Study your way to success

Many of you have written in, asking for ideas on how you can get into the course of your dreams, or win a scholarship that will help you get there. One way to opening the door to success in the future is by improving your academic results today.

Whether you are at high school, completing your undergraduate degree, studying English, or working on your post-graduate qualifications, you need to prove to your teachers that you have the ability to succeed. And the better your results, the more choice you’ll have for further study in the future.

Plus, you’ll also improve your future career and salary prospects. A recent study in Switzerland looked into whether being a good student is important. It found that graduates with higher grades found jobs with better career prospects when they graduated. So, it is clear that having good grades will affect your salary prospects.

Studying is the ability to learn, understand, and analyse information, and put that knowledge to use. This might be through an exam, essay, assignment, or practical use in an internship.

Study smarter, not harder

We’ve talked to study experts around the world, and come up with a guide on how your can make your study time more effective. It’s not about the time you put in, but how smart you study. And when you are trying to fit study around all the other busy parts of your life, such as part time work and family, this is essential.

We have split our top twelve study tips into the way your mind, body and spirit can help you study.

Mind

1. Pick and mix your study techniques
There are many different ways of learning and revising. Try a few, and see what works for you.

• Tape your classes, and listen to them on the way home or to work
• Review index cards with key words or points
• Organise the course information to make sense of the big picture
• Mind map or colour code different elements of your subject
• Make more notes as you read your own notes – find different ways of explaining things

2. Make a plan
Set up a revision timetable in your diary or weekly planner. Allocate time for assignments well in advance of the due date

3. Review often – and quickly
Never wait for the day before your exams to review your notes (also know as ‘cramming’). Read over your notes straight after class, and then again in short frequent bursts. Do some coursework every day.

4. Ask questions before a test
Before a test, ask your teacher what material will be covered and what kind of questions to expect. They may have some sample papers for you to practice on.

5. Edit a friend’s paper
Offer to edit an assignment for a friend. It’s a great learning experience, as everyone approaches their work differently.

Body

6. Eat, exercise and sleep
You need to stay fit and healthy to concentrate and learn.

7. ‘A’ students never miss a class
Sit in the front row if you can – it improves concentration. And don’t skip the first and last minutes of a class, when there is often important information about tests and assignments.

8. Know yourself
Do you study better at night or early in the morning? Plan your study time around when you work best.

9. Location, location, location
Choose a quiet, well-lit room to study in: your school library, an empty classroom or a study room. Put up a ‘do not disturb’ sign at home. But make sure you take a short break every 90 minutes.

Spirit

10. It’s all about attitude
Stay positive – you can do it! Write positive messages on your wall. Be enthusiastic about your subjects.

11. Trust your instincts
Don’t doubt yourself in an exam or essay question. Just go with your instincts – and stick to them.

12. Better together
A study group can help you stay motivated. Share your ideas, and test each other. You may also find an online group, where you can study with students from other universities or even other countries. It’s a good way to get a fresh perspective on your subject.

You may find that not all these tips are right for you, or for your course. But hopefully you are now inspired to try a new way of remembering information or preparing for a test. For more specific information on exam techniques, writing essays, or researching assignments, the British Council has a good online reference

We’d love to hear your own top study tips – please share them with us by commenting below. And don’t forget to contact one of our student counsellors when you are ready to take the next step – and study overseas!

Australia: Maritime studies in Tasmania are a breath of fresh air

The Australian Maritime College (AMC) has recently become a specialist institute of the University of Tasmania (UTAS).

Maritime education and research has become vitally important to the economy, national security and marine environment protection. It includes seafaring and transport logistics, port security, ship building, fisheries management and marine and coastal conservation. The challenges facing the world in all of these areas are enormous.

Students at the AMC will benefit from its strong links with industry and reputation for world class research, as they work towards an award from the University of Tasmania.

Tasmania is an island located at the southernmost tip of Australia. It is already a world leader in niche maritime industries. Its local economy is driven by high-speed catamaran and marine equipment production, as well as communications equipment for the Royal Australian Navy. It also has a large aquaculture industry, with ground-breaking fish feeding technology, and high quality local salmon production.

The University of Tasmania has two campuses, in Launceston and Hobart. It is one of the oldest universities in Australia, and Hobart is the second oldest city in Australia, after Sydney. With its rich history and beautiful unspoilt wilderness, Tasmania also offers students lower living costs and fees than mainland Australian study destinations.

Nafisa Priti Sanga, from India, is studying a Master of Applied Science (Aquaculture) at the University of Tasmania. She says; “Tasmania is a very beautiful place to live, and weatherwise it is also good. I chose UTAS as it has worldwide recognition for its research, so it’s a good choice for someone looking to pursue a career in research.”

Tasmanians breath the world’s cleanest air, drink pure water, and grow mouth-watering produce. It has become one of the most popular Australian destinations for holidays, as well as for living and studying.

As well as maritime studies, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses including business, computing, architecture and science. It also offers a range of English language courses at its award-winning English Language Centre.

Ask one of our student counsellors for more information on the right course for you at the University of Tasmania.

Japan: Learn a second language and broaden your horizons

In February, we ran an online chat event about the Interculture Language Academy (ILA) in Japan. Less than four months later, six students from India are about to start their short language course in Japan. After they had all their questions answered during the ILA event, StudyLink counsellors helped them with their application and visas, as well as preparation for travel and study. All these services are free of charge for students.

Anagha Jogalekar had dreamed of experiencing Japan and exploring its culture since she started studying Japanese in 2001. “It was convenient and easier to apply through StudyLink and get admission to the ILA short intensive Japanese language course,” she says. “StudyLink counsellor Priyanka-san was with us and guiding us time to time from the first day. The event was very informative and we could ask our queries directly.”

ILA is located in Kobe (near Osaka), a cosmopolitan Japanese city, situated in a stunning location between mountains and the sea. Courses are offered for one to three months (or longer) and the small classes make it easy to progress quickly. Graduates often go on to study at a Japanese graduate school or university, or work for a multinational Japanese company.

Second and third languages are becoming essential for graduates who want to enter multinational graduate programs. It takes more than a good degree to begin your global career. Studying a language in the country where it is spoken develops your cultural understanding and local business knowledge. It also enhances your emotional intelligence, or EQ. Core languages to consider studying are English, Mandarin, Spanish and Japanese.

Don’t worry if you missed the online event, you can still find out more about studying Japanese by talking with one of our student counsellors. And check out our upcoming online chats to see if there is another event that could help you learn more about your study overseas options.

Application Deadlines

Australia and New Zealand – If you have applied to start in July/August 2008, you should be receiving an update on the status of your application soon. If you have an offer, you should be starting your visa application process and/or accepting your offer. Your counsellor will provide you with detailed information and assistance.

Apply early for 2009. Applications are reviewed on a rolling admissions basis and the earlier you apply, the earlier you will have an answer you’re your chosen institution. Submit your application and supporting documents to us now. Keep in mind that you do not need to scan and attach your documents; a counsellor can do this for you. Contact a counsellor for assistance with selecting a course, completing your applications and confirming your enrolment.

USA and Canada – The main term starts in September 2008 for most institutions. English language schools and some other institutions allow students to start throughout the year. Application deadlines vary and we encourage you to apply well in advance for best consideration and to allow time to apply for a visa. There are institutions still accepting applications for September 2008.

Contact a counsellor for assistance with selecting a course or completing your applications.

UK – Submit your application to StudyLink now to start in September 2008. The undergraduate application deadline is 30 June. Postgraduate applications should be submitted by the beginning of July. Our counsellors will help you find a course and institution to meet your background and interests. Contact a counsellor to discuss your study plans.

Student Information Sessions

Every month we have 3-5 events where you can participate in live question and answer sessions with university staff and EATC qualified counsellors. Just like using a chat room, but with experts to answer your questions and provide advice on studying at leading institutions in Australia, UK, USA, Canada and Asia.

To register you need to be serious about studying at one the institutions and start or submit an application through StudyLink. For study abroad advice, contact our education advisors today.

Upcoming events:

Study in the UK Online Event
Wednesday 25 June, 2008
11:00 am - 01:00 pm BST

Use the world clock to find out the time in your city.

UK: State-of-the-art facilities for HIBT students

Students at the Hertfordshire Institute of Business Technology now have access to some of the best university facilities in the UK. The University of Hertfordshire recently spent £120million on its new de Havilland campus in Hatfield, with state-of-the-art lecture theatres, modern accommodation and Sports Village. The Hatfield campus is home to the social sciences faculty and Business School, and also has an impressive resource centre with 1600 study places and 800 computer workstations.

HIBT offers pathway programs to the University, which was recently ranked the top modern university in England’s south-east by the Good Universities Guide. International Foundation Certificates and Diplomas are available in areas such as science, engineering, law and business. Pre-Masters Certificates are also available.

HIBT students can use all the university facilities, including specialist libraries, computer labs, recreation facilities and student services. Once you graduate, you are guaranteed entry to the relevant Degree or Masters program at the University of Hertfordshire.

As part of the Navitas group of international colleges and campuses, HIBT helps students fulfil their ambitions by preparing them for further study in a safe, friendly environment.

HIBT has a beautiful campus just 20 minutes from London by train. You can easily enjoy dynamic city life in London, while studying in the relaxed environment of Hertfordshire, with some of England’s finest historical sights nearby. It is the best of both worlds!

Learn more about the courses available at HIBT by contacting one of our student counsellors