Package Day2

Understanding a destination Country

In order to take right decision student most understand destination countries properly under the following terms:

• Location, Geography, Climate, and Environment
• Population and History
• Society and Culture
• Government and Economy
• Education System
• Immigration and Visas
• Living Conditions and Cost of Living
• Pros and Cons

Location, Geography, Climate, and Environment

Students vary widely in their criteria for what makes a study destination attractive. The location, geography, climate, and environment of a country may be significant factors in a student choosing it over other options.

For example, the country's location relative to the student's home country will largely determine the cost of travel for the student, the number of visits home, and so on. Its geography will influence the cost and ease of travel within the country, sightseeing opportunities, and other non-study activities. Its climate and environment are important in terms of comfort and quality of life for students.

Population and History

Information about the population and history of a country is essential to understanding its character.
When considering a destination country, the student should know about its demographics and the options for living in a large city, small city, or the countryside. Students may have preferences when it comes to how much they want to immerse themselves in local life, and so information regarding cultural diversity, cultural highlights/drawbacks, and how densely populated a destination is will help them focus their choices. The student should also possess some knowledge of the country's history to gain a foundation for understanding the country's character and social and cultural idiosyncrasies.

Society and Culture

Each society has its own unique values and logic. The student need to know on how these may differ from those of their home country.

If they are to live successfully in a foreign country while studying, students will need some understanding of the structure and institutions of its society, its socio-economic groupings, and its sub-cultures and communities. They will need to be aware of differences in etiquette and taboos, and what constitutes acceptable public language and behaviour.

Each country offers a range of cultural experiences, which may constitute a primary motivation for a student to choose it as a study destination. A country's culture and society may attract one student but be unattractive to another – every student is different.

Some students may prefer a country where there are few cultural differences to distract them from their studies, but many will want to explore a country's culture, arts, history, sports, or other dimensions. Again, this can be a prime motivating factor in many students' choice of study destination, so the student should have a grasp of these elements of the study destination.

Government and Economy

A stable government and healthy economy are highly desirable in a destination country.
Most countries have national, regional, and/or local levels of government. Each has its own powers and jurisdictions. For example, the national government usually manages migration matters, including student visas, whereas local government's building codes and fire and safety regulations directly affect the quality of education premises and student accommodation.

The legal and judicial systems in the destination country may be quite different from those in the student's home country. Laws may be stricter and penalties harsher. The student should aware that they will be subject to the destination country's law while there.

A healthy economy enhances financial security for both education institutions and students. It fosters job markets, providing employment opportunities for students whose visas permit them to work. Students will need to know how money is used in everyday transactions (e.g., cash, credit, direct debit, cheque), how to transfer it from their home bank, and exchange rates.

Education System

The student \ needs to know the structure of the destination country's education system, its major institutions, the types of courses available to international students, and their cost. Students will need advice on the differences between the destination and home country's education systems, and the equivalence and convertibility of qualifications between the two.

The student should be aware of the reputation of the destination country for quality of educational outcomes, and be able to advise prospective students about the relative quality and cost of various course offerings.
The student should find, read, and understand any agent manuals and website information prepared for them by educational institutions in the destination country in order to understand their courses and enrolment processes.

Immigration and Visas

The destination country's immigration and student visa regulations are essential knowledge for the student. He/she must know the types and requirements of visas available, how to prepare visa applications correctly, and the time frames and procedures for submitting visa applications.

Prospective students will want to know about their visa options and the benefits and requirements of those options. For many students, being able to work will be a critical issue. Students should be told what documentation or other evidence is required for a student visa, and be given a clear time frame for preparing and submitting their application. For these you must have good student counselor in order to advice on all your requirement.

Living Conditions and Cost of Living

The quality and cost of living are important considerations when choosing a destination country.
The student need to know about the range of accommodation available and its cost. In particular, many students will be interested in home stay, others will want low-cost student accommodation (e.g., share house or apartment), and still others will want their own place. Students' preferences will vary regarding the balance between the quality and cost of their living arrangements.

In many countries, transport will be a significant cost for students. Unless they live close to their school, most students will have to travel daily by public transport . The student most take advise of concerning its accessibility and cost, and any alternative and affordable daily transport options. In addition to travel to and from their home country, many students will wish to take the opportunity to travel within the destination country (and surrounding countries) while they are abroad.

The personal health and safety of students is paramount. The student should know about the risk of crime or any threats to their personal safety in the destination country. Unless the home and destination countries have a reciprocal health agreement, students will need health insurance (this is usually a visa condition).

Students' living expenses will vary with their personal budgets and spending habits. The student should know about the general costs of accommodation, transport, health care, food, clothing, and entertainment in the destination country.

Day 1 < Previous    Next > Day 3