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The United Kingdom, with its rich history in education, is unsurprisingly a prime destination for higher studies, drawing students from all over the world. The reasons for its popularity are numerous and here are some reasons why you should consider pursuing your higher education in the UK.

Universities in the UK are among the highest-ranked universities in the world. In addition to being highly ranked, UK universities also consistently perform well in these rankings.

Ranking

The United Kingdom is responsible for 5 percent of the world’s research. Some of the most frequently cited research papers come from researchers in the United Kingdom. According to data collected, UK researchers produce around 14 percent of the world’s most frequently cited papers.

Research

Universities in the United Kingdom provide their students with a lot of flexibility in terms of choice of programs. They also allow students to blend academic as well as vocational courses as they please.

Flexibility

Programs at UK universities are well planned and designed to bring out the best in their students. The system is known to encourage creativity, develop multiple skills, build confidence, and enable students to think critically. In addition, they also help students form useful connections that can advance their careers further.

Student Development

The faculty at most universities in the UK are highly qualified and among the best minds in their field. These leading academics and experts provide continuous support to their students.

Faculty

Home to the English language, the UK is the best place to strengthen your command over the language and improve your career prospects.

Improve Your English

Programs in the UK are usually shorter than their counterparts in other countries. So you’ll be able to move onto what’s next in your career roadmap sooner with a valuable degree in tow.

Shorter Programs

As a result of the programs being shorter, acquiring a degree from a UK university is less expensive than getting a degree from other countries.

Cut Your Costs

A significant advantage of studying in the UK is the ability to work to cut costs. Students are allowed to work for 20 hours a week during the course of their program. The number of hours is extended during the holidays. Students are allowed to work full time during their term breaks.

Work Option

Students enrolling at a UK university can stay back in the country for 2 years after graduating to find work related to their degree.

Stay Back Option

Degrees from the United Kingdom are not only accepted the world over, but they are highly valued as well. With a degree from a UK university, your career prospects are instantly improved.

Recognition

The United Kingdom is a multicultural society in the truest sense as people from various ethnicities and religions call the country home. Its rich diversity of cultures, languages, and faiths, coupled with an array of cuisines, excellent transportation, world-famous music festivals, and international sporting events, make it a truly interesting country to call home.

Multicultural Society

To study in the UK, students have to complete their application through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS). UCAS provides students with access to a course search database, which contains the details of over 38,000 programs across disciplines. UCAS has greatly simplified the application process, and students can easily follow the steps provided in the online application system.

UCAS

The quality of education at UK universities is always high because each university is subjected to regular inspections by the Quality Assurance Agency. This is to ensure that the high standards of teaching, learning, and research set by the government are maintained.

Assured Quality

After graduating from their program at a UK university, it is possible to get a work permit. In order to obtain a work permit, students need to have a job offer with an annual salary of 28,000 pounds or more.

Work Permit

UK universities have several scholarships available at the master’s and PhD levels, which can help students support their study and living costs.

Financial Support

Students enrolled at universities in the UK are eligible for free healthcare. The National Health Service (NHS) provides free medical treatment to students as well as their spouses and dependent children if students are enrolled in full-time programs. Some universities also offer special health policies to their students.



Health Benefits

Wherever you end up in the world, if you have a degree from the UK, it will be recognized by employers. From world-class universities to the vibrant multicultural atmosphere, there are plenty of reasons to study in the UK. Our experts explain 16 great reasons to choose the UK as your study destination.

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16 Great Reasons to Study in the UK (2020)

With the introduction of a faster and more efficient visa processing system for students in India, the number of students pursuing higher studies in Canada is always on the rise. The new visa program cuts down the processing time of study permits from 60 days to 45 days, making it helpful for students. All thanks to friendly visa policies and initiatives by the Canadian Government, the number of Indian students studying in Canada has exceeded over 100,000 in the year 2017.

Going to Canada for studies is always a promising prospect. It is a popular choice for most of the students owing to high-quality education, affordable cost of living, advanced healthcare facilities, mesmerizing landscape, and progressive politics. Let us have a look at some of the essential pros and cons of living in Canada.

If you are looking for diverse demography, Canada is the right place for you. People are immigrating from almost every corner of the world. You can find people from Asia, Eastern Europe, and other parts of the world. The largest source of immigrants is usually from Asia. The major ethnic groups of Canada include Canadians, English, Scottish, French, and Irish people.
A massive demographic change is expected to take place, which can alter the country’s economic, political, and education systems and exacerbate the divide between rural and urban communities. It is said that aboriginal people living in Canada are close to 1,2 million.

Pros: Immigrants mostly fuel the country’s growth. Canada is regarded as the largest importer of human capital and attracts more immigrants than in the USA. The natural population growth accounts for only around one-tenth of Canada’s overall population increase each year.

Welcoming Immigrants Across the World!

The culture of Canada is a perfect blend of social, artistic, humorous, musical, political, literary, and culinary elements that talk a lot about Canadians. Throughout the history of Canada, the culture is influenced by European culture and traditions.

Canada has always been a welcoming home to immigrants from around the globe. People immigrating to Canada can expect to find multicultural communities accustomed to interacting and integrating with those from abroad; a point that can make a big difference in initially becoming comfortable in your new environment.

Canada comprises of a variety of cultures. The amalgamation of different cultures has been owing to immigration over a few centuries, and as a result, there are communities of varying cultures and religions. The Canadians are regarded as a very welcoming nation of people and are very community-orientated. This is a substantial part of the culture in the country and helps to maintain the excellent quality of life that they enjoy.

Canada is regarded as a very tolerant country. People who are openly racist, sexist, or homophobic will find that their views are not welcome. This will be quickly noted if you have these views, and the majority of the Canadians will avoid you.

Pros: Canada is usually characterized as a very progressive, diverse, and multicultural country. So, it’s an ideal place to stay, and it draws a broad range of constituents.

PRO TIP: In Canada, universities for higher education have to abide by the rules and regulations of the province. The province will determine factors like a university’s structure, governance, funding, and goals, so research on the province’s rules and regulations.

A Blend of Different Cultures

Canada has the highest number of the world’s post-secondary graduates. The country believes in valuing education and ensures that all the young citizens get the best training from this country. The Canadian Government spends more money on education than any other country in the world.

Depending on the university, undergraduate degrees in Canada usually take either three or four years to complete. Whereas the duration for postgraduate degrees usually lasts between one and three years to complete, generally depending on the type of degree. Different types of higher education institutions in Canada include: universities (which offers research facilities and provide both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees), technical and community colleges, applied arts or applied science schools (which grant certificates, diplomas, associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees).

High-quality Education Offered by World-class Universities

PRO TIP: The tuition fees in Canada is usually less expensive when compared to other major destinations like the US, UK, and Australia). The average tuition fees in Canada for the international undergraduate students start at about CA$17,337 (which is about US$13,350) per year. Universities in Canada generally set their fees.

The cost of the study also depends on the type of program you are pursuing and the subject. The tuition fees in Canada for arts and humanities students are generally at the lower end of the scale, while the subjects such as engineering and medicine students are usually more expensive.

Pros: Canada is considered to be a famous country when it comes to the world’s leading study destinations. For students looking forward to studying in elite universities in one of the world’s most developed nations, studying in Canada is an attractive option.

Tuition Fees in Canada

All citizens and other permanent residents in Canada are eligible for public health insurance, that covers most of the medical issues. Canada’s “universal” healthcare system is regarded as a little less universal when it is a matter of immigrants. All Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible for public health insurance, which comprises most of the medical issues. However, newcomers to Canada may not have the same access to the same healthcare services.

RECOMMENDATION: Do get Travel Medical Insurance for your visit to Canada. The healthcare can be costly without proper health insurance coverage, so you aren’t left in a lurch.

The Canadian national universal health coverage is only for Canada citizens and lawful residents.
However, newcomers in Canada may not have the same access to services.

Cons: Although there is an effective healthcare system at a low cost, there are long wait times for some elective procedures, especially in large cities.

Reliable Healthcare Services

Canada’s hospitality industry has always been stable, owing to the variety of business it encompasses. There has been not so severe much growth as well as much of noticeable decline.

The incredible geographical variety of Canada is regarded as a significant tourist attraction. The country’s tourism is centered across locations like Toronto, Vancouver Island, Montreal, Niagara Falls, the Canadian Rockies along with the national capital region Ottawa. The large cities in Canada are considered to be known for their culture, diversity, national parks, and historic sites.

Pros: It is said that the hospitality industry employs 600,000 people across Canada, bringing in over 78 million revenue.

Steady Growth in the Hospitality Sector

From listening to the roar of water cascades falling free from hundreds of meters per second into crystal clear waters to conquering the vast stretches of gorgeous mountain terrain, Canada is home to some of the best mesmerizing landscapes It is home to some of the stunning landscapes which comprise of historic sites, national parks, and lush mountains.

The country’s prosperity and well-being are linked to the strength of its resource economy, and also its natural environment. Climate change initiatives should take into consideration the economic importance of sectors such as energy (oil and natural gas), agriculture, fisheries, water resources, forestry, and mineral resources.

Pros: Federal, State, and Local Governments play a vital role in protecting the environment. But for the Government to work effectively, citizens must also participate. The federal Government encompasses laws to protect human health and the environment and comes up with regulations to enforce those laws.

Cons: Canada has singled out air pollution as a significant concern as it affects wildlife, vegetation, soil, and water. The government agency has said air pollution from urban areas causes acid rain and contributes to climate change.

Environment Protection is a Significant Concern

The Canadian climate is usually characterized by a cold winter and a calm/moderate and a humid summer with a long day. The weather and temperatures may vary greatly depending on the region.

Usually, Canadians enjoy four types of seasons, particularly in the more populated regions along the US border. The summer temperature during daytime can rise to 35°C and even higher, whereas during winter, -25°C is not uncommon in winter. You can experience moderate temperatures during the Spring and Fall.

Summers can be hot and dry in the prairie region, a bit humid in central Canada, and a little milder near the coasts. Spring is usually pleasant across the country. Autumns are often crisp and fresh but also brightened by vibrant orange and red leaves on trees.

Winters are generally characterized as cold with periods of snow. The southern part of Alberta enjoys the occasional “Chinook,” a warm, dry wind from the Rocky Mountains that storms through and melts the snow. Winters are usually mild and wet on the west coast, in cities such as Vancouver and Victoria.

Cons: Canada is usually associated with cold weather and snow, but the truth is that the country’s climate is as diverse as its landscape.

Be Prepared for Adverse Weather Conditions!

A bus is considered to be the most common type of urban transportation in Canada. Some of the cities in Canada have other modes of public transit. In most cases, you can quickly transfer from one mode of transportation to another. To use public transit, you must buy a ticket or a transit pass. Most of the cities and towns in Canada have a significant way of traveling which includes:

- Bus
- Subway
- Train
- Streetcars

Apart from Vancouver and British Columbia, Uber is available in most Canadian cities. In most of the significant Canadian cities. There is a sophisticated public transportation system. This includes the right combination of bus, light-rail train, monorail, subway, streetcar, and ferry services, which can be used to navigate most of the downtown and surrounding areas. The exact combination of transportation services will usually vary in different cities across the country. The ticket prices are also likely to change.

In most of the cases, public transportation does not travel to rural areas, though some rural communities may have their public transportation system.

Easy to Commute

Canada ranks among the top ten manufacturing nations. The country is also experiencing growth regarding technology and services industries. The economy of Canada is regarded as a highly developed mixed economy with the 10th largest GDP by nominal and the 16th largest GDP by PPP in the world. Similar to other developed nations, the country’s economy is largely dominated by the service industry, that usually employs about three-quarters of Canadians.

Canada is considered to have the fourth-highest total estimated value of natural resources, which is valued at US$33.2 trillion in 2016. The country has the world’s third-largest petroleum reserves and is also regarded as the fourth largest exporter of petroleum. Canada is also regarded as the fourth largest exporter of natural gas.

Canada is regarded to have one of the safest banking systems in the world. As per the reports by the World Economic Forum, the banking system in Canada ranks as the world’s most sound and reliable banking system for the past six years. The banks in Canada are also called chartered banks. They have over 8,000 branches and almost 18,000 automated banking machines (ATMs) across the country. Canada is also considered to have the highest number of ATMs per capita in the world, and the country benefits from the highest usage of electronic channels like telephone banking, internet banking, and debit cards.

Pros: The country is considered an “energy superpower” owing to its abundant natural resources and small population. The economy of this country is increasingly diversified and also knowledge-based. The state no longer relies just on natural resources; Canada’s economy is seen to grow through innovation and technology.

RECOMMENDATION: When you decide to pursue your higher education in Canada, open a bank account with ICICI Canada or Nova Scotia Bank.

Stable Economy Coupled with a Sound Financial and Banking System

Canada is known for its love of hockey, but there is much more to the country than its love of winter sports. The impressive architecture, vibrant art forms, engaging theatre shows, world-renowned festivals that have celebrities coming in, along with plenty of casinos and clubs.

Pros: If you are a night owl or wish to experience live theatre, Canada will never disappoint you. For people who want to spend some leisure time after a hectic day at work, there are endless options to get relieved from stress.

Endless Options for Leisure Activities

Most of the places that are visited by tourists are safe. The rate of violent crimes in Canada is low, and it’s almost nonexistent in holiday spots and resorts. Canada is a great place to live and work for individuals. If you want to move to a place where you feel 100% secure because the crime rate is so low, then Canada should be on your shortlist.

Pros: Canada experiences one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Canadians experience less violent crimes, fewer break-ins, and less crime overall than many other countries.

A Safe Country to Reside

It is said that Canada has one of the highest rates of internet usage in the world. While eight percent of Canadians said they used the internet at least once per week, it is said that 88 percent of online adults in the country access the internet daily.

Canada has recognized the obvious and declared high-speed broadband internet access a “basic telecommunications service” that every citizen should be able to access.

Best internet service providers in Canada include:

- Videotron
- SaskTel
- Cogeco
- Shaw
- Rogers
- Tbaytel
- Telus

Availability of 24×7 High-speed Internet

Majority of Canadian employees rank work-life balance as useful. The survey, which questioned more than 570 Canadian employees and more than 1,200 Canadians in leadership roles, found 35 percent of respondents said their work-life balance has improved compared to three years ago.

As a newcomer, you may find Canadian workplace culture different from that of your home country. Practices such as shaking hands, direct eye contact, use of personal names, and methods of communicating with co-workers and supervisors vary amongst cultures. The standard dress code for offices is informal to casual for both men and women. However, jeans, shorts, or revealing clothing are generally discouraged in office environments. Also, teamwork, punctuality, and courtesy is an essential part of the Canadian workplace.

According to official statistics about working hours in Canada, employed Canadians worked an average of 36.6 hours per week, with significant variation depending on age, gender, and location.

Some of the most important holidays in Canada are New Year’s Day, Islander Day (third Monday in February), Good Friday, Canada Day, Labour Day, Remembrance Day and Christmas Day. If you are required to work on a holiday, you should be paid your daily wage plus 1.5 times your regular rate for each hour worked.

Canada’s minimum wage differs depending on the type of work you usually do and the region. The lowest you can expect to be paid is C$10.10 per hour if you’re a liquor server in British Columbia or Ontario. The minimum wage can range up to C$13.60 per hour for all workers in Alberta. The general minimum wage for students is $14.00 per hour.

Some of the most popular professions include:

- Specialist physicians – $117,00-$375,000.
- Dentists – $53,805 – $213,671.
- Family physicians – $58,015 – $310,054.
- Lawyers – $48,630 – $146,431.
- Federal judges -$308,600- $396,700.
- Senior managers of Goods Production, Utilities, Transportation, and Construction – $75,159 – $141,569.

Work-life Balance at its Best!

The Canadian job market is more or less similar to other developed countries. The majority of jobs are usually in the service sector, while the remaining is in manufacturing and natural resources. Unemployment is 6.8%, slightly higher than the long-term average in the last 30 years with the labor force numbers at 17 million.

The monthly national unemployment rate is said to be remaining constant at 5.6 percent in December 2018. It is said that there were further significant unemployment reductions among the immigrant section. Overall, immigrant joblessness now stands at 6.4 percent, thereby representing the lowest total since 2006. Besides, the recently released Statistics Canada report shows that 26 percent of the total Canadian workforce is made up of immigrants.

SIDE NOTE: Secure your Canada study visa in 6 easy steps with expert tips on the complete application process, funding, and work-permit.

Ample Job Prospects

Canada ranks above the average in housing, subjective well-being, personal security, health status, social connections, environmental quality, jobs and earnings, education, and skills. Regarding employment, about 73% of people aged 15 to 64 in Canada have a paid job, above the OECD employment average of 67%.

Canada is regarded as the second-best country in the world after Germany, from a list of 60 countries considered for overall sustainability, cultural influence, entrepreneurship, economic influence, and most importantly, quality of life.

The country has a good job market, expenditures are affordable, and there is an equality in income. Also, Canada is economically stable, family-friendly, politically stable, safe, and has a well-developed public education system along with a well-developed public health system.

Canadians receive better social benefits such as better healthcare, paid maternity leave, and more significant subsidization of their post-secondary schools.

Live a High-quality Life

The cost of living in Canada is generally regarded as high, but when it is compared to other parts of the world, like, Western Europe, it is comparatively cheaper.

There are significant differences in the cost of living in Canada between rural areas and major cities such as Toronto or Vancouver, which can be very expensive.

It is important to note that there are differences in incomes between cities, provinces, and of course, sectors. The highest-paid industries in Canada are mining and oil/gas drilling and work in the utilities – water, electricity, and telecommunications. On the other hand, people working in accommodation and food services, arts, entertainment, and recreation sectors tend to have lower salaries.

The list talks about the top five most expensive cities to live in Canada.

- Vancouver, British Columbia
- Toronto, Ontario
- Victoria, British Columbia
- Calgary, Alberta
- Hamilton-Burlington, Ontario
- The essential cost of living in popular countries (In Canadian dollars)

**Toronto, Canada**

1. 1 bedroom flat in the city center (monthly rent)- $1,632.92
2. Meal for 2 (mid-range restaurant, three courses)- $70
3. Transportation (monthly pass)- $143.25

**Montreal, Canada**

- One bedroom flat in the city center (monthly rent)- $986.82
- Meal for 2 (mid-range restaurant, three courses)- $60
- Transportation (monthly pass)- $83

**London, UK**

- 1 bedroom flat in the city center (monthly rent)- $2,781.11
- Meal for 2 (mid-range restaurant, three courses)- $91.08
- Transportation (monthly pass)- $218.59

**Berlin, Germany**

- One bedroom flat in the city center (monthly rent)- $1,094.74
- Meal for 2 (mid-range restaurant, three courses)- $58.32
- Transportation (monthly pass)- $118.10

**New York City, USA**

- Bedroom flat in the city center (monthly rent)- $3,809.12
- Meal for 2 (mid-range restaurant, three courses)- $94.86
- Transportation (monthly pass)- $151.78

**Sydney, Australia**

- Bedroom flat in city centre (monthly rent)- $2,622.22
- Meal for 2 (mid-range restaurant, three courses)- $79.98
- Transportation (monthly pass)- $159.96

When compared to other countries like the US, it is said that Canada is cheaper to live in. Though people in Canada receive better social benefits such as healthcare, paid maternity leave, and also more significant subsidization of their post-secondary schools. Both countries usually have the same annual income. However, the cost of living in the United States is considered to be remarkably less.

Affordable Living with More Social Benefits

The public services provided by the Government include housing benefits, employment insurance, pensions and benefits for housing, education for children, training, family, and people with disabilities. Also, fire and emergency services, wastewater management, waste management, postal services are some of the public utilities offered.

Government agencies are usually very enthusiastic and active in water conservation measures because they always want to set an excellent example to the public they serve. Many water utilities use government facilities as a part of the demonstration project to promote water conservation and showcase water-efficient products and technologies.

Beneficial Public Services for All

The policies introduced by the Government are based on the social, economic, and cultural development of the country. Several policies have been introduced concerning immunization, health care, housing, prevention of smoking among youth, poverty reduction strategy, early childhood learning, and childcare.

The Government is there in every aspect of a Canadian’s life from where they are going to school to whether they are consuming trans-fat in the restaurants. People feel that there are a lot of rules to deal with in Canada and that the Government tends to micromanage citizens.

Strict Government Policies

Get ready to pay high taxes: If you are planning to relocate to Canada, always be prepared to pay 42% personal income tax. For example, fuel taxes, property, capital gain and other leisure commodities like alcohol and tobacco can increase one’s taxes up to 50%

**Too much of Government control: **The Government tends to micro-manage almost everything in Canada ranging from school and restaurants, to what you eat.

**Increased housing costs:** If you’re planning to move to Canada, you need to be prepared to pay high housing rates

**Dependency on petroleum production:** There is always a dependency on petroleum production. Every economic sector, the export sector, and even tax revenues, all heavily rely on petroleum.

**A high cost of living:** There is a high cost of living which comes with a consumer index price of 78%. Although the wage rate is very high, the cost of goods in the country is very high.

**Serious environmental impact:** Canada is considered as a leading producer of oil, and this leads to productions of greenhouse gases which can cause global warming and climate change.

**Challenging to be a resident:** You have to adhere to strict immigration laws to get a visa to work and stay in Canada, mainly if you have limited skills.

Cons of Living in Canada

The term permanent residence generally refers to an individual who has immigrated to Canada (and has been given permanent resident status in Canada. A permanent resident is not considered as a citizen of Canada, but usually from another country.

It has been seen that many prospective immigrants to Canada are immensely interested in getting Canadian citizenship. But before one can become a Canadian citizen, one has to be a Canadian permanent resident. The result for every Canadian immigration program is Canadian permanent residence.

Once you become a Canadian permanent resident, you will have several rights which include:

Access to the same social benefits similar to any Canadian citizen, which comprises of healthcare coverage, and
the right to live, work, study at any place in Canada;
Protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of 95137 55524 Rights and Freedoms
The right to apply for a Canadian citizenship

Canadian permanent residents also share many of the social responsibilities that are followed by Canadian citizens, such as paying taxes and abiding by Canadian laws. There are only two things that Canadian citizens can do, and a permanent resident can’t. A Canadian permanent resident cannot vote or run for office.

There are also certain restrictions against permanent residents holding specific government positions which require a high-level security clearance. Canadian permanent residents will not get a Canadian passport. If a permanent resident wishes to travel outside the country, they can go with a valid PR card, or a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD), and also their passport from their country of citizenship.

Permanent residents can also apply for citizenship once they have met specific residency requirements. As a citizen of Canada, they can also apply for a Canadian passport and can freely participate in Canadian politics.

Apart from the ability to participate in Canadian politics, the most crucial difference between permanent residence and Canadian citizenship is that permanent residence must be maintained. Once you have become a Canadian citizen, you do not need to do anything to keep your citizenship. You can only lose your Canadian citizenship if you choose to renounce it.

Canadian Citizenship Vs. Permanent Residence? Things You Need to Know!

World-class universities, a high standard of living, a thriving job market, and a welcoming society, are some of the many aspects that make Canada a popular destination for Indian students.

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The Pros and Cons of Student Life in Canada [2020]

International students have two options to work in the US:

- Optional Practical Training
- Curricular Practical Training

OPT and CPT

Optional Practical Training is a program that allows international students with an F-1 visa to work up to 12 months in relation to the major of their study. Students are eligible to apply for OPT after completing their first academic year. Even though OPT can be completed before or after completing your studies, it is essential to remember that you are only allowed to work for 12 months. However, students who have completed their degrees in particular science, technology, engineering, and mathematics have the option to extend it up to 17 months.

Optional Practical Training

CPT is a program that allows international students to gain practical experience directly related to their major through jobs, paid or unpaid internships or co-operative education. Curricular Practical Training should be completed before graduation as you are allowed to do part-time or full-time jobs. Another crucial point to note is that if you work full-time for 12 months in CPT, you will lose your eligibility for OPT.

Curricular Practical Training

The significant differences between OPT and CPT are the period for which you are eligible for work and the type of work allowed. While OPT can be completed before or after graduation, CPT must be completed before graduation. Another significant difference is that CPT is required for your major and if it not you must receive course credit whereas for OPT you don’t have to earn course credit.

- **Primary purpose**
CPT gives the provision to work in a company for an F1 student to get practical experience before graduation whereas OPT provides the opportunity to gain practical experience in the same field after graduation.

- **Degree Requirements**
Working on CPT will be part of your degree requirements whereas OPT is not related to degree requirements.

- **Employment duration**
CPT can be done for up to 12 months whereas the typical duration of OPT is 12 months which can be extended up to 24 months. Another important point to note is that you won’t be eligible for OPT if you work in CPT for 12 months full time.

**Employment Authorization Document**
The student does not get EAD from USCIS in CPT whereas the students working on OPT will get EAD from USCIS after approval of OPT.

- **Application Fee**
CPT does not have any application fee as the student only has to pay the course credit fee to the school. The student working in OPT should pay an application fee of $410 paid to USCIS.

- **Working full time or part-time**
CPT can be either part time or full time and is usually done 20 hours part-time during school and 40 hours during summer. OPT is usually done full time after graduation.

The OPT program has two variants, Pre-completion OPT and Post-completion OPT. As the name suggests, students can pursue the Pre-completion OPT while they are still on their academics, and with Post-completion OPT the students can pursue the program after graduation.

What’s the difference between OPT and CPT?

If you’re planning to apply for CPT, you should apply at least two weeks before you wish to commence working as it might take 7-10 days for the processing and completion of the process. For OPT, you need to apply to the USCIS, and the processing may take up to 90 days.

The students on OPT are required to pay taxes on their income and should complete a W-4 tax form with their new employer before getting paid. For students on CPT, if you are an F-1 student and have not been in the country for five years, you do not have to pay Social Security or Medicare taxes. An OPT report is required within 10 days of gaining employment and changes to the home address.

Application Process

To be eligible for CPT and OPT the student must:

- Lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for one academic year.
- Be in lawful F-1 status
- Have health insurance.

Eligibility

Generally, a student on Post-completion OPT can travel outside the United States temporarily and be readmitted to resume F-1 status and employment for the remainder of the period. However, the student has to be careful not to exceed the maximum OPT unemployment time. Also, re-entering the United States in a status other than F-1 will invalidate F-1 status and OPT authorization.

Traveling While on OPT

CPT authorization is strongly recommended for all unpaid internships. Here are some of the reasons:

- The CPT authorization from the university helps to demonstrate that this experience is a part of the curriculum.
- CPT authorization helps you to maintain your status in SEVIS by reporting your activity, employment, and location.
- Another important reason to get CPT authorization is when the unpaid internship changes to apid one at some point, you won’t be able to accept the remuneration if it’s not authorized as CPT.

Do you need CPT/OPT for unpaid internships?

CPT is employment specific, that is you must apply for a CPT authorization for each employer if you are planning to work for multiple employers. Even under OPT, you can apply for multiple employers, but you need to make sure that all employment is related to your degree program.

Employment

Typically, most of the students apply for OPT after graduating from school. The pre-completion OPT is used only when your chances are slim with CPT. To utilize OPT and get Employment Authorization Document (EAD), you will have to fill an application form and send to USCIS.

You can apply for OPT 120 days before the start date of the intended employment, and it is recommended to not wait till the deadline. Also, make sure that you plan your OPT and apply on time so that you are in OPT after you graduate. Keep in mind that you will lose your status in the US if you don’t have OPT started within two months grace period.

Another significant advantage of OPT is that you can work for anyone in OPT, but it should be related to your course field. It is an option that the US Govt provides to international students for finding their right employers. The duration for general OPT is 12 months if you have not worked on CPT full time for 12 months.

Can you study while on OPT?

It is best advised to apply for your OPT extension before your initial OPT expires. You can stay in the US for 60 days after your OPT expires if you complete the training. However, F-1 students are not allowed to apply for an extension once they enter this grace period.

To qualify for the 24 month STEM extension:

- USCIS must receive your STEM OPT extension application before your current 12-month OPT.
- You should have been granted OPT and be in a valid period of OPT.

Can you apply for an OPT or CPT extension after they expire?

Are you confused about the employment policies in the US? If you dream of studying in the US while financially supporting yourself, you must learn about the two important employment categories: OPT and CPT. From their significant differences to the visa procedure, this comprehensive guide by our experts will help you learn more about the employment opportunities while studying at an international university. 

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OPT & CPT  Work Options for Students (2020)

Finding the right place to stay with the right kind of people is crucial to your overseas education. Even though it’s challenging to find the right accommodation for a university thousands of miles away, it’s not impossible as our experts are here to help you. There are mainly four options for international students:

Most of the international students prefer homestay because it makes life very easy. In a homestay, you will be set up with a family or a single host parent and will be given a room, either private or share with another student. It is a great way to explore the local language, lifestyle, and food, but the only downside is the lack of freedom and privacy that an apartment can supply.

Homestay

If you are looking for freedom, flexibility, and independence, living in an independent apartment can be a good option. Sharing a flat with a stranger or strangers can come with lots of ups and downs, so be sure that you ask yourself a few questions before making the decision.

Apartments

Even though hotels cannot be a long term plan while studying abroad, you can always stay in one until you find another place. The services will vary from hotel to hotel, and the availability will be subject to changes according to seasons.

Hotels

Finding the right place to stay is essential to your wellbeing and student happiness. There are many things to consider and think of before looking for international student accommodation; here are some of the crucial factors you should consider:


How to find the right accommodation?

The first important factor to consider before picking your abroad accommodation is the location. The best way to do this is to map out the area surrounding your university and all the prospective neighborhoods. You should consider factors like transportation cost and budget before choosing the place. You can always use Google Street View to know about the locality and the areas surrounding your property.

Location

You need to determine your budget before starting your search for a place. Make sure you stick to your budget and prepare, a budget considering your tuition fees, travel costs, and other expenses.

Budget

We have already discussed the different options you have for your abroad accommodation. Make sure that you know what you are looking for and that it is within your budget. The two main choices you have are:

**Campus Accommodation**

If this is your first time away from home, the university managed accommodation would be the best. But like every other option, it comes with a few pros and cons:

Pros:

You can save a lot of time and money as most of the university managed accommodations would be very close to the university.
You can build your friend circle as you will be living with students from all around the world.
You can be more involved in university activities.
Unlike private accommodation, you don’t have to worry about electricity, water, and other maintenance related bills
Cons:

You won’t get to choose who you live with as the university decides your room.
You might have to share a common bathroom.
The rooms may be small and less furnished.

**Private Accommodation**

Here are some of the pros and cons of living in private accommodation:

Pros:

Freedom and Flexibility.
You can opt for bigger rooms with better furnishing.
More options.
Cons:

More expensive than university accommodation.
More freedom comes with more responsibility as you might have to deal with the landlords and keep track of your bills.
You could miss out on certain on-campus activities.
Travel expenses.

Types of Housing

It is essential to do your research to understand the market trends and the tax laws of the country. The tax laws are different for each country, and it is essential to know your expenses before choosing a place. You can use networking sites to access groups, forums, and communities that discuss rental options in the city. In most cases, the universities usually have an approved list of landlords, which can help you find reliable agents. Make sure you look at advertisements for similar places to gauge a sense of price and check you’re not being ripped off.

 Research

It’s always important to live in an area where you feel secure, so make sure you know about the security services in the area you have picked. You should take your time to know all the safety measures are taken, including security services and 24-hour surveillance.

Safety

First impressions go a long way when it comes to meeting your landlords. MAke sure you dress neatly and always be polite and friendly with the landlords. The landlords will be much more comfortable if they feel like the tenants are going to take care of their property.

Conduct Yourself Well

The early bird catches the worm. You are not the only student who is looking for accommodation, so make sure you start your search as soon as you have shortlisted your university. This headstart will give you enough time to compare properties and understand the market better.

Start Planning Early

When it comes to renting properties, there are many scammers out there trying to make money. Be cautious when inquiring about apartments and make sure that you don’t make any upfront payments. Also, be very careful while signing the agreement and make sure you read the contract thoroughly before making a decision.

Look Out for Scammers

There are plenty of platforms on which you can search for student accommodation. Some of the useful sites are:

Student Accommodation One
Student Mundial
Roommate Locator
CasaSwap
Just Landed
SharemyFlat
Craigslist
Student.com
Now that we have discussed the essential factors to consider while choosing your accommodation, let’s talk about the options you have in some of the major countries:

Expand Your Search

The most popular student cities in the US are Boston, New York, Los Angeles, San Fransisco, and Chicago. Just like most of the other countries, the USA also has the options of on-campus and off-campus accommodations. The average rent for apartments can start from 600 USD and go up to 3000 USD. Another critical point to note is that renting outside the campus is less expensive than on-campus accommodations. The average room and board cost up to 9,800 USD for public universities and 11,100 for private universities.

The most popular student cities in the UK are London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Glasgow, and Coventry. The different types of student accommodations available are:

University Halls of Residence
Private Halls of Residence
Private Renting
The average rent in the UK is about 535 pounds per month, but the students in London might have to pay more. The average rent in London for student accommodation is about 640 pounds per month. The university halls cost about 135 to 210 pounds per week whereas the private accommodation cost about 160 to 280 pounds per week.

Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Quebec are the popular student cities in Canada. You have a lot of options when it comes to student accommodation in Canada. Some of those are:

- Homestays
- Off-campus accommodation/Apartments
- Dormitory
- YWCA/YMCA

The average cost for hostels is around $10 per night, whereas the average price for YMCA/YWCA is around $24-$45 per night. The average rent for shared accommodations is around $250 to $750 per month. However, private accommodations can be a little expensive, at around $400 to $1500 per month.

Canada

The best student cities in Germany are Munich, Berlin, Stuttgart, Hamburg, and Aachen. Some of the accommodation options are Student halls, private apartments, and flatshare. Flatshare is one of the popular ways to accommodate in Germany as about 30% of international students apply for it. On average, the student pay around 298 EUR per month for accommodation. However, housing in large cities like Munich, Hamburg or Frankfurt can be more expensive.

Germany

The most popular student cities in Australia are Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, and Adelaide. International students in Australia have several accommodation options such as homestay, hostels, rental property, on-campus housing, residential colleges, and apartments. The Australian government specifies AU$20,290 as the minimum amount to cover your living costs for a year. The average rent can be anything around AU$140 per week.

Australia

Some of the popular student cities in New Zealand are Wellington, Auckland, Dunedin, Christchurch, and New Plymouth. The accommodation options you have in New Zealand is the same as the other countries as you have both on-campus and off-campus options. The average rent in New Zealand can be anything around $800 to $900 per month. Also, please be aware that some of the institutions in New Zealand are more rurally located than others, and thus may have limited options.

New Zealand

The most popular student cities in Sweden are Stockholm, Lund, Uppsala, Gothenburg, and Umea. Unlike other countries, student accommodation in Sweden is managed by organizations separate from the university. Renting is not easy in Sweden, and you will probably need to sub-let an apartment or look for shared apartments. The average rent for dormitories is around SEK 4000 per semester, whereas it ranges from SEK 2,500 to SEK 4,500 for flats.

Sweden

Are you concerned about finding the right accommodation for your overseas education? Dormitories/Flats/Homestay? If you are a little apprehensive about studying abroad because of this reason, our experts are here to guide you. Learn more about the crucial factors to consider before choosing your accommodation and get a step closer to your dream of studying abroad in this comprehensive guide.

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Overseas Accommodation: All You Need to Know (2020)

Looking forward to studying overseas? While to some it seems exciting opportunity, others are scared due to homesickness, language issues or even financial crisis at times. Studying overseas lets you get an internationally recognized degree, get acquainted with diverse cultures and bag your dream job. From a holistic point of view, studying overseas comes with its own set of challenges as well as advantages. Let us have a look at it in detail:

Very often on-campus accommodation gets filled up faster and students have to resort to other means of accommodation outside the university campus. This can often make you pay a huge amount to avail your preferred accommodation.

Often it has been seen that certain Facebook groups run online scams by showing fake photos of houses and end up asking for a lot of money as a security deposit in that process. Students fall victim to these kinds of scams and lose money in the process. They eventually figure out that this kind of property never even existed. So, to sum up it is very important to look for accommodation from reliable trustworthy sources.

Finding the right accommodation isn’t easy

Trying to travel and stay between two time zones on opposite ends of the planet can be really frustrating. Especially, when you are in touch with your loved ones from India. You need to double-check which time is suitable for which time zone and also get a habit of making phone calls very early in the morning or maybe very late in the evenings.

Add all the relevant time zones in your timekeeping applications. Try to remember the time difference by memory. The earlier you can do this, the better it is for you to cope up with the time zone differences.

Struggling with the time zone factor!

Irrespective of all your efforts to plan your finances, budget, and also track your expenses throughout your stay, sometimes it really gets tough to manage the expenses. Even if you’re managing your money perfectly well, you can still end up broke or having less than you need. Before you opt for a job, you need to double-check the rules around your student visa.

Based on the country you’re studying, you may be limited to the type and location of work that you can take. Always check your campus classifieds and different job boards for new opportunities. You can also go for different freelance gigs or part-time work opportunities to manage your finances a bit better.



Managing Finances is Difficult!

If you are visiting countries like UK, US, Australia, where English is spoken as the first language, it may be difficult to overcome the language barrier. You may find it difficult to speak fluently in English. Also, often you may find it hard to clearly understand what the natives are saying. The use of certain English words and phrases may differ in different countries overseas. There are standard exams like TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS, GRE, GMAT that you have to clear before getting enrolled in a foreign university. Matching the pace, accent, and tone of the foreign countries may also be a bit more challenging.



Language barriers are challenging!

Homesickness is something very common when you are away from your loved ones. It’ll affect you immensely when you’re bored, so it is always advised to stay active. You need to connect with people, especially fellow students who are feeling the same and embrace as much of your new surrounding as possible. The more engaged you are in your day to dat activities, the less time you’ll have to worry about what you have left behind.

The feeling of being Homesick

It is not always easy to make friends in a new city especially if you are a shy or an introvert person. You need to start it with the social and activity clubs at your university.
At times, your mood may fluctuate during your stay abroad. Assignments can be stressful at times. Treat your psychological state of mind the way you will take care of your body. Try to keep yourself calm, be with good friends and keep yourself busy in interesting activities. If required ask for help from a counselor or psychologist to talk about things leading you toward your anxiety and depression.

Feeling lonely, anxious, depressed

Irrespective of how many maps you have a look at, you might end up losing your way in a crowded market or deserted lane. Do not panic in these scenarios.
You need to be prepared for any sort of adventure across the city with handy maps. Make sure that helpful phrases are written down in the local language concerning your situation. For example, “Help me, I am lost” or “Can you please direct me to the nearest hotel/ university/bus stop might help?” Travel guidebooks are particularly helpful and normally contain a section dedicated to this very problem.
If you love traveling, keep a stash of emergency cash and some helpline numbers of locals to get rid of this kind of situation.

Getting Lost in a Foreign Land

The fear of missing out takes a drastic turn for the worse when you are thousands of miles away from all your close ones. You feel you are missing out all the important actions that are happening all around you. Spend less time browsing the internet. Spend lesser time on social media profiles and focus on a particular hobby.
This is surely not to lower the exciting things happening to your friends back home or to say your life is relatively more interesting.



Fear of missing out

There are times when u suddenly feel out of the place. Unknown faces, different. Never before you might feel so out of place or separated. Make friends with at least one local person. Try to establish meaningful relationships especially across cross-cultural boundaries. This relationship might help you to start feeling safe and relaxed in your new country, instead of separated and awkward.



Feeling Like an Outsider

Irrespective of how much of online research you do before you study abroad, it is difficult to predict how the weather is like till you reach that particular place. Indoor climate control, the city infrastructure and even regional characteristics can affect what you might wear day today. Plan to bring only the bare minimum essentials and get the rest when you get there. If finances are your concern, look for secondhand clothing stores to get all the required stuff.



Climate Uncertainties

You may also find yourself very much affected by the sudden shift in culture. Starting from food and rituals to transport systems, style of dress- all these may differ from those in your home country.
Unfortunately, this culture shock can always lead to frustration, anxiety, and homesickness. If you are not prepared to cope with these differences, it can lead to considerable amounts of stress even in scenarios where you’re performing normal day to day tasks.



Sudden Cultural Shock

Managing your laundry can be really hectic and challenging. If you have not done this before, the struggle of separating light and dark-colored clothes is real. Mind your water temperature, as some fabrics may shrink owing to the heat. Pay attention to the directions mentioned on the dress labels to know about how to wash a particular cloth. If washing machines are tough to fit in your living space, make use of local laundry services which are usually pretty affordable.



Laundry Struggles are Tiring

New experiences will always be more interesting. Living away from home, there can be plenty of new things that you may want to try out. All you need to do is to buckle down and work smart. Make use of the calendar, to-do list and planner apps to manage all your academic requirements.



Managing Academic Expectations

Planning to study overseas? Looking forward to know more about the challenges of studying abroad? Often, students are perplexed when it comes to taking the decision of whether to study abroad. An internationally recognised degree will always give you the competitive edge that you have been looking for! This is a comprehensive guide on the challenges and the advantages of studying abroad. Read more to know about the different kinds of challenges that you might face while studying abroad and how to overcome it. 

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16 Great Reasons to Study in the UK (2020)

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The Pros and Cons of Student Life in Canada [2020]

OPT & CPT Work Options for Students (2020)

Overseas Accommodation: All You Need to Know (2020)

21 Challenges You Face While Studying Overseas