Taking the IELTS Test: How is it?

Taking the IELTS Test (and getting a good grade) is an almost certain requirement if you want to study abroad. The IELTS – International English Language Testing System – measures the language proficiency of people who want to apply to a foreign university, as it proves one’s proficiency in English, the most common language used in classes and exams.

It is this IELTS score that paves the way for an academic future abroad. So how can you best prepare for the examination? Read some key points from the real-life experiences of people who took the test below.

Taking the IELTS test

What, how, when and where?

There are two types of IELTS exams – academic and general training. For higher education, you are required to attend the academic type. The exam has four sections – listening, reading, speaking and writing.

The listening, reading and writing will be taken all on the same day one after the other. For the speaking test, you will be assigned a time slot in which you will be speaking to an examiner who asks you general questions on some familiar topics like home, family, work etc.

“IELTS is not so difficult for an English-speaking person. Time management is the most important thing when you will be taking the IELTS Test. What matters most is content, grammar and vocabulary. For a non-English speaker, it’s definitely not that complicated if you put in the right amount of hard work.”, says Merrin Tharakan who scored an 8.0 on her IELTS test.

Is taking the IELTS test difficult?

As with any exam, the IELTS requires thorough preparation. It is not about passing or failing the exam. The score is measured on a 9-band scale (1 being the lowest and 9 being the highest).

Different universities require different minimum scores depending upon the course and the level of study. Always remember to check what score you need before you attend the exam.

According to Janaki Devi, who scored an average score of 7.5 on her first attempt, “It is not a hard exam for an English-speaking person, although the writing part is slightly tricky. For a non-English speaking person, it would seem intimidating in the beginning, but with practice, you can ace it with ease.”

Do accents have any precedence in the speaking test?

The answer is no. You are neither expected to change your accent nor are you marked on that criteria. You are required to speak clearly and concisely so that the examiner can understand you. What you should focus on is practising your English skills every day and listening to different native-speaker accents which will help you pronounce difficult words more clearly.

“Accents do not have any precedence. They are looking forward to a smooth-speaking person. According to me, I believe it’s about how perfectly you can communicate and the marks gravitate around the factor of how efficiently you can communicate.”, says Merrin Tharakan, who scored an 8.0 on her examination.

Does practicing sample questions help you score better?

Yes, it does. Practicing sample tests will help you get a clear idea of what is to be expected in each of the sections. For an English-speaking person, you can maximize your skills through proper preparation. Use English in everyday contexts – speak it with your friends, read as much as you can, write notes, practice writing comprehension to improve your writing skills, read English newspapers, listen to English radio etc. For a non-English speaker, consider taking an English course or register yourself to a local IELTS training Centre and make sure you practice in improving your skills every day.

“It’s all about practice. It took me 2 months to prepare for the IELTS Exam. Over this period, I dedicated around 3 to 4 hours per day. Just because you know English doesn’t mean you can score well on the exam. I know a lot of colleagues of mine, who spoke English well, but went in unprepared and scored quite less than expected. When you start taking sample tests, you will recognise your weakest point and will be able to work and refine it.”, says Konica Sarkar, who scored an 8.0 band score on her first attempt.

The IELTS score is valid for a 2-year period which means if the date mentioned in your IELTS Test Report Form is 1st January 2022, then it is valid until the 31st of December 2024. There are a lot of other English tests like the PTE (Pearson Test of English), TOEFL (The Test of English as a Foreign Language) etc. so make sure IELTS is the one you need before booking the test.

“IELTS is very easy compared to GRE because for GRE you need to give a lot of importance to vocabulary and dedicate a lot of time learning the meanings of so many words. I’ve heard that IELTS and TOEFL are similar from a preparation and exam point of view.”, says Merrin Tharakan who took both IELTS and GRE tests.

If you have any further questions about English language exams, feel free to email us at info@okstudent.com or book a meeting here!

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Scholarships for International Students

With the increasing globalization and demand for international experiences, more and more students are choosing to study abroad. However, one of the major challenges these students face is the high cost of education abroad, especially when it comes to countries like the United Kingdom, which, post-BREXIT, no longer offers funded tuition to EU students.

Fortunately, there are various scholarships available for international students that can help make this dream a reality. In this article, we will explore three types of scholarships for international students and their eligibility requirements.

Government Scholarships

Many governments offer scholarships for international students as a way to promote educational cooperation between countries. Generally, these scholarships cover all or part of tuition fees, accommodation, and even living expenses.

Typically, to apply for these scholarships, students need to fill out an application form, provide academic documents such as transcripts and diplomas, and demonstrate proficiency in the language of the destination country. In addition, some government scholarships have additional requirements, such as interviews or the submission of a research project.

University Scholarships

International universities also offer scholarships for international students. These scholarships may vary in terms of value and eligibility criteria. Some scholarship programs are based on academic merit, taking into account the student’s recent academic performance. Other programs may consider factors such as the student’s financial conditions, special talents, or participation in extracurricular activities.

Since each university is responsible for its own scholarship program, rules and eligibility conditions vary from institution to institution. The offered amounts typically range from £1,000 to £5,000 on average.

If you are considering applying for university scholarships, their websites are usually a good place to start your research and determine your eligibility.

Private Organisation Scholarships

In addition to scholarships offered by the government and universities, there are also various private organisations that fund scholarships for international students. These organizations can be foundations, companies, or even patrons who wish to support global education. Private scholarships generally have specific requirements, and students need to submit a detailed application with personal and academic information, along with a letter of motivation. Although the support provided by these institutions may offer greater financial assistance or even full coverage, the number of scholarships is considerably smaller than those granted by universities.

There are many scholarships available, so it’s normal to feel lost, not knowing which are the best options for your profile or how to start the application process.

Our team can help you explore these funding options and ensure you choose the most suitable one for your needs. Book a free meeting with us to learn more about the variety of scholarships you can apply for.

There are also destinations that are less expensive in terms of both tuition fees and living costs. Visit Ireland or the Netherlands page to explore higher education in these countries.

Tips to find student accommodation abroad

Finding the right accommodation is crucial for the success of international students. Making an inadequate choice can negatively affect your emotional and physical well-being, as well as hinder your learning at university. Therefore, finding a place to stay should be one of your top priorities. In this article, we will provide you with some tips on how to find the perfect accommodation so that when you arrive at your destination, you can focus on your studies and have fun to the fullest.

Start your search as early as possible

Finding the right accommodation for you takes time, so don’t leave it until the last minute. If you don’t prioritize finding a place to live, you may end up with limited choices and high prices. We recommend that you start looking for a home at least six months before your planned move-in date.

Create a budget

Before you start looking for accommodation, it’s important to know how much you can spend. Consider the cost of rent, bills, transportation, and other expenses. This will help you limit your choices and ensure that you don’t overspend.

Consider your needs

Do you want to live alone or with roommates? Do you need a private bathroom, or are you okay with sharing? Do you need to study in silence, or are you comfortable in a noisy environment? Make a list of your preferences and use it to guide your choice of accommodation.

Explore your options

It’s important to know all the options available to you. All accommodations have pros and cons, so it’s necessary to get to know the various types of student accommodation.

Types of student accommodation

There are several types of accommodation available for international students, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The most common types of student accommodation are:

University Halls of Residence

University residences are a popular option for international students, especially for first-year students. This type of accommodation consists of buildings with several apartments. The number of students allowed in each apartment may vary depending on the university and country, but generally, between 5 and 10 people can share the communal areas of the apartment.

Here, you will have your own room, in some cases, a private bathroom, but you will have to share the common areas such as the kitchen and laundry with other roommates. University residences are the perfect accommodation if you want to make friends quickly. Here, you will be in contact with students from different countries and completely different courses from yours. In the second year, after you have made some friends, you can start thinking about moving in with your friends to a student house to avoid paying too much rent.

Private halls of residence

Private residences are very similar to university residences in that you have your own room, communal areas such as the kitchen, lounge, and laundry. However, these residences do not belong to the university but to private companies. This means that there is a greater variety of rooms, fewer roommates to share the flat with, in some cases, studios with private kitchen and bathroom.

Usually, these accommodations are located in the city center, include extras such as a gym, game room, and cinema rooms and are usually quieter than university residences. However, they are also more expensive.

Student houses

Shared apartments are another popular option for international students. This option allows students to split the rent and expenses with other students, making it affordable for those on a limited budget.

Student houses are usually rented to a landlord or agency. This accommodation allows you to have greater freedom and privacy, and that is why it is one of the most chosen options for second and third-year students.

Finding accommodation is one of the most important decisions you will have to make as a student. With the advice from this blog, you have the necessary tools to find a place to live without stress. If you have any questions about this topic, do not hesitate to contact a member of our team.

What makes UK universities so unique?

The UK’s higher education system is known for its excellence, attracting students from all around the world. But what makes it so unique? In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the key characteristics that set UK higher education apart.

Emphasis on independent study

UK universities place a strong emphasis on independent study, encouraging students to take responsibility for their own learning and to develop critical thinking skills. This means that students are expected to do a lot of reading and research outside of class, and to be able to participate in class discussions and debates.

This approach to learning helps students to develop the skills they need to succeed in their future careers. It also prepares them for postgraduate study, which often involves a lot of independent research and critical thinking. By encouraging students to take ownership of their learning, UK universities are helping to create independent thinkers who are equipped to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Shorter undergraduate degrees

In the UK, undergraduate degrees typically last for three years, whereas in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, they last for four years. This means that students can complete their degree more quickly and start their careers sooner.

While some may view this as a disadvantage, the shorter degree length is actually an advantage for many students. It means that they can complete their education more quickly and at a lower cost, which can be particularly important for those who are funding their own education. The shorter degree length also means that students can start earning money sooner, which can help to reduce their student debt and improve their career prospects.

Focus on specialisation

UK universities often require students to choose a specific course of study from the outset and to focus on that area of specialisation throughout their degree. This allows students to develop a deep understanding of their subject area and to gain the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their chosen field.

By focusing on specialisation, UK universities are able to offer courses that are tailored to the needs of the job market. This means that graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and to make a meaningful contribution to their chosen field. It also means that employers can be confident that they are hiring graduates who have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their organisation.

Tutorial system

Some UK universities use a tutorial system, where students receive one-on-one or small group teaching from an academic tutor, in addition to attending lectures and seminars. This allows students to receive personalised attention and feedback, and to develop strong relationships with their tutors.

The tutorial system is a unique feature of UK higher education, and is highly valued by students and academics alike. It allows students to engage in in-depth discussions and debates with their tutor, and to receive feedback on their work in a timely and constructive manner. It also allows students to develop a close working relationship with their tutor, which can be invaluable in terms of career advice and networking opportunities.

How to save money as an international student

Studying abroad is an amazing experience, but it can be expensive. As an international student, it’s essential to save money wherever possible. In this blog, we’ll share some tips on how to save money while studying abroad.

Create a budget

First things first, create a budget. Knowing how much you can afford to spend every month is essential. Track how much money you have coming in, versus how much needs to go out. List all of your expenses including rent, food, transportation, and entertainment. Then, look for ways to cut unnecessary expenses.

Food

Eating out or ordering takeaway often can quickly add up, so try meal prepping instead. Not only is it healthier, but it’s also cheaper. You can cook in bulk on the weekends and freeze your meals for the week. This way you won’t buy something expensive next time you feel hungry.

Clothes

It can be tempting to buy new clothes all the time, especially if you’re living in a fashionable city. However, whatever you’ve just seen on Instagram or TikTok, you don’t need it! And if you really do need it, make sure you buy it at a discounted price. Thrift stores and online sales can be great options for affordable, stylish clothes.

Student Discounts

You’re a student, so take advantage of that! Pretty much everywhere you go, there will probably be a student discount. And if you’re not sure if that particular place has any student deals, just ask! It’s not embarrassing or weird. Student discounts can save you a lot of money from cinemas to museums, restaurants to shops.

Travel smart

Travelling can be expensive, but it’s an essential part of studying abroad. Plan your trips in advance to get the best deals on flights and accommodation. Try to travel during the off-season, and avoid peak holiday times like Christmas and Easter. Consider hostels or Airbnb as cheaper alternatives to hotels.

Use public transportation

Use it if you live in a city with a good public transportation system. Public transportation is often cheaper than taxis or rental cars. Consider getting a monthly pass instead of paying for individual tickets, and explore the city by foot or bike.

In conclusion, studying abroad can be costly, but with these tips, you can save money while still having a great experience. Keep in mind that being a student often means access to various discounts, and budgeting is key when it comes to financial planning. By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your study abroad experience without worrying about breaking the bank.

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Taking the IELTS Test: How is it?