Blog Archives | Adventus Edu

April 9, 2021

Preparing to Study Abroad in 2021: 6 Things You Need to Know

Covid-19 has fundamentally changed a lot of things in a lot of lives. It has made health and hygiene a vital part of everyday life. The necessities of life have had to be re-evaluated, and a whole new meaning to socializing has been created. Working is a brand-new experience, shopping is online, and studying is also now on an online platform with lecturers and students both having to adjust to a new way of doing things.

So, what do you need to know if you are planning to study abroad in a post-Covid world?

Here is a simple guide:

1. Research a field of study

Whatever has changed, knowing the field you want to study in abroad is vital to your plans. This will give you a direction and a goal to work towards as well as narrow down your options and places of study. Different countries have different Covid-19 protocols and knowing your field of study will allow you to identify the protocols relate to your chosen country, thus allowing you to plan and prepare better.

2. Analyze the situation

Covid-19 is a pandemic that is affecting the entire world at present. Different countries are handling the pandemic in different ways. It is vital to analyze the situation globally, to see how things are progressing and what steps are being taken regarding containing the virus as well as the distribution of the vaccine in the countries that you are planning to study in.

3. Budgeting finance

Budgeting finance is an important step in studying abroad, this is truer now than ever with the pandemic and the resulting changes to work, school and life in general. Ensure to budget your finances with Covid-19 requirements in mind. These could be costs for PCR tests, cost of living (part-time jobs may be hard to come by in your destination country) as well as costs for general health and safety such as masks and sanitisers.

4. Economic downturn – the effects to you

The economies of many countries have been affected negatively due to the Covid-19 pandemic. These effects will be felt for years to come as countries try to recover. There is a global economic downturn at present and this will affect everyone, especially students studying abroad. It is vital to ensure that you take this into consideration in your studies abroad and prepare, as necessary. Jobs may be harder to find and having an income might prove difficult, the cost of living may also rise, and priority will be given to a country’s citizens in such situations.

5. Enroll and begin studies online

Do not wait to travel to start your studies. You can enrol now and start your studies online and then proceed to travel as and when the country’s borders are open. Most countries are making exceptions for international students on their student visas and work visas. Research on the visa exceptions to know how you can take advantage of these. We at Adventus are more than happy to help you navigate this smoothly.

6. Managing Your Mental and Physical Health

It is vital to maintain both your physical as well as mental health during these trying times. Covid-19 has isolated us from each other and changed life as we know it. It is always best to stay healthy and happy through exercise, diet and proper self-care to ensure there are minimum effects to your health, both physically and mentally. Also, ensure to check up on your friends in these times.

Adventus Education is here to help you with all your questions and concerns in these trying times and we are more than happy to assist. Feel free to get in touch with us for further details and help with preparing to study abroad in 2021.

For all the latest updates and information on study abroad visa and travel, stay tuned to our news and social media section.

January 22, 2021

Australia – Important visa advice for international students

Covid-19 brought global travel to a halt, along with many other plans for everyone around the world in 2020.

With a new year though, things are changing. With vaccines being rolled out in most countries, and with a better understanding of the virus and better precautions being taken by all, things are slowly getting back to a ‘new’ normal.

What does all this mean for those looking to study abroad? It is slowly becoming possible to once again travel to your chosen country for studies, though there are a few additional things to consider.

Australia is one of the popular destinations for students wanting to study abroad. Currently the country is a leading example in managing the virus effectively, with less than 150 new cases reported as of 10^th January. With public safety and well-being at the forefront of their minds here is what you need to know if you are planning to travel to Australia for your studies.

Emigration to Australia During COVID

Currently Australia’s borders are closed to anyone who is not an Australian, resident or has immediate family members in Australia. Anyone travelling to Australia from the above categories need to undergo 14 days mandatory quarantine as well as other health guidelines and requirements depending on the area of travel.

However, the granting of student visas has re-commenced in Australia and you can apply for your student visa and have it ready to enter the country once the borders are opened.

No charges for applications on visa extensions

The Australian government understand that as a popular destination for students wanting to study abroad, they need to consider the needs of their international students. They have taken the following decisions on visas based on the importance of international students to Australia’s future and economy:

International students will be able to lodge a further student visa application free of charge if they are unable to complete their studies within their original visa validity due to COVID-19.
Graduates who held a student visa will be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa outside Australia if they are unable to return due to COVID-19.

In addition to the above the Australian government has also decided to provide additional time for applicants to provide their English language results where Covid-19 may have disrupted those services within their respective countries.

Who can apply for the Visa application fee waiver?

The visa application fee waiver is available to students who held a student visa on or after 1 February 2020 and were unable to complete their course within their original visa validity. This includes the following groups of students:

Those who had to defer their studies as they were unable to enter Australia due to travel restrictions.
Those who were forced to reduce to a part-time study load.
Those who were unable to complete their work-based training or placements.

This measure is not intended for students who are applying for a new student visa.

Online Studies

Students who already have visa, but are in their home countries, can commence studying online. You will be able to use that study to count towards the Australian study requirement for a post-study work visa.

If you have already commenced studying online but do not have a student visa, it is recommended that you apply for your student visa now, so that when borders re-open you can travel to Australia to continue your studies onsite at your chosen university.

For further details and help regarding the visa process to Australia, feel free to contact Adventus Education.

For all updates and latest information on Australia’s visa and travel stay tuned to our news and social media section.

July 10, 2020

How Canada Higher Education Adapts to the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 changed the face of education from traditional lectures and classes to the more modern virtual modes of lessons. The pandemic forced educational facilities to adapt to new ways of teaching to ensure that students could continue their studies without much hindrance in spite of worldwide lockdowns that had cities shut down and life as we know halted.

Canada was no different and many of the universities closed their doors as a result of the pandemic to help with the containment of the virus. With the lockdowns lifting and the world learning to adapt to a new way of living, Canada is leading the way in ensuring the success of its students. Here are some of the positive steps taken by Canada to ensure smooth continuation of your higher studies:

Contingency plans have been created for the September 2020 semester, ensuring that all classes can be carried out online. Further, students are given the choice to start their classes online or defer to a later semester if that is more convenient for them.

Students that are already in Canada can benefit from the government’s 9-billion-dollar aid package that provides additional student grants and financial support for students who may not be able to find work as a result of the ongoing pandemic and the economic challenges faced as a result.

Changes have also been made to the eligibility to the Post Graduate Work Permit Program (PGWPP). The new changes ensure that students who are unable to travel to Canada for university and who begin their classes online do not have any time cut off of future PGWPP for studies that they complete outside of Canada.

Canada is ranked as one of the best countries in the world and the steps taken by the Canadian education system speaks to this. They are known for their signature “warmth and friendliness” and their warm welcome of international students sets them apart as a dream destination for your higher studies. The experiences that await your student life are vast and varying. The country proudly embraces its four seasons, expansive landscapes, wildlife, diversity and clean environment. Cost of living in Canada is also quite low and the quality of life is one of the best in the region. You are sure to find your educational experiences tinged with adventure, ease and comfort.

Canada also boasts of an exceptional education system with highly trained lecturers that will ensure your learning experiences are diverse, fun and informative. 11 of their universities are ranked under the ‘top universities worldwide’ category and they boast of having 5 of the top 100 best student cities in the world. In addition to that Canada is known to have some of the lowest university tuition fees in the world ensuring you can chase your dreams easily.

Working while studying is encouraged and supported. Students have the option of working on campus or off campus as well as at co-op placements and through internships. Your work can be used to gain practical experience as well build business contacts and can help you if you choose to immigrate to Canada after you graduate.

Students can work a total of 20 hours a week off campus and full time work is permitted during school breaks/holidays. After finishing your studies, if you have applied for a non-student work permit you can continue to work as well. A co-op placement is work that is required as part of your studies. A co-op work permit is required and the work can be done on or off campus. A valid study permit as well as a letter from the university is required for this and your placement has to be 50% of less of your total program. An internship requires the same kind of work permit as the co-op placement.

Canada provides a wide range of scholarships opportunities for students based on their country of origin. These scholarships are provided by the Canadian universities as well as the government.

Apply to study in Canada and discover the amazing opportunities that await you. Speak with an Adventus counsellor today for further information on selecting the best study options for you as well as identifying what scholarship opportunities are available to you.

March 25, 2020

The Most Common Mistakes When Applying to Study Abroad and How to Avoid Them

When making the decision about your higher education abroad there are several factors to consider, such as financing, picking the right university for you, accommodation, part-time work and more.

Each application process is unique to the person applying, however there are some common mistakes to watch out for:

1. Applying for high ranking universities without having a plan B

We all want to get into the universities with the big names. But if your application is rejected, you are likely to feel demotivated. However, the name does not matter as much as the courses, lecturers and support that is available to you during the tenure of your program.

Make your own rankings of the universities that carry your choice of program and decide on which ones to apply to based on how well your needs are met. Things to consider include, whether you can get exposure to your chosen career, as well as whether the university’s culture fits you.

Apply to lesser-known universities as they get fewer applications from foreign students, and therefore the chances of acceptance are higher.

2. Ignoring scholarships

There are a wide variety of scholarships on offer for students applying from abroad. A common mistake is to not research scholarships because you have assumed you would not qualify for any.

Scholarships can depend on the country you apply to, your gender, your income, the subject. Sometimes they just require you to write a compelling essay proving you’re worth the investment.

3. Assuming you just need to budget for the course fee

Your tuition fee isn’t the only expense you have when studying abroad. Other common costs include accommodation, transport, food, supplies for university, clothes and more.

It is vital to consider all these expenses before applying to a university. Cheap tuition fees don’t necessarily translate to cheap living expenses. In most European countries the cost of living is quite actually quite high compared to the cheaper tuition fees. Therefore, budget for your expenses with all these factors in mind.

4. Not checking working opportunities in the country you have selected

A good way to lighten your financial burden is to work while studying. However, this may not always be allowed and even if it is, there may be certain rules you have to follow.

Obtaining a work-permit is a must. Check if this needs to be done in advance or whether it can be done once you arrive in the country. Rules and regulations of working while studying should be looked into closely. Most countries will only allow part-time work for students, and other rules such as working within the campus only may also apply.

5. Giving up after rejection

Never give up! The application process for studying abroad is not an easy road. The likelihood is you will face some rejection. However, this is not a reason to give up on your dream. Keep at it and your hard work and persistence will pay off. You will never regret your experiences, education and lessons learnt while studying abroad. So keep at it and carry on.

6. Applying without being sure you really want to study abroad

The amount of hard work and commitment that goes into studying abroad starts with the application process and continues to the day you graduate. So be completely sure that studying abroad is what you truly wish to do.

The downsides of this choice include homesickness, managing on your own, studying as well as working and adjusting to a whole new culture and way of life. However, the long term benefits and growth, as well as the sense of accomplishment that you have when you finish your program, will make it all worthwhile.

So there you have it, the common mistakes to avoid when applying to study abroad. We at Adventus Education are here to help you through them all and ensure you have a smooth and successful application process so you can focus on your future.

Nothing is impossible when you are certain about what you want and are ready to commit 110% into achieving those dreams.