Life over coffee

New Zealand's High Indian Student Visa Rejection Rates Raise Alarms and Geopolitical Implications Design by me! New Zealand had some good news for students earlier this year. They had revealed their action plan and policies in place to process Visa Applications faster. This meant one could plan their travel hassle free. It is very important for a student since the journey to study abroad has a lot of nitty-gritty into it. And in unfortunate cases of Visa-rejection the first time, one still has plenty of time to re-apply a second time and get the Visa for travel well before the course starts. However, Kiwi visa is expensive to apply. And sadly, Most Indian students heading towards their Kiwish dreams will have to re-apply. Recent news reveals a whooping 40% rejection rate of student visas for Indian applicants in 2024!  Why are so many Indian students being denied of Visa? One would have felt it to be a case with everyone on the applicant pool. But, this stark contrast to the 2% re...

Safety of Indian Students abroad is taking a low road - how will it impact dreams of studying abroad? Photo from Pixabay: Free to use CCO. Violence erupted in Bishkek. Several students of Indian & Pakistani origin were targeted and attacked. The situation turned so hostile that the Indian Embassy issued a circular advising all Indian students to remain indoors and exercise extreme caution if required to go out.  Changes in Immigration policies led to hundreds of Indian students facing deportation from Prince Edward Island in Canada. While the students and their peers are staging protests, it is shocking that the Indian embassy and authorities claimed to have no information about this situation! Several Indian students were injured during the evacuation from Ukraine. There was no single authority from the Indian embassy on the ground at extreme locations or near the borders to aid Indian students. Arrangements were made from India's end, but it was up to the students to coor...

Exploring the New Rules and Regulations for Coaching Centres in India: A Guide for Students  Re-used From one of my former blogs! Hello and welcome back dear Chaibuddies. A lot of results came out this week. And I hope that you - my dear Chai-buddies, passed your exams with great scores. But, what next? For those of you planning on signing up with any coaching centre to prepare for exams like IELTS, or Banking or SSC or CAT or CLAT or JEE or any other competitive exams, read this blog before you visit any coaching centre for enrolment. On January 18, 2024, the Central government of India introduced the "Guidelines for Registration and Regulation of Coaching Centers 2024." Coaching centres got a definition as any establishment offering coaching for competitive examinations, study programs, or academic support to students, with a capacity of more than 50 students. These regulations were released in response to a surge in issues related to unregulated private coaching centres. M...

Beyond Grades: How to Secure Scholarships Despite a Low GPA  In the pursuit of academic success, a perfect GPA - Straight As, a valedictorian title, seems like the golden ticket to unlocking scholarships effortlessly. However, what if your reality diverges from this ideal and you have a low GPA? Many students lead multifaceted lives, shouldering various responsibilities or in some way diverging from the conventional school mold. And that's perfectly acceptable. But what happens if your GPA falls short of elite standards mostly due to your unique life situations? Does it spell the end of your chances to excel in college or access scholarships? Absolutely not. While a high GPA undeniably provides a competitive advantage, it's crucial to acknowledge that academic achievement encompasses more than just grades. Numerous individuals have defied their low GPAs in school to achieve remarkable success in higher education and beyond. Consider the doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and lead...

 Hello my wonderful Chaibuddies, and welcome back to another blog. Feeling the heat lately? As the temperature rises, many of us are already planning vacations to cooler destinations or eagerly anticipating returning to our hometowns for the summer break. But amidst the scorching sun and plans for relaxation, have you considered how to make this summer truly unforgettable? While it's essential to take a well-deserved break from academic routines, there's a hidden gem waiting to be discovered – short summer courses.  Created myself! These brief educational programs offer a wealth of benefits that can significantly impact your personal and professional growth. So, why not make this summer the most enriching time of your life? Let's explore why enrolling in a short summer course might be the perfect choice for you in today's blog.  Photo by Mary Taylor Before we begin, if you would love to give me a sunny summer's gift, you may consider getting me an item off my wish l...

From Taj Mahal to Technological Marvels: ICCR Scholarship Paves the Way to Study in India! Hello, dear Chai buddies! Hope you're all doing splendidly. Are you considering studying abroad in India? While millions of Indian students venture overseas for education, there's a growing influx of international students choosing India for its rich cultural diversity, vibrant atmosphere, and affordable living. And with recent strides in the Indian economy, this trend is only gaining momentum. If you're eager to experience India's kaleidoscope of cultures, delectable cuisine, stunning arts, and more, all within a student budget, then the ICCR scholarship is your ticket to an unforgettable academic journey. Here's why. Photo by Darshak Pandya The ICCR Scholarship, funded by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, is designed to support international students pursuing higher education in India. This comprehensive scholarship covers tuition fees, provides a monthly stipend, m...

Photo by Konevi Hello Dear Chai-buddies, Is UAE on your list of preferred destinations for studying abroad? Then this is a good news for you! Recently inaugurated BAPS temple has captured the fascination of many, especially Indians. Data reveals that UAE ranks as the 5th most preferred study abroad destination among Indian students. With attractive scholarship offers, financial aid packages, safety, security, a well-established education system, excellent research contributions, and a multicultural environment, UAE is globally recognized as a promising destination for studying abroad. With these factors in mind, Saudi Arabia has unveiled a ground-breaking initiative aimed at streamlining the visa process for international students looking to pursue their education in the vibrant Middle Eastern nation. At the forefront of this initiative is the introduction of the "Study in Saudi Arabia" visa program, a collaborative effort between Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Education (MoE...

Photo by Jack Winbow Imagine strolling along the charming canals of Amsterdam or cycling through fields of vibrant tulips while pursuing your higher education. For many, studying in the Netherlands, fondly known as Holland, has been a dream come true. However, recent developments may signal a shift in the landscape of international education in this picturesque country. In December 2023, the Dutch government initiated steps to recalibrate the balance of internationalization in its education sector. Concerns arose regarding the strain that an influx of international students might place on educational quality and accessibility for local students. In response, universities across the Netherlands have unveiled a bold plan aimed at managing the enrolment of international students and enhancing Dutch language proficiency. Central to this plan is a concerted effort to prioritize Dutch language skills. Dutch universities have committed to offering the majority of Bachelor's programs in Du...

Photo by Nicholas Ang Hey there, future Kiwis! If you're dreaming of studying in New Zealand, we've got some fantastic news to share with you. Immigration New Zealand has been hard at work, making some major improvements to their student visa processing system. What does this mean for you? Faster processing times and smoother sailing on your journey to studying in one of the most beautiful countries in the world! So, what's the scoop? Well, Immigration New Zealand has equipped their staff with some nifty new assessment tools, making the process of deciding on student visa applications much more efficient. Translation? You'll be getting your visa outcome faster, meaning less time spent waiting and more time planning your New Zealand adventure! Did you know that there's been a whopping 20% increase in student visa applications compared to previous peak periods? And get this - Immigration New Zealand is gearing up for even higher volumes from February to March 2024. Th...

Jingle Bells Jingle Bells Jingle all the way! Hello my dear Chaibuddies! Tis the season for twinkling lights, festive tunes, and the delightful aroma of mulled wine wafting through the air! Europe's Christmas markets are a treasure trove of holiday magic, offering a unique blend of traditions, crafts, and seasonal delights. Join us on a virtual journey through some of the most enchanting Christmas markets across Europe, each with its own special charm and must-see attractions. If you are a student in any European country and have your Schengen visa, then do not miss this opportunity to to visit these attractions either by yourself or even better, with your group of buddies. So, let's get into some of the popular Christmas Marches from Europe. Photo by Brett Sayles 1. Striezelmarkt, Dresden, Germany Location: Altmarkt Square What to Look For: Dresden's Striezelmarkt is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, dating back to 1434. Look for the iconic wooden pyramid, tr...

Hey there, Chai-buddies! Guess what? November 21st is World Hello Day! I didn't even know about it until my friend from university messaged me the other day, talking about the diverse ways we say hello in India. She mentioned that November 21st is World Hello Day, and it got me thinking – why not share some hellos from around the world with my fellow globe-trotting Chai enthusiasts? As we explore the different ways to say hello, I have a little request. While you're at it, could you greet me with a hello by checking out the items on my wish list ? Your support means the world to me, and it would be fantastic to have you join in on this journey. Let's dive into the wonderful world of hellos together! 💖💗💞 1. Ni Hao from China:  Flags icons created by Freepik - Flaticon In the vibrant mosaic of Chinese culture, the greeting "Ni Hao" is a common and friendly way to say hello. Translating literally to "you good," this phrase reflects the importance of well...