Studying abroad is a big step for many young students. A new country, culture, and a language that may be foreign to them can be an intimidating experience. However, every year, colleges are filled with students who travel across the globe to get an education. Fanshawe College frequently has International Consultants visit so that students can be properly educated on studying in a different country. John Shalagan is the Principal and CEO of JTS International Higher Education Consultancy and he says studying abroad can help students kick-start their careers. “It gives you some international experience and in today’s day in age, it will help you land that job that you want “, says Shalagan.
Shalagan also works in conjunction with The University of the West of England in the city of Bristol and he explains some of the benefits that studying abroad can have for certain students. “Any advanced diploma in business, you only have to do one year add Shalagan.
International Manager for Ireland’s IT SLIGO, Patrick Lynch, uncovers how much studying abroad will cost students. “Tuition at undergraduate level costs roughly $12, 000 Canadian dollars a year and at post-graduate level, around $15,000 a year”, says Lynch.
Since 1991, a company called K.O.M Consultants has been helping guide students to their abroad school of choice. The company is the official Canadian representative for the partnering schools in Scotland, England, Ireland, and Australia. K.O.M gives students the opportunity to have their application prioritized, as well as gaining inside information needed to maximize their chances of acceptance. They also provide updates along the way, to ensure nothing falls between the cracks. Executive Director for K.O.M. Consultants, Martin Kelly says “We act as an extension of their international office. We help students with all their questions upon study options, credit transfers, pathways, all the way through their applications, housing process and their student visas if they’re required.”
Not only is K.O.M. a Free Service but another benefit is that when you apply to most Colleges and Universities, the application fees are waived when submitted through them. Additionally, you can save money on transcripts, since K.O.M. only requires one official copy of transcripts, regardless of how many schools you are applying to. For more information, you can K.O.M. call at 1-877-318-8203 or visit their website at www.komconsultants.com
Arnau Suburia Salo is a Fanshawe College student from Spain and he says he came to Canada because “I wanted to travel and I wanted to live and experience a different culture.” Suburia Salo’s Cesine University in Spain has an international program that is connected to Fanshawe College. This is how he was able to achieve his dreams of studying internationally. One of the big decisions he needed to make upon arrival was housing. “ I chose off-campus housing because it was much cheaper. My friends are paying more than $3000 for one semester and I am only paying $1500”, says Suburia Salo.
Another way Fanshawe students can get involved in studying abroad by visiting The International Centre located on the 2nd floor of E Building (E2025). Much like K.O.M. Consultants, The International Centre helps students with all their studying abroad needs. International Projects and Exchange Coordinator Caitlin Smith says the International Centre is for those students looking to study abroad as well as international students studying at Fanshawe. Students studying abroad will receive the same three living accommodation options as international Fanshawe students do. On-campus housing, off-campus housing, and a stay home family. “They get matched with a host family and they live with that family in a private bedroom. That’s through our partner, Canada Home Stay Network”, Smith adds. Smith says some school don’t have an exchange semester but some of them will offer summer programs of one month. Countries such as Japan, Finland, India or France. As well as another option Smith says, “They can find other opportunities to go abroad, perhaps a co-op abroad or a placement abroad or even a degree completion.
In Canada, less than three percent of universities students incorporate any sort of international learning experience and colleges incorporate less than one percent. This is why Smith encourages Fanshawe students to get involved. “If you study abroad it really makes you stand out.”
Studying overseas is a once in a lifetime opportunity and is something more students should consider. Improving your resume, finishing your courses quicker all while traveling to a beautiful new country is possible if you study abroad.
