Study abroad counselling is a complex process that requires careful navigation through a myriad of opinions, false information, and conflicting advice. As a counsellor, your role is to help students make informed decisions about their future education and career path. Here are eight advice notes to assist you in providing effective counselling to students who are considering studying abroad.

1. Teach pupils how to prepare for overseas study. The first step in effective study abroad counselling is to help students understand what it takes to prepare for studying in a foreign country. This includes researching potential universities, understanding visa requirements, and preparing for cultural differences. By teaching students how to navigate these challenges, you can help them make informed decisions about their study abroad experience.

2. Help students interpret false information and match decisions with professional objectives; avoid being a salesperson. In today’s age of information overload, students are bombarded with false information and conflicting advice about studying abroad. As a counsellor, your role is to help students separate fact from fiction and make decisions based on their professional goals rather than sales commissions. By providing objective, career-oriented advice, you can ensure that students make the best choices for their future.

3. Success transcends enrolment. While enrolling in a study abroad program is an important step, true success lies in the overall experience that students have while studying overseas. As a counsellor, your role goes beyond simply helping students enroll in a program; you should also counsel students on scholarships, internships, and networking opportunities to provide a comprehensive study abroad experience. By helping students take advantage of these opportunities, you can ensure that they have a successful and fulfilling experience abroad.

4. Counseling ethically matters. It is essential to prioritize student achievement over sales commissions to ensure that students receive objective and career-oriented advice. As a counsellor, your primary focus should be on helping students achieve their academic and professional goals rather than pushing them towards programs that pay commissions. By maintaining ethical standards in your counselling practice, you can build trust with students and help them make informed decisions about their study abroad experience.

5. Stop selling and start advising. Students are looking for a mentor who understands their aspirations and can provide personalized guidance on their study abroad journey. Instead of acting as a marketer, focus on advising students based on their long-term career goals and helping them make informed decisions about their study abroad experience. By prioritizing student needs over sales commissions, you can build a strong relationship with students and guide them towards a successful study abroad experience.

6. Cut across the WhatsApp and Google noise. In today’s digital age, students are bombarded with information from Google searches and WhatsApp forwards, making it challenging to separate fact from fiction. As a counsellor, your role is to filter out false information and provide honest analysis of the application process to help students make wise decisions about their future in higher education. By providing accurate and reliable information, you can guide students towards programs that align with their academic and professional goals.

7. Scholarships discover hidden money not only for toppers. Many students believe that they need a perfect GPA to qualify for scholarships, but the reality is that many colleges offer scholarships based on talents, leadership, and community service. As a counsellor, you should guide students in taking advantage of these opportunities to avoid missing out on free money for their study abroad experience. By helping students explore scholarship opportunities, you can make studying abroad more affordable and accessible for a wider range of students.

8. Pre-departure gets you ready for reality not just packing bags. Once students receive their visa and prepare to study abroad, they often believe that they are ready for their overseas experience. However, the reality is that proper preparation goes beyond packing bags and securing a visa. As a counsellor, you should guide students through pre-travel basics such as lodging, financial planning, and cultural diversity to help them feel confident and prepared for their time abroad. By providing comprehensive pre-departure guidance, you can ensure that students have a smooth and successful study abroad experience.

9. English proficiency, TOEFL, and IELTS—beyond a score. While passing English proficiency exams like the TOEFL and IELTS is essential for studying abroad, it is equally important for students to develop strong communication skills for success in college and beyond. As a counsellor, you should urge students to focus on improving their speaking and writing abilities to succeed in the classroom and in their future careers. By emphasizing real-world communication skills, you can help students build confidence and excel in their academic and professional endeavors.

10. Internships are the transformational agent. Studying abroad is not just about earning a degree; it is also about professional development and gaining practical experience. As a counsellor, you should point students towards colleges with robust internship programs so they can gain hands-on experience and stand out in the job market. By helping students secure internships during their study abroad experience, you can set them up for success in their future careers and ensure that they are actively developing their professional skills.

11. Guide students in creating a network—alumni open doors. Building relationships with university alumni, faculty, and business leaders can make a significant difference in students’ professional development and career opportunities. As a counsellor, you should advise students on how to network effectively and take advantage of alumni connections to enhance their career prospects. By helping students build a professional network, you can open doors to new opportunities and help them succeed in their chosen field.

12. Negotiate career routes, not only countries. When advising students on study abroad programs, it is essential to consider their long-term career goals and aspirations. Instead of focusing solely on the destination country, you should guide students towards programs that align with their industry demand, PR prospects, and work permissions. By providing insights into the job market and career opportunities in different countries, you can help students make informed decisions that will set them up for success in their future careers.