10 reasons why you need a study abroad consultant for your study abroad

Think about a study abroad consultant this way; when you’re looking for a book in a dark room and someone brings you a torchlight.

Now you can easily see what you’re looking for, right?

But, there is more.

Read also: What happens when an international student drops out of college?

The person didn’t just stop at giving you light, he goes on to help you find the book.

That’s what a study abroad consultant does for a student who wants to study abroad.

The consultant helps you with a torchlight (gives you the best option to study abroad depending on your circumstance) and gets the book for you (secure admission abroad).

Studying abroad is a great idea; it offers you the chance to learn new cultures, make friends worldwide, build a global network, and enjoy a top-quality education.

In addition, you’ll improve your language skills and create unforgettable memories.

However, it is not a walk in the park, getting admission abroad, applying for your student visa and meeting the requirements can be tasking.

This is where a student abroad consultant comes in – these consultants are like babysitters (they guide you) – they hold you by the hand and walk you through how to study overseas.

Let’s look at the numbers.

A report by QS titled How to Navigate the Challenges of Agent Management, reveals that international students increasingly depend on agents to make decisions about studying abroad.

In addition, Vineet R. Kamble and Dr Priyanka Bobade’s research titled “A study on the Role of Consultancy in Overseas Education” shows that over 66.7% of international students interviewed used study abroad consultants.

Out of those students, 88.5% said they found the help beneficial.

Read also: My student visa expired, what should I do in Canada?

The report also suggests that 51.9% of the students benefited more from services like Counselling, Profiling & Documentation, Country/University/Course Selection, and Standardized tests like GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, and SAT.

Furthermore, over 73.2% of students who wish to study abroad love the idea of working with a study abroad consultant.

They say “It makes the process easy and faster”.

What do you say?

Read also: How to get a bursary for university in South Africa

If you want to study abroad, below is why you don’t have to do it alone- you need a study abroad consultant.

Why do you use a consultant for your study abroad?

Studying abroad isn’t just about choosing a university or course; it involves walking through the complex admission and visa process.

Upon concluding these phases (the admission and visa application phases), you’ll be faced with the post-arrival phase.

This is why the expertise of a study abroad consultant is invaluable.

A study abroad consultant will hold you by the hand and walk you through each of these phases.

They provide:

1. Personalized free guidance and counselling

One of the primary roles of a study abroad consultant is to guide the student (who wants to study abroad).

When you approach a study abroad consultant, he’ll look at your circumstances and provide solutions based on what you need, your goals, career background, financial situation and long-term goals.

Of course, you can argue that this information can be found online, however, what you’ll see online won’t be tailored to your circumstances – they’re most generic.

A study abroad consultant will sit with you, listen to your challenge – what you want, and then assess your strengths, and weaknesses before recommending the best possible options.

This personalized counselling ensures that the choices you make align with your long-term goals.

2. Choosing the right university and course to study

With thousands of universities and courses to choose from, you can agree that picking the right one can be overwhelming.

You don’t have to go through all that stress (of moving from one search engine to another in search of the right institution/course) if you have a study abroad consultant.

A study abroad consultant will help you narrow down the options based on your preferences like preferred location, budget, course content, and university rankings.

Read also: How to transfer from one university to another in Australia

A consultant will

• Help you identify universities and courses that match your profile.
• And create for you, a strategic plan to secure admission.

3. Help with securing admission

From preparing your necessary documents like transcripts, recommendation letters, and resumes, filling out the application forms completely, and writing compelling SOPs and essays that highlight your strengths and aspirations.

Plus preparing you for interviews by conducting mock interviews before the actual interview.

A study abroad consult will help you organize an admission package that leaves your target institution with no option but to offer you admission.

Read also: Why do you want to study in Australia?

With a consultant, you don’t need to work on anything yourself, they will guide you through each step and ensure that your application stands out among thousands of others.

4. Visa application and approval

To study abroad, you need a student visa, and frankly, getting one is tricky because when you apply, nothing is guaranteed.

The application process is also stressful depending on your study destination and your country of origin.

A consultant makes this process easy, they take the stress away from you.

They ensure that all requirements and deadlines are met and prepare you for a visa interview which is key for approval.

5. Preparing your documents

From your Transcripts, Standardized Test Scores, Application Form, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation, Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV), Passport, Passport-sized Photographs, National ID Card, Medical Certificate, Visa Application Form and so on.

There are many documents you need, these documents are to be attached to your application at different points during the application process.

A study abroad consultant will help you put these documents together and ensure that everyone goes where they should be.

If you work with a consultant, there will be no mix-up nor will you submit an incomplete application

6. Securing funding aids

It’s costly to study abroad, most times, students rely on scholarships which is fine but getting one isn’t easy as well.

You have to search through tons of websites and resources to find one that you’re eligible for.

All that won’t be necessary if you work with a study abroad consultant.

They can assist you in identifying, applying for and securing available scholarships, grants, and other financial aids.

If you need a student loan, they’ll also be there to help in sourcing the right one.

They do the work, you enjoy the result.

Easy peasy!

In addition, they also help you in budgeting by providing an estimate of the total cost of your stay abroad; from tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.

7. Pre-departure support

Once you’ve been accepted into a program and secured your visa, your next step is to prepare for your departure.

Luckily, you won’t be preparing alone, if you’re working with a study abroad consultant.

To ensure you’ve everything you need, your consultant will assist in getting you ready.

From booking flights, and arranging airport pick-ups to helping you with accommodation, your consultant will be there with you

They also conduct orientation sessions to prepare you for life in your study destination – how to handle cultural changes, academic expectations, and living in a new country.

In addition, you’ll be provided with a checklist of what to pack.

8. Post-arrival assistance

Moving to a new country is a big challenge, but with the help of a consultant, it gets easier.

The role of a study abroad consultant doesn’t end once you reach your destination.

On arrival, you need help settling in and getting accommodation.

Most consultants offer post-arrival assistance; they pick you up at the airport, and house you in their nearest accommodation till you get a place for yourself.

If you face any challenge with university enrollment or have other concerns, they’ll be there to help.

Their orientation programs help you make the necessary adjustments.

9. Connect you to the right support service

To start on a strong note in your new country, you need a heads-up.

Upon arrival, a study abroad consultant will connect you with the right people – most consultants have people on the ground in their affiliate institutions.

They’ll also link you up with active alumni networks and student support services to ensure your smooth transition.

How to choose the right study abroad consultant

We’ve established that you should work with a study abroad consultant, however, you need to work with the right one.

The question is, ‘How do you know a good study abroad consultant?”, I’ll show you!

When choosing a consultant to work with, check the consultant’s reputation.

1. Check the consultant’s reputation

A good reputation is earned from excellent work.

If you want to get the benefits of working with a consultant, ensure you work with a reputable consultant.

To know a reputable consultant, check their reputation online and through educational forums.

Or, check reviews.

2. Check reviews about the consultant

The easiest way to know how good a study abroad consultant is; is through reviews from students the consultant has worked with.

Read also: As a foreign student can I return home or travel outside Canada while studying?

Look for consultants with positive reviews and testimonials from former students.

3. Check the consultant’s level of experience 

In the study abroad game, experience is important. Before you pick a consultant, check how long they’ve been in the business.

The longer a consultant has been in business, the more experienced the consultant is.

Always go for the most experienced consultant.

4. Check their level of expertise

To pick the right one, check the consultant’s knowledge about different study destinations and institutions – you can ask the signalling questions.

Ensure you verify their success rate in securing admissions and visas before you take them up.

5. Check if the consultant is accreditated

Accreditation is what proves that a consultant is qualified to work in such a capacity.

If the consultant is accredited by relevant educational and governmental bodies, then, they’ll likely do a great job.

6. Check the range of services offered

A quality consultant should offer all possible services and have experts in different departments.

Before you decide to work with a consultant, ensure you verify the variety of services they provide.

Read also: How to choose a university in the USA

They should cover services like personalised counselling, university/course selection, admission application assistance, visa processing, pre-departure orientation, and post-arrival services.

7. Check how transparent they are

Are they transparent about their fees and any additional costs?

You need to know.

In addition, check their communication style and responsiveness to your queries.

8. Check who their partners are

A good consultant should have established partnerships with agencies, governments and reputable universities and colleges.

They should also have connections with alumni networks.

9. Level of support

The whole idea of a consultant is to have someone that supports you.

Look for consultants who will support you not just during the admission/visa application process but also when you arrive at your study destination.

10. Check their success stories

Finally, before you decide, ask for case studies or references you can contact.

Hear from the contact they’ll give you.

If you find these qualities in a consultant, then you have found the right one.

Which consultant is best for abroad study?

Below are the best consultants for study abroad. This list is based on student’s testimonies.

You can choose any one of them for your needs:

1. IDP Education

• • Website: IDP Education
  • They focus on personalized counselling and extensive support in admission and visa processes.

2. Edwise International

• • Website: Edwise International
  • With Edwise, you’ll get comprehensive services. From career counselling, admission guidance, and visa assistance.
  • They also have a high success rate.

3. SI-UK

• • Website: SI-UK
  • They specialize in UK education. If you’re interested in studying in the UK, they’re your go-to guys.

4. Edvoy

• • Website: Edvoy
  • They’re focused on connecting students with universities/colleges globally.

5. ApplyBoard

• • Website: ApplyBoard
  • They make the process easy by connecting students, academic institutions, and recruitment partners.

6. Studyportals

• • Website: Studyportals
  • With them, you’ll find information on over 200,000 courses at more than 3,750 institutions globally.

7. KC Overseas Education

• • Website: KC Overseas
  • KC Oversees Education offers services like course selection, visa assistance, and loan support.

8. TC Global (formerly The Chopras)

• • Website: TC Global
  • TC services include profiling, application assistance, and pre-departure support.

9. Canam Consultants

• • Website: Canam Consultants
  • They’ve the experience you need having been in the business for years. You can always count on them.

10. Y-Axis

• • Website: Y-Axis
  • If you’re looking for unbiased course recommendations, then work with Y-Axis. They also prepare you for admission and visa application.

11. AECC Global

• • Website: AECC Global
  • They’ve partners in over 13 countries and can help you with finance for your education.

12. Leapscholar

• • Website: Leapscholar
  • They can help you with test preparation and visa application.

13. GeeBee Education

• • Website: GeeBee Education
  • They have an extensive network of universities and colleges you can choose from.

14. Yocket

• • Website: Yocket
  • They offer students the opportunity to explore and apply to universities worldwide.

15. Global Opportunities –

• • Website: Global Opportunities
  • Global opportunities offer end-to-end services from university selection to post-arrival support.
  • Many students have benefited from their services.

16. ReachNox

• • Website: ReachNox
  • If you’re looking for study abroad consultants that offer comprehensive services, then work with Reachnox study abroad consultants.
  • They offer comprehensive study abroad services – with a focus on simplifying the application process and offering personalized guidance.

If you notice, not all consultants offer a comprehensive service.

When deciding who to work with, look for a consultant that offers comprehensive study abroad services.

With a consultant’s guidance, you’ll be on the right track.

From helping you with university selection, preparing a strong study profile (which helps you get accepted into your chosen institution), and securing your student visa to post-arrival support.

Read also: Top 10 best countries to study abroad

Working with a study abroad consultant helps you navigate the complexities of international education easily.

You’ll do less to achieve your desired result.