Study Abroad

FOREIGN STUDIES
Foreign studies generally refers to the specific university degrees and courses which are concerned with the study of ‘the major political, economic, social, and cultural issues that dominate the international agenda’.The term itself can be more specifically defined as ‘the contemporary and historical understanding of global societies, cultures, languages and systems of government and of the complex relationships between them that shape the world we live in’. The terms and concepts of Foreign Studies and international relations are strongly related; however, International relations focus more directly on the relationship between countries, whereas Foreign Studies can encompass all phenomena which are globally orientated.

Why Study Abroad ?

1) Small classes individualised attention :
Studying abroad unlike in the Indian system of education offers a chance to students to gain independence and plan their independent course of study and research. Each student makes and follows his/her own study plan and as a result grasps much more than they would normally. Studying in a foreign university is not only limited to books and notes, it opens the student to a whole new world of research right from book and journal based research to film and internet study. The teachers and professors abroad treat students as mature adults and they view students as their contemporaries. This encourages students to develop their own reasoning and thought process, while not only learning but also debating and critiquing subjects and the works of others.
Mr Prem Kapur has always said “I send boys and girls to study abroad who return as men & women.
2) Earn whilst you learn :
Most countries allow students to work 20 hours a week during semesters and work FULL TIME during holidays - approx. 20 weeks a year !! You get extra payment for working late at night or at weekends. So you can earn substantial sums ( If you want to reassure yourself, we can give you student’s / their parent's addresses).
In contrast to the Indian system where people start earning once they complete their course of studies, the foreign system encourages students to work while they earn. This enables students to multi-task and teaches them how to balance the priorities of an adult life. Working while studying is very beneficial as it equips each student with the highly sought after “foreign exposure”. This foreign exposure is the key aspect that all companies the world over and especially in India are looking for while hiring employees to join the ever growing workforce.
3) Employment Potential :
increases tremendously after a course abroad. Employers know the value of foreign education. You widen your horizons meeting students from so many countries and establish useful business contacts internationally. Doing part time work there matures you and is appreciated greatly by employers. Mrs. Mrinal K. Singh, our company’s Executive Director has also studied at a foreign university and can vouch for the added advantages of an international qualification. It is a known fact that students with a previous employment background have a higher potential of being employed than students who are fresher’s to the work scenario. Working part-time not only helps in gaining experience but also teaches the students a form of professional work ethic that is only seen at the international level. It gives students the opportunity to work and interact with individuals from different parts of the globe and makes them “global citizens”.
4) Stay After Studies :
USA and CANADA allow you to stay on after completing your education. In the recent past Australia has also opened its doors to international students and offers them a chance to work post completion of their degree. The UK allows you a brief period to find a suitable job as well. Many countries promote post study work and encourage international students to join the country’s workforce, thus contributing to the growth of the country’s economy.
5) Academic Sessions :
A few universities are now offering flexi semesters and admit students through the year. You can plan your period of study to suite your convenience – September or January or even May/June. It is always advisable to apply for the main intake period ie, August/September, as all the courses are running for this intake and there is a wide range of study options to choose from but other intakes are possible at many universities. Going to UK and the US during fall has advantages as most students will get to work and earn extra during the Winter break when the universities close for a month. It opens up new and wonderful experiences for students and they are exposed to a variety of traditions and cultures that are often not witnessed in India. Students can earn a huge amount through the jobs and openings that are available during the festive season in December/January.

Purpose/Aim of study:
Many educational institutions have developed Foreign Studies degrees and courses in order to engage students with the increasing number of issues and phenomena which have arisen in an increasingly globalised world. As such, most education providers justify the need for the degrees by relating the increasing importance of the discipline with real world situations and employment opportunities. For example, the University of Technology Sydney states that the purpose of their Foreign Studies degree is to ‘prepare graduates for careers and contributions in a world of social and cultural diversity being transformed by globalisation, allowing students to draw connections between global phenomena and local practices in work and life’. Often, universities will relate the study of Foreign studies with other industries. Monash University describes the relevance for Foreign Studies; ‘as the world globalises and nations and economies become more integrated, it is important to understand our world and the ideas and beliefs of our neighbours and trading partners. In order to compete in the international marketplace of products, ideas and knowledge we need to understand and respect the cultures and beliefs of others.

Types of programs:
At many universities, Foreign Studies is offered in both undergraduate and postgraduate pathways. As an undergraduate degree, the discipline is most often offered as part of an Arts Degree, as either a minor or major of straight Arts Degrees or as specialist Arts Degrees. It is also often offered as a postgraduate degree as an honours or masters as a progression from the undergraduate degrees offered by the various institutions.
Any student wishing to expand his or her education through foreign study opportunities has several options. Consideration should be given to what best fits your degree plan and needs. Scheduling an appointment for advising at the School of Architecture is recommended There is also an Office of International Education/Study Abroad (OIE/Study Abroad), which has an extensive list of resources available for all students.

For students interested in foreign travel and study opportunities there are three basic types of programs:

Exchange Program This semester-long, fully credited program is a pre-established relationship with a university set up for the Spring semester of the third year of study for undergrad or the spring semester second year of study for grad students. At present students may conduct an exchange program with architecture schools at the

Brandenburg Technical University, Cottbus, Germany
University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
Lund University, Lund, Sweden
Universidad Francisco Marroquin, Guatemala city, Guatemala
Universidad Politecnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
Summer Faculty Led Programs These programs are directed and led by School faculty and in the past have traveled to locations such as Tokyo, Guatemala, Rome, Paris, Barcelona, and Vancouver. Students interested in this option are recommended to attend the summer interest meetings held in the Spring semester within the School of Architecture or contact the leading faculty member directly.

Non-accredited programs There are several programs that have University level connection but do not necessarily provide credit for curriculum within the major. Students interested in this option are encouraged to contact the Office of International Education/Study Abroad (OIE/Study Abroad), for program options and location. Upon program verification and selection a follow-up meeting should be made with advising department

Eligibility
Academic Requirements
Unless you are on University probation, you are eligible to participate in any study abroad program for which you meet the prerequisite course and GPA requirements. Most programs require a GPA of at least 2.5; others ask for higher GPAs. Virtually all programs are open to juniors and seniors; many are open to sophomores; some to first-year students. In general graduate students are not eligible to participate in our study abroad programs. Some exceptions are The Master's Year London Study Abroad Program which is only available to Master's (5th) year students in the IB/M program at UConn, and the UConn Education Interns in Cape Town Program.

If you are considering entering the Schools of Education, Nursing, Allied Health, or Business, you may want to study abroad in your second year and concentrate on satisfying general education requirements.

Language Requirements
Many programs are taught entirely in English. You can take language courses to learn the local language even if you've never studied it before. Some programs require language proficiency.To find out what program is best for you, you can search for programs according to how many semesters of language study, if any, are required.

University Probation

Students who are on University Probation during any point of the Study Abroad application and selection process, as well as anytime leading up to departure, are not eligible to participate in a Study Abroad program. The Dean of Students office will provide information to the Office of Study Abroad regarding any violations of The Student Code, or your institution's equivalent.

Types of studies:
The Foreign Studies discipline is usually offered as either as part of an arts degree or as a specialist arts degree. As such, students are able to select from a very broad range of subjects to undertake. However, some areas of study which are regularly offered include:
1.the political, social, economic and cultural relationships within the international system
2.foreign policy, diplomacy and other modes of interaction between the countries of the world
3.the significance of foreign societies, cultures and systems of government
4.the international movement of people as immigrants, refugees, workers, students, tourists and investors
5.the role of international organizations
6.the globalization of the world economy
7.foreign languages
8.history

Different countries' approaches:
Australia
As discussed, the study of the Foreign Studies discipline in Australia occurs mostly within universities and generally approaches the subject as a holistic study of international affairs and phenomena. The study is also offered in some Australian high schools. The VCE system, operating within Victoria, offers International Studies as an elective to year 12 students. The two units offered in Foreign Studies VCE are ‘Global issues and conflicts’ and ‘International Relations’
Canada
There are several Foreign Studies programs in Canada that offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees. The Glendon College International Studies Program, the School for International Studies at Simon Fraser University, the Munk School for Global Affairs at the University of Toronto, the Balsillie School of International Affairs, the Centre for Global Studies at Huron University College, Centre d'études et de recherches internationales de l'Université de Montréal, Foreign Studies degree at the University of Regina, and the International Studies MA Program at the University of Northern British Columbia are the leading programs.
United Kingdom
Foreign Studies is often related to or attached to the study in International Relations. At the University of Oxford, the Centre for Foreign Studies "exists to promote and advance research in International Relations". In this sense the use of the term Foreign Studies differs to that of the Australian use of the term in that it is tied to the discipline of International Relations, rather than addressing them as separate entities. The Institute of Development Studies (IDS)] based in Sussex, is a leading global charity for international development research, teaching and communications.
United States
There exist a number of institutions which promote Foreign Studies in the United States of America. The Centre for Strategic & Foreign Studies is a foreign policy think tank which aims to ‘provide strategic insights and policy solutions to decision makers in government, international institutions, the private sector, and civil society’. The Freeman Spogli Institute for Foreign Studies is a research center based at Stanford University which is a ‘primary center for innovative research on major international issues and challenges’.[24] Both institutions focus primarily on the study of international affairs and relations in relation to US foreign policy, and therefore differ to the Australian approach to International Studies. Alternatively, the graduate and undergraduate International Studies programs at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY are holistic programs that more closely follow the Australian model.

List Of Foreign Universities:

For the best advice come to one of the oldest (Since 1981) and the biggest Education Consultants:
UK UNIVERSITIES LIST:

AberyStwyth University

Arts University College at Bournemouth

Bath Spa University

Bristol, University of

Buckingham, University of

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Central Lancashire, University of

Coventry University

Derby, University of

East London, University of

Edinburgh Napier University

Essex, University of

Glasgow Caledonian University

USA:

Albright College
Alfred University
Arkansas State University
Ashbury College
Ashland University
Augustana College
Aviation Institute of Maintenance
Baldwin-Wallace College
Bay State College
Berkeley College
California Lutheran University
Capital University
Cheshire Academy
Clemens College
Cleveland State University
Daniel Webster College
Dean College
Diablo Valley College
Drexel University
Drury University
Duquesne University
Elmira College
Everest University
Fisher College
Florida Southern College
Full Sail University
Green River Community College
Green River Community College
Hood College
Johnson 2 Wales University

CANADA:

Algonquin College, Ontario
Brock University
Douglas College
George Brown College, Toronto
Georgian College, Ontario
Lassalle College, Montreal
London School of Business & Finance
Malaspina University College,British Colombia
Mount Allison University
Northern College, Ontario
Royal Roads University
Seneca College, Ontaroi
St. Thomas University, New Brunswick
Thompson Rivers University
University of Canada West
Humber College
University of Lethbridge

AUSTRALIA:

Australian International Hotel School
(affiliated to the world famous Cornell University, Ithaca, NY,USA)
Blue Mountains Hotel School
Billy Blue School of Graphic Design
Central Queensland University
Canberra Institute of Technology
Charles Sturt University
Cambridge International College
Curtin University (Sydney Campus)
Hartford Institute (Raffles Education Corp)
INSEARCH, UTS
Kangan Batman TAFE
Le Cordon Blue – Australia
Melbourne Institute of Tourism & Hospitality
Melbourne Institute of Business & Technology Pty. Ltd.
Study Group International - Martin College
Shafston International College
The Hotel School (run by the Intercontinental Group & Southern Cross University)
Taylor's College
University of Technology (UTS)
William Angliss Institute of TAFE
University of Canberra
University of Wollongong

SINGAPORE

East Asia School of Business
FTMS Global
Informatics Academy
Jorong Junior College
LASALLE College of the Arts
London School of Business & Finance
MDIS (Management Development Institute of Singapore)
Nanyang Institute of Management
PSB Academy
PSB Academy
Raffles Design Institute
Raffles Education Network
TMC Academy
Tourism Management Institute of Singapore

SWITZERLAND
Hotel Institute Montreux HIM
International School of Hotel Management IHTTI
Swiss Hotel Management School SHMS

Career prospects:
As stated, many institutions attempt to promote their Foreign Studies degrees by promoting the career prospects for graduates. The University of Melbourne states that graduates of its Foreign Studies major will be ‘attractive to prospective employees in the public and private sectors including international inter-governmental and non-governmental organisations’. Similarly, RMIT University states that ‘the degree prepares you to apply your knowledge of globalisation, language and culture in international workplace settings’, such as ‘business, government and non-government organisations in a range of areas’.
The discipline is also working under a premise that employment opportunities in the field of International Studies will steadily increase with the increasing level of interconnectedness which is occurring as a result of globalisation; ‘Opportunities for positions requiring international knowledge and skills are increasing and have created a need for graduates who are highly skilled, interculturally attuned and able to think and act globally/locally, as well as being bilingual’

Student’s Testimonials:

I have seen my friends go through the application process and I really thought it was impossible. When I decided to apply for my Master’s degree in UK, I did not know much apart from that I wanted to study journalism.

Mrs Mrinal Singh and her team at Prem N Kapur Associates Pvt Ltd are not only knowledgeable counselors but also the toughest Editors! They encouraged me to work at my statement of purpose and portfolio until they were perfect even if it meant 4 or 5 drafts. The meticulous care they took with the paperwork for the admission and later the visa made sure that my application was successful.

Apart from the application, they helped me make the decision of course and college to take up. I struggled with the decision but Mrs Singh’s advice helped me discern the best option for me. And now that I am at the university in question, I can confidently say that she was right! The course that was recommended to me turned out to be perfect. While it is challenging, it is also rewarding and enjoyable.

The counselors at Prem N Kapur Associates Pvt. Ltd. take personal care with student file. They come across as warm people who are genuinely interested in helping you out. This is what sets them apart from others.
Damini Nath
MA, International Journalism
City University, London

I was really happy with my experience at Prem N Kapur Associates because it saved me a lot of the stress of following up if forms etc had been received by the college and the general correspondence with them. This gave me enough time to make my portfolio which I think is of maximum importance when you want admission to an art school. Maximum help I think was in terms of the entire student pass procedure as that gets complicated, and because of Prem N Kapur Associates that was no hassle.

Sadhvi Vaish
BA, Communications Design

How To Apply?
UNITED STATES

Studying in the US has long been popular with British students looking to expand their horizons or set themselves apart in the job market. The tuition-fee price hikes in the UK have simply fuelled the momentum. “There will continue to be a cap on UK university places and tuition rates will rise to a level that is not far off that of the US,” says Lauren Welch, head of advising at the Fulbright Commission.
The admissions timeline is similar to the UK’s, with applications due in January, although many universities offer earlier deadlines in October or November. US universities require SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) examination scores as part of your application, which means you will need to register for the test through the SAT College Board website immediately after deciding on America as your choice of study destination.
According to Welch, the US academic system offers something for UK students from all educational backgrounds. “Ivy League universities will want to see good A-level results, but students with other qualifications can still apply to many other institutions.”
Most universities allow applications via their websites but you may be up against other UK (and non-UK) applicants who will be guided through the necessary forms, exams and interview preparation by their school or college tutors. Help of this kind is also available through Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions.
RESOURCES
• The College Board (001 212 713 7789; www.collegeboard.org; www.sat.collegeboard.com/register)
• Fulbright Commission (0845 894 9524; www.fulbright.co.uk)
• Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions (020 7930 3130; www.kaptest.co.uk)
• US University Search (www.usuniversities.com)

EUROPE
As an EU national you have a right to live and study in any other EU country on the same basis as nationals of that country, paying the same level of university fees as local applicants. Check the European Union Lifelong Learning Programme, which includes the higher education sub-programme Erasmus, offering financial support for students spending 24 weeks or more studying abroad.
Candidates should apply directly to their institution of choice, with submissions usually required in the first few months of the year you intend to begin your studies. For France the deadline is January, for Germany it is January or July, for Italy it is April and for Spain it is June or December, although timings can vary between institutions (see the Study in Europe website for more information).
Before you calculate the considerable potential savings of studying in an EU country, make sure you take into account the language of instruction. Although more courses are becoming available in English, they are still less common compared to the number that are offered in the native language. To study in Germany, for example, you normally have to prove your proficiency in German by passing one of two nationally recognised language tests: the DSH or the TestDaF.
RESOURCES
• Campus France
• Erasmus (0161 957 7755; www.britishcouncil.org/erasmus)
• European Commission — Education & Training (www.ec.europa.eu/education/study-in-europe)
• Study in Europe

AUSTRALIA
The application process requires far less legwork than the US system,” says Sarah Nash, director of Study Options, the official UK and Irish representative of Australian and New Zealand universities. “You won’t need to take extra exams — a good set of A-level results will suffice in terms of qualifications.” Given the distances involved, there is no formal interview process, although applicants for specialist subjects such as medicine may well be interviewed on Skype or by phone.
Most universities share the same academic year. Studies usually start in February and last until November, with students enjoying December and January as their holiday months. The final deadline is about two-and-a-half months before the start date, although Nash recommends that students start thinking about their application a year in advance.
RESOURCES
• Education agents (00 61 7 3832 7699; www.pieronline.org)
• Study in Australia
• Study Options (020 7353 7200; www.studyoptions.com)

ASIA
The region boasts several of the world’s most highly respected universities, including China’s Peking University, Kyoto University in Japan, and Seoul National University in the Republic of Korea. In each case your best bet is to approach individual institutions directly.
Application deadlines and start dates vary. In China and Singapore you need to apply by June for a September start date, although individual courses have a corresponding application deadline. In South Korea, the main intake of students is in March or September each year, with application deadlines of September to November, and May to June respectivel
RESOURCES
• China’s University and College Admission System (CUCAS) (00 86 10 82865135; www.cucas.edu.cn)
• Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (020 7380 6700; cscuk.dfid.gov.uk)
• Erasmus Mundus (029 2092 4311; www.britishcouncil.org)
• UK Council for International Student Affairs (020 7107 9922; www.ukcisa.org.uk)