Category Career Query

What are the language requirements? What tests do I have to undertake? …In regards of admission in foreign universities.

 

Students keen on joining foreign universities should prove proficiency in English. American universities require a score of 550 in the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), which tests the ability to understand American English through a multiple-choice format examination. The test is conducted in March, June, September and December.

British institutions require proof of English proficiency, which can be obtained by taking the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS), administered by the British Council, or the TOEFL. Australian Universities ask for an IELTS score of 6 ton 7 or TOEFL score of 550. In Germany, not only is a TOEFL score required, but a German proficiency test, Test DAF, is also required.

Those of you who are keen on joining a graduate programme in engineering, physics, chemistry or maths will have to show Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. The test can be taken three times in a year: April, November and December.

 

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What qualifications, documents and references do I need to get admission in foreign university?

Foreign universities look for outstanding academic record. Students applying for an undergraduate degree programme should have good 10+2 scores. Students keen to join a postgraduate degree or diploma course should have performed very well in their graduation. Besides academic record, certificates in sports, debates and other extracurricular activities are always an added advantage because foreign universities look forward to students with all-round personality, who can contribute to the college.

You will need to get reference letters from your teachers, who can write an impressive personality statement for you. You might be asked to produce a certificate of financial status, signed by a chartered accountant.

 

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At what levels do foreign universities absorb students?

 

Most of the foreign universities admit international students at both the undergraduate level and for postgraduate degree courses. The US universities, however, admit students to their postgraduate programmes if they have completed four years of graduation. French state universities take international students both for graduate studies and for postgraduate studies. The German universities and institutes of higher learning (Fachhochschulen) also welcome international students for their undergraduate degree programmes.

In Australia , Indian students can apply for a bachelor’s degree with Honours (four to seven years), Bachelors (three to six years), advance diploma (three years), diploma (one to two years) or certificates I-IV if they have done their 10+2. They can apply for Master’s degree, graduate diploma (one to two years) or graduate certificate after they have done their graduation.

 

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When should I start the procedure for applying in foreign Universities ?

Ideally, you should start inquiring about the right university for your subject choice at least 10 to 12 months before the commencement of the session. Since you are planning to go to a distant land, you should not hurry zeroing in on a particular university. Ascertaining the credentials of a university from expatriate contacts, representatives of different countries and other sources will be the first step, which will take some time. During this period, you should also strengthen your case by appearing for different tests required by foreign universities, like TOEFL, SAT, GRE, etc. Your next step will be to procure application forms from that university, fill it properly (and get all the documents mentioned on the form), send it to the university and wait for the response. Once the international students’ office of that university is satisfied about your credentials, it will send you the admission notice. Once you get it, apply for a student’s visa to the concerned embassy, again a time-consuming process.

 

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What is the difference between MBA, PGDM and PGDBM, and which one is really worthwhile?

 

I am a IIIrd year student of Pune University. I want to pursue management. But I get confused between MBA, PGDM and PGDBM. 

There’s not much of a difference. MBA is a two-year masters programme in management. PGDBM is postgraduate diploma in business management. PGDM is postgraduate diploma in management. Like MBA, these are two-year programmes. All the three are at par and the nomenclature is cosmetic. What makes the difference is the institute from where you are pursuing management  studies. You should join only a reputed institute, as these courses are quite expensive, and your job prospects will depend to some extent on the institute tag. We suggest that you join a reputed management programme, like those offered by IIM, XLRI, FMS, TISS, etc.

 

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The road to glamour

 

I have just completed class XI. I want that after XII I should join a course in hospitality. I get very attracted by the glamour of the hotels, but my parents tell me I am not suited for that profession. They say an introvert like me cannot make a success in this field. Please tell me, what are the necessary qualities. Are these qualities tested for admission to training institutes too?

 

Qualities that make one successful in this profession are pleasant personality, outgoing temperament and adaptability. Being an introvert does not mean you cannot be successful in this field. There are certain departments like the front office, which require good interpersonal skills. But you can join any function, such as food and beverage, personnel, etc. One quality that is very essential is grooming. Leading hotels have a manual stipulating dress code and hairstyle – down to the types of ear-rings and bangles that are permitted. One thing you should bear in mind is that behind glamour is hard work and rigorous discipline. You should also be prepared to work at any hour of the day.

It’s good you want to get an early training, right after XII. There is a joint entrance test for the 19 chapters of National Council for Hotel Management & Catering Technology, New Delhi. The test is designed to measure your general mental ability, analytical ability, numerical aptitude and English language ability. The interview will test how social and pleasant you are.

 

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