Study Abroad: International Student Questions & Answers

Some typical international student's question and answer concerning study abroad.

"When can I start to take "regular" university courses?"
Very good! Particularly for a four-year Bachelor's or undergraduate degree, Business and management students must have exceptionally good English skills to succeed in a good university. Even in Engineering; Computer Science or technical field, students must be able to analytically read and write English', do laboratory reports', and speak clearly, because students are expected to actively and orally participate in all classes. Many of the non-major courses required to graduate from a good university include courses like Sociology, Philosophy, College Composition and Political Science, which expedite student to write library research papers.

"What TOEFL/ IELTS score must I have to be admitted?"
All Schools have TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) admission requirements. Minimum scores differ from school to school. Most schools require a minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL paper Based Test or a score of 6 in IELTS Scores. Remember, a 550 TOEFL-score is not a good score-it is a minimum score-which means many other international students will have scores of demand above when admitted. The student will be competing with them as well as native English speakers.

"If I have attended an English Language Program at a university, will I be automatically admitted to that school?"
No, admission to an English Language Program does not mean the student has also been admitted to the college or university degree program-even if the student has reached the minimum TOEFL score. The student must apply separately to the college or university degree program.

"How do I apply to a degree program at a good college or university?"
The student must make an appointment to see someone in the admissions office. The student must complete a formal admissions application, which is usually three or four pages in length. The student must send the student's high school or previous university records to the admissions office. Sometimes, the student must send letters of recommendation from teachers who have taught the student in the past.

"How long does the admission process take? Are there admission deadlines?"
This varies from college to college. For large schools, it may take six months to a year to complete the entire admissions process - from application to acceptance and start of classes. At smaller schools, it may take six months. In any case, start early. Deadlines for large schools, sometimes occur in November for admission the following September. In many other places, deadlines occur in March and acceptances are sent in April for September enrollment.

                
"When should I begin to apply to schools?"
Start early! Start now! Because the complete admissions process is long, so begin the application process soon. Do not wait until the required TOEFL score is obtained. The student can apply and be admitted as a "conditional admit" at many schools. This means that the school has admitted the student on the student's past academic record from the student's home country and is waiting for the student to obtain the minimum TOEFL/ IELTS score.

"Can I enter the college/ university program only in September?"
No. Most schools will accept students at the beginning of every semester (fifteen-week session) or term (ten-week session). Semesters begin at most schools in early September and in late January. Schools on term systems also have a session beginning in mid-March Most schools also have sessions during the summer months of June, July and August.

"Who can help me complete the application process?"
Innovation World consultants can help the student breeze through A to Z of the admission process. Remember, there are a large number of accredited colleges and universities across the globe , the student will need professional advice and guidance to decide where the student should apply and for what area of program.

"What test do i need to take to be admitted tithe degree program?"
Each school has different requirements but most require the TOEFL (Test of English as a foreign Language) / IELTS (International English Language Testing System to determine the student's English ability. Undergraduate degree programs may require the math portion of the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test). Graduate degree programs may require the GRE (Graduate Record Exam), the GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test) or other standardized tests given by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).These tests are given frequently all over the world through out the year .

"Can I stocktaking university courses while I'm still in the English Language program'?"
This depends on the school. If the student's English Language Program is a part of a college or university campus, the students may "audit" ( just listen to not take or credit ) regular university courses while the students are studying English. In many programs, students must stand at advanced levels of English. But remember, even if the students do well in these courses, this does not mean the students have been accepted at the college or university for a degree. The Students must go through the formal admissions process and be officially admitted as " matriculated" student.

"What is a "matriculated" student ?"
A " matriculated" student is a student officially and formally studying for a degree at a college or university abroad. A visiting student who has not gone through the formal admissions process is not a "matriculated" student, even though he or she is earning credits.

"What are "credits"?"
"Credits" are the currency of higher education. Most of the university systems are credit-based and not comprehensive exam-based system. Students make progress towards receiving their degree by accumulating credits. Once credit is roughly equivalent to one hour of class time, students are expected to attend and participate actively in all classes. Most undergraduate degree programs require 120-13c Credits to graduate with a bachelor's degree. Students on a semester (fifteen-week) system usually take fifteen credits a semester. Each course normally counts for three credits. Most students accumulate one average thirty credits per academic year. The academic year normally spans the months of September through June. The student must be a " matriculated" student to have the student's "credits" count towards a Degree.

"Is it easy to be admitted to a college or university?"
Yes, it is relatively easy if the student has excellent academic background. However, there is strong competition at many schools.

"Is it easy to graduate with a degree from a good college or university?"
No-this is often the biggest misconception international students have about higher education. The Student must work and study very hard from the first moment the student enters, to maintain a good Grade Point Average (GPA). At most schools, if the student's GPA falls below 3.0 (out of possible 4.0), the student may be asked to leave. This is called "flunking cut's. It is this reason that schools establish minimum TOEFL scores for admission to international students.