It's difficult to compare the rewards of studying abroad with anything else. It can change your perspective from being local to global and your attitudes to international. Not only that but you will likely gain memories and friendships to last a lifetime.
Interestingly though, one of the biggest falsehoods for people deciding not to study abroad, is that they believe it would be too expensive and difficult. Overseas students who do decide to study abroad however are often very surprised at how easy it was to organize with the assistance of an education agent and how affordable it can be.
The following information should be used only as a guideline only but will likely provide some good tips and advice of prospective overseas students looking to study abroad. It is recommended however that students see a qualified education agent to ensure they receive up-to-date advice tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.
Why study abroad?
• Language acquisition - The world market place is shrinking and many companies now look for or require staff that can speak a second language. For students in Thailand or Asia where English is a second language being able to speak English can be a significant advantage in the competitive labor market. Not only is being able to speak a second language such as English important from a career perspective, but it is also invaluable from a real world perspective.
• Practical experience - Study coupled can be an ideal way to gain some real world experience. Many students are surprised to find out that in many countries such as Australia they are free to work and gain an income while studying (currently 20 hours per week with a student visa). When this is factored into the cost of studying abroad it can significantly reduce the expense and studying and working overseas can be very affordable.
• Career Advancement- As mentioned above international experience is much sort after by many employers as a critical asset for prospective employees. Study abroad shows that you are resourceful, adventurous, internationally minded, and diverse. In addition, in many countries such as Thailand it is extremely competitive and expensive to gain selection to a highly respected university. By not gaining selection to a top university however you are limiting your career potential. Study abroad is another option however which will allow you to studying overseas in a country such as Australia and gain English language skills and once completed will see you just as attractive or more so to potential employers not only in Thailand but around the world.
• Experience of a lifetime - In a couple years you may forget a lot of what you have studied in high school and university but if you study abroad you will never forget the friends you made or the incredible experiences you shared.
How do I find the right Education Agent for me?
The first step is organizing study abroad is to find a professional Education Agent you can trust. There are many education agents and this task is not as easy as it sounds, however here are a few tips that will help you select the right agent for you.
1) Look for an education agent that are members of peak body organizations in not only your home country but also the country you intend to study. By doing this you can be more confident the agent you have selected is professional and trustworthy. For example, students from Thailand wishing to study in Australia should select an agent registered with the Thai International Education Consultants Association (TIECA) in Thailand and the Qualified Education Agent Counsellor Database (QEACP) in the destination country Australia.
2) Prospective international students should also look for education agents which have registered business' and offices in both their home country and the destination country. In the example used above this would require the agent to have a fixed business address and offices in both Thailand and Australia. By having an office in your home country it will be far easier to organise the necessary paperwork including visas and school enrolment. And by having an office in the country you intend to study, for example Australia, it will be easier for you to access study support services if you have any problems or require assistance while studying abroad. Such student assistance should be provided to students free of charge by education agents.
3) When looking for a good education agent students should also ensure that the agent they select provides accurate advice regarding educational institutions and does not simply refer you to schools or universities which they receive the largest commission from. Education agents should work with you the student and discuss your specific study needs before tailoring a study program to your needs.
For students from Thailand The Oak International Education meets all the above criteria and is a trusted organization helping students study abroad. We have offices in Bangkok and Ayutthaya Thailand, as well as in Sydney Australia. We are members of TIECA and QEACP and can organise all your study needs, including visa applications, health insurance, school enrolments and ongoing free student support in Australia. Contact The Oak International Education and Training Services today for a free no obligation discussion about study abroad options available to you.
Nathan Jones is a Director of The Oak International Education and Training Services. The Oak has office in Thailand and Australia and is the first choice for Thai students wishing to study abroad in Australia and overseas. They are members of TIECA and QEACP and can organize all your study needs, including visa applications, health insurance, school enrolments and ongoing free student support in Australia. Contact The Oak International Education and Training Services today for a free no obligation discussion about study abroad options available to you.
Filed under Home Insurance by on Feb 16th, 2010. Comment. 
Owner builder insurance products are a must for anyone deciding to build their home. Don't get lost with all the different protection and coverage offered by different providers, find out which products you need. So you want to build your own house and add that personal touch to your home? This is becoming increasingly popular and ensuring that you have the correct insurance coverage is vital. The key to a successful self-built project is to make sure that you are fully insured from the start.
The following insurance products are a MUST for any owner builder
1. Construction & Liability Insurance
Also known as contract works insurance or construction all risk insurance which is insurance protection for people renovating, building or extending their home. Construction insurance protects builders from most main risks that may be encountered during the construction and building process. This includes weather related damages, fire, issues with their workers or workmanship and more. (Consult your insurance broker to ensure what risks are protected).
The liability portion of this insurance is known as Public liability insurance. This protects the builder for their legal liability against injury or damage to third party property. As an owner builder you are responsible for the site safety and overseeing building works - without this cover you would be liable if anyone is injured at or near your building site. Although it is not mandatory to have construction and liability insurance cover it would be risky not to have it. Most local councils will however require you to have this cover prior to commencing any building work.
2. Personal accident or volunteer workers insurance coverage
Building and construction sites are listed as being amongst one of the more dangerous places to work. As an owner builder you can choose to assist your tradesmen and builders with the construction. If you are injured or incapacitated during construction and cannot attend your normal form of employment, having the right personal accident insurance cover will offer you the right protection.
3. Builders Warranty Insurance
Owner Builder Warranty Insurance mandatory insurance required by the Home Building Act 1989. Although it is mandatory, the policy is for benefit of the house purchaser and does not provide any cover to the actual home builder
This policy protects the subsequent owner from any defective work on the property if you as the owner builder have died, disappeared or become insolvent. Builders warranty insurance is mandatory insurance cover. It is essential to take out the insurance before any work is started as otherwise the project will be difficult to insure. Standard policies run for 12 months but, if the construction takes longer, extensions are usually available. This insurance is compulsory for all residential building works in excess of $12,000. If you build and sell your property within 6 years of its completion or renovation you will need to provide the with residential owner builder warranty insurance.
It is required by law to be taken out when selling within the statutory period - Statutory period for New South Wales and Victoria is 6years and 7 years in Western Australia. A builder who sells within 6 years of completion without any Insurance, or who fails to attach an insurance certificate to the Contract of Sale can be fined, amounts over $10,000. If a Contract of Sale has been entered into without insurance, the contract can be voided by the purchaser at any time before completion of the contract. It is therefore in your best interest to ensure you have the right advice when building you own home.
Savill Hicks Corp is a leading Australian insurance broker that specializes in owner builder insurance. Savill Hicks will assist you by being actively involved with owner builders from permit stage right through to the sale. We will talk you through all the vital products required at a cost effective rate. Visit our website for more information on owner builder insurance, builder warranty insurance and construction & public liability insurance.
Filed under Home Insurance by on Feb 9th, 2010. Comment.