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How to support your child through college applications?

How to support your child through college applications?

College applications and admissions season is a stressful time for both students and their parents. Your son or daughter may still be a child but they are embarking on their biggest adventure yet! It makes sense to be afraid and worried. It doesn’t help that your child is likely in their angsty, rebellious teenager phase and may not be willing to listen all the time. So, how do you support your child anyway? How to make sure that they know you are there for them without suffocating them?  Well, here are some ways. 1. Plan for your child This is your child’s first time stepping into the real world and making big decisions. As a parent, you should try your best to make sure that their path is as smooth as possible. It is likely that you already have education plans in place, and you might also have made investments in your child’s education. These investment and education plans are important since they are the first step to ensuring your child gets his or her dream career. You should learn more and acquaint yourself with ways of saving up for your child’s future.  Besides financial planning, you should also research colleges and universities that would be the best fit for your child. This is something you should do together with your child. Find out what kind of career your child wants and research degrees and educational institutions that are the best fit. Narrow down a list of universities, colleges, and degrees as well as future job prospects. You should also make a list of the pros and cons of all of them.  You should prioritize your son or daughter and their opinions and ambitions when doing this. It is important to remember that this planning is for the benefit of your child. Their dreams should take priority over your expectations. At the same time, you should offer advice, counseling, and guidance to ensure they follow their passions while also remaining pragmatic about their career options.  2. Empower your children A big part of supportive parenting is empowering your children to become self-sufficient. It can be daunting and even scary to see your children leaving the nest and your guidance. You need to remember that your children becoming independent and leaving your supervision is the end goal of all good parenting. If your children are leaving the country to study abroad, then it becomes even more important for you to actively try and empower them in every way. Photo by Rodnae Productions on Pexels A very easy way in which you can empower your child is by encouraging them to do their own research and make their own decisions. Ask them to come up with their own education plan, and encourage them to email universities and admissions officers for more information on the institution and curriculum. Talk to them about what they want to do and how they plan to do it. Guide them but let them take care of their own responsibilities. Trust your children and subtly guide them instead of being helicopter parents. 3. Listen to your child “Children are meant to be seen and not heard” was the maxim during the Victorian age but times have changed. You cannot hope to have the same attitude towards your child, especially now that they are starting their adult life. It can be hard to see your 17 or 18-year-old as a full adult just yet but rest assured, this is where it all begins Often times parents let their expectations and dreams take center stage when it comes to their child’s life. You must avoid doing that. And for that, it is important to listen to your child. Don’t just talk at them, when it comes to their education and career, you must learn to talk to them.  It can be helpful at this stage to talk to an education and guidance counselor. Counseling can be a good way of communicating with your child and finding out what they really want to do. A good counselor can act as a mediator between you and your child and help bridge any gaps between you. If your child is unsure and hesitant about what to do next, counseling can help them figure things out. If you are unsure about whether to find a good counselor in your city, then you can look into higher education counseling online. 4. Engage in extra-curricular activities with your child Extra-curricular activities are not just a wonderful addition to any CV, they are also important for the overall development and happiness of an individual.  While it is convenient to see these activities as simply a means of padding your CV for your study abroad plans, that is not all they are. Extra-curricular activities are meant to be a means for you to relax and have interests beyond just academics. They are meant to help you escape the rat race.  Do not pressure your children to take up activities solely to impress foreign universities. Rather find activities in which you and your child can both engage together. This can help you maintain your bond and also release pressure during this incredibly stressful time. 5. Be transparent You should support your children in every way possible but you should also be transparent with them. If there is some limitation to your capacity to help them, they should know about it. If you are unsure that the career path they are choosing will be sustainable or capable of offering stable income and job security to your child, then you should share those doubts. You are after all the adult here, you have experience and you should share that experience with your child. Don’t be afraid of telling them harsh truths, but also be willing to change your mind.  Let your child know that if they can prove to you the long-term sustainability of their career goals, you will be willing to support them all the way. You should also be open and frank with them about finances. Tell them how you are planning to fund their education, whether it is through savings or an education loan. This is a big investment you are making in your child’s future, make sure you are transparent about the nature of this investment. Also, let them know if you have any budgetary constraints and about universities or courses you cannot afford.  Being transparent and honest about your thoughts as a parent is helpful. FAQs How to support your child through college applications? Here are some steps to support your child through college applications: Help them select and shortlist the colleges Check the deadlines for all the colleges and make sure you submit all the documents before the deadline Check the requirements for different colleges such as some colleges require IELTS, GMAT, GRE, etc. How to make your child's college application stand out? The best way to get a unique college application is to have extracurricular or develop a unique hobby. Having a background in social work also helps. Try to look for activities that resonate with your potential course to show the admission office that there is a link between your academic journey and extracurricular. How to start your college application? The first step in starting your college application is to check the requirements and the deadline after shortlisting your colleges. Conclusion Being a good, supportive parent during college admissions season is mostly about trust and communication. You and your child will both need to trust each other’s intentions and talk openly about all your doubts, hopes, and dreams. Remember that college is only the start of a much bigger adventure and you will need to be strong and communicative as a family to make the most of it!
How much does it cost to study MBA in Australia?

How much does it cost to study MBA in Australia?

Ever wondered what’s it like to study MBA in Australia? How much does it cost to study MBA in Australia? What is the ROI of the course? How much would it cost to study MBA in Australia in 10 years? Let’s find out!  In comparison to other programs offered by universities around the world, the MBA program has witnessed the largest enrollment. International students who are interested in pursuing an MBA are aware that top education is only offered abroad. With so many nations providing a variety of MBA programs. Australia has consistently been at the top of the list.  The MBA program in Australia has been created to satisfy current market demands. As a result, you should also be fully informed of the financial situation if you're thinking about pursuing an MBA education in Australia. This article includes everything you need to know about the cost to study MBA in Australia in order to assist you to understand the academic investment. Leading elements that influence MBA tuition in Australia  There are several categories of MBA fees in Australia for international students. While tuition fees are frequently mentioned, there are other important expenses that also go toward the former. These expenses should also be taken into account when determining your financial requirements.   Here are the most important ones:  The cost of an MBA in Australia  Included within MBA cost in Australia are living expenses  Other important fees for MBA programs in Australia  Cost of an MBA in Australia before and after arrival  Covered MBA cost in Australia  Living expenses are an additional cost of attending an MBA program in Australia after MBA tuition for overseas students in Australia. Students will also need to pay for the living expenses associated with remaining in Australia while they are there for their studies. Depending on the lifestyle choices a student makes, these expenditures may change. For their stay in Australia, international students will need 20,000 AUD each year. Why you should do an MBA in Australia?  A good MBA degree is considered a gateway to success. It isn't only salutary for one's career progression but also enhances chops that one requires to stay ahead in the assiduity and also helps in networking. There are multitudinous reasons why one should pursue an MBA and acquire the chops and knowledge needed to give perpendicular growth to one's career. MBA course teaches scholars how to successfully manage a business and how to acclimatize to the rearmost global trends. Through this program scholars also learn how to run a business in an uncertain terrain and revive it in times of extremity.  MBA in Australia is a recognized degree encyclopedically because the AQF issues relative qualifications for office use. Australian Universities may or may not accept GMAT scores for MBA admissions.  Transnational scholars studying MBA in Australia can work for 40 hours while studying.   Check Part-time work options for transnational scholars in Australia  Australia opens further than, 500 job vacancies for MBA degree holders in Australia annually.  MBA entrance requirements  International applicants must have at least a 60% undergraduate average, at least two years of work experience, and English language competence scores in order to be admitted to an MBA program in Australia. For more details, the following part is separated as follows:  MBA course length  The MBA program lasts two years in the majority of universities. Most Australian universities require between 15 months and two years to get an MBA. In addition to this, many colleges have begun to offer one-year MBA programs A one-year MBA program that Melbourne Business School has launched is very well-liked by prospective students.  Want to study in Australia and pursue an MBA then find out how to save and how much to save right here!  Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT
Decorating Your Dorm Room: Expert Tips

Decorating Your Dorm Room: Expert Tips

Your dorm room is your home away from home. It is also the first space you get that is entirely your own, away from your parents and family. When you study abroad, your dorm room gives you both safety and independence. But dorms can also be pretty cold and dull in their sameness and minimalism. The furniture is usually sparse and utilitarian and space is constrained. This can make your room feel alienating and depressing - if you are wondering how to decorate your dorm room on a budget. So how do you primp up your dorm room on a college student’s budget? Well, lucky for you, we have some smart ways to glam up your room! 1. Check second-hand goods marketplaces The first thing you should do when looking for items to decorate your dorm room is check for second-hand goods. You can usually find these online on sites like eBay. You can also visit a nearby flea market or thrift store for cheap, second-hand decor items. Additionally, living on a college campus means you will always find graduating students who are moving out and selling their possessions. Keep an eye out on social media pages and online groups and forums associated with your college for such advertisements.  Second-hand goods are a good place to start for decor. They are cheap and usually not fancy enough for you to form an attachment. Remember that as a college student, especially when you study abroad, you will be moving around a lot. You may change dorm rooms several times, you may also move out of student housing altogether. Therefore, it does not make sense to buy expensive or delicate items that can get lost or broken during moves. 2. Start Crafting! If you have an artistic flair, there has been no better time to use it. Hand-crafted decor pieces not only make your room come to life but also give it a cozy, homey feel. Handmade pieces also give a unique and personalized touch to your room that mass-produced, manufactured decor lacks.  Crafting items for your room can also be a fun project that you can use as a bonding exercise. It can help you have some fun and connect with your new roommates and friends. You can also undertake some crafting projects at home before you come to college and have some bonding time with family and friends. Studying abroad can be hard on your family and friends back home. This can give you some time to connect with them before you leave. Your hand-crafted decor does not have to be too fancy or complicated. Upcycle common items like glass bottles and gift boxes into vases, lamps, or storage boxes. You can easily find DIY decor tutorials on YouTube and Pinterest. Making decor using upcycled items is not only cost-effective, but it is also eco-friendly and sustainable. 3. Bring a touch of home If you study abroad, you may want to bring a touch of home with you to your college dorm. This can be as simple as photographs, polaroids, and postcards from back home. You can also ask your parents to help you pick out some items from in and around your home that you may have some special connection with. Studying abroad can become quite lonely and alienating at times. You find yourself in a foreign country with an entirely different culture, entirely different people, lifestyles, etc. Nothing is the same and it can be difficult to fit in at first. Having items, photographs and other memories from back home can help temper the culture shock a little. These items can help ground you and make you feel less lonely and disconnected. Having a connection to home is always a reassuring thing when you study abroad. 4. Invest in bed linens Dorm rooms are often quite tiny. There isn’t a lot of space for too many decor items or knick-knacks. Usually, your bed is the largest and most significant piece of furniture in your room. It makes sense then, that you should focus primarily on the one item that takes up the most space in your room.  Invest in bed linen that is both attractive as well as practical. Being able to get a good night’s sleep is very important for a college student on a tight stressful schedule. Your bed will inevitably become not only your sleeping space but also your chilling-out space and, sometimes even your workspace. So, getting comfortable and pretty bed linens and throw pillows not only helps you feel more comfortable, it makes you feel better. 5. Get Houseplants Houseplants are a great, cost-effective way of adding freshness and greenery to your room. You don’t need to buy a lot of houseplants or planters at once. You can always buy a few easy-to-take cares of plants initially and propagate new ones from them once they have grown a bit. Houseplants are not just decor items, they are also useful in teaching you a sense of responsibility. A plant is a living, breathing organism that needs care and attention to thrive. Taking care of a plant involves being constantly aware of its every need. You need to make sure it is getting enough sunlight to grow but not burn. You also need to make sure you are watering it properly and adding fertilizers and nutrients to the soil when necessary.  When you go to study abroad, you start learning how to take care of yourself, doing your own chores, errands, and budgeting. Getting a plant can teach you how to be responsible and take care of someone other than yourself.  Houseplants are a wonderfully fresh addition to your room, providing both green beauty and fresh oxygen. They also help you become a better, more responsible human being. Conclusion Moving into your first dorm room is an exciting time. You have a whole new canvas and a whole new space to make your own. There is no reason to not take full advantage of this opportunity to unleash your creative power. Decorating your new dorm room lets you express your individuality and taste which can be a thrilling new experience for a young adult.  There is no reason, however, for this experience to be a solitary one. In fact, you should make every effort possible to turn this into an opportunity for bonding and creating memories with friends - new and old. This not only makes decorating your room a more fulfilling venture, but it also helps you build connections that make studying abroad worth it! FAQs What are some necessary and affordable things I need in my dorm room? Some of the necessary things you need in your dorm room and can find on a budget include bedding, a microwave, a mini fridge, cleaning supplies, removable hooks or shelves, etc. How can I make my dorm room look nice on a budget? There are many affordable ways for a student to decorate their dorm room. You can try your hands on DIY crafts and turn a basic rope or pot into an eye-catching decorative piece. You can also create a photo wall and add plants, fairy lights, etc. Would adding plants help me decorate my dorm room on a budget? Yes, plants have the tendency to light up and brighten the mood of any space. You can find plants at very affordable prices and lighten up your dorm room in minutes.
The college student’s guide to budgeting

The college student’s guide to budgeting

College teaches you a great many lessons and gives a guide to budgeting. Not all of those lessons, as it happens, are learned in the classroom. As a young college student, budgeting and good financial planning are lessons you will learn to appreciate sooner rather than later. This is especially true if you are planning on moving abroad for your studies.  The expenses of a global education may have you worried and asking “Is studying abroad worth it?” Well, there is no doubt that going to study abroad has a great many benefits, both for your career as well as your personal growth and development. In fact, learning how to live on a tight budget can be a life lesson on its own. In this blog post, we try to understand how to get started in creating your first personal budget.  Image by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels Basics of financial planning When you are preparing for your college applications, it is likely that you have an education plan in place. This ensures that you are more organized with your applications and aren’t surprised or thrown into a tizzy due to unexpected circumstances. In the same way, to ensure that you are organized with your money and to avoid being beset by financial emergencies, you need a financial plan. What is Financial planning? Financial planning is basically a method to plan and manage your income, expenses, investments, and other finances to ensure that you can achieve your life goals. A good financial plan also anticipates and makes room for emergencies that may otherwise drain your savings or cause you to incur debt.  The first step in creating a financial plan? The first step in creating a good financial plan is the same as the first step in creating a good education plan - identify your goals. You need to figure out what your financial goals are. They can be as simple as being able to save a certain amount at the end of the year. Be realistic with your goals. Keep in mind that you are still young and do not have too many responsibilities right now. Therefore, you can treat your college life as a growing and earning period. You don't have to put too much pressure on yourself. image by Karolina Gabrowska on Pexels Understanding & tracking your finances Once you have your financial goals in place, you can start sketching out your plans. Understand your finances. Figure out how much money is coming in each month, (through education loans, scholarships, part-time jobs, or your parents) and how much of it you are spending. Figure out which expenses are reasonable or non-negotiable and which ones you can cut down. You should also maintain a personal balance sheet to record how much you have, how much you spend, and how much you owe. Collect all bills, invoices, and bank statements to accurately record all your transactions. This will enable you to understand and track where your money comes from and where it goes. How to create your first budget? Once you have a financial plan in place, creating a budget will be easy. A budget is a summary of estimated income, and discretionary & non-discretionary expenses. Budgets help you figure out where your money is coming from and where it should be going. This enables you to spend and save money more wisely. Budgets are especially important when you study abroad and are away from family support during emergencies. If you have done your financial planning and tracking, your personal balance sheet will be your first step to creating your first monthly budget. Next, follow these simple steps - Calculate your monthly income based on this balance sheet. Your income will include all money that you earn through part-time jobs and scholarships as well as any allowances you get from your parents or through an education loan. Make a list of your monthly expenses. This list should include all your fixed as well as variable expenses including tuition, rent, utility bills, food, transport, entertainment, etc. Next, separate the non-discretionary expenses like rent and utility bills from discretionary expenses like entertainment.  Set aside money for non-discretionary expenses as a priority. This is money you are not allowed to touch for anything other than its designated purpose.  Set aside money for savings and emergency funds. You don’t have to save a huge amount but do try to keep aside at least some money for this every month.  Make any adjustments that may be required. Cut expenses where possible and adjust savings where no other options are left. And voila! Just like that, you have your first budget! Good monetary habits Good monetary habits teach you financial responsibility and maturity. When you study abroad, you do not always have your family to rely on during emergencies. By practicing these, you ensure that you do not end up in sudden financial emergencies that cause you to incur debt.  Image by Maithree Rimthong on Pexels Financial planning and budgeting are some good monetary habits. Another important habit is avoiding unnecessary expenses. Avoid buying expensive clothes or gadgets that you don’t need. Avail of student discounts wherever possible. Use the library. Use public transport. Save money wherever you can.  Pay off your debts. Try not to buy anything on credit or borrow money unnecessarily from your friends. Only buy what you can reasonably afford. S Saving money may involve sacrifices. You may have to cancel a trip with your friends or miss out on going to an expensive restaurant. Keep in mind there will always be time for those things. By planning for the long term instead of focusing on short-term pleasures, you are making sure that you enter your working life on solid financial ground.  Pay your bills early and on time. Not being prompt with your payments causes you to accumulate late fees which can easily drain your resources and unbalance your budget.  Another important monetary habit to build when you study abroad is to always have an emergency fund. This fund can help you pay sudden expenses, like if you lose your phone or if your laptop needs repair.  Image by Liza Summers on Pexels FAQs What is financial planning? Financial planning is basically a method to plan and manage your income, expenses, investment, and other finances to ensure that you can achieve your life goals. A good financial plan also anticipates and makes room for emergencies that may otherwise drain your savings or cause you to incur debt. What is the 50-30-20 rule? The 50-30-20 rule states that 50% of your income should go toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings. How should a student plan a budget? To create a budget, first understand what your monthly income/pocket money is, and figure out your daily and monthly spending like rent, food, and transport. Compartmentalize your spending into necessary spending and miscellaneous spending. Once you have all the information, figure out where you are spending excessively and try to save the money to create an emergency fund for yourself. Conclusion Financial planning is the first step towards financial responsibility and eventual financial independence. Your parents were able to send you to your dream college because they were fiscally responsible, saved money, and invested in child investment schemes to ensure the best future for you. The best way you can pay them back is by learning to be financially responsible yourself.  Your attitude matters. If you are not resolute about sticking to your budget, your financial planning will be futile. No financial goal is as difficult as it seems once you have your personal balance sheets and budgets in place. Welcome to adulthood!
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