Presentation and Interviews- Stevens Institute of Technology, NJ

Presentation and Interviews- Stevens Institute of Technology, NJ

On 10th January, 2010
8.00 am to 11.00 pm
at Kampus Landing Ahmedabad Office (079- 30022253)

Dr. Maureen Weatherall, Vice President of University Enrollment and Administration, Stevens Institute of Technology, NJ

All staff members are instructed to come sharp at 7:45 am. Please note that 10th January is a Sunday.

All students following this blog who have applied to Steven Institute of Technology and are awaiting I 20 are welcome to meet Dr. Maureen Weatherall, Vice President of University Enrollment and Administration, Stevens Institute of Technology, NJ. Further, you may bring your friends to the presentation as well.

Share your Experiences at Kampus Landing & foreign country

Dear Students/ Parents/ Educators

This new section is for people to post their experiences and Q&A's regarding Kampus Landing counseling, training and services and experiences at your college/ job in the foreign country. As I’ve been an international student myself in the United Kingdom and the United States of America, I’m aware of the intricacies involved in the admissions and visa process. I’ve worked in the colleges in London and New York and have helped International Students during their initial days to the foreign country. I’ve managed Kampus Landing New York office for almost one and a half years and provided a lot of post landing services to the International students including accommodation and airport pick up. At times, supporting them for a job too. At the same time, I recognize that not everyone's experience is always positive, and my experience is limited to my students…my services.

For me, working at Monroe College has been an incredibly rich experience where I learned a lot more about counseling and dealing the international students. It helped me to see "the big picture" of things- relationship between a college and an international student, while at the same time helping me to change simple behaviors that were not conducive to the place.

I welcome you post your experience as well. Your experience would be uploaded within 24 hours. Probably, you never know…it may be helpful to many others.

Yours Sincerely
Tejal- Director, Kampus Landing

Disclaimer: Please note that the views presented below are from individual visitors to our blog. Your individual experiences may vary and you should not take any decision solely on the views posted here by the visitors to our blog.

Indian students continue to remain spell bound with America

In the academic year 2008-09, 103,260 students from India were studying in the United States (up 9.2% from the previous year), about 15.1% were undergraduate students, 68.8% graduate, 1.7% other and 14.4% OPT (Optional Practical Training). The graph for Indian students enrolling in American universities for graduate studies continues point upward.So why does the USA continue to be popular education destination?

The reason is simple, with approximately 3,000 accredited educational institutions and diverse study programmes, US campuses offer unparalleled opportunities for creativity, flexibility, and cultural exchange. With a student population from almost every country in the world for instance, Turkey, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Nepal, Thailand, Indonesia, Germany, Brazil, Nigeria, Mexico, Colombia, France and even UK, students themselves contribute substantially to their host campuses.

The Open Doors report released annually by the Institute of International Education (IIE) along with the US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, states that there has been an increase of 8% in the total student numbers in 2008-2009. Despite common perception that the global economic slowdown might dissuade students, India remains the leading place of origin for the eighth consecutive year, increasing by 9% to 103,260 with China in the second place with 21% for a total of 98,510.

To review the Fall 2009 intake, IIE has conducted an online survey to assess whether international enrolments have increased or decreased. Of the campuses who took the survey, 50% responded with a continuing increase, while 26 reported almost same levels as for the previous year's Fall intake while, 24% reported declines.

The report also mentions top 10 host universities in the State. For the eighth year in a row, University of Southern California led 7,482 international students. New York University ranked second with 6,761. Other campuses in the top 10 included: Columbia University (6,685), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (6,570), Purdue University (6,136), University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (5,790), University of Texas - Austin (5,703), University of California - Los Angeles (5,590), Boston University (5,037), and Michigan State University (4,757).

Pre-departure preparations
With US, most students are extremely aware about the application procedures, however, what is required is to gear up for the culture and the country. Though you are eagerly waiting to get away from home it is advisable that you are prepared for your stay in a foreign land. So here is a checklist of must haves in your luggage:

Clothes:Students usually dress casually. There are few occasions when formal clothing (suit, tie, leather shoes etc.) is required. They are typically needed when you are close to graduating and are giving job interviews. Since washing clothes is usually a weekend event you will need sufficient undergarments and socks. Ensure that your clothes do not run colour and do not need to be hand-pressed frequently. Most parts of the country experience extreme winters so pack up sweaters and atleast one a heavy jacket for your first winter. You can buy your jackets in US as most Indian jackets are not sufficient for the cold. Apart from this, you might want to carry traditional apparel for special cultural occasions.

Footwear: Most of the time students use sneakers, however one pair on arriving is sufficient as you can buy them at reasonable prices here. Formal leather shoes are expensive in the US, so do get a pair from India. For traditional wear chappals/sandals, Hawai slippers are all useful.

Utensils and spices: A pressure cooker with spare gaskets and valves is useful. Some utensils unique to Indian cooking like cooking tongs, rolling pin, are helpful. Everything that you need for Indian cooking is typically available at the local Indian grocery stores. You can get a comprehensive list of Indian grocery stores in the United States at www.nriol.com/yellowpages/. You can however carry small quantities of dhania powder, masala powder, haldi, laung (cloves), elaichi (cardamom), dalchini (cinnamon), raiee (mustard seeds), jeera (cumin seed), hing (asafoetida), pickles, papads, and other ethnic specialities.

Medicines and medical insurance: Commonly used medicine for headache, fever, coughs and colds such as Disprin/Crocin etc are useful. Eye drops, ear drops, bandage rolls, band-aid, cotton are also useful. A spare pair of spectacles is very important. These are to get you started however these items are not very expensive so there is no need to get multiple sets. The cost of medical expenses in the US is exorbitant. Many universities are affiliated with different insurance companies that offer insurance plans at competitive rates. It would be best to find out about the insurance plans popular in your university. All students are well advised to get adequate medical insurance in the US. However do try to get a complete medical check-up and bring your medical records along.

Money: Typically rental apartments require you to pay an initial deposit equal to one month's rent along with the regular month's rent. You will also have other initial expenses to settle down. This will usually add up to at least $1000 or more. Do not carry large amounts of cash, traveller's cheques/ personal drafts are recommended and are easy to use till you get a bank account opened.

Keep some money with you during the flight from India. You might need change to make phone calls and $1 bills for trolleys at some airports.

American higher education continues to be highly valued throughout the world. Students believe that doing a course there involves a great deal of active engagement from themselves; and in turn inculcates valuable skills to collaborate across political and cultural borders. You can find a detailed information on http://kampuslanding.com or visit one of our offices for free counseling and clarifications.

Discussion on Quality Control Methods in International Education Industry.

As our directors and other key staff members writing the final examination conducted by British Council a though came to my mind on Quality Control methods adopted by UK. 

Good or say established Universities and Colleges demand Agents abroad to go through this test to have a surety that they have association with quality education consultants on one hand and on the other hand the UK Government has asked Universities and colleges to get qualify and registered with UKBA to offer courses to International students, this gives agents and students abroad a surety that the institute is authentic. These moves are most welcome and will be beneficial especially for students with fewer chances of landing on a strange land and discovering fake, vanished, closed operations or de licensed institutions. No one but these students then are in a middle of mess.

Inputs and insights are most welcome.

Kampus Landing Directors and key staff members to sit for a final written examination ‘Education UK certificate for agents’ course today on 7th Dec 2009

I am writing to you about the ‘Education UK certificate for agents’ course that has been specifically designed to increase the capacity of agents to promote the UK as a study destination.  It will also enable educational agents to provide high-quality information, resources and services to prospective students seeking higher studies in the UK. The course started on Monday, 05 October 2009, the duration was approximately 10 weeks and was delivered online.  All registered candidates had to complete scheduled assignments and sit for a final written examination, to be held around Monday, 7 December 2009 ie today. The British Council will award a certificate on successful completion of the course programme which will include the candidate’s name and the company he/she represents. Kampus Landing Directors and key staff members namely Tejal Laul, Niraali Pandya, Kshitiz Vaid, Suneetha Qureshi and Anuj Rana will sit for the final written examination today on 7^th Dec at 2:00pm in British Council, New Delhi. Wishing you on behalf of all Kampus Landing members GOOD LUCK!

Kampus Landing – Guiding Students on Study Abroad at the Ma Umiya Unjha Fest 2009

Kampus Landing, Global Educational Specialists have had the honour of hosting the educational seminars on study abroad at Unjha, where people are turning up in astronomical numbers everyday. Kampus Landing is the only exclusive Study Abroad Consultant to be organizing the study abroad seminars in the Educational Dome at Unjha Fest. Ever since the Fest has started, students and parents have turned up in plenty to attend the fest and then to register for the educational seminars as well.

“We understand the quest of students to find the right study abroad consultant and all the doubts they have and hence have selected the topics for the Seminars with the utmost care, keeping the students and parents queries in mind & to provide a solution to all”, says Mrs. Tejal Laul, Director Kampus Landing. Mrs. Tejal Laul has been one of the Key speakers at the Educational dome for the Study Abroad section. Kampus Landing works with more than 550 universities and colleges in the USA and has specially invited Mr. Rick Groleau, the Director of International Admissions, Southern New Hampshire University, USA to be one of the speakers at the Unjha Fest.

Today more than 5000 students have registered themselves for the Study Abroad Seminars, from the 20,000 students who visited the Educational Dome. This has been the maximum number of students attending the Study Abroad Seminars at the Unjha Fest. Kampus Landing has carried out a Number of seminars like “How to choose the Right study abroad consultant, guidance on how to apply to the US universities & get scholarships and financial aid. Seminars have also been carried out on “Study, Work & settlement in countries like USA/UK/CANADA/IRELAND/AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND”. There has also been an interactive session with the students and parents, so that the maximum number of queries could be solved. “Kampus Landing aims to provide the right solutions to the student so that they are not misguided and reach their dream destination in the right manner, says Mrs. Tejal Laul, Director Kampus Landing.”

Today, study abroad is no longer a distant dream for aspiring students due to the availability of scholarships and financial aid for the deserving and meritorious students. Students have a wide range of subjects to choose from and study at the some of the best universities and colleges with the state of art infrastructure & trained faculties. Globalization has take India by leaps and bounds and the Indian Economy is already on the vertical rise,bringing in a lot of foreign investors to India. The Special Economic Zones in the country have benefitted with lot of companies putting in plants and thus giving employment to a large number of people. Students who have had the experience of studying abroad, definitely benefit from this scenario. During their studies in any foreign country, they would have certainly had the experience of working and studying, thus adding some more points to their resume. Moreover students are also exposed to an International culture, which plays a major role in grooming the students personality. Any student who returns back to his Home Country, would have an edge over his Indian counterparts in the job scenario. These students would be more competent and can handle real life situations in a much better and pratical way, thanks to the International education they have received.

Kampus Landing, Global Educational Specialists have played a major role in guiding students to choose the Right Study Abroad Consultant.

Studying abroad in a reputed institution is a dream of numerous Indian students'. In the present scenario where the world is aptly called a 'global village', this dream is not very hard to achieve.

Some of the most coveted courses that students' want to pursue from foreign countries are Masters in Business Administration, Degree courses in Engineering, Degree courses in Biotechnology, Under Graduate as well as Post Graduate courses in humanities etc. Some of the foreign countries offer scholarships under cultural exchange programmes to eligible candidates who are interested to study in those countries.

Almost as important as the academic advantages of an international education are the chances it offers to experience life abroad. Quite simply, there is no better environment for Indian students to take hold of their future...and be the best they can be. A study abroad education in the UK or USA has always placed great importance on the ability of students to work independently and to develop their own thinking.

The end result is that students emerge from an international education not only with a thorough understanding of their subject but also with analytical abilities and problem-solving skills that are much prized by employers in later life.

“It’s a great idea to study abroad but choosing the right host country is probably the most important decision you'll ever make, one that will affect the course of your personal and professional life for many, many years. You'll be leaving your country for a new culture, a new way of life, and new people.”

There are several resources on the Internet which will also guide a student giving minute details of the college/university, which includes cost, reputation, quality of education, opportunity to earn on the campus, course details, fee details and much more. Most people prefer to go to Study Abroad Consultant for the selection of the right course, college/university and most important, accurate visa filing. It is better to visit a consultant who has been working in this field for a long time and not necessarily who has recently opened this businesss or has cheaper services. Many consultants will even offer free services because they get paid by the college themselves if they are able to get your admission done in that college, but it is most important to get the services of an unbiased, experienced and a knowledgeable study abroad consultant. Kampus Landing has made sure that the students are guided accordingly.

At Kampus Landing, benchmarks are set to guide the aspiring student for Correct Career counseling, selection of the right country, the right university & right  college, Admission guidance, financial/cost estimation for costs for living, ability to earn while pursuing the course etc, Correct presentation of the visa file, Adept Visa Interview Guidance and lastly but not the least, Job and Career opportunities/Settlement opportunities’ Abroad.

It is very important to select a good Study Abroad consultant. But do not follow him blindly and always do your own research before going ahead and applying, says the Team at Kampus Landing.

Author : Ms. Suneetha Qureshi (Associate Director, Kampus Landing)