A successful time studying abroad is the result of good preparation.
Judge for Yourself
Yourself
In order to find the right school, you should educate yourself about various study options overseas. Currently, with so much information flooding the internet, when you search for "Study Abroad" you are likely to find too many sites to choose from. When you do your research, you should remember that the information you find online is only the beginning of the search process. You may think that with so much information available, that finding the right school on your own requires too much time and effort. The important thing is to be able to find information easily that is both dependable and accurate. At ApplyESL.com, can find many study abroad options to choose from and do a school search based on a wide variety of factors that are important to you. Furthermore, you will be able to choose a school based on information listed in your own language. At ApplyESL.com you can reference the school’s webpage directly from each profile so that you can make the best choice for you. Better yet, if you have a question, you can send it directly via e-mail to someone that can help you. School profiles may have translated e-brochures or other easily accessible files to inform your decision. While considering all your options, you can also review materials at your local bookstore or think about attending a study abroad fair. Another option may be enlisting the assistance of a study abroad agent in your country. So long as you are clear about your purpose to study abroad, consulting with a study abroad counselor may help you decide which school to choose.
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Finally, and most importantly, use your own good judgment and decide for yourself what is best for you. This will guide you towards attaining a rewarding and fulfilling study abroad experience.
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The Role of the Study Abroad Agent
Agent
Through their ongoing efforts, study abroad agents broaden the mindsets of their communities and improve their countries by exposing students to worlds and cultures other than their own. For years, agents provided students with the opportunity to experience life overseas and attend English language schools. Agents continue to play a significant role in the study abroad community by offering students useful advising sessions and helping to complete the preparations essential to attend schools overseas. Agent services are especially helpful for students uncomfortable with the paperwork and language barriers they encounter when applying to schools overseas.
Operating as a profit-oriented business, agents generally offer their services to students by establishing business relationships with schools overseas. Depending on the specific business arrangements, agents receive a pre-determined commission fee for each student they send to a school. With certain schools offering higher commission rates, agents are inclined to send students to these particular schools to earn a larger profit. Additionally, some schools require less paperwork to be processed to grant student admission. As a result, study abroad agents are likely to send students to these particular schools to reduce the amount of time spent on student applications.
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In light of these facts, it is essential that students pre-establish in their mind an image of their ideal school and not immediately accept an agent’s suggestions. Students need to remember they always have a choice.
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Imagine Your Study Abroad Experience
Image
Choosing your academic future is a personal journey. Similar to most important decisions you make in your lifetime, your academic future must first begin from the core of your imagination. In your mind, visualize your ideal study abroad experience and imagine your perfect situation. With a world full of educational opportunity, it is essential to use a critical eye to select a school that includes the images you have begun to paint in your mind. Each ESL school has its own character, strength and quality. With your ideal study abroad experience in mind, however, you are already prepared to select a school best-suited to your needs. For example, there are two types of language schools available, university-based and private language schools. University-based programs are located on college or university campuses and offer rigorous academic preparation. Students study in an academic environment and experience campus life, living with other students using campus facilities. Focused on improving reading, writing and listening skills, university-based programs are ideal for students interested in pursuing a degree in an undergraduate or graduate degree program following their English studies. Private language schools offer a different learning opportunity for students. These schools may be located in urban or rural environments, in cities or on college campuses. The curriculum focus on improving practical or academic English skills depending on the course selection. Providing various English conversation and business classes, private language schools offer a varied curriculum and a unique learning experience.
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A successful time studying abroad is the result of good preparation starting from the very moment you decide to begin your journey. Be positive and rely on yourself first and foremost and listen carefully to your inner critic when selecting your school and applying. After all, you are making a big decision to determine your future!
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- Location
- Type of ESL School
- Size of School
- Curriculum and Quality of Program
- Length and Starting Date
- Enrollment Requirements
- Tuition Fees and Additional Expenses
- Housing Options
- Support of International Students
- Academic Advisor
Educational Organizations Around the World
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CEA
The Commission on English Language Program Accreditation, recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education -
UCIEP
A consortium of university and college Intensive English Programs in the United States -
EnglishUSA
A consortium of public and private English language schools in the United States -
Languages Canada
A consortium of more than 200 English language schools in Canada -
English UK
A National Organization of Accredited British English schools -
BRITISH COUNCIL
An international organization for educational and cultural relations established by the British government
