07/30/2019
MYAN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANTS
So you want to study abroad?
For the average Nigerian the desire to study abroad might be hard to attain. The almost audible voices of doubt laced with several impediments to attaining that dream may ring loud and clear. "How does one afford an american education?" or "How does one select the ideal college?" But perhaps the most important question is "how do I go about the process of applying and accessing available resources" Having worked in the field of international higher education and admissions for well over a decade, I can assure you that you'd be amazed at how many wrong turns applicants make when seeking to study abroad. I've witnessed parents pay a pretty penny to an educational consultant who has no clue how the american educational system works- other than what a casual google search shows. Perhaps more troubling is the sheer number of potential students- undergraduate and graduate alike- who spend countless hours researching and then applying to schools in the United States only to be turned down because of one or two factors that could have been easily avoided. Consider that If the average cost of an application is fifty dollars and an applicant applies to a conservative sum of 4 schools, those funds can quickly add up. When you factor in the amount of time and energy exerted to this end, then failure shouldn't be an option.
Many students are leary of working with educational consultants, however my advice to anyone looking to study abroad is to hire a professional educational consultant. Educational consultants who are experts can be invaluable to finding and getting admitted into colleges in the United States. Here are some things to look for when hiring one:
1. Ask for professional references
2. Review their background and qualifications- Have they worked in the field of admissions and recruitment? Do they have any links or connections with schools across the United States? Do they have a college degree? While these are not sure signs of a reputable professional, these factors are certainly very advantageous.
3. Be careful of agents or consultants who guarantee admissions into any institution in the United States. Even admission professionals do not guarantee admissions. Rule of thumb "nothing is certain until it is certain"
4. Is the company registered as a bonafide business? At the very least, the company should be a registered entity in the location where the company is based.
5. Never pay for the entire cost of the service. Most agencies will ask for a percentage of the full payment prior to signing on the client.
Ask questions and don't be afraid to schedule a meeting prior to hiring the agent to ensure that they have your best interest at heart.
For more tips and insight into the college admissions, check out our page at www.myaninternational.com.
The Team at Myan International