Daniel Kahneman, author of the celebrated, award winning book ‘Thinking Fast and Slow’, brings to light a path breaking theory, which is a dichotomous take on the two modes of thought. System 1- which is fast and instinctive and System 2- which is slower and deliberative and more logical.

How is this relevant to your IELTS speaking exercise?

Let’s understand.

There is an underlying psychological aspect of the IELTS speaking exercise, which we might not be cognizant of when we approach this test clinically and with the approach that it’s not a judgement of your personality, and is merely an assessment of the spoken word. As Kahneman’s theory substantiates, while the examiner is NOT supposed to judge your speaking task basis your personality or demeanour, the system 1 (fast and instinctive) aspect of our thought process does influence our System 2 ( deliberative and logical) aspect of our mind. 

What does that really mean?

It typically means, that if you are maintaining a pleasant demeanour, being polite through the conversation, maintaining eye contact, using your ‘please’ and ‘thank you-s’, it will only go to create a positive impact in the judgement process of the examiner.

It is important to acknowledge that while there are set criteria for the process of evaluation, there is also a predominant aspect of psychology which one cannot deny as these are human interactions and are unlikely to be completely clinical.

If you are treading on a borderline between one grade to the other, the appropriate use of pleasantries and a favourable persona can go a distance to turn the decision to your advantage and not the other way round.

Speak to our IELTS coach to know more.

If you are a businessman, and exploring opportunities outside of India, Canada is the place for you!

The Canadian government encourages aspiring as well as existing businessmen and entrepreneurs to set up and expand their business in Canada. There are terms and conditions attached to the same, which if fulfilled by the aspirants the process is fairly simple and transparent for business PR.

Broadly there are three options. If you have an already established business in your country, then you can explore the option of expanding the business in Canada. Secondly, you have the option of starting a new business in Canada, last but not the least, you have the option of starting a business in Canada from outside of the country as well.

How to expand an existing business in Canada?

The process for expanding your existing business is by far the simplest in Canada. Every province has their own set of criteria which is well defined and available for reference. The 13 provinces and territories are governed by their guidelines towards business expansion. They would have their own registration procedure and fees specific to them. For instance, a non-Canadian wanting to establish a business in the state of Alberta, the business needs to be registered as an extra provincial corporation in the province. A local agent, above 18 years of age is required for executing the above.

How to start a new business in Canada?

Canada offers a Start-up visa program for aspirants wanting to start a new business in Canada.

The purpose of this program is to encourage entrepreneurial ideas coming into the country. The aspirants are required to tie up with local businesses in order to receive help on funding and guidance. ACEIS as your immigration partner helps you with this. The IRCC has designated venture capital funds, investor groups and business incubators to be a part of this visa program.

The investment can be anywhere ranging from 75,000 USD to 200,000 USD, depending on the nature of investment.

The good news is aspirants need not invest all the money from their pocket as finance options are available as a part of the program. Additionally, if the PR is facilitated via this route, then the PR stays valid even if the start up idea lands up in failure.

However, this visa program has specific guidelines on the ownership and shareholding requirements for a start-up.

Eligibility requirements for visa applicants are:

• Have proof that the business has the required support.

• Must fulfill the ownership requirements.

• Must have the required proficiency in English or French.

• Must have completed at least one year of post-secondary education.

• Must have enough funds to settle in Canada and support dependent family members.

• Must clear the medical tests and security requirements.

How can you start a business in Canada from outside the country?

For non-Canadians, wanting to start a business from outside of Canada, there are provisions made by the respective provinces. There are clearly defined guidelines and rules around who cannot start a business in Canada, or the certain nature of businesses which are not allowed. Certain provinces allow Non-Canadians to have a sole proprietorship firm, like British Columbia.

In others, wherein sole proprietorship is not a possibility, there are provisions of starting the business by getting into a partnership or corporation agreement with one or more citizens or landed migrants in Canada. 

Canada has many programs to encourage foreign businesses and entrepreneurs to establish their business in the country.  There are various schemes to encourage non-Canadians to make use of the strong and stable business environment and set up their business ventures.

The decision to study abroad can be exciting yet daunting one! A lot of students from the Indian sub-continent today aspire to study in various overseas locations depending on their own research, course selection, opportunities the country offers and various related criteria. Often the predicament is around,’ where do I begin?’

We would want to demystify and simplify this conceivably simple yet tricky question through a few well laid out steps which can help the student make a decision best suited to him.

1. First things first- Documentation

We have often seen students going helter-skelter due to lack of adequate or proper documents which are imperative towards admission to a foreign university as well as travelling to a different country. A first basic is a passport, but then there are times we tend to miss the basics. So, check on your passport validity if you already have one, and if not, then APPLY! No university will entertain an application if you cannot produce a valid passport. All your educational documents need to be in order from 10th board onwards. In case you have work experience then you would surely want to talk about it, so dust up those appointment letters and pay slips to be produced as a part of your file.

2. The right course selection – Think Ahead!

The course selection is critical, not just for academic reasons, but in order to future proof your plans for a career in a foreign land. Remember, not all courses will firm your route towards an illustrious career in the country of your choice. Every country has their requirement towards the skills they would want to be induced into their work force. Experts at ACEIS help you identify these courses which firm up your path towards the same. Talk to one of the experts today.

3. Check for your English test evaluation- IELTS 

Most 1st world countries would have pre-defined English language requirement which are defined by the Universities. The most commonly accepted ones are IELTS/PTE/GRE. It is important for you to understand that knowing English or having studied in an English medium institution isn’t enough! That’s correct, each of these English language instruments have a certain format and being successful requires preparation. There are enough online websites, tools and modules available to you for the same, however it is recommended to be coached by an expert. At ACEIS our counsellors can help you with the right guidance, reach out to them for more information!

4. Decide upon the intake – 3 months AHEAD

As you would be gathering by now, studying abroad needs meticulous planning. One critical part of the planning is to decide upon the country of your choice coupled with the intakes that country offers. Every destination would have about 2-3 primary intakes which you can target depending on your preparedness. The process from start to finish, till you board the flight, would take nothing less than 3 months. To understand more about intakes, get the table for free from us.

5. Get a bank account 

One of the greatest frustrations you might encounter is opening bank accounts, having an ATM card handy and feeling comfortable about your finances in a foreign land. This needn’t be as scary as it sounds, and taking care of this well in advance is one of the tick marks which you should not lose sight of amongst the various other things you would be busy doing. It’s a fairly simple process and can go a long way towards you having a hiccup free travel and stay if thought through and acted upon at the right time.

6. Accommodation woes to be handled while still inland

Your study abroad program might have a number of different housing options, anywhere from a shared apartment, to a dorm, an international university campus, or a homestay. While the options are plenty and varied, there is no right or wrong choice when it comes to choosing your overseas living situation. That being said, in order to have the most effective, immersive, and interesting experience possible, we do recommend that students consciously push themselves out of their comfort zone and seek housing that is less isolating than a private apartment. Engaging with foreigners, whether local or not, is a powerful experience.

7. Health insurance - Stay covered 

This is an important one! As you would have researched by now, medical facilities are pretty unaffordable in most countries across the globe. A simple and easy answer to it however is to have a medical insurance before you embark upon your journey. While it would be a mandatory requirement towards the visa processing of any country, its important for you to have it in your mind space and accounted for in your list of expenses.

8. Cultural Sensitivity 

Today the world has converged into a smart device, which is at all our fingertips. This essentially makes us all world citizens with a much broader outlook of the countries and their cultures at large. However, knowing it and doing it and two different things altogether! As students cultural affinity and alignment is a part of your responsibility. The crucial points that indicate your cultural sensitivity is in the way you dress, the way you speak, the knowledge you have of the local culture, and the respect you show towards them. Its as easy or difficult as we make it, and at ACEIS, we take you through a meticulous handholding of the do’s and don’ts before you commence your journey.

New Education Hub for Millennials – Australia, Canada, New Zealand:

For decades, the US has remained the top destination for Indian students who want to add a foreign degree to their curriculum vitae. However, the trend is slowly reversing due to multiple constraints such as strict visa requirements, depreciation of the Indian rupee, and growing intolerance towards the foreigners staying in the US.

In fact, students have now turned their attention to other options, i.e. Australia, Canada and New Zealand for having huge range of academic courses, post study work permit, permanent residency, safe environment and affordability

Now, let us have a quick look on the top courses in those mentioned countries which are becoming more and more popular amongst the international students in terms of academic achievements and post study employability.

CANADA – THE MILLENIAL FAVOURITE:

Canada is amongst the most wanted countries for undergraduate and graduate studies.

Canada provides 5 levels of education. The levels preferred by international students in Canada are: –

Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral, Diploma and Certificate

Most Bachelor’s degree programmes in Canada are of four years duration and the Master’s degree programmes are of two years duration.For admissions to the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes students need the TOEFL only. Having a SAT or GRE score respectively may enhance your profile in some universities. For admissions to the MBA and other business programmes students should appear for the GMAT as well as the TOEFL.

Few Top Courses and Universities in Canada

1. Business and Finance –

Millennials willing to build a strong financial profession may find the below universities offering Finance courses to students

• University of Toronto
• Centennial College
• Douglas College

2. Nursing –

Canadian schools are very famous for certain programs, out of which most popular specializations – children’s nursing, general nursing, mental health nursing, disability nursing, Top universities offering Nursing courses to the students: –

• Dalhousie University
• University of New Brunswick
• University of Calgary

3. Engineering –

With a number of fields to choose from, below are the top universities offering Engineering courses to the students:

• University of Toronto
• McGill University
• University of British Columbia

4. Pharmacy –

This field of education provides an opportunity to know about various health problems and medical substances provided to patients for therapeutic use.Top universities offering Pharmacy courses to the students-

• University of British Columbia
• University of Waterloo
• University of Alberta

AUSTRALIA – THE EDUCATION HUB

Australia is an exciting destination for students. Not only does it provide education at internationally acclaimed universities, but also has one of the most vibrant job markets in the world. There is a huge demand for skilled and educated workers in Australia which students can capitalize on, after completion of their degree.

The Australian education system is similar to ours and students can complete Bachelor’s degrees in three years and Master’s degrees in usually two years.

For admissions to the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes students need the IELTS only. Having a SAT or GRE score respectively may enhance your profile. For MBA programmes students should appear for the GMAT as well as the IELTS.

Few Top Courses and Universities in Australia

1. Masters of Business Administration –

A high quality program, it has received immense international recognition. There exist a large number of internationally recognized MBA programs in the country. Top universities offering MBA courses are-

• University of Sydney Business School
• University of Melbourne
• University of New South Wales

2. Engineering –

Engineering courses in Australia, offer various areas of specialization, some of which include Civil, Mechanical, Computer engineering courses. Some of the best universities to study engineering are-

• Monash University
• University of Sydney
• University of Queensland

3. Information Technology –

Whatever your programming background, the Master of Information Technology is the quickest and best pathway to a tech career. Here are some of the best universities to study IT-

• RMIT university
• La Trobe University
• Deakin University

4. Accounting –

Australia is an excellent destination for an accounting course. From simple bookkeeping to complex analysis, students are taught financial strategies that will enable them to become forerunners in the field of study. Some of the top universities where students can study accounting are –

• Macquarie University
• Australian National University
• University of Adelaide

NEW ZEALAND – THE NEW ATTRACTION

With excellent study opportunities and world-class education, New Zealand is emerging as one of the most attractive destinations for international students.

New Zealand Universities have minimal entry requirements for many programs. There is not much competition to get admission in a university whether it is bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or postgraduate diploma courses in New Zealand. Students with passing marks, moderate grades and good IELTs score can study there easily.

Few Top Courses, Universities and Institutes in New Zealand

1. Animation –

The creative and technical skills developed in an animation degree open up career possibilities in film and a range of other creative and digital roles. Some of the best places offering animation courses are –

• Auckland University of Technology
• Massey University
• Southern Institute of Technology

2. Tourism –

A completely unique field of study, Tourism is gaining immense importance in today’s day and age. People have started travelling, camping, and visiting countries and places quiet often in order to take a break from the work. This has given a high boost to the tourism industry leading to wide opportunities for those wanting to pursue a career in the field of tourism. Here are some of the best

• University of Canterbury
• Victoria University of Wellington
• Lincoln University

3. Hospitality Management –

Hospitality Management is also a rapidly growing industry.  A student having passion for tourism and knack for improving the experience that tourists have when they are on vacation might have great career possibilities in this field. Few best places in New Zealand to study hospitality management are –

• University of Otago
• The University of Waikato
• Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology

4. Graphic Designer –

Graphic Designers create visual images to communicate informative, inspiring and attractive ideas to consumers. They use drawings or computer images to communicate. Here are few top places to study graphic designing in New Zealand.

• University of Canterbury
• Victoria University if Wellington
• The University of Waikato

The world is wide canvas of options to choose from towards an exciting and entrepreneurial career. It is however important to invest time in the selection and decision making process. This is where our counsellors hold your hand and steer you towards a path of success. Reach us today and lets begin a journey together.

1. Introspection:

Knowing your self is beginning of all the wisdom

Although we understand that you have decided to go ahead with higher studies, step back and think about which course you want to pursue. Discuss with your adviser, peers, seniors and still if you can’t decide we are here for your help.Whatever course you choose you should know the detail of the course structure and future prospects

So, step back out of the bubble you are living in and take a close look at your past internships and projects. What was the highlight of them all? Which part of those experiences you vividly remember? Was there any instance which you wished never ended? What was the most boring part of the experience? Note this down, either in your mind or in a notepad, and look at it. The next few years of your life is going to define your thought process profoundly. It doesn’t hurt to spend a few hours right now.

2. Wake up. Eat. Research. Repeat:

This step is a demanding one. If you are used to reading a lot continuously, this should be easy. If you are not, I suggest you take this as a bitter pill. Think about your priorities: University ranking (or) Degree ranking (or) Quality of research (or) Location (or) Placement statistics (or) Course structure (there are many more factors but I would say these are the most important). Write this down in the order of your preference (add more if you please) and start searching. University rankings, to be honest, tell very little about the degree. Every site shows a different ranking and the way it is calculated is based on Academic Reputation, Employer Reputation, Faculty/Student Ratio, Citations per faculty, International Faculty Ratio and International Student Ratio. We can safely say that all the Universities ranked from 1–5 will have the same quality in terms of the student experience and are separate by nuances based on certain factors.

https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2017/world-ranking#!/page/0/length/25/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats

Websites also list universities based on the degree, placement stats, research quality and so on. Categorize the universities into three zones: far-fetched dream, possible dream, safe and back-up. The number of Universities you apply to is based on your budget constraint, but 8–10 is a good number, with at least one University in each category above.  Excel is your bible, Now you might actually be proficient.

3. Some essentials:

Open a clean new spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel, either offline or online (preferred) and start making columns. Use the following for reference:

These are must-have columns, add more as you please. The GRE/TOEFL Scores column is to update whether you sent the scores.

You can summarize certain pointers:

• Take a diagnostic test before you start your GRE prep. Take two to be sure. If you obtain less than 300, you definitely need 3 months preparation. If it is 310–320, you can do well with a 2-month prep. For anyone else, we would recommend one-month of intensive preparation.
• Don’t neglect the logical reasoning part of RC.
• Remember, GRE has no negative marking and every question has the same weight. It would be futile to spend more time on any one question.
• TOEFL: It’s pretty easy compared to GRE. One week prep should be fine. Focus more on speaking than anything else, as you get very little time to prepare. Record yourself talking and make your friend listen to it. They can find mistakes which you can’t.
• Finally, whatever score you get, it is circumstantial. It tells nothing. As soon as you start researching, create this sheet. Updating here should be something you do by default, you should see this screen at least once in a day and always, always keep a reminder on your mobile or laptop at least 5 days before the deadline (It is very easy to lose track of deadlines, speaking from experience). But don’t take the chance.

Another good way to keep track of where you are in your application is to colour code the cells.

4. Statement of Purpose:

Just Kidding.

This would be the most frequently heard/said words for you over the next couple of months. People burden this essay with so much pressure that you would always second-guess what you have written. You will hear statements like, ‘SOP is everything man. It has to be perfect’. Let us break it down: It is not everything. It is just one piece of the picture. However, it is the piece that will tell about you most to strangers who read your application. The SOP is your chance to tell them your glorious story, to tell them your innermost secrets and convince them why you are indeed unique.

However, be realistic while choosing your safe universities.

Do not take it as a burden to write your SOP. This will probably be the only time in your life when you will spend so much time thinking about all that you have done till now. It is a lot of fun, based on how you look at it. That being said, we will summarize in the following points:

• Start writing your SOP right away. This is the perfect time to lay the foundation of the essay.
• A typical SOP should be 1000–1200 words, anything more becomes verbose. It can be lesser, but I would suggest you utilize the words well. It’s also subjective to Universities.
• I want you to write your first SOP without looking at any sample. Take this seriously.
• To give you a head-start, follow this rough structure: Childhood inspiration to pursue research, your interests, experiences of internships, any other relevant experience, why that particular University and finally how you stand out. Simply tell your life story in a structured and cohesive manner involving facts, anecdotes and examples.
• Once you are done writing the first draft, search online for all kinds of standard samples. We would suggest looking at samples of SOP of students who got into top Universities. Now your job is to start editing and re-writing.
• Finally, take a break. When you feel you reached the final draft, stop it. Don’t look at it for another week. And then go back again and read it from the perspective of a person who reads 500 other SOP’s along with yours. How do you feel? Do you want to change something more?

5. Resume writing. It’s important people:

Too often we see students spending so little time on their Resume writing. It is appalling. Your Resume is your marketing tool, guys! You are basically selling yourself through that one page. Students generally tend to make 3 mistakes in Resume writing:

• Use a standard format prescribed for everyone.
• Create a good, yet incomplete Resume. Eg: Missing out on minor details like test scores, skills, etc.
• Despite knowing that you lack somewhere in the Resume, you don’t try to offset it somewhere else. When someone is reading 500 other Resumes along with yours, it’s your job to capture their attention.

6. Letter of Recommendations a.k.a Professor Hunting:

Sigh. So, this is the part where good relationships with your previous project guides and professors will go a long way. If you don’t have any, don’t fret. It’s not too late, yet.

7. It’s interview time.

Let’s jump ahead a few weeks and assume you have applied to a few (or all) colleges you wanted to. Generally, the deadlines start late November and go up to February (or even later). Most colleges have an interview round and we feel they should. Each of you should go through this experience at least once. We’ll keep it short: if you get an interview call, do the following:

• Contact seniors from that University right away, they will definitely recall their experience and give you some tips.
• If you have a week’s time, don’t waste it.
• If the degree is related to engineering: thoroughly read about all of your past internship projects, know exactly what you did and the outcome, learn about the research work in that University, have a clear career plan after the degree and please know world affairs.
• If the degree is related to management (or a mix of management and engineering): Apart from doing the above, we would suggest you know the answer to some basic questions like What is teamwork? Why did I like this certain hobby of mine? What was one instance when my collaboration worked? Again, these are very subjective. If any of you get interview calls from the universities where I applied for the same degree, reach out to me then.
• Login to Skype 30 minutes before the interview. For that last 30 minutes, don’t prepare. Just think about how much work you’ve put in the last few months, play a favourite song in your head and be confident. It’s just another interview.
• Finally, after the interview ends, write down all the questions and answers in a word document. This will not only help your juniors but also yourself for the next interview.

8. The see-saw ride begins:

This is the most tricky time the whole process where you don’t lose your patients. Its seen often that a student receives 8 out of 10 rejection letters over mail. Make peace with the 2 and don’t repent on the 8.

9. Scholarship Hunting:

Studying abroad can be an expensive affair. Let’s assume you did not get a scholarship (which would be mostly the case), how will you sponsor? Apart from using personal savings and loans, everybody wants a scholarship. But the common stereotype is this: ‘Scholarships? It’s a myth man, I won’t get it anyway’. Disclaimer: It’s not a myth.

We are telling you after 100+ hours of research and years of experience. Its all about knocking the right doors and saying the right things

10. You did it. Take a break:

That’s it. You reached the end of the line. After months of writing essays, LORs, Resumes and e-mails, this is where it ends. This is the end of another beginning, another phase in your life. Right now, your job is to tie up all the loose ends. If you got admits from more than one University (assume this is your first preference), politely tell the other Universities ‘no’. Send a long e-mail to all of your professors who gave your LORs. Send an e-mail to every single senior and friend who helped edit your essay. Give a nice party to your close ones. Talk to your parents on call as much as you can. Always remember the rejections that kept you going. Try to write down the journey you went through in those few months.

Most importantly, this is when you need to start helping your juniors.