The education system abroad, no doubt, is quite different from ours in as much as styles of teaching and learning too differ. While in India we generally have theoretical teaching and exams are held only once a year, the foreign education system lays emphasis on group discussions, practicals (which are held throughout the year on a regular basis) and presentations. In addition, regular attendance, research, project work and continuous testing of students on the basis of their performance is quite important in their system of education. It is worth mentioning here that in spite of all this, Indian students adapt themselves easily to this system. Being well versed with basic fundamentals of their subject, they are generally able to study smoothly even in this kind of environment.

To gain admission to institutions abroad, one has to keep in mind that, among other considerations, emphasis is laid on one's individual capabilities. Good academic record is no doubt quite important to get admission to a university abroad but your participation in extracurricular activities would be a significant factor. Besides this, your test scores, personal statements and letters of recommendation prove equally significant. You may not be very scholastic but being an all rounder helps.

You must consider your suitability to the course and colleges and your adaptability to the culture of the country. It is advisable to get as much information as possible about the country and its education system. Be prepared to adapt to the change in style of education, language, food and lifestyle of the country in question. Initially you may find it difficult to adapt to this change but, by and by, it would not be difficult to get used to it.

During your stay abroad, while you may be confronted with some difficulties, you might get some advantages as well, such as lesser pollution, better libraries and laboratories. Some may find accent of lecturers alien but this problem too is overcome within a short time, because while going abroad one anticipates such things and is prepared for them.

Studying abroad means, by and large, shouldering your responsibilities on your own. At times, you would find it difficult to cope with the cultural differences, homesickness, and studies. That means you are expected to be independent and self-reliant. With no parent or guardian over your head to supervise, you would have to do your own planning for studies and other things to derive the maximum benefit.
Studying abroad might not be expensive, if you plan well in advance. A number of universities and colleges offer financial aid in the form of awards, tuition waivers, teaching and research assistantships. Various agencies and institutions offer loans, scholarships, gift scholarships etc. But the aid is limited and is available only to deserving candidates. So it is advisable to start the search for aid early, if you want to seek admission to a program that is not within your budget.
The cost of living expenses, which include boarding, books, clothing, transportation, health insurance and other personal expenses, can be easily reduced with a little planning. These expenses can easily be cut down by sharing the place where you live with other companion/s, preparing food in a group, purchasing only the essential study material and books and being sensible while buying clothes, shoes, etc.

You will have to safeguard your study interests. If lecturers are involved well and good; but just in case they are more interested in research work than teaching, instead of being fully dependent you should be able to make most of lectures and reading list, if given; pay attention to tutorials and laboratory sessions; make use of libraries and establish rapport with staff. You should try to interact at every possible level. Foreign countries have comfortably accepted Indian students. In fact Indians are known for their dedication, labor and hard work. They are able to learn and speak foreign language very fluently.

Very often, those going abroad for studies prefer co-educational colleges. But if you were not able to get admission in a coeducational institution that does not mean there would be lesser opportunities for you to participate in extracurricular activities. Arrangements are made with neighboring colleges for field trips. Then there are jointly sponsored clubs, campus jobs etc. However, single gender institutions help you to focus more on your studies with lesser distractions.
For higher education it is important to develop an attitude of critical thinking, to be able to make careful and right judgment, and to have an analytical approach.
Criteria of making selections
• Good academic merit
• Individual capabilities
• Suitability to the course and college
• Adaptability to the culture of the country
• A fair knowledge of the language
• Independence and self-reliance
• Rapport with staff
• Analytical skills
Prospects of Financial Aid
With every passing day more and more students and professionals are leaving the shores for better prospects abroad, mainly USA and the UK. Of 1.6 lakh aspirants who applied to various offices and satellite centres of the US Educational Foundation in India (USEFI), 12,000 students finally enrolled into undergraduate or Master's courses.

As far as the question of university funding is concerned, US universities provide tuition waivers plus assistantships. For example, if you work with a teaching faculty member for about 20 hours per week, you can earn anything between $ 800 and $1,400 per month. You are offered such assistantships during your first year of study and these can be renewed, if you continue with a high academic record. However, these are not offered to students pursuing courses at the undergraduate level. By getting assistantship you are also benefited on account of health insurance, which is subsidized.

The second form of university funding is by means of offering a fellowship, which includes a stipend and tuition-waiver. Needless to add, only the most brilliant students are awarded fellowships by the universities.

You have to distinguish between financial aid and scholarships. Most US universities offer financial aid, but they are not necessarily based on merit. These aids are of different kinds; it could be in the form of research assistantship or tuition waver for a semester or for the entire course. Postgraduate students can get graduate or teaching assistantship.

Aspiring persons should start planning a year in advance to complete the formalities.

Students have to undergo two essential tests, TOEFL and GRE. Ideally, a prospective undergraduate candidate should take these tests in May or November of the year preceding their proposed date of entry. Early application increases your chances of financial aid that is generally given on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Criteria for admission

Criteria for selection in universities in USA in particular and elsewhere in general are:
• The undergraduate institute you attended.
• Your GRE, TOEFL score.
• Your Grade Point Average (GPA) or cumulative
• Percentage, rank in class.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Overall coherence, work experience, etc.
• Research interest.
• Skills: programming, summer work experience.
• Degree you intend to work towards Ph.D./MS.
• Personal qualities, motivation, reliability, sincerity maturity, integrity, communication skills.
• Extracurricular activities, volunteering leadership roles.
This is not to say all these are a must but having as many is advantageous. Sincerity, motivation and dedication to work are other qualities looked for before deciding upon your application.
Application Components
• Application form complete in every respect.
• Covering letter,
• Application fee cheque. In case the fee is waived or deferred, enclose a photocopy of the letter.
• Statement of purpose.
• Letters of recommendation (unless they are required to be mailed directly to the university concerned).
• Photocopies of test score reports.
• Financial statement.
• Photocopy of my important certificate you may like to enclose.
You should start the process of applying a full year before your graduation.

Statement of Purpose (SoP)
Statement of Purpose is one of the essential components of application procedure for getting admission in a foreign University. It basically consists of your personal details; factors that have defined your career path so far and what interests you professionally and what are your futures plans.

A few important points that you must bear in mind while writing your SoP are as under:
• It is suggested that SoP should reflect your confidence, motivation and ability to successfully pursue the intended course of study.
• When a University/Institute asks you a particular question, you should not reply in a hurry but analyse the question carefully and reply to all aspects of the question.
Your approach should have a bearing on your current career aspirations rather than indulging in nostalgia of the past events.

The vital thing that needs to be focused is why you want to go in for a particular course, how you propose to utilize this knowledge in your career.

Letters of recommendation form one of the crucial parts of your admission procedure in a foreign university. Based on these, the university authorities are able to assess your credentials independently. Before approaching someone for a Recommendation Letter, ensure that the recommending person is one with high professional standing and by virtue of knowing both you and your career plans, can recommend your application. Moreover, your Recommendation Letter must spell out the positive attributes in you.

Some of the important matters aspirants for study abroad should keep in mind are:
• If you have graduated from a deemed university, you should send official documents clarifying the status of the university to the foreign university where you apply.
• Generally those passing their qualifying examination through distance education mode institutions are not considered at parwith full-time programmes but recently some selected universities have began to accept students passing from distance education institutions.
• if you have acquired a degree of a foreign university, in India, duly recognised by the United States accreditation board, it is considered at par with those offered to regular students in the US.
• Universities in the US consider degrees accredited and recognised by the Indian government. Therefore, the fact should be made clear in your application.
• In case, there has been a change in the name of the university from which you have passed your qualifying exam, you should submit necessary documents like a copy of the prospectus or a letter from the Registrar of the University or indicate a website with the changed name.

Asking the Right Questions:
The following is a list of issues to consider and questions to ask when looking for an appropriate study abroad program. Along with speaking with program administrators, it is suggested that you ask to speak to students who participated in the program in the past. If possible, speak directly with one of the program administrators abroad to find out both the strengths and weaknesses of the program.
• Courses Available: What courses can be taken abroad? Do they have Ph.D.s, Master’s Degrees, Bachelor’s Degrees? Is the set-up traditional classroom or experiential learning?
• Transfer Credit: It is important to know how courses taken abroad will count towards the degree program (major, minor, language, general education, etc.).
• Housing: Is housing provided as part of the program? Is it in an international university dorm? With a family/homestay? In an apartment? What part of the city? How far from where the courses are offered? Near public transportation?
• Cost: What are the costs of the program, including tuition, administrative fees, room and board, international travel, in-country travel and excursions, extra costs?
• Where? What country/region/city do you want to study in? Where in the city are the program office/courses located? Is it in a modern city, a rural location, or a developing area with limited resources?
• How long? Is the program available for a year, semester, quarter, summer, short-term?
• When? Will a program session be offered when you are planning to go, or when you are available to participate? How will the season and schedule abroad compare to that at your home campus?
• Language: Do you want to study in a country where the language is not English? How much language training should you have before going? What type of language training is offered abroad? Are courses offered in both English and the other country's language?
• Support Services: Does your campus provide academic advisement and counseling to students through program orientations (some campuses require that all students take a semester-long course before studying abroad)? What types of support services and administrative offices are in place abroad?
• Policies of Safety? What policies and procedures of safety do they have in that place/college?
• Program Evaluations: Quality programs will take part in regular evaluations of their programs, with feedback from staff, faculty, and students. Ask if you can see these evaluations.