The decision to study abroad can be very motivating, but the process of getting there can be complex and overwhelming. This is where a good study abroad advisor (also known as an agent) can help.
A good study abroad advisor can be your best friend during this educational roller coaster, whether it’s providing support when you’re down or making sure you meet your deadlines. A good advisor can offer you programs in all corners of the world.
Experience and wise advice
Every year, many students from Africa go abroad to study. Advisors, who are experts in the field, can help you regardless of your doubts. If you don’t want to ask Google, it’s a lot easier to ask someone who makes a living by giving the right advice.Connections with universities around the world
You can speak directly to representatives of the best international universities at many international education fairs organized by study abroad consultants. To do this, you can ask your advisor to organize a meeting with different universities if you wish.Help in choosing
Choosing from the best study destinations and thousands of exceptional universities can be a nightmare as it may seem to be an impossible choice. A study abroad advisor will take into account your preferences, goals, budget and qualifications. He/she will then offer you a short and personalized list of foreign universities that meet these criteria. After discussing the pros and cons of each option with your advisor, you can make your final (much better informed) choice.Explore different ways of getting to your educational goal
Suppose that you do not meet the eligibility criteria for your preferred university or destination country? Educational advisors may be able to recommend alternative routes to overcome such problems. For example, you may first need to improve your language level to meet the full admission requirements for your preferred university. Or maybe you will need to complete some pre-sessional courses or even a full pathway program, such as an International Foundation Year, to meet the academic requirements for your chosen field and/or university. Your advisor can suggest the best paths to meet all of the admission requirements. So, for example, if you need a total immersion language course to meet the language requirements for your chosen university degree, your advisor can offer you options.Application Assistance
Study destinations such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Ireland have different types of application processes. Even within the same country, each individual institution may have different application procedures. Your advisor will give you all the details. Just sit back and watch him/her take care of all the paperwork for you. All you have to do is submit the application form. If you use an educational advisor, you can also enroll in several universities in a foreign country at the same time. They only need your degrees and contact details once and then apply to multiple universities on your behalf.Following up your application
Will they accept me? Will they reject me? At this point, you probably have no idea how to track the progress of your request. In this situation, you can only wait, probably impatiently, to receive news from them. Your study abroad advisor will be in direct contact with the selected universities regarding your application. The close links he/she maintains with these universities will allow direct contact between them.Advice on financial issues and budget management
Considering the price of tuition fees and the cost of living, you may find it difficult to afford to study abroad. Study abroad advisers are available to talk to you about scholarships, student loans, and other ways to finance study abroad. They may even recommend alternative destination countries where the tuition fees or cost of living are lower but where the quality of education may be at a similar level to that offered in your first country of choice. Study advisors may also give you advice on how best to manage your finances, so as to optimize your experience abroad while spending your money wisely.Facilitating the visa process
Different countries or provinces have different visa procedures, and immigration officials can also be quite strict with your documents. They may also reject your application if you do not submit all of required documents. Study abroad advisers will help you prepare for your visa interview (if needed) and in doing so will ensure that you have the best chance of success. With such an advisor on your side, studying abroad is easy and affordable. You may even do some prescreening of universities via an online AI-powered platform if you have a good study abroad expert by your side.