Why you should be an International Student: The benefits of studying abroad

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Studying abroad is the act of a student pursuing educational opportunities in another country, and is one of the most advantageous experiences a student can have. Although there are many things to consider when deciding to study abroad, here are some great reasons to do it:


1. Global recognition

Regardless of where you choose to study, your ultimate goal is to get a high-quality education. For this reason, the most popular destinations for international students in the English-speaking world are the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Becoming an International Student, you’ll be getting an international experience to add to your CV that is recognized globally.

 2. Improve your language skills 

Another great benefit of studying abroad is that it allows you to learn a new language and hone your language skills. Learning a new language can be challenging but you’ll learn the language faster because you would be using it every day. Developing your language skills, especially English, can have a positive impact on your career.

3. Career Opportunities

Your main reason for getting an overseas qualification is to secure your career opportunities. International experience can help start your career and make you more competitive and desirable in the current globalized job market. That makes your future more secure.

4. Learn about new cultures and perspectives

While studying abroad you’ll be able to try new foods, learn new customs and activities, travel, and explore everything else abroad which is a greatly rewarding educational experience. You’ll also learn to see the world from a new perspective as you explore every aspect of your new home to help you prepare for life in a global world.

5. Make new friends and new connections

Becoming an International student allows you to socialize and befriend people from all over the world inside and outside the campus. It is also an excellent way to open doors to new connections such as your professors, classmates, and other students on campus. Through these connections, you can expand your career connections and help you find a career relevant to your degree in the future.

 

Study abroad through MEI
All these will surely benefit you for life, so what are you waiting for? Feel free to contact us! We offer services to guide you through your dream of studying abroad, including Australia, Canada,  and New Zealand.

 

By: Jane Balaong

 

Have Fun while Studying! This country just grows on you…

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As the child of an expatriate employee working in the Middle East a couple of decades ago (okay, yes I’m getting on age wise), I found that most students of my age had to make some very quick decisions about our future careers and studies. It all came too quickly. Luckily for me, I had always dreamt of a career in Hospitality, and so half my decisions were made. I only had to then think of where I would study. If like me you’ve found your calling in life, then this article is likely for you.

 

In those days, most of us didn’t have too many further study options available to us locally in the Middle East. And depending on your interests, this may still be the case. It was more or less a given that we would either return to our home countries as once high school ended, so would our dependent visas in the Middle East, or we’d be heading for universities in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc., sometimes still unsure of ourselves and our career paths. It’s still a good problem to have when in fact your parents are going to continue life as expats in the Middle East and will possibly be funding your education by way of an employer sponsored education allowance or otherwise a tax-free income. 

 

Australia as a destination has risen well and truly to become equivalent to if not more popular than the US & UK in recent years. There are not many courses that you cannot pursue at a top rated university or vocational education college. That together with the relatively more affordable tuition fees and living costs and lastly but just tell me who can ignore the plethora of lifestyle options available to absolutely every palette. There are options for every choice when you take a proper look over the breadth of the continent. Whether you fancy surfing, fishing, hiking, urban life, rural interests, sports, peace and quiet, the hustle and bustle, it matters not. It is all available in Australia. And just like the Middle East, it is a melting pot of multiculturalism in it’s true sense. You’re sure to make friends for life from across the globe. Right now it is an absolute buyers market for educational courses and so the time to strike is now! Trust me, you might even consider migrating here. I know I certainly did!

 

So first things first, consider your career goals and interests and then add to it your lifestyle choices, hobbies, budget, weather preferences and whatever else it is that gets you going and speak to us. MEI represents colleges in different parts of Australia offering courses that appeal to everyone. We can help you find that course and location of your liking at a price that won’t break the bank.

 

Don’t look any further than the land down under!

 

To find out how we can help you get your studies off the ground and in the air, please contact our MEI student counselors on info@visas.org.au, mobile number & WhatsApp +63 917 717 8060, and Skype: MEI Manila for a no-obligation consultation. 

 

Written by Alok Kedar, General Manager of International College of Advanced Education

Students it’s entirely possible…

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Students it’s entirely possible…

 

Some 20 odd years ago (I refuse to be specific and divulge my age), I embarked on the journey of being an international student in Australia, much like many of you are contemplating doing. It helped that I always knew what I wanted to do, which was to become a hotelier, and had supportive parents who were after all going to fund my chosen path with fingers crossed. I hadn’t always been an ace student in school, but in my high school years, being able to choose my subjects changed that record and I found myself faring better than ever before. So here I was choosing once again and hoping for the same outcome. 

 

What’s different today is the number of available career choices. What’s also different today is the number of Covid-19 imposed life restrictions. But let’s not give it any more importance than the restrictions and challenges we’ve faced at any other time or place in our lives. We stumble, we learn, we rise. May not always be in that order, but learn we do and learn we must! My parents made me speak to many hotel industry veterans who tried their hardest to convince me that it wasn’t the career I wanted to be in or would be able to last in as it is “overworked and underpaid”. There was also no place for a “pudding son” like me, which was of course a clear reference to me being out of shape though we all know round is a shape too! So anyway, 20 something years later, I’ve been in leading roles with hotels in Australia and overseas despite the challenges, or should I say opportunities you encounter along the way.

 

If you’re anything like me, then you don’t want to hear another word about what you can’t do due to Covid-19. Let’s get on with it I say! Life must go on…

 

So here’s me telling you what you can do. And then I’ll tell you what’s entirely possible too!

 

What you can do is start or continue your studies. You can head to the Northern Territory where you’ll be well received by at least 4 colleges. Whether you fancy yourself as a future chef, a hotelier, a leader and manager or an electrical tradesman, a social media guru, a child care worker or an alcohol and drugs specialist, there’s a course with a seat that has your name on it.

 

It’s not just me but the numbers and the people of the Northern Territory leading the most normal of all lives that should tell you it is the place to be! They envy us in the Northern Territory not just from the rest of Australia but from the rest of the world!

 

What’s holding you back? If it’s the fees, speak to us and we can advise you of the best payment plans you may be able to avail of. We understand times are tough. But lets all come out of this together and we’ll be tougher. And you’ll also be qualified! So while the rest of the world is waiting for borders to open and restrictions to ease, we’re telling you that you don’t need to wait!

 

Now about the entirely possible. No, I didn’t forget. If you’re outside Australia and finding the international travel restrictions causing hurdles and delays in your study plans, well what I’m telling you is that it need not be that way. As I write this, the first chartered flight with international students coming to the Northern Territory will be arriving in less than a week! Now you could be on the next chartered flight into Australia studying at a Northern Territory college of repute which we’re planning to have depart from Manila in the Philippines in March 2021. So put aside your fears, choose your course, take the necessary action and start your career! And for anyone who’s wondering…you can be round. It’s still a shape and we won’t hold it against you!

 

To find out how we can help you get your studies off the ground and in the air, please contact our MEI student counselors on info@visas.org.au, mobile number & WhatsApp +63 917 717 8060, and Skype: MEI Manila for a no-obligation consultation. Don’t let the next plane take off without you!

 

Written by Alok Kedar, General Manager of International College of Advanced Education

 

Top tips on how to balance your studies and work opportunities

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According to the Department of Home Affairs, when you’re a Subclass 500 (student visa) holder, you can: 1.) participate in an eligible course of study in Australia, 2.) travel in and out of Australia and 3.) work up to 40 hours every 2-week period once your course starts. Given this privilege, making the most out of your education journey is tough especially juggling your studies and your work opportunities. Hence, one important question to ask is, how do you manage to study and working at the same time?

An article from the Good Universities Guide suggests these following tips:


Let work know your school schedule

Most places that employ students understand the temporary nature of uni schedules. They change every semester and may render you unable to work on certain days of the week. Therefore, it’s best to tell your employer that you are a uni student and that you may have to change your roster around sometimes.

If possible, try and get a job near school

This is easier if your campus is in the city, but if not, it’s still possible. An easy way to work plenty of shifts and still attend your classes is finding a job either on campus or right near it. This means you can work on the same day you have classes.

You can go in early to work a few hours before or you can stay on and work after night. You’ll have your uni work on you if you get a chance to do some study on your break. You’ll have your uniform on you ready to change quickly if you are required to start slightly early. If you want to rake in the cash quick, working somewhere near uni allows you to work heaps of shifts.

Don’t always sleep in

Sleeping in until 10 every morning feels great but really, you lose plenty of time. Even waking up at 9, or 8.30, gives you an extra hour or so to begin some work on an assignment or prepare food for your break. If you are going to sleep at an hour that isn’t too late, then this slight shift in your sleep schedule won’t ruin you. If anything, you will be more productive and can get plenty of work done before heading off to wherever you need to go.

Find that balance

If you’re missing classes you should be attending just to work every day of the week, then maybe uni isn’t for you. Think about the amount of money you pay just to attend a semester of uni. If you find yourself feeling exhausted and unable to see friends, then work a little less.

Drop one shift a week, just to have some time to yourself or out seeing friends. Mental health is important. If you want your lifestyle of part-time employment and uni studies to be sustainable and successful, then work out your balance and enjoy it. It’s a pretty fun time. Make friends, have some laughs and do everything right to get that qualification and some money with it.

As a Migration Education International (MEI) client, we will assist you by accessing and interpreting the most current information from the Australian Government, assessing your eligibility to get a Student visa, and preparing your application to give you the best chance of success. Every applicant is different, so it is important you get advice that is relevant to your situation.

We will help you compile the right documents, complete all of the application requirements, write a comprehensive covering submission and lodge your student visa application on your behalf. We will then liaise with the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) on your behalf.

Overseas Students in Australia records another double-digit growth

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Australia is set for another record reaching double-digits with 720,150 students enrolled across various sectors as of September 2019.

Overseas student numbers in Australia set its record by 11.4% in 2018 and 12.6% in 2017.

The overseas student population was comprised of the growth from the higher education and vocational (VET) sectors, contributing 12% and 17% year-over-year increases, respectively. ELICOS increased with 3% growth while there was a small decrease recorded for schools and non-award programs having -4%.

Here are the top countries where overseas students are sourced out:

  • China (28% of the total)
  • India (15% of the total)
  • Nepal (7% of the total)
  • Brazil (4% of the total)
  • Vietnam (3.5% of the total)

While student visa holders in Australia are focused mainly on study options, they also are entitled to work rights. They are entitled to work up to 40 hours per fortnight or 20 hours per week while their course is on-going while they can also work full-time during term breaks or holidays.

Education agents are one of the major players of this growth in which they source out overseas students to study in Australia. With over 20 partner education institutions offering over 100 different courses in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, MEI can help you choose a course and a college that suits your career and life ambitions. Our qualified counselors will provide you with expert guidance, based on your goals and circumstances. We listen to you and provide personal advice that will help you navigate your way to success.

Why Australia’s Hospitality industry thrives over the years

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In the latest international visitors survey released by Tourism Research Australia (TRA), the recorded international visitors from January to June 2019 is 8.6 million arrivals – 3% more than the previous year.

This growth continues to be led by education in which education visitors were up 5% to record a total of 586,000.

Overseas students have been attracted to Australia as one of the best study destinations: hence, the rising number of international visitors aspiring to begin their overseas education journey in Australia is inevitable.

As there is a growing demand for graduates who are equipped with entrepreneurial and innovative thinkers globally, Australian education providers are committed to preparing them with practical skills and knowledge to help them succeed in your chosen industry.

The more the hospitality industry creates jobs on a global scale, the more it thrives all over the years because it attracts both onshore and offshore students to enroll in hospitality courses.

The hospitality sector in Australia is looking for graduates who will join the workforce; from the growing accommodation industry supported by an increasing number of international visitors to thriving wine tourism and any other jobs all over the country.

On the other hand, education agents like Migration Education International (MEI) can help you in applying to study hospitality courses. MEI’s partner schools provide modern facilities to hone their skills, design a conducive environment for them to learn and thrive in the industry.

Few hospitality courses such as Certificate III in Hospitality, Certificate III in Hospitality – Industry Streams, Certificate IV in Hospitality, Diploma of  Hospitality Management, Advanced Diploma of  Hospitality Management can offer hands-on and practical training from industry placements that is valuable to overseas students once they will join in the workforce.

Top tips for international students while entering Australian colleges

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Known for its diverse communities and quality education, Australia has become a popular study destination for international students over the years.

With topnotch education providers having 37 of its institutions landed in the 2019 World’s Best University Rankings, international students not only have the opportunity to study at some reputable universities but they also gain quality education and training that are valuable and recognized all around the world.

Here are some useful tips for international students as they embark their journey to Australia for the first time:

Embrace your new environment

Being immersed in a new environment can be a challenge but embracing it will make it easier for you to adapt to the lifestyle, culture and the warmth of its people. The onshore students you’ll encounter are friendly and accepting of any race and ethnicity; since Australia is known for being multiculturally diverse.

Socialize

Aside from quality education, one of the best things about being an international student in Australia is that you have a chance to meet people from all around the globe inside the campus; sharing the same goals and passion that you have. Fear of being alone and the way of coping with anxiety matters during the course of your study greatly affects your holistic being. To overcome these anxieties, you need to get involved with social activities such as club teams, culture immersions, and community services.

Seek for support networks

Always make sure to know where to get the right information with regard to the institution’s support services. You will need this in instances that you have questions regarding the course you are taking, the campus and other study-related questions you have in mind.

Always make a D-I-Y planner and manage your expenses

Being alone and independent in a foreign country will demand responsibility especially in your studies. To do this, you have to make a calendar of your to-do’s and make sure that all sure assignments are done on time to avoid pile-up tasks that would lead you to procrastinate. You also need to manage all your expenses from your accommodations, tuition fees, etc.

Take some time to breathe

Spend your spare time during term breaks and downtime to travel and explore the beautiful country with plenty of things to do and see. Aside from its beautiful beaches and natural landscape, Australia also has a rich history with restaurants, museums and art galleries.

Studying in New Zealand for Overseas Students

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Great adventure awaits those who are courageous enough to get out of their comfort zones. Willing to take the great leap? Studying in New Zealand is an experience of a lifetime. There are way too many reasons to get a NZ education. All of its eight universities are in the top 3% in the world rankings. Peace and security is a non-issue. In fact, it’s the 2nd most peaceful country in the 2017 Global Peace Index. Opportunities abound for individuals who pursue studies in New Zealand. Want to experience the Kiwi’s laid-back lifestyle? Read on and find out more.

First things first

Before you get too excited and apply for a visa, you need to cover the basics first. What level of study do you want to pursue? New Zealand offers comprehensive study options. Whether you are aiming for a Bachelor’s degree or just a few steps away from that prestigious PhD, the NZ education system gets you covered. Not sure on the right course to pursue and institution to attend in New Zealand? Try your hand at their interactive study options guide. Access it here <https://www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/study-options/programmes/#module-36>.

Specific entry requirements vary per learning institution. However, all international students should expect to speak English wherever they go. As such, facility in using the language is a must.

While you are in your initial preparations, consider where exactly in New Zealand you want to study. Aside from the availability of universities and other tertiary learning institutions, the location that you choose has an implication on your budget. As you know, pursuing a degree overseas can be quite expensive. An undergraduate degree alone can cost you NZ$ 22,000 to NZ$ 32,000 while a PhD has a price tag of NZ$ 6,500 to NZ$9,000. Can’t quite afford it? Do not despair. The New Zealand government offers a variety of scholarships. Choose one that fits your profile <https://www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/how-to-apply/scholarships/ >.

Once you are set on what and where to study and are confident in your source of funds, it is now time to apply in an educational institution. This should be no problem if you have satisfied all the necessary requirements. So what is there to do next? It is now time to apply for a visa.

Visas

There are a variety of visas available for individuals who wish to pursue studies and training in New Zealand. A full-time course that takes more than three months of stay in NZ requires a student visa. Below are various types of student visa issued by the New Zealand government.

Visa Type Criteria Duration of Stay What you can do with the visa
Fee Paying Student Visa Student who intends to study full-time in NZ for more than 3 months; has been accepted in a NZ institution and are willing to shoulder cost of education and accommodation Up to 4 years Study full-time and work up to 20-hours part-time during the term and full-time during the holidays
Exchange Student Visa Student who has been accepted in an approved student exchange scheme Up to 4 years; duration depends on the length of the exchange Study full-time through an exchange program. Can work part-time depending on the duration of the exchange program and the student’s age
Foreign Government Supported Student Visa Student with an approved foreign government scholarship or loan and an offer from an approved education provider Up to 4 years Study full-time and work up to 20-hours part-time during the term and full-time during the holidays
Pathway Student Visa Student with the desire to study up to 3 consecutive courses on a single student visa and an offer from a Pathway education provider Up to 5 years Study up to 3 courses consecutively using a single student visa and work up to 20-hours part-time during the term and full-time during the holidays

 

Details of each visa type can be found here < https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/options/study/explore-student-visas >. Read up on the requirements and functions of each visa and choose the one that’s a best fit for your particular circumstance.

Opportunities present themselves to those bold enough to chase them. Get prime tickets to great opportunities by studying in New Zealand.

Studying in Australia for Vietnamese Students

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Many Asian students have chosen Australia’s top-notch educational system to advance their studies. Of these, a respectable number comes from Vietnam. Part of this is due to the fact that the country is a top provider of government scholarships to Vietnam since 1970. The other part is the objective quality of the institutions that offer options for international students. If you’re looking to join the trend of your countrymen pursuing studies in the Land Down Under, here’s what you need to know.

Before You Get To Go

The first thing that you need to actually get out of the way is your acceptance into an Australian educational institution as this is a critical requirement. From there, all you need is health insurance and you can apply for a student visa. It costs VND 9,500,000 to acquire but it will last you for five solid years. Once you’re there, you can even apply for a permit to work if you prefer having a part time job to alleviate expenses.

The Flight There

From the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, to Australia is a distance of about 6,000 km give or take. This translates to a travel time of over 8 to 9 hours roughly. That’s assuming that you take a direct flight via Korean Air and are headed to Sydney. To get to Canberra via direct flight is significantly longer at 12 hours and 10 minutes.

The Higher Cost of Living

It’s important to note that there is a significant gap in the costs of living between Vietnam and Australia. On average, prices in Australia are twice as they would be in Vietnam. That includes everything from rent to groceries and even affordable meals at a restaurant. For example, a one-bedroom apartment at a city center will cost you VND 28,000,000 in Australia what would cost only VND 9,000,000 in Vietnam. Most critical market books, in fact, are up to twice or thrice the price that you would pay in Vietnam.

A Higher Income Potential

The good news is that there is an equally noticeable disparity between the minimum wage paid out between the two countries. In Vietnam, that comes down to VND 1,390,000 whereas in Australia, that’s up to VND 45,700,000. Healthcare professions—a very popular career path in Vietnam—can earn as much as VND 1,700,000,000. That’s a hefty fifty times more than what can be earned in Vietnam.

Sixth in Size

There is a very strong and thriving community of Vietnamese in Australia. While they can be found in all corners of the country, they have historically been concentrated in Melbourne and its suburbs. A fun fact is that Nguyen is slowly overtaking Smith as Australia’s most common surname. These communities have housing and even stores owned and operated by Vietnamese immigrants. At over 300,000 Vietnamese all over the major city centers of Australia, it’s much easier to feel closer to home.

Ushering in a New Year

While not widely celebrated in Australia by Australians, Tet Nguyen Dan—the Vietnamese New Year—is celebrated raucously within the thriving Vietnamese community there. While work in Australian-owned companies doesn’t stop, you can expect those in Vietnamese quarters to close down. Many families open their doors to visitors—especially fellow Vietnamese—to allow them to join in the festivities even if they are far from home.

There are some challenges to studying in Australia. But with the potential to earn more and a large community for support, students dreaming of expanding their education to Australia will be well rewarded and, ultimately, not too far from home.

Why Study in Australia? A Guide for International Students

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In spite of the fact that it has a smaller population than bigger nations on the list, Australia ranks third in the whole world in terms of being a popular international student destination. This is complemented by the fact that the country is ranked 9th in the world in terms of its University System ahead of Germany and Japan. Add to that the fact that 5 out of the 30 best student cities in the world are located in Australia, and it’s not so hard to understand why that’s the case.

Money Matters

Those numbers only tell part of the story, however. Another thing that many people consider is that the relative cost of education in Australia is much lower than in the United States and the United Kingdom. That and the fact that most Asian countries are close neighbors makes Australia more potent in terms of its ability to pull in more students annually. All in all, this number of students from neighboring Asian countries comes up to about 550,000—and that appears to grow constantly as the years wind forward.

Getting There

The various embassies of Australia in many Asian nations have helped greatly in their promotion of study to their country. This is greatly reflected in the relatively affordable requirements. A five-year Student Visa costs AUD 560 and only requires comprehensive health insurance coverage as well as acceptance in an Australian educational institution. This latter bit is much easier given that many such institutions offer easy enrollments online with guidance and assistance to those who are interested.

Culture, Community, and Cost

One reality that many students have to face is that the cost of living is generally higher than in their home countries. These, in fact, can go as high as twice or even thrice the price in terms of general commodities and rent. Fortunately, however, there are also thriving communities per nationality across the major cities of Australia. These communities provide essential support and culture that allows students to seek ways to live smarter in the country. They often also offer part-time work to help offset these costs of living.

A Matter of Celebration

Australia prides itself on being culturally diverse and that’s reflected in the warm acceptance of peoples of different nationalities. This translates to lively celebrations on holidays that are similar across different nations—like Christmas and New Year’s Eve and Day. That also means, however, that even if the holiday isn’t particularly celebrated by Australians, the various international communities are more than welcome to their own festivities. This is perfect for students who are particularly prone to feeling homesick.

Greater Potentials

Education in Australia is certainly an investment. Over the course of the study, students can expect to spend quite a lot to get to the end of their journey. This more than pays off however in the work opportunities available to graduates in Australia. These fall in some of the most popular fields of work in Asian countries—like management, IT, healthcare, and others. Best of all, these come with salaries that are twice or thrice—at least—what graduates can expect in their home countries.

If you’re looking for a better means with which to advance your career, studying in Australia is one of your best bets. It’s an investment, for sure, but it more than pays for itself with the quality of work and income potential with jobs you can get in Australia. The prominence of many Asian communities in Australia’s cities makes it just as easy to feel at home.