Today, we are glad to welcome Mr. David Moroney, Marketing Director of Dublin International Foundation College (DIFC). DIFC is the only independent college in Ireland whose foundation courses are approved by Irish Universities.

Mr. Mark Chua, Director of Global Study Abroad with Mr. David Moroney, Marketing Director of Dublin International College.

It has an exclusive agreement with NCUK to deliver NCUK foundation courses in Ireland. NCUK offers a unique guarantee to its students for progression.  NCUK was setup in 1987 by 11 leading universities in UK who designed their own Foundation Courses specifically for International Students as an alternative to A Levels for students wishing to join their universities. Since then, over 23,500 students have gained entry through this pathway into Ireland and UK Universities such as University of Manchester, University of Sheffield, University of Birmingham, University of Leeds, University of Liverpool, University of Bristol and Aston University. These students are placed into programs such as Business, Finance, Science, Engineering, Medicine, Life Sciences, Biomedical Science, Medical Science, Optometry, Pharmacy and Dentistry.

For more detail for enrolling to study overseas with Dublin International Foundation College (DIFC), please email us at info@gstudyabroad.com  or fill in the enquiry form found on www.gstudyabroad.com/studyabroad-contactus. You can also call us at +65 63521121.

When to start working on your kid’s university education?

The answer is simply, A…S…A…P. As Soon As Possible

Why?

By the time most of you think about it, it is already too late and lamenting what would have happened if you had started planning earlier.

I have listed 4 items below that I feel parents need to pay close attention to.

Item 1.

Focus on learning, not the grades

If your kid is focus on the learning, it makes the whole teaching process in school easier. Create the environment. Education starts from the home. Kids will be motivated to learn naturally when they have fun. Have you been winding up your kids by sending them to one too many tuition classes and educational programs? Many kids are beginning to resemble walking zombies with deep eye bags. Tired kids can never be happy kids. Unhappy kids can never fulfill their fullest potential. Give your kids the joy to learn and their grades will be a joy to watch.

Item 2.

Expose your kids

Allow your kid to explore their interests. Expose them to choices and allow them to try out various activities. Please don’t chastise them if they decide to drop an interest; when once it seemed that they were keen and passionate about it. From a young age, children will constantly explore. As parents allow this, let your kids continuously explore their varied interests. Let them choose and exercise their thoughts and intellectual self. This learning process must keep going. Let them pose questions to themselves and solve problems. Only then can they stand up to the test in real life situations and think on their own two feet.

Item 3.

Close interaction and encouragement especially from love ones

As I mentioned earlier, unhappy kids can never fulfill their fullest potential. Kids need their parents to be their constant guide and soul mate. Encourage them to pose questions and express their views in front of you. No questions are stupid questions and nothing can be embarrassing when it posed by an innocent kid. Kids learn best when they ask questions. Be attentive to them and explain to them patiently so that they can fully appreciate the learning process at home. This will gradually allow them to gain confidence and learn better in school and find what they are best in doing.

Item 4.

Build your kid’s character and personality

Love them by not sheltering them too much. Too much sheltering might just create an irreversible effect on kid’s reliance on you. Everyone learn through mistakes. When we are met with pitfalls and conflicts, we must learn to get back up. It is the same with kids. Think about it. It is better for kids to make small mistakes and learn valuable lessons when young rather than making big mistakes into their adulthood where there might be no point of return.

Are you scratching your head now? Why am I giving you a parenting lesson? What has it got to do with the topic of this week’s column? Let me tell you the real truth of the matter. Many parents think that hard work, perseverance, toiling and burning the midnight oil to obtain excellent grades in school is all one needs to get into a top university. Parents may not know that the best universities look at more than just grades for admission. Your kid will have to compete with many other kids for that coveted spot, who have equally good grades. Therefore, to stand out from the crowd, your kid will have to exhibit other natural abilities or out-of-the-box ideas to impress the university selectors. I will urge those parents whose kids are still young to put some thought into this. You never know how your actions might just create the best opportunity for your kid to gain a fantastic head start in life.

Also, as a parting note, do remember to start saving early for your kid’s education. Don’t allow unwise finance decisions to become an impediment to your kid’s progression. For more of our articles, please visit us at https://www.gstudyabroad.com/blog/ and add us on Facebook. To read articles in Chinese, please visit https://www.gliuxue.com/our-blog.

By Mark Chua

Director

Global Study Abroad

Mark Chua is the Director and Founder of Global Study Abroad. He obtained his MBA from the University of Manchester, United Kingdom. Over the years, Mark Chua had been shuffling his time studying and working around the world in countries such as Australia, United Kingdom, United States , China and Singapore. Mark Chua is also the Director of University Partnership for the East Asia Institute of Management (EASB) in Singapore who has successfully partnered with universities from United Kingdom, United States and Australia.

There is an increasing debate on whether or not a post-graduate degree is worth the costs. Here is an article based on our experiences why you should or should not embark on this endeavor.

What are your objectives? Would a Master’s degree really help your career aspirations or your thirst for knowledge?

The first and most immediate question is, are you intending to study a PhD? If your answer is yes, according to the degrees structure in the European Higher Education Area, you need to have a Master’s degree to be eligible to apply for a PhD course. If you are not thinking of pursuing a career within the field of research (or in the field of academics), it is not 100% necessary for you to possess a Master’s degree.

However it is important to note that for some areas, some employers may demand that candidates have attained a Master’s degree. There have been many companies which ask for a specific and in-depth expertise requiring a Master’s degree in some area fields. This means that those who do not have a Master’s degree will be filtered out. It is also important to look at your area of work and your career path. As different areas of work and different job positions might require a more practical approach. Having work experience may represent a competitive edge against others.

Another question have to ask yourself is how passionate are you about the subject area? Studying a Master’s degree is an excellent option to gain a refreshing and in-depth knowledge in your subject. This would also increase your confidence in your area of expertise. It is crucial to keep in mind that, pursuing a Master’s program is extremely difficult. You should enjoy learning the subject and seek to deepen your expertise before you finalize your decision to take the program. Also bear in mind that some practical skills cannot be taught in a classroom. That invaluable work experience is sometimes necessary.

Once you have decided to pursue a Master’s degree, the next question would be “Do I have enough money?” Master’s programs at renowned schools can be pricey. You would have to prepare for these situations. Finding out more about the cost of living, accommodation and tuition fees, is a must. Plan ahead so that you can focus on the Master’s program. In most cases, it is difficult to juggle work at the same time you are undertaking your Master’s degree. You should carefully consider if you can support yourself financially and what options are open for you.

Once you have decided to take your Master’s, be ready to be able to explain why you decided to pursue such a path. It is common that students enrol into Master’s studies because they are unable to secure a job or they want to secure a higher paid position. Carefully consider your position and what you want out of the path you are taking. Employers would like to know what you have gained from your Master’s studies, whether your decision could bring value and competitive advantage to their organization. This is when you have to explain how your Master’s education can benefit the company.

Are you still undecided on your choice? Let us at Global Study Abroad help you and advise you on your educational pathway. We help you consider the universities, accommodation and other necessary details for you to pursue your Master’s. Contact us at info@gstudyabroad.com. Or leave us an enquiry at https://www.gstudyabroad.com/studyabroad-contactus/ 

What do you need to prepare before embarking on your education overseas?

“If You Fail to Plan, You Plan to Fail.”

I am sure you heard of this many times.

There are so many things to prepare. I have listed five below that I feel will be useful for you to get prepared so that you will have a fantastic start to your study abroad journey.

Item 1.

Make sure to check your passport and travel documents

Have you heard of friends or family forgetting to renew their passport? Don’t be next. Check your passport to ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity. Countries have differing visa policy so make sure you apply for the appropriate visa. Always bring along relevant original documents during the travel. If possible, store a copy of all documents in an easily accessible electronic device e.g. laptop, mobile or thumb drive. It might come in handy. Be independent and responsible for your own things. Handle your own documents, even if you might be travelling with next-of-kin e.g. parents for that matter. Trust me, it will be a necessary skill for you to survive as a student.

Item 2.

Arrange for a suitable accommodation and transportation.

I will advise you to stay in the hostel provided by the universities if you do not have any friends or relatives in the host country. This will help you familiarize yourself the local custom, culture and language. Preferably, the hostel is nearby the campus or is located on campus itself. If not, you will have to plan your walking, cycling or transportation routes. For students who have the means to purchase a commercial vehicle, I will not recommend them to do so immediately. Take local transportation initially while carefully observing the driving routes. It is wiser to also use a little bit of time to familiarize yourself with local regulations for drivers before hitting the roads. Safety always comes first especially no matter where you are.

Item 3.

Get yourself a WIFI-enabled device for communication

During the old days where Internet and cellphone are non-existent, we have to make calls using a payphone. It can be really bothersome when we have to queue up for a long time just to make a call back home. At present times, I will strongly recommend students to get in place at least a mobile phone installed with Internet Telephony apps such as Skype or Wechat. Get yourself a cheap and reliable local Internet plan from the local telecommunication provider, if not you can always gain access to the Internet by using free WIFI locations on campus usually available in the library or common spaces. Of course, nothing stops you from using the trustworthy methods of the good old day through a landline or mobile networks. If possible, get an international calling card that will allow you to make most of your call hours. Well, at least, you will never have to experience standing in the queue like I use to.

Item 4.

Prepare your luggage checklist in advance

You are probably thinking of your favourite food, clothing, shoes, electronic devices e.g camera, computer or calculator, and even cooking ingredients. My advice: Travel Light!

Think and plan carefully. Don’t bring your whole house with you. You will suffer for it by dragging your luggage(s) around like a fool.

Food. Will you be cooking in the coming weeks? Unlikely. You might pack a few packets of snacks or cooking ingredients but you are not likely to be bringing with you a cooking pan or wok. Check around for a local supermarket and quickly familiarize yourself with the surrounding. You will be able to get most of household items from the supermarket. Items such as tooth brush, tooth paste, detergent etc.

Clothing. Be pragmatic. Bring enough. Weather should play a big part in your decision. More likely, you will end up having more clothing than not when you return from your study overseas.

Medicine. Find out beforehand where you can find a doctor or a pharmacist. Don’t wait till the last moment as more often than not, when you need a doctor you don’t know where to find them. Make sure to bring along some paracetemol (Panadol) for fever and pain relief. Use them only when feeling unwell.

Item 5.

Mental Preparation (I.e. Grow Up)

Please read research article titled “International Student’s Challenge and Adjustment to College” [https://www.hindawi.com/journals/edri/2015/202753/].

Always remember. Regardless of the circumstances you may be in, when you get into an education institution, don’t waste your time or money. Just do it, make sure you get in and come out graduating. It will be the greatest service to no one else but your self. However, having said that, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. During this time, make many friends, new ones and good ones. Trust me again. When you go out to the real world, making friends will not come easy. Do not miss this chance. Even if you are an introvert, take this opportunity, while you are away from home to break away from your usual self. Experience another side to life! Also, never live in isolation. Staying in the hostel might just be the greatest start. You might move into an apartment with a group of close friends whom you got to know. Make sure also to get into the community spirit, be confident and make time to participate in activities besides class related ones.

I hope the above has given you a better insight into studying abroad and allowed you to prepare better for your next phase in life. Make good of your overseas study to make friends. Go there with an open mind to learn from a different culture by mixing with the locals. I haven’t mention this earlier but do make sure to budget well and manage your finances prudently. This will be a crucial step to train yourself for the bigger things in life when you start making money after you graduate.

For more of our articles, please visit us at https://www.gstudyabroad.com/blog/ and add us on Facebook. To read articles in Chinese, please visit https://www.gliuxue.com/our-blog.

By Mark Chua

Director

Global Study Abroad

Mark Chua is the Director and Founder of Global Study Abroad. He obtained his MBA from the University of Manchester, UK. Over the years, Mark Chua had been shuffling his time studying and working in around the world in countries such as Australia, United Kingdom, USA, China and Singapore. Mark Chua is also the Director of University Partnership for the East Asia Institute of Management (EASB) in Singapore who has successfully partnered with universities from United Kingdom, United States and Australia.

Congratulations! You have just finished your O-Levels or equivalent! Are You thinking of pursuing an education outside of your home country? There are a multitude of Foundation Colleges and Technical Institutes to choose from for you to be able to equip yourself with the academic knowledge necessary for University. We here at Global Study Abroad firmly believe you should pursue your dreams where-ever it might take you.

The Dublin International Foundation College (DIFC) is the ideal institution for you to seek a thrilling experience with a quality education. Under the NCUK, There is a GUARANTEED PLACE INTO UNIVERSITY, for all students who successfully complete (pass) one of its study programmes in their appropriate degree course. Therefore, If you pass your NCUK programme, NCUK will guarantee you a place on a suitable programme at one of our partner universities. The entry criteria for each of our universities varies, so where you are placed will depend on how well you do in your exams. The better you perform, the greater chance you have of getting a place at your first choice!

This means, the NCUK will assure you a place into one of NCUK Partner Universities or colleges if you successfully complete their International Foundation Year or Graduate Diploma course (apart from medicine). 95% of students who successfully complete their University Foundation programs at DIFC are placed in partner universities each year & over 80% of students who take the IFY NCUK program get accepted in their 1st choice of university. To have the strongest positions to get into the university you want to, you have to have strong predicated grades for IFY, a strong  personal  statement, and possibly experience in terms of work placement, voluntary work. 

Now, why should You choose DIFC specifically? Well, firstly, DIFC is located in Dublin, the capital of Ireland. Ireland is one of only two native English speaking countries in Europe along with the UK. This will train you in using English on a daily basis, strengthening your position in terms of employability and professionalism. Ireland is also the fastest growing economy in the EU in 2015, therein giving you the opportunity to live in a fast growing dynamic community which enriches your experience. Dublin was also named the 3^rd best city in the world to visit, meaning that you will be immersed into the experience of a beautiful dynamic city.

On Academics, class sizes in DIFC are small (15 per class) so you will get individual attention from the teachers. This enables you to better yourself in the academic field with the close mentorship that the teachers will provide. DIFC also has flexible start dates. Courses start in September & January each year. Giving you the opportunity to enrol the moment you are able to, therein not wasting time, moving you on to the next stage in your life.

Course fees are approximately 30% less & cost of living in Dublin is approximately 40% less than equivalent courses / living expenses in the UK. This will help you save cost on getting yourself a quality education, and enable you to spend on enjoying your stay in Dublin.

Interested to find out more about DIFC and how you achieve your dream of studying abroad and attaining a quality education? Look no further! Global Study Abroad your personal educational consultancy is here to help you find what is best for you. Contact us at our facebook page, or email us at info@gstudyabroad.com , or follow the link https://www.gstudyabroad.com/studyabroad-contactus/ What are you waiting for!

Well-known throughout the UK Sheffield Hallam prides itself in a quality education in the field of Tourism, Hospitality and Events. The University’s hospitality, leisure, recreation and tourism courses are ranked number 4 in the UK according to the Times and Sunday Times in 2015. The University focuses it course on the development of students not just in the area of academics but also in professional applications of what is taught in the classroom. The courses are tailored to your learning and allow you to focus on either tourism or hospitality after gaining sufficient knowledge and insight across both areas. You will have the option to study in an overseas university and participate in a placement abroad. This will enable to you attain an international focus and required experience you will need in your future careers.

“All the tutors are really passionate about what they teach. They are always happy to answer any questions.” -Alina Volynets, from Russia, who studies MSc International Hospitality and Tourism Management.

“I love getting to know students from all over the world. I gain so much satisfaction in seeing students progress during their time with us.”-Dr Peter Whalley is a course leader in hospitality and tourism management. His research specialism is on the relationship between tourism and culture.

The courses enable you to enhance your knowledge and improve the skills necessary to optimise your employability in the industry of global tourism and hospitality services. Sheffield Hallam University’s courses are accredited by international professional organisations, including the Tourism Management Institute and the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMB). These accreditations and acknowledgements will enhance and improve your chances of gaining a position post-graduation.  It is specifically this level of recognition and credibility that employers will look at when looking at your resume.

The courses at Sheffield Hallam University are designed to equip you with the necessary tools to thrive in a range of careers, in tourism or hospitality. Or you could use the skills and management insight you have learnt to prosper in other industries. Previous graduates from the programs have gone into careers in Customer Service Management, Food and Beverage Management, Front of House Management, Product Development and Management, Operations Management and Marketing and Promotions. There in you are not limited by what you have studied and have the tools necessary to do well in whatever careers you decide on pursuing.

Both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in tourism and hospitality offer opportunities for work experience. Placements are made for students in order for you to gain the ideal work experience pre-graduation, helping you understand the career path you are about to embark on. These placements last up to 12 months, invaluable experience for a student. The University has partnerships with international employer for you to gain the most diverse training possible; these employers include the Hilton Worldwide and the Ritz-Carltion.

What are you waiting for? Embark on your career into tourism and hospitality now! Inquire with us at Global Study Abroad! We have student discounts and other benefits which you can enjoy on the spot! Contact us at info@gstudyabroad.com or leave us an enquiry on our website, https://www.gstudyabroad.com/studyabroad-contactus/ .

Interested in meeting Sheffield Hallam University’s representative? Drop us an email and contact us at https://www.gstudyabroad.com/studyabroad-contactus/ . The representatives will only be avaliable til June 2016! Don’t wait to book your slot now.

Why you should study Business Management at Queen Margaret University.

In the aftermath of the Financial Crisis of 2008, QMU’s focus shifted on teaching, making and maintaining sustainable business models and practices. QMU has delved into researching the factors which make businesses increasingly sustainable financially, economically, environmentally and socially. QMU prides itself in this as it ensures that their teaching is relevant to modern businesses. The staff at QMU undertakes enormous research and knowledge exchanges, keeping in regular contact with multiple facets of the business environment stretching from retail to small and family businesses.

The expertise of the staff at QMU is centred on the consumer experience, combining it with modern business techniques. It thus formulates a comprehensive understanding of business processes for students. Students at QMU are fully prepared to enter into a career in an existing organisation, but the course also focuses on creating and developing Entrepreneurial behaviour. This is developed and taught in classes through interaction with the Scottish Institute for Enterprise (SIE). Students at QMU will have the opportunity to apply for internships through the SIE, increasing their employability and experience.

Engagement with research is an integral part of QMU’s Business Management course. This provides association and connection for students to a variety of specialist fields. The Business Management course is structure to expose students to other fields and delivered with colleagues from tourism, hospitality and events subject areas. This enables students to gain perspectives and expertise from some of the World’s most dynamic industries. QMU’s business management allows students to gain access to a wide variety of industries and expertise. This allows students to formulate ideas about how and where they want to develop their careers.

Would you like to know more about Business at QMU? Or thinking of studying in the UK? Contact us at Global Study Abroad and see how We can help You. https://www.gstudyabroad.com/studyabroad-contactus/ or at +65 63521121.

Founded in 1931, Berkeley College has continuously dedicated itself to preparing students for successful careers.  One of the College’s core commitments, “Students First”, leads and guides it philosophy.  This allows Berkeley College to focus on helping students achieve professional and personal success. The College offers career-focused programs while having extremely supportive professors with real-world industry experience.  Berkeley believes in hands-on practical learning and provides this in their extensive internship programs.  This is combined with a variety of supplementary programs and activities designed to achieve a well-rounded education.  After graduation, students have access to life-long career assistance.

Berkeley believes in preparing students for the most in-demand careers of today.  The College offers a variety of degrees which have been developed with input from industry experts.  Berkeley regularly updates courses and programs in a constant effort to update their skills and prepare them for the latest careers.  Undergraduate degrees are supported by the the School of Liberal Arts, to ensure a holistic and well-rounded education.  The core value of “Students First” ensures that a wide variety of support services are available to students.  There is also a range of clubs and activities that promote personal growth and development necessary to achieve success.  Last but not least, living and studying in one of the most exciting cities in the world, New York, contributes greatly to the perspective, experience and success of Berkeley College students.

If you are interested in finding out more about Berkeley College and how you can study in one of the most vibrant cities in the world, New York, you can contact us at Global Study Abroad via our facebook page or on our website.

https://www.gstudyabroad.com/studyabroad-contactus/

We look forward to helping you achieve your dreams.

1. Something for Everyone

Arts, culture, music, comedy, film and sports are thriving in Sheffield. The city is home to the world’s biggest documentary film festival, England’s largest theater complex outside of London, five multi-screen cinemas, numerous venues attracting internationally-renown artists, musicians and comedians.

1. Low Cost of Living

Sheffield has a much lower cost of living than most other major cities in the UK, including London. There are special discounts for students in shops, restaurants, cinemas and on public transport. Find out how you can manage your finances and how Sheffield can help you support you studies

3. Beautiful Countryside

As a vibrant city set within the beautiful English countryside, Sheffield offers the best of both worlds. A third of the city lies within the Peak District National Park and the city boasts more than 200 individual parks, woodlands and gardens.

4. Travel Anywhere from Sheffield

Sheffield is in the center of the UK and has the most excellent bus and train services. Plus Sheffield is within a 90 minute drive of four international airports making it the best place to explore cities across the UK and throughout Europe.

5. Excellent Industry Experience

The Departments at Sheffield Hallam are extremely well connected with its industry partners in order for you to gain employment in the relevant sector. This includes support from the government and industry statutory boards. Finding you the right paid placements with guest lectures and factory visits is a priority for the University.

6. Individual Academic Student Support.

The University priorities and advocates the culture of 1-on-1 teacher to student support. This ensures every single student get the academic rigor necessary to grow their own knowledge base and relevant skills post-graduation. Sheffield’s programs are all about you. Sheffield makes sure the course focuses on your personal and professional development.

7. Student Discounts outside of Scholarships

At Sheffield Hallam University, there is an automatic discount for international students for full-time courses for £1,000, waived off their tuition fee. Furthermore, students who graduate with an undergraduate degree from Sheffield Hallam are also eligible for a discount on post-graduate course fees. There are also opportunities for part-time work throughout your course of study, the university will help you find work to earn money, supporting your studies and living expenses.

What are you waiting for? Live the dream and study at Sheffield Hallam University. Apply with us through Global Study Abroad and receive even more attractive offers.

South-East Asian, Koreans and Japanese students will also enjoy added BENEFITS. This offer is EXCLUSIVE to Global Study Abroad successful applicants. Inquire with us and find out how we can help you achieve your dreams.

https://www.gstudyabroad.com/studyabroad-contactus/