Study Abroad Counselling – Core Vocabulary

These 33 vocabulary cards cover the key terms, components and procedures discussed in the Study Abroad Counselling lecture. Reviewing them will help you recall every major concept—from building a strong profile to acing the visa interview.

Profiling

The first counselling step that gathers a student’s academics, experience, goals, preferences and constraints to build a complete applicant profile.

Shortlisting

Selecting a manageable set of universities based on profile fit, ranking, budget, required scores, destination and post-study work options.

Application Submission & Tracking

The stage where applications are lodged with chosen institutions and their progress is monitored until a decision is received.

Visa Process

All procedures—forms, fees, biometrics, interview and approval—needed to obtain legal permission to study in the target country.

Academics (Profile Component)

Grades, GPA, relevant coursework and high standardized-test scores that demonstrate scholastic strength.

Education Gap

A break between study periods that must be explained and documented (e.g., work, illness, certifications).

Work Experience

Full-time jobs or internships showing practical skills and readiness for the proposed programme.

Intake Preference

The academic term (e.g., Fall/September 2025) the student wishes to begin studies, chosen for curriculum alignment and personal factors.

Co-curricular Activities

Leadership roles, clubs, volunteering, hobbies and interests that enrich an applicant’s non-academic profile.

Career Goals

Clearly articulated professional objectives explaining why the chosen course and country are relevant.

Miscellaneous (Profile)

Additional elements such as language scores, funding sources and budgeting skills that round out the profile.

Standardized Tests

Uniform exams like SAT, ACT, GRE or GMAT used by universities to benchmark academic aptitude.

Language Proficiency Test

Assessments such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE that prove the applicant’s English-language competency.

Portfolio Building

Long-term strategy of adding internships, projects, research papers and courses to strengthen a profile.

Relevant Internship

Practical experience—onsite or virtual (e.g., through Forage)—closely aligned with the intended field of study.

Community Work / NGO Project

Volunteer service that demonstrates social responsibility and can enhance admission chances.

Recommendation Letter

An endorsement from a professor or employer highlighting the applicant’s abilities, character and suitability.

International Educational Event

Conference, competition or workshop abroad that provides global exposure and adds weight to a CV.

University Ranking

Position of an institution on global or national league tables; higher ranks typically mean stricter entry criteria.

Post-Study Work (PSW)

Permit that allows graduates to work in the study country for a set period after completing their degree.

Dream University

A top-tier institution where admission probability is ~50%—high requirements, maximum aspiration.

Reach University

A good-fit institution with about a 70% chance of acceptance based on the student’s profile.

Safe University

A backup institution where admission likelihood is ~90%, ensuring at least one offer.

IELTS Band 7+

Score range usually demanded by highly ranked or ‘dream’ universities for English proficiency.

Statement of Purpose (SOP)

A personal essay explaining academic background, motivations, goals and how the programme fits them.

Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

Formal letter from academic or work supervisors vouching for the applicant’s competence and potential.

Budget Constraint

The maximum total programme cost a student can afford, influencing destination and university choice.

Document Checklist

Required items for applications—passport, transcripts, test scores, SOP, LORs, financial proofs, etc.

Document Validation

Quality check ensuring coloured, scanned PDFs are complete and correctly named before backend submission.

Visa Interview

In-person (or virtual) meeting with a consular officer to verify study intentions, finances and return plans.

Common Visa Questions

Typical queries such as ‘Why this university?’, ‘How will you fund your studies?’ and ‘What after graduation?’.

Professional Attire

Conservative, business-style clothing recommended for visa interviews to project confidence and seriousness.

Bridging Course / Foundation Program

Preparatory study required for applicants whose previous education or grades do not directly meet master’s entry criteria.