By Rishi Singh | 18 April, 2024

Factors to be Considered to Choose the Right Study Abroad Program for you

What do you want to achieve with your study abroad experience? Where do you want to go? What courses are available there? Do you come across such questions while choosing the right study abroad program, involves careful consideration of various factors to ensure it aligns with your academic, personal, and professional goals. These are some steps to help you make an informed decision.

Identify your goals: Determine what you want to do while you’re studying abroad. Do you want to get better at speaking another language, learn about a new culture, earn school credits, or make it easier to get a job later? Knowing what you want to do will help you decide which study abroad program is right for you.

Research destinations: Look into different countries and cities where you can study abroad. Think about things like what language people speak, what their culture is like, what the weather is, how safe it is, how much things cost, and how close it is to cool places to visit which college you want to go, according to your subject which college is good. Make a list of places that interest you and align with your preferences.

Choose a program type: Decide on the type of study abroad program that suits you best. Options include semester/year-long exchange programs, short-term summer/winter programs, internship opportunities, volunteer programs, and specialized study tours. Think about how long you want to go, what classes you need to take, and if you want to do any other activities outside of university.

Weather: Researching the weather for a study abroad program is a smart move to prepare for your time abroad. Before Going to the country you have chosen it is important to know the climatic conditions.

Review academic offerings: Evaluate the academic curriculum and course offerings of each program to ensure they align with your academic interests and requirements. Check if the program offers courses in your major/minor field of study, as well as elective options that appeal to you. Also, consider the reputation and accreditation of the host institution.

Consider language requirements: If you plan to study in a non-English-speaking country, assess your language proficiency and determine if the program requires language proficiency tests (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS). Some programs offer language courses or immersion programs to help improve your language skills.

Evaluate costs and financial aid: Calculate the total cost of the study abroad program, including tuition fees, accommodation, meals, transportation, insurance, visa fees, and personal expenses. Explore scholarship opportunities, grants, loans, and financial aid options available for international students. Compare the affordability of different destinations and programs as per your pocket.

Consult with advisors: Seek guidance from academic advisors, study abroad advisors like Education Street, professors, alumni, and peers who have participated in study abroad programs. They can offer valuable insights, advice, and recommendations based on their experiences and expertise.

Review support services: Consider the support services provided by the host institution or study abroad provider, such as orientation sessions, academic advising, housing assistance, cultural integration programs, health services, and emergency support. Assess the level of support available to international students and the overall student experience.

Reflect on personal preferences: Reflect on your personal preferences, interests, and comfort level when choosing a study abroad destination.

With the help of these factors and carefully considering them you can choose the right study abroad program that fulfills your aspirations and enriches your educational journey.

Rishi Singh

By Rishi Singh | 30 August, 2023

Updated TOEFL Format Guidelines for the 2023 Changes

TOEFL, or Test of English as a Foreign Language, tests non-native speakers’ ability to use and understand North American English as it is written, spoken, heard, and understood in college and university contexts. You can retake the test only three days after taking the first TOEFL test. The TOEFL now the exam has:

1) Fewer questions to make the exam shorter by 30 minutes, and
2) An extra style of score reporting called MyBest™ scores.

New TOEFL Changes

The TOEFL Reading Section

You will read three to four passages in this part and respond to ten questions about each one. The quantity of accurate reading comprehension responses determines how well the section scores.

The reading section of TOEFL iBT tests your ability to comprehend academic texts. It typically consists of 3 – 4 reading passages, each of which is followed by a set of questions for you to answer. You will now answer only 10 questions after each passage instead of 12-14 questions. The duration will now be between 54 – 72 minutes instead of 60 – 80 minutes. The total number of passages has not been changed. No question types have been eliminated.

The TOEFL Listening Section

You will hear lectures and conversations using the college lingo in the listening test part. This component evaluates the test-taker’s comprehension of English-language conversations and lectures. It entails linking and synthesizing information as well as basic comprehension and listening.

The listening section of TOEFL iBT tests your ability to understand spoken dialogues and decipher academic speech. You will now face only 3 – 4 ‘lectures’ instead of 4 – 6. The number of questions per lecture remains unchanged at six per lecture. The duration will now be 41 – 57 minutes instead of 60 – 90 minutes. The total number of ‘conversations’ has not been changed. The number of questions after each ‘conversation’ (five) has also not been changed.

The TOEFL Speaking Section

Your responses must meet the requirements of the specified task with only minimal errors or lapses in order for you to receive the best scores in the Speaking Section. The speaking section of TOEFL iBT tests your ability to communicate effectively in different situations. You will now be doing only 4 tasks instead of 6. The duration will now be 17 minutes instead of 20 minutes. The two question types that have been removed from the test are Speaking Question 1: Personal Preference and Speaking Question 5: Campus Situation. The remaining questions are now numbered 1 to 4.

The TOEFL Writing Section

Each topic in the two essays should be effectively covered. The response should be well-developed, and well-organized, and use pertinent justifications and thorough justifications. The writing section of TOEFL iBT tests your ability to construct clear and meaningful sentences. You will still complete 2 tasks in a duration of 50 minutes.

SUMMARY

  • The reading section will be shortened to just two articles, with ten questions each. There will be no change to the content of the articles and the question styles.
  • The listening section will be shortened to just 28 questions in total. There will be no change to the content and question styles.
  • The speaking section will be the same.
  • The writing section will have two questions. The first will be the same integrated writing question as before. The second will be an academic discussion question.
  • There will be no break.
  • There will be no unscored questions.
  • The test will take slightly less than two hours to complete.

SCORES AVAILABILITY

The official TOEFL iBT score will be accessible to you within 6 days of the exam date, and test-takers who choose the Special Home Edition of the TOEFL exam will receive their results within 6 to 10 days after the test date. If a candidate requests a print copy of their score report before taking the exam, it will be mailed to them within 11 days after the test date. The new TOEFL score scale’s scoring system and requirements remain unchanged.

Rishi Singh