HEAD START 2024

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO HIGHER EDUCATION 2024 www.counsellingpoint.com � RESILIENCE � TECHNOLOGY AND IT'S IMPACT � CAREER FOCUS � 12 EDUCATION DESTINATIONS Resilience WHY MATTERS

Phone: 800AMITY (26489) [email protected] www.amityuniversity.ae Your future career will be launched at Amity University Dubai Study at Amity University Dubai. Will you #Bethenext? Choose your future career path at Amity University Dubai and join a leading, internationally-accredited university, with one of the largest and most advanced campus in the UAE. Degrees are locally, regionally and internationally accredited. 700,000 sqft campus with world-class facilities and state-of-the-art laboratories. Global student transfer between campuses in the UAE, UK, USA, Singapore and India. 700,000 sqft campus 2,500 students 70 nationalities 120,000 global alumni MOE/CAA accreditation Over 30 degrees Visit our award-winning campus

Anxious about taking an English-language test? These tips can help! Get the TOEFL iBT advantage www.ets.org/toe Stand Out to Universities with the TOEFL iBT test. Register now! I can do it! Don’t give up! Copyright © 2023 by ETS Global. All rights reserved. ETS, the ETS logo, TOEFL and TOEFL iBT are registered trademarks of ETS in the United States and other countries used under license. Taking an English-language test is one of the most important steps if you would like to pursue or continue your higher education journey outside of your home country, and in English. You dedicate time and eort so you can achieve the score you need. But what is that nervous feeling you get as you get closer to the test day that won’t let go? You are nauseous, restless, and feel like you've forgotten everything you have learnt. If these feelings sound familiar to you, you may be experiencing test anxiety, a common stressful feeling among test takers. While it is normal to feel some anxiety, it might reach uncomfortable levels before high stakes tests since these play a determining role for your future. In order not to let test anxiety aect the journey to reach your future goals, here are a few things that you can do to keep it under control. Practice makes perfect It might seem obvious, but it is never enough to stress the importance of test preparation in reducing test anxiety. Especially for high stakes international English tests like the TOEFL iBT®, sucient preparation with high-quality materials will not only help you reduce test anxiety, but it will also help you get your desired score while genuinely preparing you for your future academic education. When it comes to high-quality test prep materials, TOEFL iBT comes to the foreground with its selection of test prep courses, guides and packs, and the TOEFL Go!® app that will allow you to practice anywhere, anytime. Just as test preparation, familiarity with the test is also important for overcoming test anxiety. The better you know about the test, the more condent you will feel taking it. Authentic practice tests as well as informative videos on the TOEFL TV YouTube channel can help you familiarize yourself with the test in an easy and eective way, giving you the condence boost you need. With a little help from your friends Whatever challenging there is that you try to do: work out systematically in a gym, cut down on carbs in your diet, or take a standardized language assessment, having a companion along the way increases your chances of succeeding. The support of a friend who faces similar diculties and fears is invaluable. You can form study groups with your friends that will give you an opportunity to exchange information, study tips, and provide each other with constructive feedback. Study groups can also contribute to your success by increasing your motivation to study more regularly. You can easily search joint interest groups via the social media. If you plan on increasing your English skills, why not look for an international group to increase the amount of communication in English, as opposed to exchanging messages mostly in your native language. Yes, you can do it To perform well in the test, there is some general advice to follow: Get enough rest – and not just the night before, have a good breakfast, dress comfortably in layers, immerse yourself in English that day, for example by listening to your favorite songs or by listening to an inspirational podcast. Find out in advance where the test center is, arrive on time – not late or early. Avoid talking with other test takers as their anxiety might aect you. Finally, have a focusing word or phrase to get back on track such as: Studying abroad is an unforgettable adventure and it’s worth it, though nobody said getting to a university of your choice would be easy. From the time perspective, you will realize that you shouldn’t have worried that much about your test score and that there is so much more to it. It’s not only a number. It is a proof that once abroad, you will be able to cope with the demands of your academic program and connect with teachers and students from all around the world. The TOEFL iBT test can open the door to your successful academic future.

Letter from the editor Like tiny seeds with potent power to push through tough ground and become mighty trees, we hold innate reserves of unimaginable strength. We are resilient. - Catherine DeVrye After a three year hiatus, I am delighted to present to you the ninth edition of Head Start for Higher Studies Handbook. The pandemic impacted all of us in a myriad of ways and it was indeed a very challenging time. Many precious lives were lost, businesses took a hit, and it created utter chaos and deep sadness. Out of those very challenges, emerged new ways to doing things and an exponential growth in technological tools and their usage. It also taught us to be grateful for all our blessings and fostered in us patience and resilience. This edition of the handbook, has articles by an experienced special educator who shares her first hand account about students who have overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles by identifying their unique strengths and focusing on them. Technology has been both a bane and a boon. While it has brought us closer together, it has also alienated some. A hundred things one can do without the use of screens has a number of simple yet engaging ideas for you to try out. An insightful study on the impact of technology on Gen Z is discussed in great depth by Professor Dr Patrico Sanchez-Campos. Aside from this, using technology to foster thought leadership, 21st century skills, and learning about one's digital footprint are some of this edition's highlights. I don't consider myself truly tech savvy and yet I spoke on webinars, podcasts and used several online tools to spread information and keep in touch with my clients and advisees. As AI and ChatGPT and other open-source tech tools become more sophisticated and popular, it can influence our career choices. We need to be open minded, and willing to embrace change. Some of the suggestions given in these articles will equip you students with the tools necessary to thrive in tomorrow's world. In keeping with the current trends in education, India has drawn up a detailed National Education Policy, the details of which have been discussed by well known academic and my dear friend, Sreenivasan. Aside from this I have written about 12 different destination for you to pursue your higher education goals. Although we have had quite a few challenges in bringing out this handbook, it was because our colleagues, advisees, and their parents have been urging us to go ahead, that we took the brave decision of having it printed. I am grateful to our incredible supporters and well wishers. Also I am indebted to the people who have contributed to this book including Komal, Sona, Sreeni, Bansan, Shambavi, Puneet, Gayathri, my family, Deepakk, my marketing manager and my designer Shahab. We are able to distribute this handbook free of charge only because of the unstinting support of the advertisers, many of whom have supported me from the very first edition. I hope we can continue to collaborate in the interest of students in the years to come. Sincerely yours, Rema Menon V

WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 9 Table of Contents RESILIENCE 10 Why resilience matters Resilience and Neurodiversity Gen Z: interconnected, loneliness and resilience TECHNOLOGY AND ITS IMPACT: 20 Of Thought Leadership and how to future-proof your career 24 Student Integrity Ambassadors Speak 26 100 Things Teenagers Can Do Without Screens CAREER FOCUS: 30 Footprint: A Digital Kind 32 Shaping the Future of Education: A Unique Journey Beyond STEM 34 Meta-skills for youth 37 7 Skills Students always need 38 The Impact of AI on Future Careers 40 Top 5 Tech Skills EDUCATION DESTINATIONS: 44 UAE 56 United Kingdom 66 USA 71 Canada 82 Australia 87 Ireland 91 Malaysia 96 Singapore 99 India's New National Education Policy 2020 102 India 108 New Zealand 111 Switzerland 114 Germany 119 My Page WHY RESILIENCE MATTERS EDUCATION DESTINATIONS 10 44 TECHNOLOGY AND ITS IMPACT OF THOUGHT LEADERSHIP AND HOW TO FUTURE PROOF YOUR CAREER 20 119 I MY PAGE IF YOU PLAN TO LEARN, YOU HAVE TO LEARN TO PLAN. Let us help you find the right career path PO Box 103926, Dubai, United Arab Emirates T: +971 4 397 8846 • M: +971 50 564 2709 E: [email protected] www.counsellingpoint.com Making a choice on subjects, courses or universities can be very daunting. we can help you make those hard decisions by giving you access to a range of informed choices. CAREER FOCUS FOOTPRINT: A DIGITAL KIND 30

10 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 11 HEADSTART 2024 Resilience has often been described as being a key of sorts to success. While it certainly isn’t the proverbial shortcut to prosperity, it definitely helps set the scene. The ability to bounce back from adversity and overcome challenges is going to be vital in many situations. It is the capacity to adapt to changes and to continue moving forward despite setbacks. Resilience is a critical trait to have in life because it allows us to face obstacles and emerge from them stronger and wiser. The concept of resilience has been studied extensively in psychology and researchers have identified several factors that contribute to resilience. One of the key factors is a positive attitude. Resilient people tend to view setbacks and challenges as opportunities for growth rather than seeing them as unscalable mountains to climb. They maintain a positive outlook even when things are tough, which helps them to persevere and find solutions to problems rather than giving up at the first sign of trouble. Something else that is commonly found in resilient individuals is the ability to regulate emotions. This isn’t RESILIENCE Resilience WHY MATTERS to say that resilience is synonymous to being immune to negative emotions, but that resilient people are better equipped to manage those negative emotions effectively. They acknowledge and accept their emotions, but they don't let them overwhelm or control them. Instead, they direct their emotions inward to create a source of motivation and inspiration. A third factor that contributes to resilience is social support. Resilient people have a strong network of friends, family, and colleagues who offer emotional support and practical assistance during difficult times. This support helps them to feel less isolated and more connected, which can improve their mood and boost their resilience. Resilience is often described as a trait, but it could also be called a skill. Resilience can be developed and

14 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM strengthened over time. By practicing specific behaviours and habits, anyone can become more resilient. One of the most important things to do is to cultivate a growth mindset. This means adopting the belief that challenges are opportunities to learn and grow, rather than threats to our well-being. By reframing challenges in this way, we can approach them with a sense of curiosity and openness, rather than fear and resistance. Another important behaviour to practice is self-care. Taking care of our physical, emotional, and mental health can help us build resilience and cope with stress more effectively. This might include regular exercise, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that bring us joy and fulfilment. We could think of resilience as being level 100 on a video game. You can’t just start from there; you have to go through the tutorials and work your way up to it. Only once you’ve cleared the lower levels, assembled a good enough inventory, and attained some skills, can you aim for higher levels. The same concept applies to resilience. Building strong relationships and social connections is also critical for resilience. This might involve joining a community group or club, volunteering, or simply reaching out to friends and family for support. By building and maintaining strong relationships, we can feel more supported and connected, which can boost our resilience and help us to overcome challenges more easily. In addition to these individual behaviours, there are also broader societal factors that can contribute to resilience. These include access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. When people have access to resources and support, they are better equipped to cope with challenges and build resilience over time. One of the best ways to cultivate resilience is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, without judgment or distraction. By focusing our attention on the present moment, we can become more aware of our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. This awareness can help us to regulate our emotions more effectively and to approach challenges with greater clarity and focus. Mindfulness can also help us to cultivate a sense of gratitude, which is another important factor in resilience. By focusing on the good things in our lives, we can feel more positive and optimistic, even during difficult times. This positivity can help us to maintain our resilience and to approach challenges with a sense of hope and possibility. It’s important to remember that resilience is not just about bouncing back from adversity. It's also about using our experiences to grow and thrive in the face of challenges. When we face adversity, we have an opportunity to learn from our experiences and to emerge stronger and wiser. By embracing this growth mindset and using our challenges as opportunities for learning and growth, we can cultivate a sense of resilience that will serve us well throughout our lives. Resilience is a critical trait to have because it enables individuals to cope with and overcome adversity. Life is always going to be chock-full of challenges, setbacks, and unexpected events. Without resilience, these experiences can be overwhelming and could even be debilitating in some cases. Resilience allows individuals to face challenges with a positive attitude and a sense of hope, even when the odds are against them. It enables us to step back from our unscalable mountains and look at things from a different angle, one that shows us the path to the peak. To never stop moving forward, to learn from experiences and to grow stronger in the process is the essence of resilience, and that is why it matters. Currently pursuing post graduate studies in digital marketing at UOWD. - Gayathri Pullare

16 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 17 Resilience and Neurodiversity RESILIENCE of any learning difficulty is likely to cause a range of stresses and concerns for the individuals themselves and their families. For Neurodivergent individuals to come to terms with their diagnosis and learning to cope and adapt requires huge amounts of perseverance and patience. One’s attempt to master tasks can lead to feelings of frustration rather than fulfilment and can lower their self-esteem. Being a specialist in Dyslexia and learning difficulties, I have had the privilege of working with many neuro diverse students. Sadly, the general view is to focus on their challenges with reading, writing and academic skills, things, that they have difficulty doing, instead of what they can do and sometimes do especially well. Neurodiverse individuals have many strengths in cognitive areas like spatial reasoning, problemsolving skills and creativity. If we look at the number of successful Musicians, actors, entrepreneurs who have Dyslexia or ADHD, one wonders if there is a link between learning difficulties and creativity. Resilience describes a person’s ability to adapt in the face of adversity, the capability to “bounce back” after a difficult situation. Neurodiversity encompasses all SpLD’s, many of which can concur or overlap. Neurodivergent refers to individuals who process information differently from what is considered standard or typical. There is a whole range of neurodiverse conditions and this includes Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD, Autism and Asperger’s syndrome. The UAE has very aptly adopted the term 'People of determination', which signifies the resilience and achievements of neurodiverse individuals. Many neurodivergent people can cope effectively with their difficulties and go on to enjoy successful adult lives. What is the supporting factor? Resilience. Resilience is not something people are simply born with and is something which can be inculcated over time in any person. Individuals who develop as welladjusted and coping adults, and are successful in some areas, despite adverse life circumstances, are referred to as "resilient individuals". The diagnosis This is an aim to look at how students with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and ADHD can excel in their lives. I would like to share some amazing stories of resilience of some of my students who are really happy with what they are doing and the place they are in. That is what I would see as a success story and it wouldn’t have been possible without their resilience. One of my students who has ADHD, works as a watch packing designer and window display designer for watch companies. He did his Post Graduate studies in luxury designing and craftsmanship and was head hunted for designing watch boxes for high end brands like Rolex. His strength was perseverance and he feels it is very important for someone who is neuro divergent. He feels another strength of his, is the ability to look at the situation from a different perspective. For him schooling was more difficult as you are expected to learn in a specific way, but University was easier as there was more flexibility to find your ways to learn. For him he started the process of learning how to learn and explored different strategies which worked for him. He feels once you make the process of learning enjoyable for your self and see the enjoyment of learning new things, it became easier. The initial challenge was not knowing how he learns and lack of opportunity to explore how he learns. His message to students is find a drive, find a motive, how are you going to contribute to society and make the world a better place, which is very clichéd but this way you allow yourself to stay motivated and achieve your goals. It is very important to explore different study methods, so you enjoy the process of learning. He feels specially with ADHD you have a lot of energy and it’s important to create an environment where you enjoy doing things. Another of my students who has Dyslexia has found her passion and is a professional photographer. She really struggled during schooling although she had a lot of learning support she was expected to go down the same route as everyone else which is doing GCSE’s and then IB Diploma. Due to her difficulties with reading, writing and memory, she found it exceedingly difficult to fit into that box and felt school was a period she would not like to remember. She was enthusiastic about Photography and went on to become a professional photographer, which she really enjoys. She advocates for herself and tells her clients about her challenges and the accommodations she will need before she takes up an assignment. She enjoys the creative aspect and no two days are similar. One student who works in the legal field says his career chose him rather than him looking for work. He started exploring technology to help with his difficulties of Dyslexia and Dyspraxia to simplify and automate some of his workflow as a student of Law. He is a lead consultant for government Block Chain projects and AI projects. His strengths are being creative and setting a vision for different things. He says he gets paid to imagine all day, which is a privileged position to be in. Looking back he feels he never used his learning difficulties as an excuse. He always wanted to be a lawyer and knew he had to build coping mechanisms. His biggest struggle was writing and communicating his ideas onto paper and how to get essays readable for other people. He prioritised and gave himself 30% extra time for his reading and created an environment for himself to thrive. He strongly feels AI tools can really be utilised to one’s benefit and that includes Chat GPT, which can be ignored at ideation phase but can be used to review your written work and identify the missing components. These examples evidence Neurodiverse minds are capable of great achievements and its time to focus on this rather than only looking at their areas of challenges. Adapting to the stereotype or norm can be exhausting. Accommodations and adaptations need to be considered by society as a whole to ensure inclusivity, when we really want to build resilient communities. Komal Chandiramani is a Learning Support practitioner who was a SENCO in UAE, supporting SEN students for 15 years. She is a Level 7 qualified Dyslexia assessor with an APC and SpLD tutor. She is an Associate member of the Dyslexia Guild. Currently, she is involved with conducting diagnostic assessments, supporting DSA students at university for study skills as well as supporting students at college for Dyslexia and Access arrangements for exams. LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/ in/komal-chandiramani-b99bab3a

18 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 19 RESILIENCE friends' influence, and social networks. They are permanently competing to be accepted by their peers, because of two predominant reasons. Firstly, they are still in the process of developing their self-identities. Hence, they use each other as their reference points to understand the acceptability of their behaviours. Secondly, it is a means for them to develop connections and combat the deep isolation they experience. The pandemic has severely hindered Gen Z’s ability to interact with each other in person or form new connections. As a result, many Gen Z members report experiencing sadness, stress, anxiety, and depression. According to an American study, Gen Z is the most depressed generation, and this is also true for Gen Z in India. To cope, Gen Z use their representations online to find their clan and a sense of belonging. Therefore, for Gen Z, along with this virtual connection, peer-to-peer communication has demonstrated to improve the engagement with others. For instance, when deciding where to go for higher education, research has shown that Gen Z feels more confident when talking to students. These conversations have been decisive at the research stage of where to attend for a degree, when writing applications (mostly in the case of international students), when finally narrowing down a list of HEIs where to apply to. By Dr. Patricio Sanchez-Campos, PhD, Assistant Professor in Marketing and Director of International Study & Student Mobility, University of Nottingham (UK) in collaboration with Univiser, a technology based peerto-peer communication solution that helps universities, schools and institutions improve their admission process and achieve better results. Facing the world for Gen Z: INTERCONNECTED, LONELINESS AND RESILIENCE. 18 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM When referring to Gen Z (also known as iGen), we generally refer to people born after 1996 and ending in approximately 2012. According to research in the US alone Gen Z includes 74 million young people, representing about 24% of the population. In the UK, Generation Z now accounts for around 15% of the population. India is, however, home to the largest Generation Z population in the world, with roughly 472 million individuals born between 1997 and 2012. Not only is this generation substantial in size — representing 34.5 percent of the country’s 1.3 billion population — but it’s also the most tech-savvy. So, how is this generation facing the world? Gen Z has a fresh and unique perspective of their world. They are financially conscious, lean into social justice, have high expectations of brands, and are completely changing the landscape of how they want to experience their journey to university. A burning passion for activities that they like to engage in while purposefully striving to change the world are characteristics that define Gen Z and set them apart from other generations. For Gen Z, the key point is not to define themselves through only one stereotype but rather for individuals to experiment with different ways of being themselves and to shape their individual identities over time. In this respect, one might call them “identity nomads”. Gen Z have mastered the art of navigating between dichotomies and weaving diverse cultural codes to form their “oh so unique” identities. Growing up during the 2008 financial crisis, an era of school shootings, and protests over police brutality, Gen Z is one of the most diverse generations in modern world history. This new generation is very concerned about taking on more debt when attending university and are much more willing to question the value of a degree. The fear of financial distress and not knowing if they will have a secure job after graduation has many questioning the relevance of the material they are learning in school, wondering how they are supposed to apply it to their future careers. This is extremely evident in the career choices that most of them make. Most Gen Z still choose traditional professional fields such as engineering, medicine, or business via the means of an MBA degree. These fields are of high value not only because of the fact that they are low risk, but also they bring great reputation boosts to the person and their family for having raised a capable and successful child. Generation Z is the first generation to have grown up totally invested in the world of technology and social media. They are called the first digitally native generation, born at the peak of technological innovation. They have always had access to a variety of digital platforms and social media. This allows them to stay connected to all forms of self-expression, which has supposedly contributed to their increasingly liberalised viewpoints. This propagation of diversity is often also reflected in their self-expression, distinguishing them from previous generations. This includes gender-fluid expression with clothing and hair, and a morose mood that is befitting of their constant eco-anxiety. Gen Z hasn't known a world without the Internet. In HE, new students today were already able to navigate a smartphone or tablet by the age of seven. They are accustomed to having information at their fingertips via search engines and social media. Growing up in a world where information is so readily available, Generation Z expects instant answers, and they believe that they can always find something better online. They’re also used to instant, virtual connection, which they routinely use to form and build relationships. Gen Z spends on an average eight hours per day online and, 90 percent of them prefer to consume content in their local language. This interconnection has caused Generation Z to put a lot of emphasis on peer reviewed content. Many members of Gen Z use TikTok (or other social channels) as a search engine – not just turning to it for entertainment. Unlike millennials Generation Z is all about Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and TikTok. Once again, as a society we need to learn how to utilise these platforms and also use the appropriate interface for the devices used by Gen Z if we want to communicate and reach this audience. Furthermore, Gen Z trusts mostly on peer opinions, Book A Demo www.univiser.io | [email protected]

20 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 21 • Consider the audience test: Clients, prospects, the business, and the media are your audiences, so use them as a barometer of how effective your thought leadership content is. If they’re not convinced, it’s time to revisit your approach to idea generation. If you tick even four out of five traits, you are truly amazing. Through the responsible use of social media platforms like Linkedin, Youtube, Spotify and others, you can further explore, create and communicate your fresh insights. Once you raise your visibility in a consistent and credible manner (be ethical and credit your sources and research), you will find it easy to connect to business sectors to further the People+Planet+Profit model. But I have doubts, you will say. What if I get trolled? Real fears!! It is true that in a world of being politically-correct, we stand a risk that we will step on many minefields when we start to express ourselves in a genuine way on social media. But hey, welcome the difference of opinion where you learn as much as the person who disagrees with you… Again, what if just 11 people like your article or video on a regular basis? You wrote from the heart but the engagement is zilch. Especially, on a professional platform like Linkedin where your future employers sit. Keep calm and carry on. Remember Rome was not built in one day.. TECHNOLOGY AND IT'S IMPACT And do it anyway Here are a few recommendations from my almost three decades combined professional experience in entrepreneurship (6 years) and media background (over two decades). I started in print media, learned digital and how to use content management systems and then had to master how to create 1 minute vlogs on Instagram. I chose to stay agile. My tips 1) Face your fears: When the pandemic crept up on us in 2020 and engulfed our lives, those who actually listened to the voices in their head had two choices. The first lot experienced the "end of world is at hand" or the “Why Me voice?” The other lot fell into the category of "Heck yes!!!"followed by a "Why Not?" Despite the world saying “Oh no,” they plunged into the murky depths of lockdown and made banana bread, chopped off their hair, made funny videos, connected and helped communities, hung out with old friends online… I did all this and more - like exploring aquaponics and how to grow microgreens in my flat. Of Thought Leadership and how to future-proof your career Do you stay in your safe zone following trends and viral videos? Stick to your known circles and contacts? Or have you taken on leadership positions in your school or college and used social media in a responsible manner to initiate change in your community, city or nation? Then it is time to scrutinize your potential to become a Thought Leader in future. Why? With changing markets and technology disrupting the workplace, as Gen Z (born between 1995 and 2012), you need to look beyond academic achievements to future proof-your career - be it a job or entrepreneurship.. But I have not yet started working you would say. I am still trying to decide which college to go to. Leave alone my career path. Besides, what is Thought Leadership? Again, what is the difference between a leader and a Thought Leader? Leading people I did some research to take away the corporate-speak I detest. Here is a quick checklist summarized from the Western Governors University website’s article “What is Thought Leadership?” Take this quick quiz. Do you • Communicate your area of expertise. Clearly defining your niche or specific area of expertise can help you build your brand, establish credibility in your field, and raise your profile. • Go deep on a few topics vs. many: The beauty about Thought Leadership is that success can come from streamlining your focus to a single specialty. • Keep up with the latest: The best Thought Leaders continually stay current on what’s happening in their fields. This gives them the opportunity to recognize and analyze patterns and trends in the market, which can inspire strategies for achieving business solutions. • Listen to and learn from others: Unafraid to admit what they don’t know, true Thought Leaders make a conscious effort to understand and listen to what others have to say. • Draw inspiration from multiple sources: According to motivational speaker Simon Sinek, best-known for his “Three Golden Circles” TED Talk, “leaders who can observe and connect information from a number of sources are generally well positioned to create ideas that are informed by the needs of the marketplace. Credibility combines that expertise with a measure of humility, honesty, and an appreciation for the human aspect of leading people.”

22 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM The impact? Maybe, you will inspire someone to change their career. Solve a professional or even personal problem. That is huge today. In a world turned topsyturvy after the pandemic and businesses in turmoil, if you impact the life of one person then you have made a far greater impact than getting 1000 followers. Or get headhunted in future. Ready to start? Well. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step… Sona Nambiar Sona Nambiar, is Founder/Content Strategist, Kimiyaa, a boutique Editorial Advisory firm that specializes in helping corporates with their Digital Transformation using over two decades of Launch Editor background in digital and print journalism. TECHNOLOGY AND IT'S IMPACT As an entrepreneur, I found opportunities in what others perceived as threats during the pandemic. I decided to implement the phrase “feel the fear and do it anyway.” Specifically, my fear of public speaking. Ended up with more firsts than I had my whole life. Such as speaking on webinars, giving a guest lecture to final year retail management students, saying yes to two podcast interviews and so on. It just needed a shift in mindset. 2) Be genuine: Talk about what you see around you. On your passionate ideas for change and ask how the community could help you. That is when you connect to real people in the corporate world who hear the same Pied Piper as you. And maybe, even join that journey with you.. Not to mention your peers.. 3) Be community-oriented Write or talk about yourself but also promote others who are doing genuine work. That is why it is called social media.. 4) Go beyond vanity metrics Take time to research and write. It is worthwhile to take an extra effort to make your words count. For instance, Linkedin is a platform with 700+ million professionals and growing. Who has been there, seen that and done that. Your standard templates and stereotyped lazy posts will work on other platforms. But not here. So roll up your sleeves and write what needs to be written. Make your words count when you start sustaining your digital footprint. Go beyond vanity metrics. But also talk to your teachers or professors to give you guidance. Likewise ask your educational institutions to partner with industry experts to help you to also identify your unique Thought Leadership and personal soft-skills to prepare you for the future of work. Your parents also have a crucial role to play in mentoring you. After all, they learned from the school of hard knocks to give you the best they could.. Maybe, you will gain critical insights that may help you if you really listen. In journalism, we call it the second eye.

24 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 25 TECHNOLOGY AND IT'S IMPACT Neha Hemnani, University of Wollongong in Dubai, Student Board Member, ENAI WG Centre for Academic Integrity in the UAE Student Integrity Ambassadors Speak benefits. With the development of platforms like ChatGPT and jenni.ai, concerns around and cases of academic misconduct and academic dis-integrity have increased. Therefore, for technology to coexist with education and not be disruptive, the skill of digital literacy will have to become an integral part of everyone’s lives. Disengagement from classes is what really leads to students looking for an easy, one-stop solution to their homework. Quite a few students consider using ChatGPT just like any other method of research, which only goes to show the lack of awareness(or ignorance) among students! Being a part of the ENAI WG Centre for Academic Integrity in the UAE for the last six months has presented me with multifarious opportunities and has enabled me to work towards everything STEM and academic integrity related. In my six months of being a student board member, I have had the pleasure of organizing debate competitions, and camps and conducting focus groups alongside my fellow active committee and student board members. From attending the STEM camp for girls in 2018 to being an organizer for the same camp in 2023, I’ve seen the centre flourish and only move onwards to bigger and better things. Iliya Lionel Dassanayake, Al Diyafah High School Dubai, Student Active Committee member, ENAI WG Centre for Academic Integrity in the UAE When I joined the committee, I was immediately met with a form of assurance that I have begun my journey across something special. Every time we gather for an event, I feel excited and ready to pursue what's been put in front of me and for that reason I can confidently say I have no regrets. What captivated me the most, however, was the matter of the subject, academic integrity. Ever since the pandemic, we have seen the toll it has taken on many bright young students. In today's digital age, academic integrity is more important than ever, as the ease of copying and pasting information from the internet has made it tempting for some students to cheat or engage in other forms of academic misconduct. It is important for educational institutions to have clear policies and procedures in place to prevent and address ENAI WG Centre for Academic Integrity in the UAE is a collaborative, supportive and voluntary group of faculty, teachers and students from across UAE’s universities and schools who have joined hands to support the academic community in building a culture of integrity in and out of classrooms. The Centre’s objectives include providing support training, workshops, conducting awareness campaigns, and publishing good practice guidelines, especially surrounding technology advances in academia and academic integrity. Here, two members of the Centre share their thoughts: In a world where the phrase “academic integrity” warrants so many blank faces, the Centre has allowed me to be part of something so great in such a short period of time. Don’t get me wrong, I love everything high-tech just as much as the next person. Technology has enabled educators and students to discover new means to educate and be educated respectively(especially during the pandemic) and has made so many processes convenient- putting all of us at ease. The disruption technology and AI are causing in the academic arena is not unfamiliar to us either. As an organisation in the ever-changing, tech-savvy generationit is important for us at the Centre to work hand in hand with technology and take advantage of its indispensable academic misconduct, and to educate students on the importance of academic integrity. Overall, academic integrity is crucial for maintaining the integrity of academic research and scholarship, and for ensuring that students are prepared to become responsible and ethical members of their chosen professions. That's where I believe even existing as a committee becomes crucial. Discussing these matters in the form of webinars, debates, poster making competitions, and so on can be very engaging for students; and participating in the events frequently is very empowering. I have strong faith that this committee will ensure the widespread of the message and will surely create a lot of 'positive' bustle around the subject. Hopefully, I as an active committee member, can continue to work with this wonderful team again in the near future. Should you like to know more about the Centre and contribute to the programme, visit our website: https:// www.academicintegrity.eu/wp/enai-wgcentre-for-academic-integrity-in-the-uae-ecaiu/ or email [email protected]. For the Centre’s good practice guide on Artificial Intelligence content creators such as ChatGPT, please download the document here: https://academicintegrity-uae.com/wpcontent/uploads/2020/10/Good-PracticeGuide-on-AI-Content-Generators-forEducation.pdf

26 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 27 TECHNOLOGY AND IT'S IMPACT Things Teenagers Can Do Without Screens 100 How do you find things for bored teenagers to do at home and on the go? Where do you find things to do without technology? Here are a 100 ideas for fun activities that teenagers can do without a phone, PC, PS4, or television. Pssst—they work for adults, too! 26 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM 1. Bake something new from a cookbook. 2. Find something in your room that you enjoyed when you were younger and try it again, just for fun. 3. Figure out what’s a mile or less from your home, and walk to one interesting place. 4. Play a board game. 5 Color, draw, or paint. 6. Walk a dog (yours or a neighbor’s). 7. Think of someone you know who might be lonely, and what you could do for them. 8. Call a grandparent (you’ll make their day). 9. Do a crossword puzzle, Sudoku, or word find. 10. Ride a bike, skateboard, or scooter. 11. Write in a journal. 12. Create a cartoon. 13. Shoot hoops. 14. Have a bubble bath. 15. Make slime. 16. Do origami. 17. Visit a friend or invite one over. 18. Play darts, ping pong, or air hockey. 19. Learn quilling and create cards/photo frames/ framable pictures 20. Try to figure out how to fix something broken in your home. 21. Read. Find a book in your house you’ve never read before. 22. Cuddle with or play with a pet. Teach them a new trick. 23. Play with siblings. 24. Go for a run or walk. 25. Paint your nails. 26. Go to the park. 27. Play frisbee or catch. 28. Go sand boarding. 29. Look for a job—even if it’s babysitting or dog walking. 30. Start or tend a garden. 31. Brainstorm business ideas. 32. Nap. 33. Find a volunteer position. 34. Create an obstacle course or scavenger hunt. 35. Do a jigsaw puzzle. 36. Ask if there are extra chores you can do for cash. 37. Knit, crochet, or rainbow loom. 38. Think of one adulting thing you don’t know how to do, and find out, how to do it. 39. Practice or learn an instrument. 40. Try to identify the birds in your neighborhood. 41. See if you can set a record at something. 42. Create a vision board. 43. Plan one dessert/dinner you’d like to try making. 44. Now that you’ve planned a dinner, make it. 45. Paint a room. 46. Take your mom’s grocery list and buy everything. 47. Create a compelling argument about why you should get to use technology.

28 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 29 48. Make a bucket list. 49. Bake cookies and give them to the local labour camp. 50. Visit the Kennel Club/Cattery play with the animals. 51. Go to the zoo. 52. Get the neighborhood kids together for a game of football. 53. Go through your drawers and make a pile of clothes that you want to donate. 54. Serve a meal with Volunteeers UAE. 55. Write a short story/poem. 56. Build something with toothpicks. 57. Build houses with playing cards. 58. Teach yourself a new card game. 59. Learn how to do roller skate/blade. 60. Practice yoga. 61. Try to stand on your head or do a cartwheel. 62. Tour the house looking at all the things on the walls and tables like you’re at a museum. 63. Teach yourself cursive writing/calligraphy. 64. Make a scrapbook of your last year’s adventures. 65. Teach yourself to whistle using your fingers. 66. Go to the library. 67. Make a herbarium. 68. Clean your room and argue for an allowance. 69. Learn a game your parents played in their childhood. 70. Get a book out about trees and learn to Identify them. 71. Go for a hike. 72. Be a tourist in your own hometown. 73. Walk around a local museum. 74. Give yourself a facial mask. 75. Learn how to juggle. 76. Design a family crest. 77. Create a family tree 78. Look through family photo albums. 79. Make a photo collage for your room. 80. Create a screen play and see if you can put up the drama with friends. 81. Alphabetize the spices in your kitchen. 82. Organize your shoes. 83. Learn how to make fish/fly a kite/play mini golf. 84. Make homemade ice cream. 85. String lights across the ceiling in your room. 86. Learn to write your name in calligraphy. 87. Make a friendship bracelet. 88. Become an expert in some obscure trivia. 89. Drive around town to explore. 90. Ask your grandparents about their childhood. 91. Shadow your parents at work. 92. Ask your parents about their first date/how they met. 93. Ask someone on a date and plan it. 94. Learn how to do henna designs. 95. Read a magazine or newspaper you have never read before. 96. Dream about where you’d like to be in five, 10, or even 20 years. 97. Do an extra chore and surprise your parents. 98. See if you have enough money saved to go to a trampoline park, rock climbing gym, bowling alley, museum, concert, roller rink, escape room, etc. 99. Bike to the nearest park. 100. Hang out in a coffee shop to do homework or talk with friends. ---------- Adapted from Teen Magazine WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 29

30 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 31 CAREER FOCUS parked for a few hours before pressing the send button or better still rewrite all the negative words with positive actionable words. Reflect -Taking time to reflect before giving a response helps you get more clarity on whether the reply is really important or can you move on without that affecting you. Redesign - There are different people on social media with different challenges or needs, so redesign your content to avoid coming across as pompous or a know it all. Relearn - Be ready to unlearn and learn again. Reduce - The number of emojis you use should not be too many, because people with accessibility issues cannot understand them easily. Recall - Once you have posted a message, even if you delete it, it cannot be recalled and there is always a possibility of a digital trace remaining. Restrict -Your time is of absolute importance so restrict the amount of time you spend on social media including a professional platform like LinkedIn. Now that you are moving into a journey of self monitoring and self motivation resilience is going to be an important word. This is the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties. However don’t forget that your family, friends are always waiting to support you. All you need to do is ask. Message for the parents - You gave your love and support and have taught everything possible to the child so now it is time to be the wind beneath their wings and not steal their struggle. Tips for developing a Professional Presence Online LinkedIn is the recommended Platform for professional networking and learning. From a platform for job hunting and Recruitments LinkedIn in the last 20 years has evolved into a networking platform. Follow these guidelines and create a personal brand. Make sure you fill all the details in required columns and slots and utilise the words to highlight your persona. Use good professional photo and not a selfie. Get a photo done in a studio for a reasonable price. LinkedIn gives you many options to post different type of content. You can use the mobile and the Laptop to post though it is not as seamless as it could be. While using Images best to use your own even if they are not perfect at least you won’t have copyright issues. While sharing someone else’s content make sure to give credit to them including anonymous if you don’t know the source. Use your mobile to post links on a video/ image with link to a page, website or event . This cannot be done using the laptop. Using Alt Text gives you an opportunity to be more inclusive and now you can use 1000 characters to describe an image. Your content strategy should be to write about your present, seek challenges for future and share learnings from the past. Sharing volunteering experiences along with free/paid internships gives your brand image a credibility. Share certificates to show your progress and upskilling and no, it is not boastful. You earned the right to share it because of your hard work. Be consistent in showing up on LinkedIn. Even if you don’t post you can engage with others posts, with an emoji or an encouraging comment. The main rule to remember is "be kind" and if you have nothing positive to say then don’t say it anything. Last but not the least Review everything before you get on social media. Wishing Everyone a Successful journey on LinkedIn. Dr.Shambavi Rajagopal likes to ACE with Passion. She is an Academician, Consultant and Entrepreneur. She teaches Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Management and is the founder of a community Save Scrap & Sew. In her Spectrum, she lives by the mantra ‘Efficiency is more Important than Perfection” and can be found on LinkedIn with her profile.https://www.linkedin.com/in/ shambavirajagopal/ FOOTPRINTS - The Digital kind Record – Everyone needs to present details about their professional growth, achievements, upskilling, accolades, awards, volunteering and other contributing activities which adequately represents you. Respond - Communicate with thought and interact with people/ companies who/which are your Role Models. Engage with them in conversation. Reply – When people connect with you then replying to them is important because in the virtual space that you are in, it is the acknowledgement of their presence. Rethink - Before you reply to anyone who is trolling or disagrees with your viewpoint or is saying something which you completely disagree with. Rewrite - If you did write a comment, then let it be 30 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM Have you noticed the number of important words which start with ‘Re’ in our life? Respect - Something given and taken. Redo - an opportunity to improve something at the earliest. Reset - A chance to start afresh. Refresh - To revisit something Internet and social media changed our life Forever and it can be used to benefit us and help with our Online Reputation. Let us look at a few words which are important for us in our digital world and also start with ‘Re’

32 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 33 The advancements in robotics, AI, metaverse, block chain, and other technologies are revolutionizing the way we live, work, and communicate.. Robotics is transforming manufacturing and logistics, while AI is being used in healthcare,finance, and many other fields. The metaverse is set to become the next frontier of virtual reality, while blockchain has the potential to disrupt industries such as banking and supply chain management. Adapting to Rapid Developments in Academics: To keep up with the latest advancements in technology, many of the world's best universities are upgrading their academics to include courses focused on these emerging fields. Today, universities are not only teaching the theory behind these technologies but also providing hands-on experience through research opportunities and internships. Scholarships in STEM: Multiple scholarships are available for students studying STEM fields, including the Microsoft Scholarship which offers financial support, mentorship, and internships at Microsoft. Another significant contributor is FIRST, a non-profit organization that organizes robotics competitions and provides scholarships worth $80 million annually to FIRST alumni pursuing higher education at top universities, with support from companies like NASA, Apple, and Amazon. To increase their chances of receiving a scholarship, students must have a strong academic record, demonstrate their passion for STEM, and show their potential for research through their projects, research and extracurricular activities. Students can seekguidance and mentorship from their teachers, professors, and advisors, who can help them prepare themselves and apply. The Curious Case of Robotics and STEM Competitions Participating in robotics and STEM competitions, such as FIRST LEGO League, World Robot Olympiad, and VEX Robotics Competition, can help students develop a strong profile and showcase their skills and interest in STEM fields. Both participating and winning such competitions can increase the likelihood of admission into top universities and receiving substantial scholarships. Additionally, these competitions promote team work, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, which are vital in the technology industry. CAREER FOCUS The Unique Ecosystem: An effective solution to bridge the gap between regular school academics and university admissions is an ecosystem introduced by Unique World Robotics in Dubai. This inclusive and sustainable ecosystem offers diverse activities that engage students in industry and academia, including learning technical skills, participating in competitions and hackathons, to showcase abilities. Additionally, students can engage in internationally recognized volunteering activities, such as the Robotics, AI & Innovation Lab (RAIL) Project, where they can support underprivileged communities by setting up functional labs and providing free training activities. Students can engage in research projects, seek patents under expert mentorship from industry and academia, which can significantly impact their academic profiles and make them competitive candidates for university applications. With the world moving towards a technology-driven future, it is crucial for students to stay updated with the latest advancements in technology. Universities provide necessary skills for success in the tech industry, and students in high school should take advantage of such opportunities. Inclusive and sustainable ecosystems, along with scholarships from organizations like FIRST, can help students upskill and showcase their abilities through competitions, enhancing their chances of receiving scholarships and getting into top universities. I encourage students, parents, and teachers to join this journey and be part of a community committed to creating a positive impact in the world. - Bansan Thomas George Founder Unique World Robotiics Shaping the Future of Education: A Unique Journey Beyond STEM 32 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM As the world becomes increasingly technology-driven, the demand for professionals in the fields of robotics, artificial intelligence(AI), metaverse, block chain, and other emerging technologies is on the rise. To prepare the next generation for success in these fields, it is essential to provide them with a solid foundation in future technology education. As Nelson Mandela once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

34 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 35 CAREER FOCUS The world is changing rapidly, much faster now than in the past few decades and the speed of change is impacting everyone. It is getting increasingly challenging to manage oneself, manage others and be ready for the future. The current generation of children and youth have access to more information that ever before are evolving at an exponential rate. The skills of the future also known as Meta-skills, are innate, timeless, higher-order skills that create adaptive learners and promote success in whatever context the future brings. From birth, children use their meta-skills as they test and explore the world around them, and it is these meta-skills that act as a key to unlock the development of other transferable and technical skills. Therefore, it is important that as children and young people progress through their education, practitioners make meta-skills explicitly visible and create opportunities for learners to recognize, understand and explore their meta- skills development. Even in workplace the skills of critical thinking, leadership, and adaptability, are in increasing demand. Integrating meta-skills in formal education will prepare the next generation to enable them to thrive in times of uncertainty. Meta-skills prepare students for the future of work The idea of meta-skills was popularized by business innovator Marty Neumeier to describe the essential qualities employees need to adapt and thrive amid change. Most people lack the skills to address today’s challenges because they are not equipped to approach the complexity of a connected and interdependent world. He identifies competency gaps in “feeling, seeing, dreaming, making, and learning.” In a technology-driven society, meta-skills set people apart from machines. Automation is replacing human labor and eliminating jobs, while software is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Dr. Jayne Fleener recommends that early education has “much more of an emphasis on the skills needed for informal learning and a de-emphasis on a lot of the skills that are necessary in formal learning… There are increased demands for creativity, collaboration, and flexibility, especially as technology assumes it's role in taking away some of the directory of the workforce.” When students ‘see’ systems and interdependencies, they are better prepared for the future. Youth will need the Meta-skills for success These skills are broadly categorized as: Self-Awareness: Manage the now; coping with ongoing change to support wellbeing, growth, performance and productivity. Resilience and Social Intelligence: Connecting and collaborating with others to effectively navigate and negotiate complex social relationships and environments. Innovation: Create our own change. Defining and creating significant positive change The detailed skills will need guidance and support for young adults to learn and adopt. Meta-skills for youth “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn." - ALVIN TOFFLER 34 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM

36 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 37 Self Awareness • Focusing - bringing focus to whatever we do to understand issues deeply; rather than distractions • Adaptive - being flexible and willing to experiment and learn and be adaptive to change and uncertainties • Insights on own strengths - rather than focusing on weaknesses, get to work on strengths and how to make them stronger in the future • Initiative - be willing to try it for the first time, rather than waiting for someone to push you Social Intelligence • Communicating - communication is both art and science and the philosophy of how to convey what we want- effectively and how to be an active listener is necessary for everyone • Resilience - how to manage self in difficult times and bounce back. When something goes wrong, you must manage to stay in control rather than let the situation take over. • Collaborating - how we leverage on strengths of others and how we contribute to common goals • Leading - learn to be a leader rather than a follower always Innovation • Curiosity - having a child-like curiosity to explore and question • Problem solving - applying new approach to problem solving like “Design Thinking” • Creativity- Thinking out of box and create something new. Creativity is the ability to see what other people don’t see or don’t want to see • Critical Thinking - logic and interpretations and predictions for future The most important of all the skills is RESILIENCE. The Top 10 ways to develop Resilience are: 1. Keep a rational mindset 2. Get a mentor or a coach 3. Learn your blind spots 4. Give yourself a break 5. Ask for help whenever needed 6. Take control of self 7. Strong bond with family and friends 8. Get fit physically 9. Be mindful 10. Help others Each meta-skill should not be considered in isolation. The many interdependencies between them mean each one supports the development and draws on the application of others across the model. For example, an individual needs the capacity to focus on a challenge to allow for creativity and innovation in coming up with solutions. They will then need initiative to make their ideas become a reality. Concepts such as emotional intelligence, enterprise and confidence are all constructed from selected underlying meta-skills. -Puneet Rathi - Happiness Coach and Writer Curiosity & Imagination Initiative & Entrepreneurship Agility & Adaptability Accessing & Analyzing Information Collaboration Across Networks & Leading by Inflence Effective Oral & Written Communication Critical Thinking & Problem Solving 7 SKILLS STUDENTS 7WILL ALWAYS NEED WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 37 CAREER FOCUS

38 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 39 Studies have found that careers with a focus on science and critical thinking are less likely to be affected by the development of these tools, on the other hand careers that are based on programming and writing skills are highly exposed to the impact of such tools. Criteria such as the barriers to entry into a new job also play a role in a how exposed a career is to tools such as ChatGPT. The more on-the-job training that a job requires, the less exposed it is to the impact of such tools. Conversely careers such as Mathematicians, Tax Preparers, Writers, Translators are highly exposed to changes due to the development of AI Tools(Eloundouet al., 2023). The tech website CNet reportedly laid off many of its writers with plans to replace their output with the use of AI generated articles(Sato, 2023).Aaron Mok and Jacob Zinkula (2023)state that the careers that have been most likely to be impacted by generative AI are Artificial Intelligence (AI) has long been a concept explored in Science Fiction Novels throughout the years, and with the advent of Large Language Models (LLMs) and other generative tools such as OpenAI’s now famous ChatGPT, this concept is coming ever closer to reality. These programs are currently being deployed for specific tasks, since out of the box use of such tools for any task provides inaccurate results due to factual inaccuracies, biases and disinformation risks (Eloundouet al., 2023). By limiting the data used for input to specific and limited data sets, the quality of the results provided by such programs can be improved. This limitation is also what will play a role in determining the types of careers that are least likely to be impacted by the development of such programs. The further development of such tools can also create opportunities for future careers specialized in their development and the use of their outputs. CAREER FOCUS 38 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM The Impact of AI on Future Careers WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 39 1) Tech roles such as Coders, computer programmers, software engineers, data analysts 2) Media jobs such as advertising, content creation, technical writing, journalism 3) Legal industry jobs like paralegals, legal assistants 4) Market research analysts 5) Teachers 6) Finance jobs like financial analysts, personal financial advisors 7) Traders 8) Graphic designers 9) Accountants 10) Customer service agents These careers are not necessarily at risk of being replaced in the near future, but with the leaps in development of such AI powered tools, their role in society is at the risk of being diminished the more developed these technologies get. Even careers that are not made redundant by the development of such AI tools could see the number of tasks needed for their role being reduced due to the addition of such tools in their workflow. Being prepared for the changes coming and being resilient enough to tackle these changes will depend on a person’s ability to adapt to the change. This could vary from learning how to use these tools to automate their duties; to going to school to pursue careers that require human perspective and judgement. As Eloundou et al. (2023) state “While LLMshave consistently improved in capabilities over time, their growing economic effect is expected to persist and increase even if we halt the development of new capabilities today”. Eloundou, T. et al. (2023) ‘GPTs are GPTs: An Early Look at the Labor Market Impact Potential of Large Language Models’, pp. 1–34. Available at: http://arxiv.org/abs/2303.10130. Mok, A. and Zinkula, J. (2023) ChatGPT: the 10 Jobs Most at Risk of Being Replaced by AI, businessinsider.com. Available at: https://www.businessinsider.com/chatgptjobs-at-risk-replacement-artificial-intelligence-ai-labortrends-2023-02 (Accessed: 9 April 2023). Sato, M. (2023) CNET is doing big layoffs just weeks after AI-generated stories came to light - The Verge, The Verge. Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/2/23622231/ cnet-layoffs-ai-articles-seo-red-ventures (Accessed: 9 April 2023).

40 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 41 HEADSTART 2024 CAREER FOCUS Top 5 Tech Skills needed to succeed in 2023 and beyond The world of technology is evolving rapidly, and with each passing year, new in demand skills are emerging. In 2013, there were 150 million IT professionals working worldwide. In 2023 and beyond, specific tech skills are expected to be in high demand. They include the following: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Today, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are among the most desirable skills in the tech industry. With the increase in the amount of data generated by businesses and organisations, the need for professionals who can build and maintain intelligent systems is on the rise. AI and ML skills are critical for a range of industries, including finance, healthcare, and transportation, among others. Professionals with AI and ML skills can work on a wide range of projects, including developing chatbots, creating predictive models, and improving natural language processing. With the advancement of AI and ML technologies, the demand for professionals in these areas is expected to grow significantly in 2023. Cybersecurity With the rise of cybercrime and the increasing number of cyber attacks, cybersecurity is becoming an increasingly critical skill set for tech professionals. In 2023, cybersecurity skills are expected to be in high demand, as businesses and organizations continue to look for ways to protect their data and networks from cyber threats. Individuals who possess expertise in cybersecurity can find opportunities in various sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government. Their duties may include safeguarding networks, identifying and reducing cyber risks, and enforcing security protocols to prevent future attacks. Cloud Computing Cloud computing has been a game-changer in the tech industry, and it’s expected to continue to be a critical skill in 2023. With the increase in remote work and the need for businesses to store and process large amounts of data, cloud computing skills are becoming essential. As cloud computing technology continues to expand, professionals with cloud computing skills are becoming increasingly valuable in a variety of projects. These skilled individuals can work on projects such as designing and implementing cloud-based solutions, managing cloud-based infrastructure, and developing cloudbased applications. With the growth of this industry, the demand for professionals with cloud computing skills is anticipated to grow in the years to come. Data Analytics Data analytics is another in-demand skill set that’s expected to be critical in 2023. With the increase in the amount of data generated by businesses and organisations, the need for professionals who can analyze and interpret data is on the rise. The ability to analyze data and develop predictive models is essential for professionals with data analytics skills. WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 41 They are in high demand due to the continued growth of big data and the need for businesses to make data-driven decisions. Their work may include analyzing customer behaviour and identifying trends in data. Internet of Things (IoT) The IoT, or the Internet of Things, is a network of interconnected devices that are capable of communicating with each other through the Internet. IoT technology is expected to continue to grow in popularity in 2023, and professionals with IoT skills will be in high demand. With the rising popularity of IoT technology, there is a growing demand for professionals skilled in designing industrial IoT solutions, developing smart home devices, and implementing IoT sensors in various industries. The expansion of IoT technology is expected to lead to an increase in demand for these professionals in the upcoming years. How do you get these skills? To acquire these tech skills, individuals can take advantage of a range of development courses that are available online or in person. Many reputable universities and online platforms offer courses and certifications in AI and ML, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, and IoT. In addition to taking courses, individuals can also gain experience by working on projects and participating in hackathons or coding challenges. Joining tech communities and attending industry events can also provide opportunities to network and learn from experts in the field. To remain competitive in the job market, it is crucial to stay updated on the latest high-demand skills as the tech industry continues to evolve. By pursuing AI and ML, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, and IoT skills, individuals can boost their chances of securing a rewarding career in the tech field. Source: www.analyticsinsight.net

42 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 43 Phone: 800AMITY (26489) [email protected] www.amityuniversity.ae 700,000 sqft campus 2,500 students 70 nationalities 120,000 global alumni MOE/CAA accreditation Over 30 degrees Study at Amity University Dubai. Will you #Bethenext? Visit our award-winning campus Your future career will be launched at Amity University Dubai Choose your future career path at Amity University Dubai and join a leading, internationally-accredited university, with one of the largest and most advanced campus in the UAE. Degrees are locally, regionally and internationally accredited. 700,000 sqft campus with world-class facilities and state-of-the-art laboratories. Global student transfer between campuses in the UAE, UK, USA, Singapore and India. 306x220mm

WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 45 UAE 44 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM Economy: UAE’s economy grew by 7.6% in 2022, higher than expected. In the first ten months of 2022, Dubai welcomed 11.4 million international visitors, a 134% increase over the same period the previous year. Education In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), respectively, oversee private schools rather than the Ministry of Education – private schools are not under direct government supervision. While in the Northern Emirates, it is Sharjah Private Education Authority that does the inspections. U UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AE Population: 10.2 million, of which 8.9 million are expats, including Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Filipinos, Iranians, and Egyptians. There are significantly more men than women in UAE: men represent 69% of the population while women make up 31%. The most populous cities are Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. The demographic aged 15–24 makes up 12.2% of the population. Population growth is expected to peak in 2033 at 10.7 million people. The youth unemployment rate is much lower in UAE than in other MENA countries – generally below 10%. UAE, especially Dubai, is becoming an education hub in the ME region. It is also. an exporter of students to other countries. In fact, UAE is the top host of Indian students. According to ICEF, as many as 219,000 Indian students were enrolled in UAE higher education institutions as of July 2021, making it even more popular than Canada, US, the UK, and other countries. Over the past couple of years, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE’s Vice-President and Prime Minister, has introduced longer term residence visas for students as well as a permission for students to bring their relatives with them to the country as added incentives for foreign students to choose UAE. Dubai is home to more than 200 nationalities today and 90% of the city’s population comes from abroad, which is one reason that international branch campuses are such a natural fit. Diverse Community Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) and Dubai Knowledge Park are home to 27 academic institutions, including regional campuses by globally renowned organisations such as University of Birmingham and the University of Manchester – both of which ranked in the top 100 universities in the QS World University rankings 2023. The city’s strategic location within the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) region, paired with its emerging reputation for internationally accredited universities, are raising Dubai’s profile as an attractive destination for higher education and talent development. The Emirate even ranked as the best student city in the Middle East in the QS Best Students’ Cities Ranking 2023. As of March 2022, the complete community at the two education ecosystems – which includes the 28,200 students – represent more than 80 countries, including India, Pakistan, Saudi and the wider GCC, comprising more than 85% of the student body. Students from the UAE make up the remaining 14%.

46 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 47 Founded in 1900, the University of Birmingham is ranked in the top 100 universities in the world (QS 2022) and is one of the foremost higher education institutions in the UK. Birmingham is the first Russell Group University (the UK’s equivalent to the Ivy League) to open a campus in the international education hub of Dubai, continuing its legacy of connecting the brightest students from across the globe in a university renowned for research and teaching. The brand new, state-of-the-art campus in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) provides an academic home for 2,900 students and a student experience like no other in Dubai. Collaboration is at the heart of the campus design, reflecting real-world working practices. The undergraduate and postgraduate programmes will stretch and challenge you to achieve your potential and develop your career. You can expect to engage with challenging debates, theories and concepts. Flexible study spaces ensure a learning environment suited to your needs and the ‘digital first’ approach to learning technology ensures that you can work seamlessly with peers in Dubai. The university also encourages international collaboration with students from the UK or Singapore campuses, providing the invaluable experience of working on projects that span the globe. In collaboration with Siemens, the new campus will be outfitted with state-of-the-art technology to provide a truly world-class physical and digital experience befitting a university ranked among the top 100 worldwide. This will result in the creation of a 'Living Lab' where research, teaching, and learning can all benefit from access to new data and connectivity. The campus has been uniquely designed to embrace sustainable practices ensuring that the university leads the way in corporate environmental responsibility and delivers a modern campus that is capable of adapting to changes in technology, learning and climate. This innovative technology will be integrated into the curriculum, spanning subject disciplines, and utilised by industry partners through research projects, consultancy opportunities and student internships. From world-leading research and facilities to forwardthinking staff, technological infrastructure and industry partnerships, Birmingham will drive innovation to ensure that you are prepared with the skills, knowledge and expertise required to excel in the job market of tomorrow. There has never been a more exciting time to join the University of Birmingham’s global community; whether you are beginning your academic journey, or building on your existing knowledge through postgraduate study, you can be confident that Birmingham will stretch, challenge and support you every step of the way. You can find out more by joining one of our Open Days. Your future starts here! Study in our outstanding smart campus in September 2023 University of Birmingham Dubai Provost Professor David Sadler said: “Our range of programmes in Dubai is already very broad and that is because we believe students benefit from an actively inter-disciplinary environment, where they can learn from different perspectives. We are crafting our academic offer in Dubai to deliver the experience that every student needs to develop and grow - a ‘digital first’ approach to teaching, learning and assessment. Sustainability is important to us and partnering with Siemens will make our campuses in Dubai and Birmingham as sustainable as possible. Our beautiful new building is accessible to everyone - as in Birmingham, it is open to the local community for events and opportunities that will enrich the lives of Dubai residents.” The University of Birmingham Dubai is a global top 100 university, so I knew I would receive a high quality education. The University has such an inclusive environment, I feel so welcome studying here, my experience has been amazing! I’ve made so many new friends and I have a good relationship with all my Professors, my studies have been going really well. Tanvi, BSc Economics student

48 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 49 UAE Schools The KHDA released the inspection of results 2022-23 in early April as it coincides with school re-enrolment deadlines for the next academic year. A total of 199 schools were inspected during the latest round of inspections, including six that were assessed for the first time. 25 educational institutes improved their ratings, with 39,795 students benefitting from the positive change More than three-quarters (77 per cent) of students in Dubai attend private schools rated ‘Good’ or better, according to inspection results released by education regulator Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in April 2023. This is an improvement from the last full inspection cycle during the 2018/19 academic year, when 70 per cent students studied in ‘Good’ or better schools. Twenty schools were rated Outstanding; 39 Very Good; and 84 Good. About 55 schools were rated ‘Acceptable’, while only one was ‘Weak’. Twenty-five schools improved their ratings, with 39,795 students benefitting from the positive change. Emirati students have also benefitted from the improvement in school ratings. Seventy-six per cent of Emirati students (22,876) now attend a private school rated Good or better. Meanwhile in Dubai, there are 216 private schools. These are some of the top private primary/secondary international schools offering various international curriculums: Key Findings • 199 private schools inspected • 244,868 students (77 per cent) attend Dubai private schools rated ‘Good’ or better • 25 schools improved in ratings • 6 schools inspected for the first time • 76 per cent of Emirati students enrolled in schools rated ‘Good’ or better As per a report published in Gulf News in March 2023, Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) has launched the second round of its school performance review ‘Itqan’, which continued until March targeting 74 private schools. The scheme that aims to implement a comprehensive review of the quality of Sharjah private schools performance was launched following extensive training courses, targeted 36 private schools in its first phase between October and November last year. School education landscape in Abu Dhabi In Abu Dhabi, 15 different curriculums are offered to students: American, British, Canadian, French, Bangladeshi, German, International Bac (IB), Indian, Iranian, Italian, Japanese, MoE (Ministry of Education), Pakistani, Filipino, and Sabis. It is ADEK that ranks schools biannually in Abu Dhabi; nine top ranked private schools include some that have been named among the world’s top 100 and one more affordable school that aims to educate future rocket scientists. All but one of the nine private schools ranked as outstanding by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Education and Knowledge follow the British curriculum. Inspection ratings for private schools in Abu Dhabi were last published in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic. As per Which School Advisor website, in September 2020, there were 235 private schools in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. In 2019, there were some 241,112 students attending these schools. Private schools offer a range of 14 international curricula – the most common being UK, US, and Indian, with a small but growing number of IB curriculum schools, as well as Bangladeshi, Canadian, French, German, Iranian, Japanese and Philippine among others. There are also currently 48 private schools (one in five private schools) which offer the UAE National Curriculum. The Covid 19 pandemic has meant that only a very small number of inspections took place in the 2019- 20 academic year, and given that Abu Dhabi schools are only inspected every two years, this has meant a limited number of changes from 2018-19. According to ADEK Report: Currently nine schools are rated Outstanding, 22 rated Very Good, and 70 rated Good - a growth of 24 compared with 2017-18. The highest performing curriculum in Abu Dhabi is the British curriculum with all but one Outstanding-rated school utilising this curriculum. The exception to this rule is Raha International, one of the few full IB curriculum schools in the emirate. The British curriculum also out performed the others across Very Good rated schools too, with a total of twelve of the 22 schools following the English National Curriculum. The US curriculum is the second most popular choice in the Very Good school category, accounting for a further six schools. Interestingly, across the Good ratings curriculum popularity differs, with the 22 schools in this category using the US curriculum, whilst 12 offer the UK curriculum and 10 the Indian, CBSE curriculum. Higher education in the UAE According to the DIAC website, more than 85% of Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park’s student body are made up of students from abroad. More than 28,200 students returned to universities across DIAC and Dubai Knowledge Park, members of TECOM Group PJSC, for the fall semester. International and regional universities are amplifying programmes in entrepreneurship, creativity and providing spaces for creative programmes in line with current employment trends for the 2022-2023 calendar with a host of community events, new workshops, and themed seminars to promote futureproofed knowledge and skills as well as networking with industry experts. The universities in DIAC and Dubai Knowledge Park are continually evolving their curriculum and courses to meet the current and future job market. From promoting entrepreneurship and innovation through university-led incubators and TECOM Group’s to a growing interest in digital media and technology, students can explore a range of subjects and activities to bolster their skills for the future of work. Courses in

52 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 53 Computer Science, Computer Engineering as well as Communication and Media have witnessed growing interest in 2022-2023. In 2022, some universities have introduced programmes in sectors such as digital media, brand management and cybersecurity to meet industry demands. Apart from these universities and training institutes, there are a couple of universities including some American universities, some British universities some vocational institutes and a medical college in RAK. Affordability in Education To promote affordability and ensure a wider pool of talent can access world-class learning opportunities, universities at both education ecosystems are providing merit-based scholarships. Education System The higher education institutions in UAE offer higher national diplomas, certificates, undergraduate and postgraduate studies. While some of these are awarded by local institutions, others are branch campuses of institutions from countries such as Canada, United States, the UK, Australia, India, Pakistan, France and other European countries. The duration of courses vary depending on the parent institution. The country now has 78 recognised institutions offering more than 950 accredited programs. The Council for Academic Accreditation, functioning under the Ministry of Education is entrusted the task of accrediting programmes. The stringent measures followed by the CAA to ensure quality of service delivery, streamlines procedures and safe guards the interest of students. The growing importance of the higher education sector to Dubai’s economic development is supported by Resolution 21, which entitles graduates from all private universities in Dubai to have their degrees certified by KHDA, and guarantees that their qualifications will be recognised by the public and private sector in Dubai. Types of Qualifications Schools, colleges, Universities and Institutes in the UAE offer a variety of programmes from various countries to suit the country’s multi-cultural society. One can get a two year vocational program or BTEC from the UK, a three year Indian or British degree or a four year American or Canadian one, the choice is yours. Vocational courses varying from jewellery design, sound engineering, and film production to hotel management are on offer along with traditional degree options in a wide variety of specializations. To meet the country’s growing needs, institutions are designing newer programmes that will improve employability and make the younger generation skilled, contributing citizens. Application Process Students can fill forms online or approach institutions directly to seek admission. Most institutions need to see a minimum of 12 years of schooling. If you seek enrolment directly after O levels, you would need to do a foundation year. Based on the programme of study sought, there will be a minimum requirement in terms of grades or marks secured. This could vary with each institution. Admission Requirements The majority of institutions in the UAE have a September intake. Some offer summer programmes and a few have a January intake. Most institutions require a TOEFL or IELTS score to demonstrate English proficiency. Some establishments conduct their own entrance exam. The varying norms of entry requirements make it advisable to contact and reconfirm with institutions individually. Deadlines Admissions open in April and offers are made through September. Admissions get finalised after the schools’ final exam results are announced between May and July. Increasingly, institutions are offering a Spring intake where classes begin in January/February. International students applying from overseas are advised to secure their residence visa in time for the commencement of the programme. Visas Institutions require the following documents to process visas: • Student Visa Application Form (Student Entry Permit) • Eight passport size photographs taken with a white background • Student Enrolment Contract. This is required for Knowledge Park students. • An official offer letter without any conditions • Four photocopies the applicant’s passport (including pages showing UAE visit visa or residence visa, if application is made locally) • Copy of a personal bank statement showing minimum of AED30,000; this should be recent and have the stamp and signature of a bank official. Alternatively a financial sponsorship letter from parents or guardians indicating their willingness to bear the financial responsibility for the tuition and cost of living. • A copy of the receipt showing payment of full tuition and student visa charges • Forms related to the visa processing can be secured from the sponsoring institution. Health Insurance is mandatory and an annual fee ranging from AED1200 to AED2000 will be charged for the same. Students seeking sponsorship for visa need to bear the costs and this may range from AED 6,000 to AED 7,000/. Costs will also be incurred during the annual renewal of visa and a sum of AED 1,200 to 2,200/ may be charged for every visa renewal. These amounts can vary depending on the current laws and individual institution’s rules. Source and Web Sites of Use Commission for Academic Accreditation www.caa.ae Knowledge and Human Development Authority www.khda.gov.ae RAK Education zone rakez.com Abu Dhabi -www.adec.ac.ae Dubai Knowledge Park- www.dkp.ae Academic City- www.diacedu.ae ICEF Monitor

w w w. b o l t o n a c . a e +971 7 2211221 | +971 56 401 3123 | [email protected] C o n t a c t f o r m o r e d e t a i l s BRITISH UNIVERSITY QUALITY SINCE 2008 IN THE UAE UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES B.Eng (Hons) Engineering (Civil/Electrical & Electronics/Mechanical) BEng (Hons) in Software Engineering BSc (Hons) Computing BSc (Hons) Psychology BSc (Hons) Business Management LLB (Hons) BA (Hons) in Accountancy + ACCA MBA MSc in Construction Project Management MSc in Engineering Management MSc in Accountancy & Financial Management MSc in Software Engineering MSc in Psychology REGISTER FOR 2023intake september

WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 57 56 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM UNITED KINGDOM The UK higher education is an internationally recognized system, and it’s standard and quality is guaranteed by official bodies like the Qualifications Curriculum Authority (QCA). This independent body recognises the quality of the university’s teaching and general facilities and RAE examines the Research Assessment Exercise and publishes its findings every five years. The assessment results are freely available on the internet. The Higher Education funding councils also provide information on quality assurance through the UK- wide Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. UK offers a good mix of highly established institutions which are hundreds of years old, and more recent establishments to choose from. Many provide degrees with a strong vocational foundation and enjoy good links with businesses and professional organisations. A huge advantage is the opportunity to hone your English language skills or learn English as part of the university preparation or foundation programme. Students who wish to pursue an academic education may select a three or four year undergraduate degree followed by post graduate studies or research. Entrance qualification is a minimum of three A level qualification or its equivalent. As an alternative, students can enroll in an access, foundation or bridging course before enrolling in the degree programme. Students who want vocational training can combine their training with job-related skills. Apart from Universities and institutes, UK also has further education colleges that offer courses to adults over 18 years of age that make them more employable. By combining vocational education with academic study, one can gain skills in broad occupational areas, together with an academic content that is accepted as entry to a degree course. Some universities may offer Sandwich programs which include work experience. The degrees enable you to join the workforce sooner so it becomes financially affordable. www.educationuk.org provides comprehensive information for anyone considering studies in the UK. Current Trends All foreign students who graduate from a recognised UK university will be eligible to stay in the country for two years. The new immigration route allows undergraduate and graduate students to work or seek employment at any skill level after completing their courses at a recognised higher education institution with a track record of adhering to immigration law. No restriction will be imposed on the number of eligible students. At the end of their allowed time working in the UK, the Department of Education states that international students on the [graduate] route will be able to switch on to the skilled work route if they find a job which meets the skill requirement of the route. The two-year extension has thus been met with enthusiasm from the university sector. According to 2021/2022 statistics from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), there are currently 679,970 international students pursuing their degrees in the UK. The total international student number has experienced an increase from the previous year’s statistics, which encompassed 605,130 international students. Compared to the previous year (2020/2021), the number of international students in the UK has experienced significant growth. Specifically, an increase of 12.3%. The total number of students enrolled in Higher Education institutions in the UK currently stands at 2,862,620 across all institutions. This is an increase of 4.02% compared to the total number of students in the 2020/2021 academic year (2,751,865). A majority of Non-EU students in the UK come from China, a total of 151,690 students. India is the second non-EU country with the most students studying abroad in the UK currently, with a total of 126,535 students. Apart from this, more than 510,800 students in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North America, Australasia, and South America were enrolled in UK Trans

Make Sheffield the start of something special Over 30,000 students from 150 countries. A world top 100 University (QS World University Rankings 2023). Number 1 Students’ Union in the UK (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2022). Top 50 most international universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022). 92% of our research is world-leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021). 12th in the UK for our research power and intensity (Research Professional News REF 2021). sheffield.ac.uk/study The role of research Many universities do more than just teach. In fact the best universities place a strong focus on research – exploring new ideas and finding creative solutions to challenges. In the UK, there is a dedicated group of universities known as the Russell Group who are committed to being world-class, research focused institutions. One such university is the University of Sheffield. Dating back over 100 years, this institution’s research spans over fifty different academic departments and 92 per cent of Sheffield’s research is classed as world-leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021). Six members of staff have also received Nobel prizes for their work. Sheffield’s commitment to its research has seen the creation of four interdisciplinary research institutes which are developing everything from new treatments for life-threatening diseases to lowcarbon, sustainable technologies. More than 80 research projects at Sheffield are linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, supporting a vision for dignity, peace and prosperity for people and the planet. Although it might not seem important to a prospective undergraduate student, there are many benefits of choosing a university with a strong research presence. Adam Brown from the University’s department of Global Engagement explains, “there are three main ways that students benefit from studying at a research focused institution like Sheffield. The first is that funding from research is invested into worldclass facilities and our students have access to these through teaching. The second is through the impact of Sheffeld’s research – we are known internationally for being at the forefront of innovation and this positive association extends to our graduates. Finally, our researchers really are the leaders in their fields, so you will learn from the experts who are not only passionate about the work they do, but who are the ones changing the way we think and do things for the better.” sheffield.ac.uk/study

60 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 61 National Education programmes in 2020/21. This marks a 12.7% increase over 2019/20. Students registered at an overseas partner organisation were the most prevalent in the Middle East (47.9% of the regional total), while distance, flexible or distributed learning was the main type of provision in Australasia (99.0%), North America (81.1%), and South America (80.8%). There was also substantial overseas campus provision in the Middle East (13.6%).” According to the Study in UK website, the most popular subjects for international students in the UK include Business & Management Studies, Engineering and Technology, Computing, and Social Sciences. According to the 2021/22 statistics, around 217,610 international students are pursuing a degree in Business and Management. A total of 67,870 international students are enrolled in Engineering and Technology studies in the UK, while 56,855 international students study Computing programs. 54,815 international students are enrolled in Social Sciences degree programs, according to the 2021/22 statistics in the UK. Application Process The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) co-ordinates applications to full time first degrees, foundation degrees, Higher National Diplomas etc. ‘Apply’ section in the UCAS site leads to the online application system. One can apply to five institutions through the UCAS. You can only submit one application in each application cycle. You would need to provide the email address of an academic referee who will then be invited by UCAS to send a reference letter. The application fee for this service can be paid online by credit card. UCAS allows you to track your application status. Admission Requirements Prospective international students should demonstrate proficiency in English by furnishing an IELTS or PTE Pearson Test of English score. If you do not meet the required level of English, you could enroll in an English language preparation course. Entry Requirement may vary for each type of course and subject. College prospectuses will list them under ‘Minimum Entry Requirements. As part of the UCAS form, you are asked to write a personal statement. This descriptive account gives you the opportunity to speak about your academic and personal goals and tell the institutions not just about your academic capability but also the kind of activities you have undertaken both within school and outside. Apart from this, courses like Law, Medicine, Dentistry etc may need entrance exams like LNAT, UKCAT, or BMAT and interviews. Students hoping to pursue Art, Architecture or Film may have to submit a portfolio. It is best to check the requirements on line before preparing your UCAS application. As a bonafide student, during the regular academic year, you can work up to 20 hours per week part-time. Deadlines Students, who wish to apply for the Medicine, Dentistry or veterinary science programmes, would need to apply before 15th of October and can opt only for four institutions. This deadline is shared by Oxford and Cambridge as well. For all other programmes, international students can apply on or before 25th January. Most institutions will give you conditional acceptance based on your predicted grades and previous academic history if you apply before your Board exam results are declared. Some of the institutions offering Law would need you to sit a national exam called LNAT – National Admission test for Law. For Medical entrance you would need BMAT(Biomedical Admission Test) or UKCAT(UK Clinical Aptitude test) and an interview while admission departments of Art, Film and Architecture may want to see your portfolio. Each institution sets its own admission criteria. Academic records of applicants are reviewed as part of the admissions process. The university year is usually from September to April, with intakes in September and January. As the application process is competitive and deadlines vary, it is best to apply six to eight months before the start date of the desired programme of study. It is also advisable to apply to multiple institutions to avoid disappointment. Fees, Finances & Scholarships UK course fees vary depending on what you are going to study and for how long. The cost of foundation courses may range from 5000 to 12000 pounds, Other courses range between 7 to 20,000 pounds a year. You will need to visit the websites or contact the universities that you are considering for precise information on course fees and financial help available to you. However, competition for study grants is intense and most often you would need to be nominated by the Government. If you wish to attend an institution in UK, you should apply for scholarship well in advance. Some institutions offer bursaries or fee waivers toward your room and board. Visas Applying for a visa can take some time, so it is important to apply well in advance of your intended date of travel. There are a number of different types of visas available. Most students will apply under Tier 4 student applicant category. You can find the latest information on the UK Border Agency website. To apply, you need to gain 40 points. This includes 30 points for a “confirmation of acceptance for studies” (CAS) from the university, college or school where you want to study. Your chosen place of study must be on the UKBA's official Register of Tier 4 sponsors(approved education providers) This register is designed to ensure that you are

62 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 63 v LONDON LIVERPOOL BATH Recognised by UK & International Universities A Levels, IGCSE, University Foundation Programme Pathways: Architecture, Art and Design, Business & Finance, Engineering & Computing Law, Humanities & Social Science, Medicine, Science & Pharmacy davidgamecollege.com Your pathway to success COLLEGE More often than not, travelling abroad to study is an equally exiting and daunting experience for most young international students. Back home, you may be used to your mom – or pets for that matter – waking you up in the morning, preparing your food, making your bed and may be even following-up on your academic progress. Your parents provide you with unparalleled levels of love and support. All of a sudden, you are thrown in the uncertainties of a new place with a completely new culture, people and langauge barriers. You have to face the new reality: now you are the self-appointed boss of your new life. A life which is independent, fastpaced and demanding. It is almost as if it is some sort of rite of passage: the passage to adulthood. Sounds scary enough? Unfortunately, not a few students struggle with being the boss of their own lives, particularly in a new country, where it seems they have to start all over again. Perseverance, tenacity, and resilience are much needed qualities to develop and/or hone in the face of the difficult and the unknown. A lot of people will say that. These qualities all amount to the same goal: to keep going in despite of hurdles, uncertainty, and setbacks and to get up when you have fallen. Sounds great but not so easy; right? I am not here to tell you to be resilient. I’d rather try to attempt to answer the question of how to be resilient. The first one here may surprise Your but I will go ahead with it anyway: getting you sleep schedule right. What? Yes! It is often argued by scientists that nutrition, exercise, and sleep are the foundations of a healthy life. The power of getting a good night's sleep is undermined but it is the basis on which proper nutrition and regular exercise are built. Having a fixed sleep schedule, whereby you sleep before midnight and wake up at dawn keeps your biological clock in rhythm with nature, helps you get more things done, and wake-up with a refreshed and clear mind. This brings me to the second point: fighting procrastination. Procrastination is the modern plague of Gen Z. Your midterm paper is due in eight weeks and you are aware since the beginning of term. You put it off until the eve of the deadline, when you struggle to stay awake by drinking dozens of coffees, battling against tremendous stress. Does this story sound familiar? Yes, I know. But did you know that procrastination has psychological roots? If you find yourself continuously avoiding tasks, having a hard time to stay consistently motivated and get your hands off your social media feed, it is time to talk to a therapist about it. A therapist will help you track down the deepest phycological roots causing your procrastination habit and help you resolve it. There are other tools to help you in your fight against procrastination such as the VirtueMap application and training your mind to divide major tasks into smaller parts that are easier to finish on a daily basis. Believe in the power of daily small habits; it will lead you to big results over time. Before you start higher education, it is important to master effective study skills that help you accomplish more in less time. We all study but not all of us know how to study. Skills such as mindmapping, brainstorming and note-taking skills are assets when it comes to organizing your thoughts, writing your assignments and academic essays, and having a smooth revision night before any exam. There are tons of free resources and videos online from which you can start. No matter how many times I emphasize this point, it never grows old. Ask for help when you feel lost. -Academies and universities are full of wonderful resources that extend a helping hand to their students. From Writing Centres, in-sessional English language classes, Career Offices to mental health and well-being teams. These resources are made for students, so please use them. They will make a huge difference. Make sure to always stay connected to family and loved ones back home. They will charge you with faith, positive energy and optimism. Jelal, A Level Student, Engineering, The University of Cambridge A Level Results: A* A* A* A* GCSE Results: Grade 9 in 11 Subjects “I’ve been at David Game College for the past 4 years, my sisters came to David Game College as well. They recommended that I come here because of the flexible learning environment that is provided. I think this enabled me to take more interest in my subjects. The College provided quality recourses and teaching, it’s a good competitive advantage if you want to go to a top university.“ Essraa Mahmoud Ahmed Regional Manager – Middle East & North Africa David Game College Group

applying to join a genuine institution. The remaining 10 points comes from demonstrating that you can afford to cover your fees and living costs to study in the UK. This has been put in place to help you avoid any financial difficulties that might affect your ability to complete your studies. The first year’s tuition fees and living expenses should be in the bank for a period of one month before one applies for the visa. This rule is strictly followed by the VFS that does the processing. Apart from one year's fees as indicated in the CAS, you would need to show proof of availability of maintenance funds. £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London When to apply The earliest you can apply for a visa is 3 months before you start your course. You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks. Fees It costs £335 to apply for this visa from outside the UK. You must pay £335 per person for any dependants. You’ll also have to pay health care surcharge as part of your application. For current information, do visit the website of the Embassy in your country of residence. 64 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM Source and Web Sites of Use: Central Admissions Service: www.ucas.ac.uk Association of Colleges in UK and Wales www.aoc.co.uk Association of Colleges in Scotland www.ascol.org.uk UK Accreditation Council www.the-bac.org Information on UK Education: www.britishcouncil.org/me Information on scholarships: www.educationuk.org/scholarships Quality Assurance Agency: www.qaa.ac.uk English Test: Int’l English Language Testing System: www.ielts.org UK Visa Information: gov.uk - Tier 4 visas: www.gov.uk/tier-4- general-visa Comprehensive information studying in the UK www.educationuk.org universitiesuk.ac.uk/facts-and-stats and www.hesa.ac.uk/ The World Is In Your Hands Making a choice on subjects, courses or universities can be very daunting. We can help you make those hard decisions by giving you access to a range of informed choices. Contact: Rema Menon PO Box 103926, Dubai, United Arab Emirates T: +971 4 397 8846 • M: +971 50 564 2709 E: [email protected] www.counsellingpoint.com

WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 67 66 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM According to Education USA, there are over 4000 accredited Universities and colleges spread over the 50 states of America. Of these, more than 650 are public four year institutions while more than 1,100 are public two year institutions. These public state-run institutions have a lower tuition fee but financial assistance tend to be limited. There are over 2000 four year private institutions both for profit and not for profit. Such private institutions mostly have higher tuition and fees but financial assistance may be provided. The plethora of course offerings provided by the institutions spread over the country is mind boggling. Should finance, pre-requisite tests or GPA be an issue, students can also consider enrolling at a community college for a two year Associate degree. On successful completion of the two year programme, they could transfer to another institution to complete their degree. While choosing an institution, it is important to consider factors like size, location, costs, financial aid, research opportunities, international student services and entry requirements. As there are so many institutions and programmes to choose from, you need to invest considerable amount of time in researching options and identifying the right fit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA The U.S. higher education system consists of diverse academic institutions that vary in mission - public, private nonprofit, or private for-profit status; degrees offered; learning environment; selectivity level; religious affiliation; and cost. This institutional diversity is often regarded as a strength of the U.S. higher education system allowing it to serve a range of students and meet many societal goals. During the pandemic, international students numbers in the US dipped below the one-million student mark (as of fall 2020) for the first time since 2014. However, new data from the Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) shows that the number of active visa holders has recovered this year to almost match pre-pandemic enrolments. SEVIS reports that as of January 2023 there are 1.08 million international students with active study visas in the US. This compares to a total of 1.14 million in January 2020, just before the onset of the pandemic (a -5.4% decrease overall). Along with the overall rebound in student numbers this year, SEVIS is also reporting some notable shifts in sending markets. China has long been the driver of enrolment growth in the US. But, the number of Chinese student with active visas has declined from 368,800 in January 2020 to 262,992 as of January 2023 (a nearly -29% decrease). The number of Indian students, meanwhile, has surged from 194,556 to 253,631 over the same period for overall growth of just over 30%. Policy changes that allow STEM students to remain in the United States on Optional Practical Training opportunities for 36 months after the completion of their studies likely continues to drive the increase in students on OPT programs,

68 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 69 Application process One of the easiest ways to apply to multiple universities is through a service such as Coalition Application, or Common Application. Some schools want you to apply directly through their website. Use the www.applytexas.org website for schools in the Texas system and the UC common application for the nine schools in the California system. apply.universityofcalifornia.edu/ Supporting documents You would need to submit transcripts of the last three years, essays, information on extra-curricular activities including sport, voluntary work and leadership initiatives undertaken; information on summer courses/ internships etc. Your teacher and/or counsellor will be invited to send confidential letters of recommendation online along with the profile of the school. Students will also be asked to send TOEFL and SAT/ACT scores directly from the Education Testing Service and College Board. An IELTS or PET score can be submitted instead of the TOEFL to demonstrate English proficiency. Certain schools may not require SAT scores from international students. Also, ACT scores may be submitted in lieu of the SAT. www.actstudent.org has information on the ACT. With the SAT having changed its structure, more students are opting for the ACT. Please note that supplementary forms may be required from you so ensure that you read instructions carefully. Students who wish to pursue Art, Design or Architecture will also be required to submit a portfolio. Extra curricular pursuits and internships undertaken need to be reported and are looked upon favorably. If you wish to apply for an early decision or early action, the deadline is usually inNovember. Some schools have early action deadlines in mid October. Please visit individual websites for the specific dates. Students wishing to apply for admission to University of California for the fall term must submit an application by November 30thof the year prior to enrolment. Most other institutions havea January 1 deadline for the Fall intake under regular decision. For the January intake, applications must be sent inby October. Scholarships Merit based scholarships are granted on academic merit. There are also scholarships for outstanding sports persons. In some institutions, grants are awarded to students who have demonstrated financial need. Some universities need additional forms and essays for scholarship consideration while at others, every applicant is automatically considered for scholarship at entry. Visa process The process of applying for an F-1 student visa begins with acceptance to an American college or university. Following admission, the educational institution in the United States will issue a Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status (I-20 form) and provide that to the student. Sponsoring academic institutions are required to enter accepted foreign students’ names into SEVIS, the Student and Exchange Visitors Information System. Students should verify with their sponsoring academic institution that they are entered into SEVIS before they apply for a visa. Upon receiving the I-20 form, students are required to pay a I-901/SEVIS fee online at www.fmjfee.com and take a printed copy of this receipt to the visa interview. The I-901Student and Exchange V i s i to r I n f o r m a t i o n S y s t e m ( S E V I S ) Fe e f o r F and M international students has increased from $200 to $350. On 21 February 2023, the US State Department announced an expansion of the time period during which international students may apply for an F or M-class visa to study in the United States. Earlier, students were able to apply only 120 days before their planned programme starts. Under the revised rule, the US will accept student visa applications up to 365 days in advance. US immigration policy requires that all foreign students submit proof of financial support for their studies. The financial guarantee may take the form of a bank

70 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 71 statement or a letter from a sponsoring agency. For updated information on documents needed, visit the Embassy website. Documents needed during the Visa interview: Form I-20A-B, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students or Form I-20M-N, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students. You will need to submit a SEVIS generated Form, I-20, which was provided to you by your institution. You and your school official must sign the I-20 form. Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, Form DS-160. Visit the DS-160 webpage to learn more about the DS-160 online process. A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant’s intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions). If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must complete an application. • One (1) 2x2 photograph. • A MRV fee receipt to show payment of the visa application fee. • The SEVISI-901 fee receipt. Applicants should also provide the following documents: Transcripts and diplomas from educational institutions attended; Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, etc.(As applicable) Financial evidence that shows you or your parents who are sponsoring you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study. For example, if you or your sponsor is a salaried employee, please take original bank books and/ or statements. If you or your sponsor owns a business, please take business registration, licenses, etc. and original bank statements. Source and web sites of use: www.collegeb9oard.com (Information on SAT) www.toefl.org (English proficiency test) www.educationUSA.state.gov:EducationUSA website University and College Search www.collegeboard.com / www.petersons.com Accreditation:www.chea.orgUS Department of Education: www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation Post graduate Admissions: www.gre.org (Graduate Record Examination) Graduate Management Admission Test: www.gmat.org / www.mba.com Medicine College Admission Test: www.aamc.org/students/mcat LawSchool Admission Test: www.lsat.org WWAW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 71 CANADA Canadian universities are known for their high quality and excellence in academic standards and are consistently ranked among thetop universities internationally. While Canada’s quality of education and standard of living are among the highest in the world, the cost of living and tuition fees are generally lower than in other countries. Canada’s universities and colleges offer more than 15,000 undergraduate and graduate degree programs – as well as professional degree programs, diplomas and certificates – in a broad range of disciplines. It ranks among the most multicultural nations in the world. Regardless of ethnic origin, international students feel at homein the diverse and welcoming campuses. Newly released data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reports that, as of 31 December 2022, there were 807,750 foreign students with active study permits (study visas) for Canada. This compares to just over 617,000 the year prior and represents an astonishing 31% year-over-year growth rate. That enrolment is also 27% higher than before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and reflects overall growth of 43% over the previous five years and nearly 170% over the last decade. As in 2021, India remains the largest sending market for Canadian educators. There were just under 320,000 Indian students with active study permits at the end of December 2022. This represents year-over-year growth of just over 47%, and Indian students accounted for nearly four out of every ten foreign students in Canada as of the end of 2022. In contrast, China, which for decades was the leading sending market for Canada, now accounts for roughly 12.5% of Canada’s foreign enrolment. The 100,075 Chinese students with active study permits as of 31 December 2022 reflects a -4.3% decrease from 2021 levels.

72 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM Undergraduates benefit from: › A high-quality education — with undergraduate research opportunities › Connecting with professors and other students in small classes, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 25:1 › A welcoming and vibrant city campus in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada › A co-operative education program for students in Applied Computer Science or Business and Economics to combine in-class learning with employment experience › A graduate employment rate of 95.9% two years after graduation Why you’ll love UWinnipeg The University of Winnipeg offers high-quality academics in a warm and welcoming community. Canada’s hidden gems Finding your fit in Canada Canada boasts a high quality of education, economic and social stability, and relatively lower tuition rates when compared to many other countries. These factors make Canada an affordable, safe, and welcoming place for international students. With Canada’s reputation for academic excellence, you can explore a broader range of universities in the country with confidence. You need not restrict yourself to a small list of better-known universities to receive quality education. Plus, you can save as much as $40,000 on tuition fees alone by choosing a university in a less traditional destination outside of major centres like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Many of Canada’s hidden gems are in places like Winnipeg, the capital city of Manitoba. This city, with a bustling and stable economy, diverse and welcoming community, affordable cost of living, and abundant access to beautiful natural surroundings, provides numerous advantages that might surprise you. The University of Winnipeg, located in the heart of the city, has roots dating back more than 150 years. The school affords students greater access to professors and more personalized attention thanks to smaller class sizes and an average student-to-faculty ratio of 25:1. This often results in greater opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in co-operative education programs, internships, practicums, and research. Smaller universities have a stronger sense of community. Smaller cities and campuses offer a friendlier and more welcoming environment, which can be especially important for international students who are far from their families. Additionally, for students looking for opportunities to work or live in Canada after graduation, Manitoba is renowned for innovative immigration programs like the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, which has specific pathways for international students graduating in Manitoba. As you continue to do your research, keep in mind that the best university is the one that is best for you. Every student has different priorities and needs when it comes to choosing a university. If you are looking for a smaller, more affordable option with a sense of community, highly skilled and knowledgeable professors, and unique opportunities, The University of Winnipeg may be the perfect choice for you. As you compare your Canadian university options, keep in mind that bigger is not always better – especially when it comes to opportunities for students! uwinnipeg.ca

74 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 75 In separate reporting on study permit processing, IRCC explains that, “Canada is on pace to set a new record this year. As of [30 November 2022], IRCC had processed over 670,000 study permits, compared to more than 500,000 during the same time period last year.” Colleges Ontario is the primary body that represents the province’s 24 public colleges. Twenty three of the member colleges have signed on to a new Standards of Practice document that was published on 14 March 2023. Under those standards, each signatory college commits to: • Ensuring that marketing to international students is accurate and transparent; • Requiring that international agents representing their college have completed a sector-endorsed agent training programme; • Managing its relationships with international education agents and other partners in the marketing and admissions process to support honest business practices that are in the best interests of international students; • Ensuring that information on services, supports, and facilities are readily available to students, both before and after arrival; and • Providing targeted assistance to help international students adjust to life and study in Canada. Community Colleges In Canada Community colleges are government-regulated post secondary institutions offering 1 to 2-year academic and pre-professional certificates, diplomas, 2 year associate’s degrees and even 3- and 4-year specialized bachelor’s degrees. More than 150 community colleges represent approximately 900,000 full-time and 1.5 million part-time learners at over 900 campuses across Canada. Close to 6,000 international students come to Canada for community college study each year. Community colleges fill a unique niche in Canada’s education system, combining high quality, comprehensive academics with employer-centred programs, industry connections and internship opportunities. Community colleges offer academic courses in the arts and sciencesas well as specialized career and language training. The collegeitself may be a general education school offering a variety of programs in different fields (such as health, business, technology, trades, academic upgrading, applied and creative arts, social services, hospitalityand university preparation), or it may be a single field-, industry- or culturespecific college (for example, college of forestry, art and design, justice and public safety, or Native studies). Community colleges may also be faithbased, offering specialized Christianprograms in leadership, ministry and theology. Compared to universities, community colleges have smaller classes, more options for off campus courses, a greater ratio of laboratory space to classroom space, more interactive teaching, more coop and practicum opportunities and more inclusive admissions requirements. Many community colleges have university transfer agreements, so you can transfer your credits toward a university degree program. Application Process The University year is usually September to April, in takes being September and January. As the application process is competitive and the deadlines vary, it is best to apply six to eight months before the start date of the program. Most students apply to multiple institutions. American curriculum students will need to send a SAT score. For students from other curricula, although SAT is not mandatory, some institutions may require it for scholarship consideration. It is best to check admission requirements of individual institutional websites. For undergraduate admission,

Seneca College is a top choice for international students, o ering world-class education in the diverse, safe and livable city of Toronto. Choose from a wide range of career-focused degrees, diplomas and graduate certifi cates and prepare for the future you want. Salwa Farooq, Graduate One of the largest colleges in Canada Diverse student body representing 150 countries O ers 160+ career-focused programs Known for applied research, work-integrated learning and cross-disciplinary experiences Approved by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education & Knowledge, under the fully-funded Khotwa scholarship program for Emirati students Learn more: senecacollege.ca/international EXPERIENCE WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION AT SENECA

78 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 79 academic records from grade 9 to the most recent will be reviewed as part of the admissions process. A good academic profile is given preference. Extra curricular activities are looked upon favorably by Canadian institutions. Students who wish to take up commerce related subjects should take up Mathematics in high school. Prospective international students should demonstrate proficiency in English or French as per the language of instruction in the institution being considered. Test of English as a Foreign language (TOEFL) the International Language Testing System (IELTS), the Pearson Test ofEnglish (PTE) or Test de francais international (TFI) are the tests necessary. Preparatory courses before the commencement of the program may be needed for those with inadequate scores. The provinceof Ontario, Alberta and that of British Columbia have a centralized application system for admission. The Ontario Universities Application center (OUAC), Ontario’s application hub started in 1971 and canbe accessed by visiting www.ouac.on.ca British Columbia’s centralized application system can be accessed through my B Campus. To apply to Alberta, visit centralized online application and transcript transfer system through www.applyalberta.ca. After completing the online application, you would need to send all supporting documents like transcripts, reference letters, essays, proof of language proficiency etc. so that your application gets reviewed and processed. Remember to include your student ID number for easy reference. Professional courses like Medicine, Dentistry, law, architecture etc may need one more test asa pre requisite. Student Permit Student visas, or study permits, are required when studying for more than six months. They are issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). Depending on circumstances, an international student may wish to apply for a student work permit as well. To obtain a student visa, the student must have a letter of acceptance from a Canadian school, college, university or other educational institution. The student must then fill out an application in his or her own country of residence and submit it to CIC forapproval, paying the processing fee. Other documentation may also be necessary, depending on the student’s country of origin. In addition to academic studies, the study permit allows students to work part-time for their educational institution in some cases. However, students may also wish to investigate a student workpermit, which also allows for off-campus part-time work. Working As An International Student The IRCC announced on November 15th 2022 that students will now be allowed to work more than 20 hours a week between November 15, 2022, and December 31,2023. This is a one-time measure introduced to help with Canada’s labour shortage, particularly in positions traditionally held by students such as food services, retail, and hospitality. However, there are no restrictions on the type of employment. The new measure means that the 500,000 international students already in Canada are allowed to work more hours. As per previous regulations, international student in Canada on a study permit could work 20 hours a week. A work-visa does not guarantee employment, but will allow you to take advantage of the opportunities that are already available. There are several kinds of work available to an international student, with different permit requirements. On-Campus Employment International students in Canada can work part-time for public post-secondary educational institutions, and at some private institutions, using their study-permit. International students who arrive in Canada on a Sudy Permit are eligible to work without needing to get a work permit. Students may work off campus during an academic semester, providing they are enrolled to go back to their studies in the following semester. There is no limit to the amount of hours a student can work during an academic break, such as the winter holidays or over the summer. You are allowed to work while studying in Canada if you: • hold a valid study permit; • Are studying full-time at a designated learning institution • have started studying and remain in satisfactory academic standing as determined by your institution; • are studying in an academic, vocational or professional training program that is at least six months in duration and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate; and • have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) Once you have completed your educational program, you may be eligible for a PG Work Permit (PGWP). A PGWP allows you to work in any profession for up to three years, depending on the length of your study program. While the work experience you gain as a student cannot be used as part of your application for permanent residence, your work experience with a PGWP does count. After you have completed a year of work in Canada under a PGWP, you may be eligible for permanent residence under an Express Entry program. Source and web sites of use: www.univcan.ca/universities/facts-and-stats/internationalization-at-canadian-universitiesquick-facts/ www.univcan.ca/programs-and-scholarships/scholarship-partners-canada/ www.univcan.ca/ www.schoolsincanada.com/Community-Colleges-In-Canada.cfm Canadian Embassy Abu Dhabi: www.abudhabi.gc.ca Study Permits: www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study.asp ICEF Monitor

80 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 81 The University of Guelph (U of G) is one of Canada’s top comprehensive and research-intensive universities, also known as Canada’s Food University. U of G is considered mid-size, with nearly 30,000 students and offering a broad range of academic options – more than 85 majors within 14 degree programs – allowing students great flexibility. U of G is home to more than 2,000 international students from nearly 140 countries, who often commend the institution’s learning and living environments, accessible faculty, and student support services. The University of Guelph boasts a beautiful campus of historical and modern buildings and redbrick walkways. Many first-year students choose to live in student housing and students can personalize their living experience through different residence communities. In 2021-2022, 8,170 students received $27.2 million in awards including $10.5 million in need-based awards. Our extensive cooperative education options and various experiential learning opportunities are considered invaluable to many students. Positioned within an hour’s drive of Toronto, Canada’s largest city and airline hub, Guelph offers the comfort of small-community living with the excitement of an international metropolis at its doorstep. It is characterized by 19th century buildings, parks, shops, coffee houses and restaurants featuring flavours of the world, all within walking distance from the university. In addition to the main campus, students can also pursue U of G degrees in the city of Toronto at the University of Guelph-Humber, or diploma programs at our regional campuses across the province. Established in 2002, the University of Guelph-Humber now offers seven degree programs that combine academics, applied education and workplace experiences U of G Improves Life by focusing on the whole person to shape better citizens of the world. This concept is central to why students choose U of G. Inclusivity, global awareness, mindfulness, community, resilience; these are the qualities we nurture and celebrate from the day you arrive through your life as alumni. The University provides students with the knowledge needed to make a difference in the world while preparing them for their future careers. Each year the U of G helps more than 4,000 students find placements in our coop programs. Co-op gives the opportunity to gain work experience that’s relevant to your studies, build your professional network and develop the skills needed to thrive in a modern work environment. Our extensive cooperative education options and various experiential learning opportunities are considered invaluable to many students. With more than $80 million annually in research funding, it is one of Canada's most research-intensive universities University of Guelph and is the largest employer in Guelph. The U of G also provides merit-based International scholarships ranging from $17,500 - $42,500 over four years. The University of Guelph is #1 in Canada for overall Student Satisfaction! (Maclean's 2020) This ranking, combined with the fact that 91.9% of our students are employed within 6 months of graduation, ensures us, and the students, that U of Guelph is one of the best study destinations for international students. The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings (2022) assessed the success of more than 1,500 universities from 100 countries and territories toward meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The University of Guelph was placed 16th worldwide when it comes to sustainable impacts on society, according to this new global ranking. In addition, Gordon Lang’s AACSB accredited School of Business and Economics ranks 6th in the world for its integration of core courses faculty research in sustainability. In 2020, Dr. Mariam Shaikh founded MS Education Consultants with a vision to support students, Education Institutions, and Innovative Learning Programs to meet the demands of the fast-paced world. “We are a bespoke Education Services Consulting company with Student Success at the core of all our partnerships. I am delighted to share that MS Education Consultants is the official Middle East Strategist for the prestigious University of Guelph, located in Ontario, Canada, to assist students in the Middle East with their admission into the University.” The University of Guelph is a leading Higher Education Institution in Canada with three majors ranked top 20 in the world, in combination with Student Satisfaction that is consistently top-ranked in Canada. Established in 1964, the University enjoys a reputation for innovation and excellence dating back more than 150 years to its founding colleges: Ontario Veterinary College, Ontario Agricultural College, and Macdonald Institute. The University of Guelph’s commitment to internationalization is reflected in collaboration with Dr. Mariam Shaikh as U of G’s Middle East Strategist. “We are extremely excited about having Dr. Mariam Shaikh onboard to assist us with our student recruitment efforts in the MENA region. We want students to have direct access to our staff members globally, and this is a move in that direction,” says U of G’s Regional Operations Manager for the Middle East and South Asia, Jimmi Hemmenbach. As an example of its innovative academics, this year, U of G is presenting a new One Health undergraduate major as a response to the ongoing pandemic. Dr. Scott Wease, pathobiology professor at U of G, states that “This pandemic has shown how we need this broad intersector approach to infectious diseases. It cannot just be medicine and veterinary medicine, and it cannot just be science, it [also] has to be social science, it is behavior.” Known for its beautiful, safe campuses and welcoming, supportive culture, U of G blends historical and modern architecture with cutting-edge technology. Student engagement is fundamental to learning and research at U of G. By focusing on the "whole student," the University of Guelph gives graduates the tools and skills to make a difference in our ever-changing world. My experience with the University of Guelph so far has been great!. as an international student I was a little lost as to how the process works but the staff and students at UofG have been very helpful. They reply to my queries as soon aa they can and reach out if anyone needs any help immediately. It is also a great place to study and the orientation I attended was also very helpful. Thank you Jiya Bhatia Psychology Co-op. 2022 Throughout my application experience I've had so much support from students and staff alike! Dr. Mariam Shaikh has been especially patient and helpful, supporting me with any confusions. The online meetings held for us international students has also helped to make the process easier! Navya Setia Psychology Co-op. 2022 Hi, everyone, I'm Adham, currently a high school student in Dubai. UAE and really excited to become a Gryphon as af Fall 2022. I'm hopefully going to be studying bio-medica; engineering with co-op and excited to meet you all there. I'm just making this video to show my gratitute to Dr. Mariam Shaikh. I reachrd out to her and almost instantaneously she sorted my concerns in Adham Suliman BioMedical Engineering Co-op. 2022 less thabn 24 hours, with just one phone call, my problems disappeared. So I urge all of you to reach out to Dr. Mariam Shaikh for any issues.

WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 83 82 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM Australia is a technologically advanced country with a strong, globally competitive economy that is friendly and welcoming. As a nation it values individual freedoms, and the rights of both citizens and visitors are protected under a transparent legal system. They are also a multicultural society with respect for others no matter who they are or where they come from. Almost 30% of Australians are born overseas. This has made the country rich with nationalities and cultures from all over the world. After a lot of challenges during the pandemic, the year-end tally from Australia’s Department of Education indicates a total enrolment of 619,371 international students for 2022. This represents growth of 8%, with most sectors holding flat or losing ground compared to 2021. This also reflects in part the limited growth of Australia’s top sending markets last year, notably China (-9%) and India (+1%), both of which have long been important drivers of both higher education and VET numbers. As per the Department of Education data, there were 79,362 enrolments in ELICOS programmes in 2022, compared to 41,850 the year prior. Those numbers reflect only students holding study visas, and we can see as well that ELICOS sector grants were over 13.5 times higher in 2022, with AUSTRALIA 45,323 more grants compared to 2021. The bulk of that growth in visa grants occurred in the second half of 2022. The post-pandemic recovery of Australia’s international education sector has been boosted by generous policies concerning in-study and post-study work rights for foreign students. These policies are evolving. For latest news look at the Embassy website. From 1st of July, 2023, the new limit on hours an international student can work in Australia will be 48 hours every two weeks – will be higher than it was previously (40 hours). The aim here is to strike a balance between ensuring that foreign students can engage fully in their primary purpose (i.e., studying in Australia) and providing students with a way of supporting themselves financially if needed and of gaining work experience in the country. The Australian government had announced last fall that some international students graduating with specific degrees would be eligible for extended post study work rights after 1st of July 2023.These are related to areas of skills shortages in the Australian economy. The priority areas include health, teaching, engineering, and agricultural fields. If a student is graduating with a degree that is not on that list, their post-study work time is 2 years for a bachelor’s degree and 3 years for a master’s degree. All doctoral graduates – regardless of their study area – will be granted 6 years, up from the previous 4-year limit. There are in total, 41 universities, of these, 38 are government funded or public and three are private. These institutions offer Bachelor’s degree, and postgraduate qualifications including Masters, graduate certificate, post graduate diploma, Masters, MPhil and PhD. Apart from this, Australia has several vocational institutions who offer skill based courses that are practical and industry linked. Some of them offer pathway programmes to Universities. The Government funded Technical and Further education institutes (TAFE) offer excellent vocational training. National agencies monitor teaching, learning, administration and research in institutions. Most Bachelors degree programmes are three yearsin duration while Masters level courses are one and a half to two years in duration. Students who need to improve their English proficiency, can enroll in one of theprivate language centers or take a pre- sessional course atone of the universities or vocational centers. Australia has a national regulatory and quality agency for higher education – the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). It was established by the Australian Government to monitor quality, and regulate university and non-university higher education providers against a set of standards developed by the independent Higher Education Standards Panel. In addition, student rights are protected by law under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) As an international student on a student visa, you must study with an institution and in a course that is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). CRICOS registration guarantees that the course and the institution at which you study meet the high standards expected by international students. You can search for courses and institutions on the Study in Australia website. Along with the ESOS Act and National Code, there are also regulatory and quality assurance organisations for higher education and VET institutions. These government organisations are responsible for registration/ re-registration of institutions and accreditation/reaccreditation of courses. Academic Requirements The academic requirements (including evidence of English language skills) you need to study in Australia will vary depending on the level of education you want to study. Institutions can have different entry requirements, so read the course information on their website carefully.

WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 85 84 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM English language - Entry requirements vary between institutions, and according to the level of English language course you want to study. Schools - Entry requirements vary between schools depending on the state or territory you will be studying in. Academic performance and ability is considered during the application process. Vocational education and training - In most cases thereare no entrance exams for VET institutions. However, some courses may have specific pre-requisite subjects or work experience requirements. Higher Education Undergraduate - To gain entry into an Australian undergraduate course you will need to have an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12), or the overseas equivalent. Some under graduate courses may also have specific pre-requisite subjects. Higher Education Postgraduate - As well as the satisfactory completion of at least one degree at undergraduate level, your institution may takeresearch ability or relevant work experience into consideration. Application Process The academic year commences in February/March and ends in October/November. There are usually two intakes per year; one at the beginning of the academic year i.e. February and the second in June/July. Students would need to start the application process at least 3 months in advance. English language courses are offered all through the year. You can apply directly to an Australian education institution via an online form or visit an agent that represents several Australian institutions. Individual institution would have varying admission criteria based on the programme and level of study. It is best to visit the relevant web site for specific deadlines and admission requirements. Finances The costs of studying in Australia depend on the institution and the level of study you choose. As an international student, your tuition fees are payable before you study. You can use the Course Search on this website to find courses and see details such as their tuition fees. There may be additional costs for your course, including course materials and access to institution facilities. Scholarship There are many scholarships, grants, and bursaries which can help support you financially with your studies in Australia. They are offered by the Australian Government, education institutions, and a number of other public and private organisations. To learn more, visit: www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/global/australianeducation/scholarships Visa requirements The student visa you need depends on your chosen course of study. As a guide, the typical key requirements you will need tomeet are: • Issued an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) certificate. • Meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement • Sufficient funds for air fares, course fees and living costs. • English language proficiency. • Meet health and character requirements. • Acceptable Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) As part of your application for a student visa (subclass 500), you will need to provide a personal statement, in English, that addresses the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. The word limit is 300 words (with a 2000-character limit). This statement must be submitted with your visa application and should explain that: • You are genuinely coming to Australia to study and not for any other reason. • You will only be residing in Australia for the time allowed on your visa (and not overstaying). The GTE requirement relates to your student visa application. Depending on your studies, you may also be eligible for a post-study work rights visa (subclass 485). If, after studying in Australia, you have developed the skills Australia needs, you may also be eligible to apply for permanent residency. You will need to attach documents to your ImmiAccount that support your GTE statement.

86 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 87 We encourage you to provide as much evidence as possible, covering: • Previous study: Include academic transcripts and certificates, and the details of your education providers. • Study gaps: Explain any gaps between studies or unfinished courses. • Employment: Outline the details of your previous or current job, including company address, dates of employment, your role and contact details of your employer. • Employment income: Provide proof of income 12 months before lodging the application, such as tax returns or bank statements. • Potential future employment: Note any job offers for employment after course completion, including salary and other expected benefits. • Financial, family or social ties: Outline the reasons why you want to return home after your time in Australia. Overseas Student Health Cover Australia has a special system of health cover for international students called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). It will help you pay for medical or hospital careyou may need while you’re studying in Australia; itwill also contribute towards the cost of most prescription medicinesand an ambulance in an emergency. When studying in Australia, you will need OSHC for yourself, and any family travelling with you, before you arrive. It is a requirement ofyour student visa that you maintain OSHC for the duration of your time on a student visa in Australia. Visa options and requirements are sometimes subject to change. In order to stay up to date, the best place to get accurate information is the Department of Home Affairs website. Websites of use and source: The Australian Government: www.australia.gov.au Study in Australia: www.studyinaustralia.gov.au Visa regulations: www.border.gov.au ICEF Austrade WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 87 Ireland is home to a range of innovative institutes of technology that produce thousands of skilled graduates each year. Moreover, the relatively affordable cost of tuition for students in Ireland, combined with its diverse and expanding economy make studying in Ireland an attractive proposition for students looking to begin their career quickly upon completion of their studies. The higher education system in Ireland consists of the university sector, institutes of technology and private independent colleges. The entry requirements for international students to higher education are determined individually by each institution and are generally based on national examination performance and English language aptitude. Irish higher education institutions offer degrees at ordinary and Honours Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate levels and undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas over a full range of disciplines. Ireland is picking up a big share of degree-seeking EU students because of UK's departure from EU. According to the Central Applications Office (CAO), the number of applications from EU students to Irish universities reached 6,383 in 2022 – more than triple the number lodged in 2017. A major draw of the UK in Europe prior to Brexit was that EU students were granted the same tuition fees as domestic students, but Brexit terms ended that opportunity in 2021. EU enrolments in Irish universities are also rising rapidly. According to Higher Education Authority data, the enrolments were up 56.5% (to 3,083) in 2021/22 versus 2019/20. The 24+ older group contributed 20.4% more enrolments in that same time span. 2021/22 enrolments from non-EU students 23 and under are down slightly (-5.7%) from 2019/20, while the older cohort grew by 11.9% in that two-year time frame. The HEA reports that international students accounted for 12.4% of the overall student population in Ireland in 2021/22, compared with 10.3% in 2020/21. The top three sending countries are the US (14.8% of all international students), India, and China. IRELAND

88 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 89 Irish universities may be finding it slightly more challenging to draw students from non-EU markets since 2021, when the UK introduced its Graduate Route (poststudy work rights of 2–3 years for degree international students). Since the launch of the Graduate Route, non-EU enrolments in the UK have skyrocketed, and the UK has gained market share of international students relative to other major destinations as a result. In Ireland, you’ll find a unique ecosystem that sees academic researchers working hand-in-hand with small home-grown and start-up companies in partnership with some of the most powerful multinationals on the planet through a programme for shared research projects developed by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland. In a new development, the Irish government has extended the period during which foreign graduates of master’s and doctoral programmes may remain and work in the country after their studies. Under Ireland’s Third Level Graduate Scheme, international students completing advanced degrees may stay in Ireland to seek employment, work for up to 40 hours per week, and/or apply for a further work permit or green card. Until recently, graduates from outside the European Union/ European Economic Area were entitled to stay and work in Ireland for up to 12 months after graduation. However, this term has now been extended to 24 months for those completing recognised degrees at either Level 9 (master’s degree orpost-graduate diploma) or Level 10 (doctoral degree) of the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). As per the Education in Ireland website, eligible graduates who have studied in Irish higher education institutions and whose award is granted by are recognised Irish awarding body at masters or PhD level canremain in Ireland for two years to seek employment. The new extension is welcomed as a way to fill the skills gap and to improve the employability of postgraduate students emerging from Irish higher education institutions. Non-EU/EEA students completing Level 8 programmes (honours undergraduate degrees) will continue to have a 12-month stay back option, where as those completing a Level 7 qualification (ordinary undergraduate degree) will also remaineligible for a sixmonth stay back. The new 24-month stay back option appears to be aimed at boosting Ireland’s international competitiveness as a study destination. The possibility of gaining valuable post-study work experience makes Ireland avery attractive option for international students. Tuition Fees: Tuition costs vary considerably depending on the institution and the study programme. Tuition costs do not remain static, so it is important to check the fees with the institutions you are considering applying to. Average Course fees In Ireland, undergraduate tuition fees for non-EU students range from €9,850–€19,500 for most programmes, or an average of Euro 14675. Tuition for Medicine and related courses range from Euros 39,500 to 55,000 Applying for a Student Visa You must make your visa application on-line using the AVATS online facility. The visa application facility is available worldwide and must be used by all applicants. You should read the visa application details very carefully. If you do not provide the documentation required, your visa will be refused. Your application will only be processed when the on-line form is completed AND the required documentation, passport photographand appropriate fee are received by the relevant office as indicated by the on-line system. Some points for you to note. When making an application you must: • Complete the online form • Check the Irish Embassy details where your documentationis to be sent • Provide a passport sized photo • Ensure your passport is valid for 12 months • Pay the application fee • Provide a signed letter of application which explains why you require the visa • A Letter of Acceptance from the Irish university, college or school, confirming you have been accepted and enrolled on a course of full-time education, involving a minimum of 15 hours organised day time tuition each week. • This letter must name the applicant and verify the title/duration of the course • It should also confirm the amount of fees payable for your course, and that this amount has been paid. • If the college has taken out medical insurance on your behalf, details of this must be contained in this letter of acceptance. If it is not arranged by the college, you must organise this yourself and provide evidence with your application.

90 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 91 Evidence of Payment of Fees Evidence that all fees have been paid prior to the visa application being submitted. • You should apply as early as possible for your visa as it normally takes eight weeks for it to be processed but in busy periods it may take longer than this. • You can check online to see if your visa has been processed (using your Visa Application Number). This list is updated weekly. • If you get approval for a visa, the Embassy to which you sent your documents will affix an Irish visa stamp. Insurance Non-EU nationals are required to hold medical insurance for the duration of their stay in Ireland. This is an immigration requirement and the immigration authorities will require proof of medical insurance. Stick visa to your passport. Scholarships There are hundreds of scholarships available for international students from a wide variety of sources such as the Government of Ireland, the Irish higher education institutions and other organisations. A complete list is given on this website: www.educationinireland.com/en/HowDo-I-Apply-/Tuition-Costs-Scholarships/ Scholarships/ Source: www.educationinireland.com/en www.educationinireland.com/en/How-Do-IApply-/Get-Your-Student-Visa/ www.educationinireland.com/en/News/ Ireland-24-Month-Stay-Back-Option-.html www.moving2ireland.com ICEF monitor Located in southeast Asia between Singapore and Thailand, the welcoming and charming nation of Malaysia is filled with natural beauty, making it an upand-coming study destination for thousands of students around the globe. In fact, it’s the 11th most popular study destination worldwide according to UNESCO figures. Malaysia is a multiracial country with about 31 million people, the three major races are Malay, Chinese and Indian. Other ethnicities include Peranakan (Straits Chinese), Orang Asli (indigenous people) and Eurasians (who are mainly of Portuguese, Dutch or British descent). It is fast becoming a popular study destination for international students, thanks to the government’s initiatives to ensure a high quality of education and also because it offers value for money. By choosing to study at a foreign university branch campus in Malaysia, the student will study the same course and will be awarded the same degree as that of the main campus; however, the student will pay lower tuition fees and spend less as the cost of living in Malaysia is considerably lower. In addition, depending on the course, students can choose to spend part of their studies at the main campus MALAYSIA

92 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 93 HEADSTART 2024 92 Malaysia accounts for two per cent of the international student population around the world. The education sector offers a variety of higher educational programmes as well as professional and specialized skill courses that are competitively priced. Branch campuses of reputed Australian and British institutions also have been established in Malaysia. Universities from UK, USA, Canada, Australia, France, Germany and New Zealand offer twinning, franchised and external degree programmes in partnership with Malaysian institutions. Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) is the organisation charged by the government with the responsibility of promoting Malaysia as a study destination, and operates under the Ministry of Higher Education. While neither EMGS nor the Malaysian government releases official figures on foreign enrolment in the country, various media reports put the total at between 130,000 and 170,000 students for 2022. Malaysia has a long-term goal to build that enrolment base to 250,000 students by 2025. Against a more immediate target of 50,000 international student applications for 2022, EMGS reports receiving 51,270 applications “to study in Malaysian public and private education institutions” through end of December. This amounts to a 27.5% increase over the application volume for 2021. WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 93 The Malaysian government has been instrumental in the establishment of two higher education zones in collaboration with private partners: EduCity Iskandar and Kuala Lumpur Education City. Investment in educational infrastructure has also been linked to the country’s strategic plans for economic development. Such zone shave also helped Malaysia to become a popular host country for international branch campuses. The EduCity Iskandar campus, for example, is currently home to foreign institutions such as New Castle University Medicine Malaysia, University of Southampton Malaysia, Netherlands Maritime Instituteof Technology, and University of Reading, Malaysia. There are 20 public universities, 91 private universities & university colleges and 10 foreign university branch campuses. The affordable cost of quality tertiary educationis one of many reasons why international students choose Malaysia. For example, you can acquire a UK engineering degree (3years) in Malaysia through a franchised degree programme at an estimated USD21,000, whereas the tuition fee of the same degree programme at the host university in the UK is about USD 48,000/.The ministry is concentrating on awarding large amounts of research funding under its Fundamental Research Grant Scheme. The major draw of the Malaysian education system, as far as UAE students are concerned, are the relatively low fees and the common religion, in addition to the quality of education and the availability of courses on Islamic Banking, Shariat Law etc. which are relevant to the UAE. Enrolling at a Licensed Private Educational Institution Students must confirm whether the institution of their choice has been ‘licensed’ and ‘approved’ before enrolling. To safeguard the interests of international students, all private schools, international schools, private colleges, private universities and foreign university branch campuses in Malaysia must obtain approvals from the relevant regulatory bodies of the Malaysian government. These approvals include:

94 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 95 Tertiary Education Private higher educational institutions which offer tertiary education - besides obtaining approval from the Ministry of Higher Education, these institutions need to ensure that the courses offered are endorsed by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency. As such, students are advised to check with the institution concerned or online at www.mqa.gov.my to determine if their intended course of study is endorsed or accredited by MQA. In addition, these institutions need to be licensed by another authority i.e. the Ministry of Home Affairs (Malaysian Immigration Department) to accept international students. The Immigration Department will issue a ‘Student Pass’ to every internationalstudent enrolled at these institutions. Enrolling at a Public University Public universities offer postgraduate studies and limited places for bachelor’s degree programmes to international students. Funded by the government, these public universities are allowed to recruit international students for full-time undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Their courses are assuredby MQA and the Immigration Department will issue a ‘StudentPass’ to every student enrolled by these universities. Applying to Study at a Malaysian Institution Applying to study at the Malaysian institution of your choice is simple. Just complete there levant International Student Application Forms for your chosen course and return it to the institution of your choice with the following documents and fees: • Certified copies of all relevant examination results and academic certificates (preferably with copies translated in English if documents are in another language) • A completed accommodation form (if accommodation is required) • Photocopy of valid international passport - all pages • Photocopy of identity card • Most recent passport sized colour photographs (4 to 6 copies) • Personal medical health report • Application fees (ranging from US160 to US250, usually non-refundable) You may obtain the application form online from the institution’s website or from the institution’s overseas representative in your country. You will be asked for evidence of your academic achievement and proficiency in English. Ideally, you should apply about two months before start of the programme. 95 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM Getting an Offer from the Institution Processing your application usually takes 5-7 days. If you are accepted, the institution will issue an ‘Offer of Place' letter. This letter will confirm the full-time course details, commencement dates, and enclose an invoice for the tuition fee, miscellaneous fees and accommodation fees. Following which, you make arrangements for the payment of fees. The institution will issue a receipt upon confirmation of payment. Application for Student Pass Next, the educational institution will apply for an approval for a student pass from the Malaysian Immigration Department in Malaysia on your behalf. This will take approximately 14 workingdays, provided all documents are in order. The institution will then proceed to notify the student regarding the status (approvedor rejected) of the application for the student pass. With the receipt of the Immigration’s approval letter through the Institution, you can prepare for your journey to Malaysia. You do not need to apply for a separate visa to enter Malaysia. Travel Before leaving the country for Malaysia, you should inform the educational institution of your port of entry (airport), flight number, arrival date and time. Upon arrival at the airport in Malaysia, the educational institution’s representative will receive you at the immigration check-point. Within 2 weeks of your arrival, the educational institution will submit your passport to the Immigration Department, which attaches the student pass sticker. Source and websites of use: www.studymalaysia.com Ministry of Education Malaysia www.moe.gov.my, www.educationmalaysia.gov.my Malaysian Qualifications Agency www.mqa.gov.my Study Malaysia Online Course Search: www.studymalaysia.com Important Contact Address: Malaysia Education Promotion Centre Dubai, UAE Consulate General of Malaysia, 83rd Street,10D, Mankhool P.O. Box 114140 Dubai Tel : +9714-398 5843 Fax : +9714-327 5151

WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 97 96 HEADSTART 2020 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM Singapore may be small but in the areas ofhigher education and research, it is highly reputed. A whole series of global reports have recognized Singapore as a worldleader in research and innovation over the past few decades. It has a reputation for academic excellence not just in Asia, but across the world. The nation’s education system is considered worldclass and boasts academic talent that is both highly advanced and competitive. For a continuous number of years, Singapore has been named the best-performing location for the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) test conducted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). It is also home to universities that have won global recognition for both their top-tier academics and their advanced research facilities. For example, the QS World Rankings 2021, listed NUS as the top university in Asia and eleventh in the world. Singapore has the reputation as one of the leading economic and business centres of the world. Its geographical position makes travel within the Asian region very easy and affordable. It has a successful SINGAPORE free market economywith a vibrant lifestyle. Despite its cosmopolitan population, its history as a centre of trade and entrepreneurialism positions it closer to the West than its neighbours. While Chinese, Malay, and Tamil are also official languages, English is widely spoken and understood by 75% of the five million strong population andis the officially designated language for the education system. The education system in Singapore revolves around the premise that every student has unique aptitudes and interests. They have evolved fromthe oldschool British system, adopting a flexible approach to allow you to develop your potential to the fullest. Mostinstitutions offer merit based scholarships Moreover, students can fast track programmes and transfer into parent campuses in UK or Australia. Even as other countries in the region are accelerating their international recruitment efforts, Singapore is taking a step back. This is because there are not enough university spaces to meet local demand. The city-state capped international enrolment in 2011 well short of a long-standing goal to attract 150,000students by 2015. Public subsidies and grants for foreign branch campuses in Singapore are now more constrained as well in the wake of several high-profile closures. The government continues to encourage international partnerships in Singapore but with a greater emphasis on increasing capacity to meet local demand. In addition to the six publicly-funded Universities currently in existence (National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, and the Singapore Management University, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore Institute of Technology and Singapore University of Social Sciences), there are six world-class universities with a substantial presence in Singapore: Massachusetts University of Technology (MIT), Johns Hopkins University, Georgia Technological University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, INSEAD, and the Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania. Applications for entry and visa formalities are handled by the university to which you are applying. Each university has minimum entry requirements. The closing date fornormal applications is in February of the year of entry. The rise of the National University of Singapore (NUS) tothe top of the QS University Rankings Asia is thelatest evidence of Singapore’s strengthened position as a regionaleducation leader. Entry Requirement: Apart from exacting academic requirements, for applicants whose mother tongue is not English, the individual universities will set their required IELTS/ TOEFL scores. Individual institutionswill have varying entry requirements. Do visit the institutional websites for details. Fees and Funding Tuition fees vary widely betweeninstitutions and courses. International students can apply for a tuitiongrant which is administered by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and offered to all admitted students.

98 HEADSTART 2024 WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 99 Scholarships: Most of the scholarships are for Singapore nationals but a few are on offer for international students. For a list of scholarships and eligibility, please visit: www. moe.gov.sg/admissions/scholarships/sia Cost of Living: An international student in Singapore spends onaverage about S$750 to S$2,500 a month onliving expenses. The amount of course, varies depending on yourindividual lifestyle and course of study. Working during school term You can work during the school term without a workpass if you meet all of the following criteria: Youare a full-time matriculated or registered student in oneof the approved institutions. You hold a Student Pass issuedby the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).Additionally, your workneeds to meet one of these requirements: It is fora maximum of 16 hours a week. It is under an industrial attachment programme conducted by your university or educationalinstitution. The industrial attachment can be either compulsory or elective but it must contribute towards your graduation requirements. Visa Procedures A foreigner who has been accepted by an educational institutionto pursue full-time study in Singapore will need toapply for a Student’s Pass. The requirements and proceduresfor a Student’s Pass differ slightly depending on thetype of educational institution in which you intend to study. You will need the following documents/ information to complete your Student’s Pass application, please have them ready before you apply: • The Registration Acknowledgement Letter from the institution you plan to attend • Your travel document bio-data page • Your personalinformation, including the list of countries you have previously residedin, your educational background, employment history and financial support • Yourparents’ personal information (if applicable) • Your residential address and contact details in Singapore • You must submit your Student’s Pass application using theeService at least one month and not more than twomonths before your course begins. • A non-refundable S$30processing fee is payable. If your application is successful, ICA will issue you an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. YourStudent’s Pass will only be issued if you meet all the conditions stipulated in this letter. You must then bring all the documents listed in your IPA letter to ICA. Source and websites of use: www.moe.gov.sg/admissions/ international-students/general-info www.mom.gov.sg www.ica.gov.sg/#/pass/studentpass/apply QS Top Universities website www.expat.com INDIA'S NEW NATIONAL EDUCATION POLICY 2020 India's New National Education Policy 2020 – Salient Features, Execution framework needed and challenges to overcome The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, was released by the Government of India in July 2020. It is a comprehensive framework that outlines the vision and roadmap for the transformation of the education system in India. The last time the NEP was envisaged, 36 years ago, was when the late prime minister shri Rajiv Gandhi ushered in the era of computerization and telecommunication revolution in the nation. The first wave of a purposeful program was undertaken to transform the nation using the confluence of these two technologies. I have been a beneficiary of that wave, as a generation of highly informed and educated computer literates emerged and that enabled the nation to take off in the IT and IT-enabled services sectors, today contributing almost two-thirds of nation’s GDP. The NEP 2020 aims to make India a global knowledge superpower by providing quality education to all its citizens and developing the country’s human capital. The world has transformed in these last 36 years, from basic desk-top and mainframe number crunching, preinternet days in 1986 to, in-palm smart phones with apps, driven by AI and Machine learning crunching big data in the fast inter-connected world. With COVID hitting the humanity in 2020, the whole world had no choice but to jump on to the technology bandwagon to keep the world going, and that includes the transformation of the education and learning arena. What COVID did, especially, to the education spaces – classrooms in schools and universities – the best of the faculty taking sessions remotely with engaging interactions using myriad digital resources of learning – no other intervention could bring such transformation, even though all the technologies used during COVID have been present in the marketplace for over two decades. WWW.COUNSELLINGPOINT.COM HEADSTART 2024 99