Accreditation

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Accreditation

Accreditation is a process by which universities and their programs are recognized for maintaining a certain level of performance and quality. Accreditation is usually done by non-governmental agencies called accreditation bodies. There are two types of accreditation: Regional & Professional.

Regional bodies ascertain whether colleges and universities as a whole meet certain standards of educational quality.

In addition, certain professional accrediting bodies evaluate the quality of education in specific fields like Business, Law etc.

Accreditation ensures that universities meet minimum standards. It also helps in increasing the recognition of degree by employers and schools. Most accredited Universities are required to meet certain minimum standards of educational quality and are regularly monitored by accrediting agencies. This ensures that you will receive an education that will be worth your money.

Government of India recognizes only accredited U.S. universities

We strongly recommend applying to only accredited universities.

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Posted in: Accreditation,Colleges and Universities,Education,Educational accreditation,Higher education,quality,Regional accreditation,United States

Study Costs

Study Costs

Bachelors Degree

The tuition fees can vary from $5,000 - $25,000 per annum on an average.

Masters

On an average the Tuition fees range from US $8,000 to $30,000 per annum.

The tuition costs vary from university to university. They also largely vary with your choice of major. Certain programs like Fine Art, Photography and Film are extremely expensive majors to pursue as compared to a Computer Science or Business major.

Living Expenses

These expenses vary from state to state. Some states are more expensive than the others. For example, the living costs in New York and California are very high as compared to states like Arizona or Michigan. Generally a school that is located in the heart of a city will be more expensive than a school that is located in a small town. Also the kind of accommodation that you choose will affect your living expenses. Renting an apartment on your own might prove to be much more expensive than living on-campus in the university provided dorms. Students who are keen on off-campus housing can seek 2 or 3 other students who can share an apartment. In this way one can use one’s money optimally.

You will need to pay a one-time orientation fee at the beginning of your academic career at a particular University. The orientation program will enlighten you on the various aspects of the University, the location of different offices and departments, the facilities that are available to students and the various student organizations that exist on campus.

Language

Each US school sets its own international student admissions requirements. Different US schools will have different minimum requirements for grades as well as for standardized tests (such as the TOEFL and the SAT). Even within the same school, there may be different requirements pertaining to admissions for international students, depending on the major (or course of study) selected.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

It is necessary for students to have a budget plan. The choice of your college and major would depend on a large extent on your ability to pay.

Students who are exceptionally bright or at the top of the class maybe awarded merit-based scholarship. The amount may vary from a few thousand dollars to a full tuition waiver!

There are many universities in the US that provide financial aid and international student scholarships to international students, both at the Undergraduate and Graduate level. However, this aid is usually limited and is often more readily available to Graduate than Undergraduate students. You must submit a financial aid application if you intend to seek financial assistance for your studies abroad. The policies regarding financial aid vary considerably.

Even if no assistantship is available at the time of admission, most Indian students manage to get some kind of financial aid from the university after one or two semesters. So it makes sense to go to the US for education if you can manage one year’s expenses on your own.

F-1 (Student Visa)

The F-1 visa is for full-time students enrolled in an academic or language program. F-1 students may stay in the US for the full length of their academic program plus 60 days. F-1 students must maintain a full-time course load and complete their studies by the expiration date listed on the I-20 form.

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Posted in: Colleges and Universities,Education,International student,Student,Student financial aid in the United States,Tuition payments,Undergraduate education,United States

Visa Application Procedure

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Visa Application Procedure

Step 1

All nonimmigrant visa applicants (this includes students) must pay the Application Fee and VFS Service Charge at a designated branch of HDFC bank before applying for a visa. When going to HDFC Bank, please carry with you a photocopy of the 1st page of the applicant's passport.

Step 2

You will now be required to schedule an appointment with the US Consulate in India at Mumbai. This can be done online on the USA vfs website, using the barcode number from your HDFC Bank Fee Receipt.

The fee receipt gets activated 2 working days from date of issue. Do not attempt to take an appointment till then.

Step 3

You are then required to submit your forms with one recent photograph and documents as per the checklist to any of the application centers in Mumbai, Pune or Ahmedabad. It is recommended that you forward your documents immediately after scheduling an interview but no later than 4 days prior to the date of interview.

Step 4

Report to the US Embassy or Consulate where your appointment for a visa interview is scheduled. You will need to carry the printed Appointment Letter, the Visa Application Forms, one recent photograph, the original HDFC Bank Fee Receipt with its two barcode stickers. Applications without an original HDFC Bank Receipt or with an incorrect photograph will NOT be accepted. You will also be required to carry all supporting documents (in original).

Step 5

If you are issued a visa, your passport will be returned to you via courier. Optionally, you may collect it across the counter.

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Posted in: Ahmedabad,HDFC Bank,India,Mumbai,Pune,Travel,United States,Visa

Apply for Visa (Canada or USA)

When to Apply

You are encouraged to apply for your non-immigrant student visa at the earliest. To ensure you get an early and timely date you may apply at anytime, however a student visa may be issued no more than 120 days prior to the start date mentioned on your I-20.

	Pre-departure help and information
	Winny advises you like and friend and a guide with all the information about studying in USA . USA being one of the preferred destinations across the globe, getting a visa for the same could be a tough task. A decision of studying abroad cannot be hurried or taken at an impulse. It takes a lot of foresight and planning before you can fly out of India for studying in the US . What you need to keep in mind before you start a mental journey to studying in the US are few distinct things:
	Profiles of U.S. institutions, including course descriptions. Application procedures and strategies. Financial assistance options. Information on standardized tests required for admission, such as the TOEFL, SAT, GMAT, and GRE.
	WINNY helps you in finding the course and university of your choice. We advice you on what tests to take so as to qualify for the course and university. We also help you with all the documentation for Application and Visa procedure. In short a step-by-step procedure is followed to make sure all the actions are taken accurately and in time.
	Tuition Fees
	Tuition, fees, and other educational costs vary greatly. To understand these costs and your financial obligations, please meet the counselor at WINNY and study the material sent to you by the university or college you will attend. If you have questions you can also mail these institutes directly to guide you further. The fees are generally based on factors like :
	University Ranking Course Duration Location
	Living Costs
	Living costs vary widely and depend on geographic location and individual lifestyles. If you are bringing family members with you, this will, of course, increase your monthly expenses. Living expenses are highest in the large cities, in California, and in the Northeast. Costs can be much lower in the South, the Midwest, and other areas. University catalogs and Web sites are good sources of information on current living costs. Be sure to take into account the extra expenses of vacation periods. Most university dormitories and eating facilities close during vacations. Sometimes, however, a dormitory is kept open for students who are unable to go home. Vacations are a good time to travel, but there are considerable expenses involved. After you arrive on campus, discuss the matter of housing during vacation periods with the international student adviser so you will know what to expect and can make appropriate arrangements.
	Bank Account
	It is mandatory for a student to have an account in a bank in US. You shall be making all regular payments in and out of this account. Some banks have special schemes for students; these can be checked out once you come to the US.
	English Proficiency Test for USA
	The success of your educational experience in the United States rests largely on your ability to understand, speak, read, and write the English language. Experience has shown that no other single factor is as important to academic success as proficiency in English. Most academic institutions in the United States require as part of their application process that foreign students take an English examination, like the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Some schools require a second institutional English proficiency exam before students are allowed to register for classes. Requirements vary with different schools and there may be costs involved. Since these requirements vary, it is better to seek information from the sites.
	Your student visa
	The most common student visa is the F-1 visa. A small number of students travel to the United States on an M-1 visa if they are completing a program of hands-on technical or vocational training or on a J-1 visa if they are on a sponsored exchange program.
	Legal Documents
	As a foreign national entering the United States, you must have certain documents as evidence of your legal status. These includes
	Valid passport, issued by your country, with at least six months validity beyond your entry date. Non-immigrant visa placed inside your passport by a consular officer of a U.S. Embassy or consulate. Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 A-B, I-20 M-N, or DS-2019form) for students and scholars. Arrival-Departure Record (I-94 form), which will be issued to you, usually on the airplane before landing, filled out by you and reviewed and stamped by the immigration officer at your point of entry into the United States.
	You may have additional clearance procedures on arrival, in which case you will be directed to a private work station where a photograph and electronic (ink-less) fingerprints will be taken to verify your identity, and a short interview conducted and follow-up appointment scheduled to verify your plans.

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Posted in: Ahmedabad,Canada,Immigration,India,United States,USA,Visa,Winny

How can WINNY EDUCATION SERVICES Educational Consultants help me?

1. How can WINNY EDUCATION SERVICES Educational Consultants help me?

WINNY EDUCATION SERVICES has been counseling and assisting students to study at Canada and USA for more than three decade now.

WINNY EDUCATION SERVICES has trained counselors who have got experience and expertise to assist students. All our offices provide students with...

• Free counseling and information on various courses and institutions - guidance is provided as to which courses and institutes students should apply to as per their previous qualification, career goals and interest.
• Admission Application Assistance
• Visa Guidance and assistance with Visa Procedure, including preparation for visa interviews.
• Travel and Accommodation arrangement
• Pre-departure Orientation
• Procuring Residential Facilities with Indians for students going abroad

It is a one-stop shop for any student looking at studying abroad.

2. When are the intakes for Canada?

January and September. For Universities, the primary intake is in September / Fall Session, although very few do allow for a January / Winter Session intake. For Colleges, there are usually 3 intakes in a year: September; January; May.

3. When can I start my admission procedure?

Atleast 6 or 7 months before the intake

4. Is IELTS compulsory for admission?

Yes, it is highly recommended that you appear for either IELTS / TOEFL.

5. Which documents I need to submit for admission?

Depending on the college/university you choose to apply, checklist of required documents will be given to you from WINNY

6. Do I need to submit true copies?

Yes. True copy has to be done by Public Notary.

7. How many hours can I work while studying?

20 hours per week and full time during vacation.

9. Are there scholarships / loans available to international students?

Education in Canada is highly subsidized and very cost effective as compared to other countries. There are very few scholarships at the undergraduate level, although some universities do offer full scholarships & partial entrance scholarships that are primarily based on your academic performance. There are many more opportunities for scholarships at the graduate (MA) and post-graduate (PhD) level. Apart from these Indian students can also avail of scholarships offered by Indian education trusts & bodies.

10. Is there an application fee for the institutions in Canada?

Yes, most universities and colleges have an application fee that can vary from CDN$30 - $250. These fees must be submitted in the form of a Canadian Dollar draft or paid via a credit card along with the application.

11. How is the ranking of the Canadian institutes done?

There is no official or recognized ranking for educational institutions in Canada. Most educational institutions in Canada are publicly funded and provide quality education with worldwide recognition and acceptance.

12. When should I lodge my visa file?

It is strongly recommended that you apply at least two months before the start of your studies.

13. What is the File Processing time?

You can usually expect an Initial Response in 10 working days from the date of application. Please note that medical examinations are usually required for students from India and Nepal. This adds a minimum of two weeks to the processing of your application.

14. Where should I submit my visa file?

Do not worry about that. WINNY EDUCATION SERVICES would be doing the needful.

7. What is VFS?

Visa Facilitation Service - It collects file and forwards it to Canadian High Commission, Delhi. There is a VFS Centre in Ahmedabad.

8. Do I have to submit whole file in Original?

No. the whole file will have to be submitted in Photocopy with True Copy done by Public Notary.

9. Is medical exam compulsory?

Yes. It's must for all students from India.

10. Can I go to any doctor for my medicals?

No. You are required to do your medicals only from the list of panel doctors provided by Canadian High Commission.

11. How much financial support am I required to show?

You must demonstrate that you will have enough money during your stay in Canada to pay for tuition fees and living expenses for yourself and any accompanying dependents, and return transportation for both yourself and your dependents.

12. Do all applicants have to face the visa interview?

An interview with a Canadian Visa Officer may be required. If an interview is required, these will be scheduled in advance at a time convenient to applicants.

13. Is IELTS compulsory for admission and visa?

Yes.

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Posted in: Canada,Canada – United States relations,College,Education,IELTS,Student,TOEFL,United States

Why study in US / CANADA University

Flexible Course Structure

Students have the option of choosing the appropriate pace for their studies. For instance, a number of students have been found to work as "co-op students" in order to gain industry exposure while continuing their studies. This not only gives them financial support, but also helps them stay abreast of the latest developments in industry. Universities allow students to restructure their courses by opting for electives so that they can pursue their interests.

Placements

Extensive alumni networking, academia-industry confluences, seminars and numerous other events contribute to healthy placements. Your college experience will put you in touch with a lot of people from around the world. You can expect placement either in the US/Canada/UK or anywhere else in the world, thus giving your career a global platform.

Further Studies

Whether it's an MS/MTech or a PhD or an MBA that you are looking at, your application will have the added advantage that comes with an international degree. Apart from great training which will equip you suitably for higher studies, you also gain insights into their academic system. This in turn should help you perform better in your academic pursuits.

Campus Life/Diversity

Your experience of studying abroad will add to your sense of responsibility and initiative. You will see new avenues of fulfilling your ambition. You will also find it easier to communicate, make friends and work with people from all over the world.

Thus opting for undergraduate studies abroad can be the best decision of your life! Apart from its impact on your academic training, it has tremendous value as an experience that will broaden your horizons and propel your career to great heights.

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A Career in Sales & Marketing in Canada

Sales and marketing representatives can work in almost all industries and as a result, career choices are endless. Canada's Best Careers Guide suggests, "To those who are alert, career prospects in Canada in the early 21st century are dazzling! Never before have there been so many different job and career opportunities; an enormous variety of fascinating options for you to choose from."

Reported to be Canada's leading business futurist, author Frank Feather advises that the best career prospects are found by analyzing global, national and provincial trends.

His list of growth industries includes: information and high-technology; business services including computers; personal services including financial and medical; leisure, tourism, recreation and entertainment; plastics, ceramics and new materials; robotics and all outer-space industries; hydro and solar electricity; mass/urban transit and aircraft/airports; biotech farming and aquaculture; and environmental restoration.

A sales or marketing career hitched to one of these industries has an excellent chance of success.

Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) shows that recent unemployment rates and earnings in sales and marketing occupations have been more favorable than for the economy as a whole. Except for insurance and real estate sales, these occupations were not very sensitive to overall economic conditions. Statistics showed that the separation rate in sales and marketing is low, indicating that workers tend not to lose or leave these jobs.

Business service professionals, including those in marketing, earned well above average for Canadians. Sales, marketing and advertising manager earnings were among the highest for occupations in sales and service. Insurance and real estate sales occupations earnings were also higher than average, although some sales and related occupations showed below average earnings.

Statistics showed that youth (those under 29 years of age) made up a significant portion of new hires in many sales and marketing occupations, with about half the new wholesale sales representatives being under 29. Almost 40 percent of new insurance and real estate sales representative were below 30. Business service professions showed a much lower percentage of youth in new hires -- less than 16 percent in some areas and only 25 percent for marketing researchers and economic development officers.

Indications from HRDC are that familiarity with desktop publishing and database technologies will be important for these occupations due to the development of electronic forms of sales and marketing through the Internet. "Increasing use of computer-based technologies will affect the work and skill requirements for persons employed in all of these occupations."

HRDC noted that rapid technological change means that those working in wholesale sales must stay abreast of the ever-changing product lines available on the market.

Free trade and the increasing use of information technology will likely increase opportunities in sales and marketing, while government spending restraint and restructuring in the financial sector will have the opposite effect according to HRDC.

"Marketing researchers and economic development officers with a strong understanding of other economies and of international trade and investment issues are likely to have the most success."

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