Self-Application or Study Abroad Consultant: Which is Better?

Many students adopt a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) approach while opting to study abroad due to the abundance of information available online. Well, its fine. But the visa success rate is comparatively low for self-applicants, mainly because they do not have enough domain knowledge. However, managing the entire process alone may result in some mistakes and oversights. Under the pressure of numerous tasks, students may not be attentive to details in their visa application, thus weakening his or her profile and subsequently may end up being rejected.

 

Several compelling reasons highlight the benefits of hiring a study abroad consultant over the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) approach, as follows:

 

Offers Career Advice: When students seek international education, they are usually confused about which country to choose and what subjects to opt for higher studies. There are several alternatives, which makes it hard to make the right pick. It is here an educational consultant’s help could come in handy. They carefully review the student’s academic background and help them choose the best countries and courses based on their interests, preferences and aspirations. Study abroad consultants provide authentic and credible information, offering students better clarity on their career paths.

 

Industry Insights: Study abroad consultancies often collaborate with industry experts who possess valuable field insights. They stay consistently updated on market news, including the latest industry trends and information on countries that may have changed their visa requirements. They are aware of the countries offering enhanced industrial exposure, providing students with valuable insights for making an informed choice. Students applying independently may struggle to keep up with these trends, making it advisable for them to hire a consultant to improve their chances of securing a study visa.

 

Writing Assistance: Gaining admission to universities and colleges and applying for a visa involves challenging tasks, including providing clear career objectives. Authorities usually have requirements for supporting documents such as admission essays, letters of recommendation (LORs), statements of purpose (SOPs), and CVs. It is therefore very important that there are no mistakes made in the content of these documents, as rejection could result from any mistake. Students are advised to engage with study abroad consultants like Edroots International, a key player in Indian overseas education sector, as they have over 16 years of experience. The certified professionals at Edroots can help the student pull off these documents in the proper format in a way the universities and public authorities cannot reject.

 

English Language Test Preparation: Many students who apply on their own face difficulties in preparation for English language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. But they may seek online assistance but do not get personalised guidance, which becomes a bottleneck. Individual support is essential for reaching the desired bands or scores on language tests. Study abroad consultants prepare the student well for the tests, which help him or her know all about the test structure while preparing them to appear well.

 

Visa Application Assistance: Students are supposed to file an application for a study visa after passing language proficiency tests and receiving offer letters from respective colleges or universities. Accurate completion of the visa application is very important to prevent rejections. To ensure a legitimate and thorough application, students can seek assistance from study abroad consultants. They carefully fill out the application form, significantly reducing students’ chances of complications in applying for a study visa.

 

Visa Interview Readiness: Some countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia might have random interviews for study visas, while others like the USA, Germany, and certain other specific areas may require interviews as part of the process. Visa interviews can be daunting and anxiety during these interviews could lead to questions or doubts from the visa officer, potentially resulting in the rejection of your application. In such situations, seeking assistance from educational consultants like Edroots can be beneficial.

 

Edroots offer proper guidance, familiarising students with the interview processes in advance and helping them practice potential questions likely to be posed by visa officers. This not only increases the self-confidence of students but also gives them higher opportunities to be granted a study permit.

 

Offering Financial Aid and Scholarships: To avoid restricting students’ dreams of going abroad with the help of financial constraints or by turning down loans, study abroad consultants provide guidance in obtaining educational loans. The provision of any loan depends on several aspects, including the country, course, and collateral, among others. Since the consultants know all about these factors in detail, they can draw the path for students and improve their chances of getting loans. In addition, many consultants provide scholarships for students depending on their merit. By leveraging their expertise, consultants assist students in accessing scholarships that provide crucial financial support for their education.

 

Travel Support: The role of consultants extends beyond obtaining visas successfully and it continues throughout the student’s study abroad journey. They facilitate the swift booking of travel tickets, offer money exchange services for currency transfers, and provide crucial support with pickup and accommodation arrangements upon students' arrival in their destination country. This comprehensive assistance ensures a smoother transition for students as they embark on their journey of foreign education

 

 

Aspect

Self-Apply

Study Abroad Consultant

Pros

Cost

Potentially lower costs as consultant fees is not involved

 

Most trustworthy consultants typically don't ask students to pay fees upfront or might only require a small payment.

Control

Complete control over the application process

Consultants bring expertise, providing guidance and managing details, offering a more streamlined process.

Research

Opportunity for personal research and decision-making

Consultants offer industry insights, saving time on research and ensuring informed choices.

Time Flexibility

Flexibility in managing timelines and deadlines

Consultants can expedite the process, ensuring timely submissions and adherence to deadlines.

Cons

Knowledge Gap

Potential lack of understanding about visa processes and requirements can have negative consequences

Consultants possess in-depth knowledge, bridging gaps and minimizing the risk of errors.

Complexity

The application process may seem complex and overwhelming

Consultants simplify the process, guiding applicants through each step and reducing complexity.

Risk of Mistakes

Higher risk of making errors in documentation and application

Consultants minimize the risk of mistakes, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations.

Stress Level

Higher stress levels due to managing the entire process independently

Consultants alleviate stress by providing support, guidance, and handling administrative tasks.

Outcome Uncertainty

Limited understanding of factors influencing visa approval

Consultants improve the chances of success, leveraging their experience and insights into visa approval criteria.

 

 

The importance of taking the assistance of an educational consultant in your study abroad journey is clear. Choosing a qualified expert, such as Edroots International, is highly recommended to ensure your success. Our knowledge offers complete help at all stages of the study abroad process, considerably increasing your chances of obtaining a student visa.