'Should I quit my job to study abroad?'

Overseas education consultant NNS Chandra shares advice on how to pick the right international education.

In an online chat with readers every Friday, overseas education consultant NNS Chandra offers advice on how to pick the right course and career abroad.

For those who missed the chat on July 8, here's the unedited transcript:

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Sambu: Our school receives admission officers from around the world and students gets opportunity to meet with them.

My friends and I wanted to know how we should make best use of this.

What are the questions we should be asking? What specific information we would need? Will setting up a private meeting help in college admission?

NNS Chandra: Hi Sambu - Interesting. The admission officers spend much of their time travelling and when you get an opportunity to meet with them I would strongly encourage you to meet them. Have a conversation. Learn. Engage.

When I am meeting with prospective students I would like to review their academic works, their interests and passion (demonstrated in ECs) and their writing skills. But most times I am shown a bunch of certificates...even from KG ones:-)

I say you and your friends prepare a one page bio, a starting point of a discussion with visiting admissions officers.

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sunil nair: Hi NNS, I am now 42 and planning to quit my job in another two years.

I just completed my post grad in public administration with gold medal. How about scope abroad, if so pls guide. 

NNS Chandra: Wow Mr Nair.... Bold decision. You should be successful I have no doubt.

What is your line of work? Where are you working? We need professional like you here. Please email me your details I will write to you on steps and scope. All the best.

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Raju: I am in my 12th grade now, doing CBSE board, lives and studies in New Delhi. My marks are flawless. But do not have any thing else to qualify me for an American university admission. My question is on gap year and steps.

NNS Chandra: Hi Raju, I am struggling to understand what do you mean by you do not have a thing to qualify for american admission? A gap year is an experiential semester or year "on," typically taken between high school and college in order to deepen practical, professional, and personal awareness.

In my opinion, gap years are considered for personal growth not as a toll for securing better admission.

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Parul: I am finishing my medicine (MBBS) in India. I am considering to take a masters in public health. From USA. How should I proceed?

NNS Chandra: Congrats Parul, Doing MPH is a brilliant idea. One of my students took same route two years back (He had completed his MBBS in India) and successfully joined the job force with a great career. Start with preparing for GRE

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Megha Nath: Sir, Can you give a step by step process of writing personal essay for common application? I am confused on what topic should I select.

NNS Chandra: Hi Megha, I am glad that you are starting early to work towards your common app essay.

I know the selection of topic or prompt (as we call it here) is challenging.

I would encourage you to take a look at several resources available online including my articles on Rediff.

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Shivam Dhoshi: Is it true that the education in Germany is free? I am writing medical entrance this month and if I did not qualify I am considering other options. How should I move about?

NNS Chandra: Nothing is free my friend! Yes both domestic and international undergraduate students at public universities in Germany are able to study in Germany for free, with just a small fee to cover administration and other costs per semester.

Although you can study in Germany for free at public institutions as an undergraduate, there is a charge per semester for enrolment, confirmation and administration.

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Menon: I work in gulf. My daughters are going to school here. Very good schools. They both work hard and like to study in Britain. What is your opinion on that? What is your opinion on Canada or Australia?

NNS Chandra: Studying in UK is really great. The quality of education is really good.

As of now Britian is in a state of flux (Brexit/EU) and so what after the studies like a job, visa etc are key questions you need to think off

Canada has one of the best and most respected education systems in the world. Every year, thousands of students from other countries pursue their educational goals in Canada.

With new ways to gain valuable Canadian work experience during and after your studies, the advantages of studying in Canada are great. There are also permanent immigration options for international students who have graduated from post-secondary programs in Canada.

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milind kulkarni: What are the good universities for Speech and audio masters program. What is the average expenses on account of education per year and other (stay & borading) expenses a year.

Does any university offer emplyment opprtunity / on job training? It is unique and slightly off-beat course and not much of the information available. thus request detailed feedback.Milind Kulkarni

NNS Chandra: Hi Milind, Speech Pathology is a good way to go as a career oriented academic work. I can see that you realise the opportunities for audiologists and speech-language pathologists.

The University (grad program) gives students a strong theoretical foundation, equipping them with problem-solving abilities that will last throughout their careers.

Most of such programs would have the academic component is enhanced by externships: real-life experience in the field, where students learn and work alongside practitioners.

The cost of the programme is same as any graduate programme.

Should budget close to 30 K USD per semester including tuition and all other expenses, that is the budget normally I recommend to my students to plan on for. The cost depends on university, location -- several factors.

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Image used for representational purposes only. Image: Punit Paranjpe/Reuters

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