9 Kinds of Questions to Ask Your Study Abroad Consultant

Looking for study abroad guidance? Wondering what your first topic of discussion should be with your study abroad consultant? Say no more! There is a set of questions to ask study abroad advisor that would help you learn about their services, experience, suitability for your profile, and ability to assist you through the process. From choosing your college to joining it, you need to be sure that your study abroad advisor is reliable at every step in your journey.

When you meet with a study abroad consultant, it is crucial to go prepared with a list of pertinent questions. These questions will not only help you gauge their expertise and commitment but also ensure they align with your specific aspirations as an Indian student looking to study abroad in popular destinations.

9 Kinds of Questions to Ask Study Abroad Advisor

You need your study abroad consultant to be well-equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and ample experience. Hence, you must ensure that you have the right set of questions prepared to understand their credibility and the services they provide. The 9 kinds of questions to ask study abroad advisor are:

1. Credibility & Past Success Related Questions
2. Academic Guidance Related Questions
3. University and Course Related Questions
4. Career Planning & Support Related Questions
5. Admissions & Documentation Related Questions
6. Exam & Visa Related Questions
7. Finances and Fee-Related Questions
8. Accommodation & Pre-Departure Questions
9. Post-Arrival Support Related Questions

Let us go through a thoughtfully organised list of important questions to ask your study abroad consultant to ensure they align with your academic goals, career ambitions, and personal needs.

#1 Credibility & Past Success Related Questions to Ask Study Abroad Advisor

The following set of questions helps you vet a consultant’s track record before committing to one. Examples of possible answers that you may expect are also given alongside:

Question 1: How many Indian students have you successfully placed in my preferred country or course?
Possible Answer: In my experience as a destination specialist, I have placed over 100 Indian students in their dream universities and countries. The countries we serve include the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Germany, Ireland, and more. My expertise lies in the admission process of your preferred country and course. Examples include MS in the USA, MBA in the UK, or PhD in Germany, etc.

Question 2: Are you accredited by any professional body or government agency?
Possible Answer: Yes, we are registered with the official organisation, named ABC Limited. The company was established in YEAR, and we have over XX years of experience in the overseas education sector.

Question 3: Can I speak to alumni or students who have used your services?
Possible Answer: Certainly! We are more than happy to connect you with our students who have joined the said course in the said country last year. We understand that you wish to share the experience of the recent students we served. How about we check the availability of students and get back to you with a suitable date and time?

Please note that these are only examples of the kind of detailed, confident answers you should look for.

#2 Academic Guidance Related Questions to Ask Study Abroad Advisor

Questions that help you evaluate your consultant’s ability to understand your academic background and goals include:

• What programmes are available for my chosen subject in countries like the US, UK, Canada, Germany, or Australia?
• What are the eligibility requirements for these programmes?
• How will my credits transfer back to my home university (if applicable)?
• Are there language requirements or academic prerequisites?
• What happens if I fail a course abroad? Can I retake it or make up for it?
• Will I have access to academic support such as tutoring or language help?

#3 University and Course Related Questions to Ask Study Abroad Advisor

These questions help you filter out consultants offering cookie-cutter advice and allow you to find the ones that provide tailored options to your profile.

• Based on my academics, extracurriculars, and budget, which universities and courses would you recommend, and why?
• Can you provide details about faculty, curriculum structure, and research opportunities?
• Are you affiliated with or partnered with any universities in my target country?
• What is the university’s reputation for supporting international students?

#4 Career Planning & Support Related Questions to Ask Study Abroad Advisor

Beyond admissions, the right consultant should guide your long-term goals. The questions you may ask in this context include:

• Do you conduct aptitude or career profiling tests?
• How do you help align the programme I choose with my career aspirations?
• Do you offer resume-building services and SOP/LOR review?
• Do you have experience placing students in my preferred field or industry?
• Can you share success stories of Indian students in similar paths?

#5 Admissions & Documentation Related Questions to Ask Study Abroad Advisor

Paperwork and timelines involved in the study abroad application process can be overwhelming at times. Make sure to ask these questions to see which things you can count on your consultant for:

• What is your process for reviewing SOPs, LORs, and resumes?
• Do you assist in scholarship applications or identify funding opportunities?
• What is the typical application timeline for my chosen countries?
• How do you help with documentation for university and visa applications?

#6 Exam & Visa Related Questions to Ask Study Abroad Advisor

With Indian applicants, visa rejection is a common point of concern. A seasoned consultant should help you navigate it confidently. It also helps if your consultant can help you with exam preparation.

• Do you offer coaching or resources for IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, SAT exams?
• How many mock interviews do you conduct, and are they recorded for review?
• Do you help with visa documentation and interview preparation?
• What is your visa success rate for students applying to my target country?
• Do you assist in reapplying if my visa gets rejected?

#7 Finances and Fee-Related Questions to Ask Study Abroad Advisor

To understand all costs involved, both with your consultant and the university programmes, ask these questions:

• What are the estimated tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs?
• Are there scholarships or financial aid options for Indian students?
• Can I work part-time while studying abroad?
• What is your full fee structure, and are there any hidden charges?
• What is your refund policy if I decide not to proceed or if my application is unsuccessful?

#8 Accommodation & Pre-Departure Questions to Ask Study Abroad Advisor

Reliable consultants support you even after you receive your offer letter. Your questions here could include:

• Do you help find on-campus or off-campus accommodation?
• Will you assist in travel arrangements, such as airport pick-up or initial housing?
• What kind of pre-departure orientation do you offer related to cultural adjustment, packing, or the country’s laws?

#9 Post-Arrival Support Related Questions to Ask Study Abroad Advisor

It is given that settling into a new country can be overwhelming. To find out how your consultant stays involved, ask the following questions:

• What support do you offer once I land, such as with internships, job search, or cultural integration?
• Are there emergency contacts or support networks you can connect me with abroad?
• Do you help with any legal or local registration formalities upon arrival?

On the grounds of assessment, the right consultant should act like a mentor, not just a service provider. They should be genuinely invested in your journey and proactive in helping you avoid common pitfalls. By asking the right questions, you will not only gauge their expertise but also gain more clarity on what your study abroad journey might look like.

Aforementioned questions to ask study abroad advisor will help you assess the depth of knowledge of your education counsellor. They also allow you to test your consultant’s professional integrity, student focus, and transparency. These strategic questions will help you evaluate their eligibility and fit. So, the next time you seek overseas education assistance, keep your list of questions handy to filter out your perfect fit of consultancy.

It is not safe to assume every consultant is the same. By asking these detailed questions, you can thoroughly vet your potential study abroad consultant, ensuring that you seek guidance from a partner who is knowledgeable and genuinely committed to helping you achieve your academic and career aspirations abroad.

Want to experience the difference? Register at AECC today and book your one-on-one counselling session with our experts. Keep this list of questions to ask study abroad advisor handy. Get your profile evaluated and assess your chances of admission to your dream university.