ULCCS will provide a sustainable and collaborative platform for higher education institutions to improve the skill and employability of students, said Rameshan Paleri, Chairman of ULCCS Ltd. He made this statement while delivering the presidential address during the Webinar organized by United States India Education Foundation (USIEF) and UL Education on 22 July 2020.
USIEF is hosting Education USA programme in India. Education USA is a global network of advising centres across 170 countries supported by US Department of State’s Bureau of educational and cultural affairs. Education USA will provide information on educational institutions in the United States and guidance to qualified students on how to access opportunities.
Of the international students pursuing higher education in USA, more than 20 percent are from India. Currently more than two lakh students are pursuing graduate, masters and integrated doctoral programmes from US Universities said Shanthi Mohan, Education advisor, United States India Education Foundation.
12-18 months preparation includes researching the options, finding finance, completing the application process, application for student visa and preparatory for departure. Research on the options must define the priorities, precise decision on the choices and assessing the requirements. some of the check points include identifying the programme, degree or field of study, reputation of the University, acceptance rate, size of the institution/ department, faculty profile, cost and financial aid, research facilities, research or practical training opportunities, geographical location, housing, campus setting, climate and international student services. Finance planning includes preparing a budget, identifying the sources and assessing the financial document.
Cost of education must take in to account tuition fee and living costs in United States. Sources of funding can be either from parents or through sponsors, scholarships, bank loan, on campus work up to 20 hours per week and external sources of funding from various agencies or foundations. Appropriate tests like GRE/TOEFL/GMAT must be taken 12-18 months prior to your expected admission period. Students can opt for fall (January-February) or spring semester (August-September) for admission. Graduate application package include application form and application fee, mark sheets or academic transcripts, standardized tests, letters of recommendations, statement of purpose, biodata, proof of research capability(PhD) and financial documents.
Aparna Chandrasekhar, Advisor, Education USA suggested that application for student visa must be submitted 5-3 months prior to departure. It can be done after getting the offer letter from the institutions. Visa application need to be prepared after selecting the institution of choice, if the student has received offer letters from different institutions. Departure preparation include gathering important documents, arranging accommodation, attending education USA pre departure orientation at nearest USIEF centre and making appropriate travel arrangements including health insurance.
Education USA @ USIEF officers will provide appropriate information to the student. 7 Centers are functioning in India at Ahmadabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai. (www.education USA.state.gov), Virtual counseling are also available. Students can download Education USA India APP to access information find contacts of various centers across India which will work from Monday to Friday per week. (Contact info for Chennai- chennai@educationusa.org, www.usiefchennai@usief.org.in)
Anju Singh, Regional Director of US Global operations of University of Arizona, United States suggested that students need to look for educational institutions based on World University rankings. Arizona State University is offering both regular and online programmes. Taking in to account the disruptions taking place across the World in the education sector due to Covid 19, Arizona Global Campus is offering global pathways programme either through fully or partially online mode. As part of the programme, students who are studying two years of graduate programme can complete one semester at Arizona campus. (www.everywhere.arizona.edu)
Eligibility for graduate programme include bachelors degree, updated biodata, statement of purpose, three recommendation letters and appropriate score in GRE/GMAT and TOEFL/TOEFL along with good academic merit. Preferred TOEFL and IELTS score is 79 and 7 band respectively.
Meritorious students will get departmental funding or funding from University based on availability of funds. They can also look for external funding sources. Arizona campus is promoting student engagement and career development. Students will get opportunity to associate with manufacturing, aerospace, technology &innovation, Bioscience and healthcare, Business & financial services, film and digital media, construction &mining industries, etc.
