ask you to show your surrounding to prove that nobody is in the room with you. 4. Proctor Interaction - If you have any issue during the exam, you can talk or chat to your proctor at any time. The proctor will try to resolve any query. 5. Virtual Whiteboard - GMAC isn’t allowing us to use physical scratch paper. you have to use an online whiteboard tool during the test. There are online tools which provide an exact replica of this virtual whiteboard on which you can practice before the exam. Manhattan Prep is one website that provides with a virtual whiteboard tool for free. Was this useful? Do review us:) That is all for now folks. If you have any queries, please do reach out to us:) Our Social media handle everywhere is @iSchoolConnect. Here's where you can reach out to us! Call - +91 9145332283 Email - support@ischoolconnect.com Until next time, take care:)

27 Mai 202028min

Hi guys, welcome back to the podcast. If you liked the podcast, don't forget to like, review, comment, and subscribe! Check out the blog here - https://ischoolconnect.com/blog/documents-finance-for-students/ Visit our website, www.ischoolconnect.com for detailed assistance. Keeping track of all documents for the admission process and finances for student applications is not easy. To help you along, we have the perfect study abroad document checklist for students. You will need these for the VISA processing, scholarship application, education loans and the university applications. Check them out - 1. Bank Account Statements - All students require a bank statement for the Visa process. Your bank account statement demonstrates that you have sufficient funds to sustain your stay in the foreign country. The university & the embassy might ask you to submit your sponsor’s bank account statement usually for the past 6 months. The bank statement should belong to the person who will be financing your overseas education. 2. Scholarship Letters - Applies to those students who have received scholarships. On sending out your application to the university you must include the scholarship letter as a proof of the financial assistance. 3. Loan Approval - Applies to students who have taken an education loan. An approval letter in such a scenario is to be submitted to the university. You can get this form from the bank you have applied for the education loan. The motive of this document is to provide the bank's approval on your eligibility for education loan. 4. Affidavit of Support/ Sponsorship - An Affidavit of Support is a testament to financial support being provided to the student. Universities often ask for this document, specially in US and Australia. 5. Bank Letters - A bank letter usually indicates the type of accounts held by an international student or their sponsor. These letters are issued by banks. A bank letter involves important information, such as the account holders name, their outstanding balance, type of account (savings, joint or current) , and more. Was this useful? Do review us:) That is all for now folks. If you have any queries, please do reach out to us:) Our Social media handle everywhere is @iSchoolConnect. Here's where you can reach out to us! Call - +91 9145332283 Email - support@ischoolconnect.com Until next time, take care:)

13 Mai 20208min

Hi guys, welcome back to the podcast. If you liked the podcast, don't forget to like, review, comment, and subscribe! Check out the blog here - https://ischoolconnect.com/blog/why-studying-in-australia/ You can visit our website at www.ischoolconnect.com for detailed assistance. When we think of Australia, we think of kangaroos, koalas, wide-open spaces and beautiful beaches. But apart from being an explorers dream, Australia is also an ideal education destination. Here’s why studying in Australia could be the best option for you. We’ve created the perfect guide that will help you decide if abroad studies in Australia are the way to go! 1. Quality education - Out of the top 100 universities in the world, eight of them are Australian universities. Australia has a number of highly accredited academic institutions around, with amazing campuses that could provide you with the much-needed head start in your career. Australia’s Education system also focuses more on research-based work which makes students studying there think out of the box. 2. Lifestyle - The warm Australian climate is one of the main reasons for Australia outdoor lifestyle. Australians are also very laid back and informal in nature, with students generally referring to there professors on a first-name basis. Australia also promotes a work-life balance which helps in having a healthy lifestyle. 3. Beaches, jungles, and deserts, oh my! - Australia is undeniably one of the most beautiful places to visit. From its beautiful white beaches to its Outback, to its lush green forests, Australia is renowned around the world for having a diverse ecosystem. Studying in Australia is, therefore, a paradise for those who love to travel and are explorers at heart. 4. Stay back policies - Australia changed its post-study visa policy in 2013. Since then, it has had an influx of international students from all around the globe, especially in South Asia. For students that want to study abroad, this could be a driving factor while deciding whether studying in Australia is the best option for them. 5. Multiculturalism - Australia is home to an incredibly diverse set of immigrants from around the world. This cultural diversity in Australia provides opportunities for you to learn and understand various different cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. Therefore, when studying in Australia, you’ll make friends from all around the globe. 6. Study abroad scholarship options - The Australian government sets aside approximately $200 million dollars each year for international students wanting to pursue their education in Australia. This aid is usually provided to students based on merit or need. 7. Language no bar! - Studying in Australia becomes much easier as they have English as their primary language. While some may find it a little tricky at first to understand the nuances of Australian slang, they’ll soon enough become accustomed to this as well. 8. Wide choice of subjects - With over 40 universities in Australia, and each one of them providing a vast pool of different subjects to choose from, Australia is a country that is sure to provide you with the course you desire. Most study abroad students fancy more comprehensive universities, where they are able to pick from just as many courses of study as any major American university. That is all for now folks. If you have any queries, please do reach out to us:) Our Social media handles everywhere is @iSchoolConnect. Here's where you can reach out to us! Call - +91 9145332283 Email - support@ischoolconnect.com Until next time, take care:)

6 Mai 20209min