What to avoid when looking for a study abroad consultant: 6 red flags

It is important to be aware of the warning signs when planning your study abroad trip.

A professional educational consulting firm or a professional advisor are essential to ensure that your study abroad experience exceeds expectations. In the end, the experience needs to be unforgettable, and there is an investment involved – both financially and in time. Trust and credibility, as well as experience and know-how, are some criteria to consider before signing with an agency.

It is not hard for students with real intent to study abroad to spot the bad professionals operating in the industry.

Here are six practices used by dubious agents and to be wary of before signing with them:

👉 They do not clearly explain the admission process, because of their lack of knowledge. Also, they do not give detailed information about the schools and programs because of their ignorance about them.

👉 They make promises outside their scope and beyond their ability or resources, such as securing direct admission to universities, visas, employment, government loans, permanent residency, etc.

👉 They may state mean or degrading things against other agents or institutions by name

👉 They do not share original emails or letters sent by educational institutions

👉 They claim to have their “own people” within universities and embassies who will favour them.

👉 They offer course fees far below the market standard of the country where the course is taught.

A good educational consultant can make the admission process to a school abroad a great experience – from the first conversation to the arrival of the student at their study destination, while adding significant value to your higher education study abroad experience with pre- and post-arrival services. Good advisors always reach out when the student is within reach and also when they are already away studying, should they seek help.

The final decision to use the services of an education consultant is yours. Yet, should you opt for the services of an education agent, make sure you select a good professional – it will be highly rewarding.

Veronica Martire (veronica@ukstudentsolutions)

Consultant & Director @UK Student Solutions Ltd (ukstudentsolutions.com)