EDUCATION PATHWAY THROUGH SCHOLARSHIPS SEMINAR | NOVEMBER 2023 Scofield ENGLISH TEACHER Objectives • This seminar focuses on what you could expect out of a study abroad experience • The goal of this seminar is to provide you with the chance to engage with others in English while learning about pathways to study in another country • Key points about attending university overseas and trying to get scholarships will be shared and discussed INTRODUCTION TAKE A GUESS! How long have I been in Myanmar? A: About 1 year B: 2 years C: 4 years D: More than 10 years Where did I attend university? A. New York City B. Sunderland C. London D. Chicago University of Sunderland, Sunderland, UK What was my major? A. English Literature B. Education C. Engineering D. Math Where did I live when attending college? A: University Accommodation B: Private Apartment C: Private House D: All of the Above Where am I from? A: The United Kingdom B: Myanmar C: The United States of America D: Nepal GROUP CHAT WHAT DO YOU EXPECT? DISCUSS STUDY ABROAD PLANS Discuss the following questions: • Why study abroad? • What are the steps for studying abroad? • What do you want to major in? • Would you rather live in a dorm room with or without a roommate? Why? • What kind of scholarship would you apply for? • What is the difference between college / university? VOCABULARY AND TERMS… Do you know the difference between College and University? College Diploma Foundation Degrees General Certificate of Secondary Education GCSE Higher National Certificate HNC Higher National Diploma HND University Bachelor Master PhD Vocabulary and Terms • Liberal Arts / Vocational • Major / Minor • Private / Public • Campus • Dorm / Dormitory/ University Accommodation • Undergraduate Degree • Graduate Degree YOUR MAJOR POINTS TO CONSIDER… Points to Consider… • What major is the best fit for your interests / passions? • Is there a common major that would fit in well in a variety of job fields where you plan to live and work? • How long do you want to be in university? • What else do you need to think about? • Many graduates end up doing something totally different as a career than their actual major… WHERE TO LIVE TYPES OF SITUATIONS… Points to Consider • Would you like to live on your own or within student community? • How long do you want your commute to be? • • What is your budget? • Do you know which area around campus fits you best? • • Where are the majority of campus buildings you will use? SCHOLARSHIPS SOME ADVICE… Before Scholarships • Get a high school diploma first ( International diplomas such as IGCSE and GED are much better). • Improve your English! • Try to find yourself! • Take a language proficiency test (IELTS, TOFEL, etc.) • Try to get an offer letter from a University. Scholarship Advice • Contact universities directly • Find out what they offer, especially for international students; most have specific budgets for this • What can you offer the university? • Talent (art / music) • Sport ability • Knowledge / Skills • Your experience • Fully funded scholarships. General Scholarship Types • Partially funded scholarships. • Grants. • Accommodation scholarships. • Apply as early as possible • The earlier the better General Scholarship Application Tips • Check university websites for scholarship opportunities and requirements • As mentioned, many universities have specific scholarships available for foreign students! • Search for other scholarship providers • In addition to university websites • Pay close attention to the application essay topic General Scholarship Application Tips • Take time to understand key words and specifically address the task • It is key to ensure your essay answers exactly what is requested • Get someone else to read your application • Proofreading and feedback goes a long way • Make sure to meet deadlines • Apply, apply, apply! General Scholarship Application Tips • Apply for many scholarship opportunities and do not give up if and when met with failure • Create a personal template for your more general information • Put in most of the effort once and then adapt it to meet the needs of various scholarship applications • Have a variety of quality references / recommendations • Inform them in advance (two weeks) Some information sourced from: https://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/scholarship-advice/7-scholarship-application-tips-winners ENGLISH TESTS AND WHICH TO TAKE? • TOEFL Common English Proficiency Tests TOEFL • The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) • North American English based on college / university settings • Good for studying abroad • Accepted worldwide, but more popular for North America (Canada and the USA) Some information sourced from: https://preply.com/en/blog/types-of-english-tests/ • IELTS Common English Proficiency Tests IELTS • The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) • There are two types – General Training and Academic (Academic for studying abroad and General Training for working) • One of the most popular tests globally • Speaking and listening skills are assessed by humans • Both US and UK English possible (cannot mix them, however) Some information sourced from: https://preply.com/en/blog/types-of-english-tests/ • TOEIC Common English Proficiency Tests TOEIC • The TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) • Focuses on real work situations • Good to apply for visas and for immigration purposes • Two different types – The Listening and Reading Test and the Speaking and Writing Test • Mainly used in Japan, but accepted internationally Some information sourced from: https://preply.com/en/blog/types-of-english-tests/ • The Duolingo English Test Common English Proficiency Tests DUOLINGO • Newer way to test proficiency • Done completely online • Good for studying abroad • Duolingo is becoming more accepted by universities and employers around the world • Cheapest option among TOEFL, IELTS and TOEIC Some information sourced from: https://preply.com/en/blog/types-of-english-tests/ • Which to take? Common English Proficiency Tests • After deciding where to study abroad, it is best to contact the institution about which would be accepted • How to Prepare? • Understand the format and types of questions that will be asked • Create a study plan • Find resources available online • Enroll in a test preparation course • Practice with mock exams Some information sourced from: https://preply.com/en/blog/types-of-english-tests/ REVIEW PASS IT Ready? GO! Review • What is the difference between ‘college’ and ‘university’ in UK? • What is an example of a ‘major’? • Where did Scofiled attend university? • Give the steps before scholarships • What is one common type of housing when studying abroad? • How much notice should you give a reference / recommendation? • Name three common English tests ASK ME ABOUT MY EXPERIENCE THANK YOU! QUESTIONS?
