ChatGPT Can Assist Students in Brainstorming and Improving Their Application Essays
There are a plethora of questions in the minds of students who want to go abroad for higher studies. DC spoke to Ashwini Jain, CEO & Founder, ForeignAdmits to get some answers. Here are excerpts from the interview
For any student going for study abroad, why is it important to get post admission support as well?
Studying abroad is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be a challenging one. From navigating the visa process to finding affordable accommodation, securing finance for education, there are many things that students need to do to prepare for their studies abroad. This is where post admission support can be invaluable.
Post admission support can help students with a wide range of tasks, including:
Finances: Studying abroad can be expensive, and post admission support can help students to secure funding and manage their finances. While getting an education loan is a complex process and with many lenders and each having different offerings to constraints added to its long process, it's critical that students need a handholding in the steps of assessing their profile and their financial backgrounds to help them secured education loan.
Help with finding accommodation: Finding accommodation in a new country can be difficult, especially if you don't speak the language or know anyone in the area. A post-admission support provider can help you find affordable and safe accommodation that meets your needs.
Help with visa and immigration: This can be a complex and time-consuming process, and post admission support can help students to gather the necessary paperwork and complete the application form.
Help with settling in: Moving to a new country can be stressful. A post-admission support provider can help you settle in by providing you with information about the local culture, transportation, banking, and other resources.
In addition to providing practical support, post admission support can also provide students with emotional support. Studying abroad can be a lonely and isolating experience, and post admission support can help students to feel connected to their home country and to their new community.
With post-admission support, students can:
Avoid the stress of navigating the visa and immigration process on their own.
Find affordable and safe accommodation that meets their needs.
Learn about the local culture and transportation system.
Get academic advising and tutoring.
Successfully complete their studies and achieve their academic goals.
The importance of post admission support is clear. With the right support, students can make the most of their study abroad experience and return home with a valuable degree and a new perspective on the world.
The study abroad industry is a very wide and broad one and trends change very rapidly here, what are major trends that you have observed in this industry getting popular in the last 2 years? Also, what trends can take the center stage in the coming years?
The study abroad industry has seen a number of trends in the last two years, many of which are likely to continue in the coming years. Here are a few of the most notable trends:
A focus on hybrid learning: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many universities to adopt hybrid learning models, which combine online and in-person instruction. This trend is likely to continue in the coming years, as it offers students the flexibility to learn at their own pace and from anywhere in the world. This has also enabled programs which facilitate online remote learning followed by off-campus experiential learning.
A growing interest in short-term programs: In addition to traditional four-year degrees, there is a growing interest in short-term study abroad programs. These programs can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, and they offer students the opportunity to experience a new culture and learn a new language without having to commit to a full-time program.
A focus on employability: More and more students are choosing to study abroad for the purpose of gaining skills and experience that will make them more marketable in the job market. Universities are responding to this trend by offering programs that are designed to prepare students for specific careers. Now, CO-OP programs, or programs with practical experience integrated as case studies to internships are being preferred by more students who aim to get a live hands-on experience of their learning from universities. Thus, would push universities towards building curricula differently and ensure more industry participation and partnerships.
A focus on diversity: The study abroad population is becoming increasingly diverse, as more students from underrepresented groups are choosing to study abroad. Diversity had been brought back to mainstream focus among universities to ensure this as a major benefit of studying abroad. This trend is likely to continue in the coming years, as universities work to create more inclusive and welcoming environments for all students.
These are just a few of the trends that are shaping the study abroad industry. As the world becomes increasingly globalized, the demand for study abroad programs are likely to continue to grow.
Here are some additional trends that could take the center stage in the coming years:
The rise of online study abroad: Online study abroad programs are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer students the flexibility to learn from anywhere in the world. These programs can be a great option for students who are unable to travel abroad for financial or logistical reasons. Recognition of online degree programs with practical learning experiences have showcased its potential and thus started gaining further acceptance among recruiters.
The growth of study abroad partnerships: Universities are increasingly partnering with each other to offer study abroad programs. These partnerships can provide students with more opportunities to study abroad and can help to reduce the cost of studying abroad. Cross border partnerships leading to more semester exchange and even dual or joint degree programs will gain more popularity among students.
The development of new technologies for studying abroad sector – New technologies, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, are being developed that can make studying abroad more immersive and engaging. These technologies could make it possible for students to experience different cultures and learn new languages without having to travel abroad. Also, these technologies have already started impacting in student recruitment for enabling students to have sneak peak of their target universities.
Increment of End-to-End support for Student – Many universities have started collaborating locally or internationally to ensure for their potential students from Visa, Accommodation, Financial, Academic & Social support.
Increment of Data Backed & Enhanced Recruitment Experience – Many universities have opted towards student recruiters and online recruitment platforms or aggregators to ensure better recruitment for their universities. They are focusing more on quality recruitment and thus focusing more on pre-filtration of applications via partner recruiters to get qualified applications which have both academic and cultural fitment along with suitable financial eligibility. The universities are investing more in providing pre-enrollment guidance sessions via their admission teams to student ambassadors to potential applicants via online platforms and other mediums. Going forward more universities are expected to work with student recruiters along with direct channels to ensure better reach and more qualified applicants to save application review costs and ensure better conversions.
How will ChatGPT impact study abroad applications?
ChatGPT applications in the study abroad domain have generated significant interest and debate. While it offers numerous benefits, there are also potential drawbacks to consider.
On the positive side, ChatGPT can assist students in brainstorming and improving their application essays. It provides quick access to basic information in regard to application and counselling needs, reducing the need for extensive guidance from counselors. It also holds promise for universities in enhancing student interaction and streamlining the application process.
However, concerns arise regarding the potential misuse of ChatGPT. Students may be tempted to plagiarize content, compromising the originality of their applications and risking academic penalties. Universities may also worry about the fairness of using artificial intelligence in admissions, potentially granting some students an unfair advantage. Additionally, the reduction of human interaction in application assessments raises concerns for both universities and applicants.
Study abroad consultants and aggregators are already utilizing ChatGPT to streamline counseling processes, but caution is needed to avoid overdependence on technology and ensure well-trained processes to avoid unintended consequences.
Ultimately, while ChatGPT has the potential to revolutionize study abroad applications, responsible and ethical usage is crucial to maintain fairness, originality, and the human touch in the admissions process.
The market is filled with 'N' number of marketplaces and consultants, what parameters should be taken into consideration by students while choosing the right platform for the study abroad process?
Choosing the right platform or consultant to help you with your study abroad process can be a daunting task, as there are so many options available. However, there are a few key factors that you should keep in mind when making your decision.
Here are some parameters to consider when choosing a study abroad platform:
Reputation: The platform should have a good reputation and be well-respected in the industry. You can check this by reading reviews from previous students and by looking at the platform's website and social media pages.
Reliability: The platform should be reliable and trustworthy. They should have a good track record of helping students get accepted into their dream schools. You can check this by reading reviews from previous students and by looking at the platform's website and social media pages.
Cost: The platform or consultant charges should be affordable or fit your budget and offer a variety of payment options. You should also be sure to ask about any hidden fees or charges.
Transparent Communication and Information: The platform or consultant should provide clear and transparent communication regarding their enrollment support program details, application requirements, timelines, and any potential risks or challenges involved in studying abroad.
Past Student Experiences: Reach out to former students who have used the platform and inquire about their experiences. Their insights can provide valuable information about the platform's strengths and weaknesses.
Accreditation and Affiliations: Ensure that the platform is accredited by relevant educational bodies and affiliated with reputable universities or educational institutions. This ensures that global or national standard bodies have assessed and approved their team's knowledge and the company processes of admission consultations.
Ancillary Support Services: The platform should offer a variety of services to help you with your study abroad process in end-to-end manner without leaving you mid-way, such as:
Visa and immigration assistance: The platform should be able to help you with the visa and immigration process, which can be very complex.
Accommodation assistance: The platform should be able to help you find suitable accommodation, which can be difficult in a foreign country.
Financial assistance: The platform should be able to help you find financial assistance, such as scholarships and grants.
Academic support: The platform should be able to help you with your academic studies, such as providing tutoring and other support services.
Social support: The platform should be able to help you connect with other students who are also studying abroad, which can be a great way to make friends and feel supported.
Once you have considered these factors, you can start to narrow down your options. It is important to compare different platforms and to read reviews from previous students before making a decision.
Types of education loan and how does unsecured education loan cover 60% of the market?
There are two main types of education loans in India: secured and unsecured.
Secured education loans: These loans require the borrower to pledge some form of collateral, such as a house, car, or other asset. Secured loans typically have lower interest rates than unsecured loans, but they also come with some restrictions, such as a maximum loan amount and a requirement to maintain a certain credit score.
Unsecured education loans: These loans do not require any collateral. Unsecured loans typically have higher interest rates than secured loans, but they are more accessible to borrowers who do not have any assets to pledge.
Unsecured education loans account for about 60% of the education loan market in India as -
More Accessible: They are more accessible to students from lower-income families.
No collateral required: This means that applicants don't have to put up any assets as security for the loan.
Easy to get: The eligibility criteria for unsecured education loans are usually less stringent than for secured loans since lesser parameters to assess as no collateral is there.
Flexible repayment terms: You can usually choose to repay the loan over a longer period of time, which can make the monthly repayments more affordable.
Lower risk for Applicants: Unsecured Education loan interest rates thought slightly higher still acceptable by most applicants as there are lower securities submitted by them to lenders. Infact, students also prefer international lenders who offer even higher rate of interest but don’t ask for co-signer or co-Appliant for assessing and providing education loan.
The rising cost of education: The cost of education in India has been rising steadily in recent years. This has made it more difficult for students to finance their education without taking out a loan.
The growing availability of unsecured education loans: A number of banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) now offer unsecured education loans. This has made it easier for students to get the financing they need to pursue their education.
A final message that you want to deliver to the students that are looking to study abroad right now?
Studying abroad is a great opportunity to learn about new cultures, meet new people, and challenge yourself academically. It can also be a great way to boost your career prospects.
To all the students who are looking to study abroad right now, I want to say congratulations on taking this big step! Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, and I hope you make the most of it.
Here are some things to keep in mind when you are considering studying abroad:
Choose a program that is a good fit for your academic interests and goals. There are many different types of programs available, so it is important to find one that will help you achieve your goals.
Consider the cost of the program. Studying abroad can be expensive, so it is important to factor in the cost of tuition, housing, food, and travel when you are making your decision.
Research the culture of the country where you will be studying. It is important to be aware of the cultural differences between your home country and the country where you will be studying. This will help you avoid any misunderstandings or cultural clashes.
Be prepared to challenge yourself academically. Studying abroad can be a great way to challenge yourself academically. However, it is important to be prepared for the workload and to be proactive in seeking help if you are struggling.
Make an effort to meet new people and make friends. Studying abroad is a great opportunity to meet new people from all over the world. Make an effort to get involved in activities and clubs on campus and be open to meeting new people.
Take advantage of all that the country has to offer. Studying abroad is a great opportunity to explore a new country and culture. Take advantage of all that the country has to offer, such as its history, food, and culture.
Be prepared to step outside of your comfort zone. Studying abroad will challenge you in ways you never imagined. You will be exposed to new cultures, new people, and new ways of thinking. This can be both exciting and daunting, but it is important to embrace the challenge.
Be open to new experiences. One of the best things about studying abroad is the opportunity to try new things. Whether it is trying new food, learning a new language, or exploring a new city, be open to new experiences. You may be surprised at what you enjoy.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Studying abroad can be overwhelming at times. There will be times when you feel homesick, lost, or confused. Don't be afraid to reach out for help from your fellow students, your professors, or the university staff.