My Life at University of California
Q :- Please tell us about which course is you doing and why did you choose that course?A :- I am doing Masters in Electrical Engineering with specialization in Microwave and RF circuits. I have a deep interest in Microwave and I wanted to pursue higher studies for the same reason. This course here at UCLA, has both aspects academics as well as research opportunities.
Q :- Why did you choose the USA for higher education?
A :-USA offers better environment for an international student for academic and/or professional carrier. Here at UCLA in graduate program, most students are international students. Its like an international educational hub.
Q :- How is UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES different than any other USA University based on whatever you have heard from your friends
A :- About UCLA is lot more happening place as compared to other universities. The university has well rounded education system, as there are all kinds of courses here varying from engineering and sciences to music, TV and fashion. This place is full of professors with famous names in their fields. Facilities like recreation center and Gym make life really good. It’s a good experience to be here. Also, Electrical engineering department has recently been ranked 8th in terms of research nation wide.
In terms of job market and industry exposure too, I liked this university. It’s my first quarter here and already there are plenty of Job Fairs for internships and jobs in variety if areas.
Q :- What’s your advice to students who aspire to go to the USA for higher studies?
A :- Education in US is not just getting a masters degree. It’s more about exposure to outer world. Here there are opportunities for every single thing you might want to do. So, if you plan to come to US for studies don’t close yourself but try new things and meet new people and enjoy.
Q :- Other than academics, what else did you learn from the country USA ?
A :- I learned about different cultural differences. How are Chinese different from Europeans and stuff like that. The American culture, people and their habits.
Q :- How are the studies in the USA different than the studies in India ?
A :- Academically, its much more intensive. The course work itself is very demanding and requires clear understanding of concepts. The evaluation system is not just limited to exams, rather than distributed all across the quarter in terms of Home Work evaluation. Teacher student relation is far less formal, we can go to clases in shorts with coffee mug in hand. Professors are more open and free to speak and have respect for their students as individuals.
Q :- Is it worth spending so much money to get a degree from the USA as compared to similar degree in India with lower costs?
A :- I believe it mostly depends on what’s your financial conditions, but yes I think its worth the money. It changes your complete life this point onwards.
Q :- What’s your advice to parents of aspiring students?
A :- It’s a great option to send your child to study abroad. We should think of it as an investment. Many parents are afraid that their child will get spoiled in western culture, but its far from reality. First, the American culture is definitely open, but very sensitive to moral values. Second there are plenty of Indians to make friends here.
Q :- Key things to remember for parents and students while planning for the studies in the USA
A :- Give GRE and TOEFL early, so that there is no hassle while application period. Apply to as many universities you can afford to (in terms of fee), you never know which option will work out for you. Be in touch with your seniors in US for help regarding SOP, application material etc. Feel very open to talk to university graduate division (mail or phone) for queries. Many times calling is much better as they get many mails and may not answer. Join Internet forums like Edulix for help. If you get reject from anywhere, call them why they have rejected the application. Many times it may be simply because one of your recommendation letter is missing or something like that. On request they can also reconsider your application or wait more for materials to arrive. Once admit is granted apply for Visa (after you have finalized the university). Book plane tickets early, it really saves money.
Q :- What are you future plans?
A :- I want to continue for PhD here at UCLA. Then join industry for few years. And look for entrepreneur opportunities.
Q :- How did you fund your higher education?
A :- Personal savings from Job, family funds and Credila loaning
Q :- Why did you choose Credila?
Credila granted me loan with a very easy process. And best part was I dint have give any collateral. I got very good interest rate too.
Choosing between USA and India for higher education
Keeping in mind the broader perspective and present education scenario, more and more students as well as parents are evincing interest in venturing out to foreign lands in order to acquire highly specialized level of education.Today, connecting with the world is becoming unbelievably easy and quick, be it through the communication or through transport. Hence, if today’s young generation gets an opportunity to study abroad; it could definitely be worth a try.
For students contemplating study abroad option against study in India option, increasing number of Indian students are preferring foreign universities as it provides them a good opportunity to explore the world and learn about new cultures. According to Vivek Merchant who has recently completed a Masters in management in information system, Edith Cowon University, Perth, Australia is of the opinion that “A study abroad gives the opportunity to interact with different cultures and experience a different lifestyle. I definitely would not have experienced a lifestyle such as this, if I was studying in India till date.” According to Vivek, a Study Abroad experience opens up new vistas and avenues along with giving new avenues to mix and interact with people of various cultures and countries.
Study in India is also up to the mark but by studying abroad you are educating yourself and also benefitting from overall personality development as you acquaint and adjust yourself with a new society and a new peer group. Studying abroad does give you a wholesome experience to new cultures, life patterns and even work experience. Suraj Thyagarajan Paramasivam from Chennai who opted to study MS in computer science and engineering at SUNY University, Buffalo advises aspiring students to be ready to face anything and be ready to work hard. He also adds that everything has to be done by oneself in US and thereby they will become a good manager or a multi-tasker if they go abroad for higher studies. Suraj had taken education loan from the specialist education loan lender called Credila Financial Services, after trying in vain to get education loans from many other banks. He said, “Credila is more of a human organization who understood the needs of the students”.
Well, study in India has become pretty routine and methodical, while study abroad emphasis on your overall development and personality growth which again depends entirely upon your initiatives and efforts. Studying in India would primarily mean concentrating entirely on studies mostly through books and exams along with routine practical study based entirely on the curriculum. On the other hand, study abroad gives you the opportunity to explore and go further in depth to subjects which interest you the most. Krishnan Lakshminarayanan who has completed Masters in Chemical Engineering (MS) from Oklahoma State University expressed his views on study abroad by stating that his study experience was very different. He also added by saying that “It is more rigorous than India in a way since they take Homework and exams more seriously than we do. Also the marking scheme is GPA (Grade Point Average) which means that even if you have a good score but your ranking in the class is bad then the GPA goes low. This affects the career in turn.”
My life at Oklahoma State University
Krishnan L., MS. Chemical Engineering, Oklahoma State Univ., USAQ: You have been one of those highly respected lot of students who have been doing higher studies at Oklahoma State University? How does it feel to be at Oklahoma State University USA?
A - It feels very good to be at Oklahoma State University. It is a premier institute in USA and funded by the Oklahoma Government and is widely respected in USA for chemical and mechanical engineering.
Q: Please tell us about which courses are you doing and why did you choose that course?
A - Masters in Chemical Engineering (MS). Nov I have research assistantship and working in Polymers Science research. I chose this course since it is my ambition to be a Chemical Engineer and US is a heaven for chemical engineering.
Q: Why did you choose the USA for higher education?
A - USA is the heaven for chemical engineering. Also it is a land of opportunities and presents opportunities in chemical engineering.
Q: How is Oklahoma State University different than any other USA University based on whatever you have heard from your friends about?
A: I found Oklahoma State University (OSU) to be better than many universities in USA like Lamar, Univ of Louisiana Lafayette etc. This was the best admit that I received out of the nine universities I had applied for.
Q: Are you happy with your decision?
A: Extremely happy with the decision and also happy for choosing Credila.
Q: Where do you eat? Do you cook yourself?
A: I cook food and have become a good cook. I believe people in Mumbai are generally good at cooking since they get to eat good food at home and outside. Also there are some Indian restaurants where I and my friends go once in a while but it is expensive to have Indian food. Sometimes we go to Indian Hindu temples which offer Indian food at very cheap rates and sometimes for free and it is very tasty.
Q: Where do you live? On-campus or off-campus and why?
A: I stay off-campus with three other friends and it is at a 5 min walk from the college campus. I chose of campus because it is cheaper than on campus housing. But is also advisable to take housing near the campus and not as far as 2 km from the campus as it is dangerous. There is more police patrolling near the campus vicinity and not far from the campus since it is done by campus police.
Q: Please share some of your experiences of the USA for aspiring students
A: For all aspiring students I would advise that it is important to pursue the dream incessantly. It is more important to have the dream and not do it half heartedly.
Q: What’s your advice to students who aspire to go to the USA for higher studies?
A: The life in USA is nothing different from that in India and one should not forget that life as a student is challenging since the education system here is different and it is important to not losing focus in the comforts and luxury of USA.
Q: Other than academics, what else did you learn from the country USA?
A: I learnt that USA also has culture just like India and give more importance to family just like Indians. Also they have a beautiful landscape but the climate is a little harsh.
Q: How are the studies in the USA different than the studies in India?
A: Very different. It is more rigorous than India in a way since they take Homework and exams more seriously than we do. Also the marking scheme is GPA (Grade Point Average) which means that even if you have a good score but your ranking in the class is bad then the GPA goes low. This affects the career in turn.
Q: Is it worth spending so much money to get a degree from the USA as compared to similar degree in India with lower costs?
A: It is always worth spending money to get a degree from USA since it is highly recognized all over the world. One of the main ambitions of pursuing education is to seek a multiplication factor in the salary one would obtain.
Q: What’s your advice to parents of aspiring students?
A: It is more important to understand the dream of the child and the most important is with systematic planning anyone can pursue US Education. It is not only for the rich and affluent but also for the Middle Class people.
Q: Key things to remember for parents and students while planning for the studies in the USA
A: Financial planning is most important. Visa interview preparation and documents needed for the same are also very important.
Also the key is to talk to a lot of students here in USA. I think students here in USA feel honoured when they receive call from their friends or talk to people online and do the best help (at least I and my friends do).
Q: What are you future plans?
A: My immediate plan after completion of my degree is to work in a chemical engg firm in USA for a few years. I plan to return to India after I have achieved my goals here in academics, work wise and also monetarily.
Q: How did you fund your higher education?
A: I took the entire loan amount from Credila. I was sanctioned an amt of 20 lakhs I have chosen to take partial amount with me to fund for the first and second semester and initial living. Initially while I came I was a non funded student without any scholarship. But now I have Research Assistantship and it pays me enough money so I am able to fund myself comfortably.
As far as the EMI of the loan my father is paying it also my mother contributes to the income since she is also self employed.
Q: Why did you choose Credila?
A: I met Credila in an Education expo at Goregaon years ago when I was doing my graduation. I always had this dream of pursuing US education. I started working so that I can save some money to be comfortable financially and try to add something in the contribution towards my education expenses apart from my parents.
Later when I decided that it was time to pursue US education by giving GRE i tried various PSU banks but was unhappy with their services. The bank executives were rude and were not considerate enough to understand. I then tried Credila since I had their business card which I got from them 2 yrs ago in a education expo as mentioned earlier.
I am extremely happy that I chose this decision to pursue that call and talk to Credila. They responded immediately and their Sales team explained me everything in complete detail and gave me a vision that it is possible for me to pursue my dream. I give my sincerest thanks to the Credila team. Credila team was very good at explaining and solving all my doubts and my parents questions. The best thing was the Credila executives were willing to spend time and gave importance to the student's dream more than anything else.
Q: Any other advice to students and parents?
A: Other advice is for the students to teach their parents some small but important aspects of technology. This would be like helping the parents know how to chat and use VOIP - voice over internet phone. This saves a lot of money for the parent and the child and it does not make one feel lonely. It is advisable to buy a laptop after coming here since electronic items are cheap here but it is equally important to have one at home in which the parents are also comfortable chatting.
I talk to my parent’s everyday using gtalk, skype and this was planned since I had bought a set of microphones and trained my parents to use it while I was in Mumbai. Now it is really beneficial since it is really cheap and we save a lot on mobile phone bills.
Other advice is on the packing of clothes and food items. If one can get food items which is allowed in the packing contrary to the MIS perceptions it helps a lot since students miss Indian food (particularly home made food items a lot).
First Time in India: Education Loan Approval before admission for students going to the USA
Mumbai: Credila Financial Services, a subsidiary of HDFC Ltd., is a specialized education loan lender. Credila announces a special benefit to the students who plans to pursue higher studies in the USA. Credila will, underwrite the education loan application file and issue education loan Approval letters to the credit- worthy students even before their admission to the US Universities.“Credila’s education loan approval before admission to the USA is the first ever in India!”, said Prashant A. Bhonsle, Country Head of Credila Financial Services. He continued to say, “Unless students demonstrate the sources of funds, the US Universities don’t give I-20 to the students. With Credila’s education loan approval letters, thousands of creditworthy students from India, now, will be able to fulfill their dreams of higher education in the USA”.
The Catch-22 Dilemma of US Bound Indian Students: There are severe restrictions that are based on The US Federal Immigration laws and policies on funds that an Indian student can receive at U.S. universities. Matter of fact, universities will not confirm admission unless students can demonstrate their ability to bear the cost of an American Education.
American Education and the I20
An US University can conditionally admit the student for a particular course based on various parameters, ranging from Standardized Test Scores (GRE, GMAT, etc) to Leadership Qualities. However, it does not release the official document confirming a students’ admission until and unless the student is able to demonstrate financial ability to pay for the first year of the course and continued funds to support the remaining years of education.
This official document of admission, also called the Form I20, is in fact a legal document tied to US Immigration Services. The I20 is not only the only proof of secured admission but also forms the basis of that student’s US student visa claim and attempt to enter the US for education. In a nutshell, if you don’t have an I20, you don’t go to the US for education.
Obtaining the I20
Demonstrating financial ability can be tricky, especially because only a few forms of documentary evidence are accepted by the US University. A typical Indian student has limited options - receive funding from the university in form of scholarships, waivers, etc that are extremely difficult to secure OR document family funds OR obtain an education loan. “Credila loan approval letter was one of the important financial docs which I was holding to get I20”, said Suraj T., studying in SUNY at Buffalo, USA. Another student Ajin N. who obtained education loan from Credila and studying in University of Illinois at Chicago, USA said, “Credila gave me the liquidity to go ahead with the fees payment. So the embassy was happy with loan approval letter and the way of funding for my course”.
The Chicken-Egg Syndrome
Indian Students that plan on obtaining an education loan to fund their US studies face a typical “Chicken-Egg” syndrome every year: The US University requires proof of assured funds to confirm the admission and release the I20; Indian banks do not Approval or authorize education loans until the student has confirmed admission and received the I20. So what comes first—the I20 or the bank loan authorization? Chicken or Egg?
This limitation of Indian Banks put a severe damper on several qualified students that plan on obtaining the I20 and funding their American education via loans. Unfortunately some students, out of sheer desperation, resort to unethical measures to forge such documentation which makes things worse overall. Mr. Richard Yam, Foreign Student Advisor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst notes “We see a lot of loan approval letters that prospective students from all over the world send to us to document proof of funds. [But] I do not think I have seen anything [similar] from India.” This is echoed by Mr. Hrayr Tamzarian, Asst. Dean of International Admissions at Smith College, a highly selective private undergraduate college near Boston—“We normally accept loan letters [for I20 sponsorship] as we are very expensive and understand that the student and family may not have full funding proof and may take student loans to pay the balance fee…if the family funds plus the loan add up to the required amount, then we can issue the I20.”
Credila’s Unique Solution for students applying for studies in the USA
One of the objectives of a recent and exciting development relating to educational loans in India aims at solving this “Catch-22” situation jeopardizing the Indian student community.
Credila Financial Services, is currently India’s first and only fully-dedicated education loan provider. Credila has entered into key partnerships with various organizations and educational institutes around the globe to better serve the Indian student community. Credila Financial Services is a subsidiary of HDFC Ltd. HDFC Ltd. is a strategic investor in Credila. Over 50,000 students and parents have applied to Credila for education loan in the past few months. So far Credila has funded students for their studies in Universities such as Columbia Univ., Cornell Univ, Purdue Univ., Carnegie Mellon, Oxford etc.
Credila is offering Education Loan Approval letter to credit worthy students even before they get any confirmed admission from the USA. Credila does not mandate “Confirmed Admission” to process or grant education loan offers and Approvals. So a student can apply and receive a loan approval letter from Credila even before being admitted to the course of his/her choice. This may also help the student to secure admission to better courses. For more information, please visit www.credila.com
Other headlines
• Get Education Loan Approval before your Admission!
• Credila to issue Education Loan Approval before admission
• Get I-20 with the help of Credila’s education loan approval
• Facing problems getting I-20? Credila can fund you!
• Students going to the USA: Credila can fund you!
• No funds for I-20? Credila can fund you!
• Credila’s innovative solution for the students going to USA
• Students going to USA: Credila can help you in your I-20
• US Universities need proof of funds: Credila provides funds before I-20
• USA admission: Credila can fund you and help you get I-20
• Admission to the USA & I-20: Credila funds students before I-20
• Credila to approve education loan before I-20
My Life at Cornell University
Pracheer G. Shares his experience at Cornell UniversityQ :- Please tell us about which course is you doing and why did you choose that course?
A :- M.Eng. – Computer Science. I wanted to study more about Computer Science, specifically the fields I am interested in. A professional-oriented course was an added plus.
Q :- Why did you choose the USA for higher education?
A :- Because of the standard of education here. It is an experience in itself. There is no doubt you won’t regret studying in US.
Q :- How is Cornell Univeristy different than any other USA University based on whatever you have heard from your friends about
A :- I would again like to point out to the fact the faculty of here is among the best in the world. They are the thought leaders in their field. Plus I was interested in all round development for which Cornell seemed an obvious choice. Not to mention the university has some breathtaking views!
You would find all sorts of people from all over the world sitting with you in the class.
Q :- Are you happy with your decision?
A :- Hell Yeah!
Q :- Please share some of your experiences of the USA for aspiring students
A :- You would always be exploring provided you have time! Soon the pressure of studies would dawn on you. To use a cliché, it is better to work hard, play hard. The level of teaching is way different (in a better way) so it may take some time to adjust.
Q :- What’s your advice to students who aspire to go to the USA for higher studies?
A :- The process of applying may seem complicated and tiring. Don’t get bogged down by that. The effort would seem worthwhile once you arrive here and enter your first class!
Q :- Other than academics, what else did you learn from the country USA ?
A :- Punctuality! You are supposed to submit your assignments by 11:59:59 PM always!
Q :- How are the studies in the USA different than the studies in India ?
A :- You have to think more in your assignments. Method of teaching is more practical rather than theoretical like that in India.
Q :- Is it worth spending so much money to get a degree from the USA as compared to similar degree in India with lower costs?
A :- IMHO, yes. It is worthwhile.
Q :- What’s your advice to parents of aspiring students?
A :- Initially, it may sound scary to send your kid half way across the world spending so much money. But you would soon realize it was the best investment you ever made. And education can never be waste.
Q :- What are you future plans?
A :- Am giving interviews right now and side-by-side applying for a Ph.D. programme.
Q :- How did you fund your higher education?
A :- Credila
Q :- Why did you choose Credila?
A :- Because they were the only loan providers who were responding properly to all the questions I had! Plus since their sole purpose is educational loans, they seemed to be the choice.
My Life at Columbia University
The US experience of Ms. Sangeeta R. who enrolled for MS at Columbia University -2010Q :- How does it feel to be at Columbia University, New York, USA?
A :- It feels privileged to be a part of an Ivy League Institution.
Q :- Please tell us about which course is you doing and why did you choose that course?
A :- Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Design.
Q :- Why did you choose the USA for higher education?
A :- The USA has the most eclectic mix of International students.
Q :- How is Columbia University different than any other USA University based on whatever you have heard from your friends?
A :- Columbia University is not only one of the most prestigious institutions in the United States offering a diverse range of graduate and masters’ level programs but also located in New York, one of the best cities in the USA.
Q :- Are you happy with your decision?
A :- Yes, I am extremely happy with my decision.
Q :- Where do you eat? Do you cook yourself?
A :- I try and cook myself most of the time. It is super convenient to find Indian groceries and spices here in New York. However due to a hectic schedule at school, I do end up eating out most of the time. The food is good in terms of variety and quality and also reasonable, price- wise.
Q :- Where do you live? On-campus or off-campus and why?
A :- I live 10 blocks away from campus. Columbia University does not have housing within the campus, but offers a lot of student housing either in Columbia owned housing or other rental agencies.
Q :- What’s your advice to students who aspire to go to the USA for higher studies?
A :- My advice would be, to shortlist your schools carefully and apply well in advance. Also ensure that you do begin communicating with the directors and professors, professing your interest in pursuing the course. The people here at schools in the USA are extremely helpful and willing to offer advice at all times. So you should make the most of it.
Q :- How are the studies in the USA different than the studies in India?
A :- The fact that there is diversity in terms of nationality of the students, make the learning experience fun and enriching. Also the pedagogic approach is different and more flexible in terms of choice of classes and subjects that interest you the most.
Q :- Is it worth spending so much money to get a degree from the USA as compared to similar degree in India with lower costs?
A :- It is definitely beneficial in terms of the learning experience and the exposure that you get.
Q :- What are you future plans?
A :- My plan for the future is to work in the States for a couple of years to build on international experience and then eventually move back to India to set up my own Architectural practice.
Q :- How did you fund your higher education?
A :- Through family funds and Credila Educational Loan.
Q :- Why did you choose Credila?
A :- Because of their extremely transparent process in terms of loan processing as well as quick and timely help during need of financial documents at the time of applying for a Visa.
