It's common for parents and students to feel bewildered when starting an international education adventure. The countless responsibilities and things to think about are contributing factors to the confusion. Fortunately, there are people who can help lead you in the correct direction, so all is not lost. 

Okay, so picture this: You’ve decided to pursue your dream major abroad, but you’re still not sure which university is right for you, and you’re feeling like you’re standing at a crossroads. Well, this is exactly the kind of situation where an education agent steps in to save the day! Want to know how to choose an education agent properly? Read on to find out! So, shall we?

What’s an “Education Agent”, Anyway?

International education agents are people or businesses that communicate on behalf of foreign institutions and colleges in their home countries to assist local students in pursuing higher education abroad. A bridge, an intermediary between educational institutions and international students, is what an education agent basically is. This individual can assist students in identifying the best institution, picking the best programme, and, in general, getting started on the proper route when it comes to their pursuit of international education. They smooth out your transition to the institution of your choice abroad.

Why Do Students Need an Education Agent?

Students can submit their admission applications on their own; using an education agent is not required to enrol in a university abroad. However, the majority of students don't comprehend the procedure, submit applications incorrectly, and are unable to find a programme that meets their needs. Additionally, some students under-prepare for their visa interviews and applications, which frequently results in a visa denial. So, for this reason, it’s better that students use the help and services of agencies or choose an education agent to do that for them. If you eventually decide not to use the services of an education agent, bear in mind that you need to submit a college application that really stands out.

What Are The Benefits of Using The Services of an Education Agent?

Students and their families can benefit from a variety of services provided by a qualified education agent when studying abroad. For students, attempting to accomplish these on their own would be a daunting job, if not impossible. An effective education agent can:

1. Provide precise, current, and up-to-date information about the country and universities.

2. Explain the academic and English entry requirements, the cost of tuition, the amount of a deposit required, and the cost of living.

3. Provide you with a variety of options for programmes, locations, pricing, living expenses, and other advantages and disadvantages so you may decide with confidence.

4. Assist you in selecting the programme that best fits your interests, abilities, and career objectives.

5. Offer advice on how to write personal statements, research proposals, and admissions interview preparation.

6. Let you know about available scholarships and assist you with applying for them.

7. Describe the paperwork you must submit to be considered for admission.

8. Arrange your transportation from your native country to your destination abroad.

9. Provide guidance and make arrangements for suitable housing for you to stay in while studying abroad

10. Follow up with the international institution to ensure that you enrol in classes on the schedule.

11. Request any further support and assistance from the international office of the educational institution.

How to Choose A Good Education Agent?

Choosing the right education agent is like choosing a recruitment agency. You want to be sure that you are choosing the right one for you. The industry for education agents is expanding quickly as more and more colleges, families, and students depend on them as a result of their significance in the field. 

There are, however, both good and bad agents, just like in any other industry. A good agent may "make it," while a bad agent can "break it," when you seek the assistance of an agent to pursue your dream of attending university abroad. Making the proper decision might mean the difference between a stress-free and successful journey and one that ends in tragedy, given the abundance of options available. Here are a few things to think about when you’re about to choose an education agent:

1. Effective education agents should have a contract with the university they work for and have their names displayed on the institution's website.

2. Although fees are frequently incurred, it's important to be upfront about all associated costs.

3. If you're still learning English, good agents should explain any and all legally significant paperwork to you.

4. Request credentials and testimonials for your chosen educational agent. You could even browse for reviews.

5. A good and compassionate education agent won't take sides or advocate for a certain college or foreign student.

6. It goes without saying that both students and their parents will have a never-ending list of questions. An effective and well-trained education agent will always leave the phone line available for these students and their parents' calls anytime they want to speak and answer their questions honestly and in-depth.

7. "The client will always come first." Naturally, this entails acting in their best interests. The education agent must be honest and upfront if they expect that the choices won't be the best. Of course, they can only offer advice; the final decision will always rest with the students and their parents.

What Does an Illegitimate Education Agent Look Like?

It is not difficult for students who have a sincere interest in pursuing higher education overseas to recognise dishonest education agents working in the field. A terrible education agent will typically engage in one or more of the following behaviours:

1. It's a really negative sign if your education agent claims to represent a university, but you can't locate any information about them on the institution's website.

2. Intentionally mislead you about a course or an institution.

3. You should avoid using an education agent if they assert that they can lower your course costs or conceal their own costs.

4. Lack of knowledge will prevent them from clearly describing the procedure to you.

5. Request cash payments for your tuition to them or a specific individual.

6. Won't send the original emails or letters that educational institutions sent to you.

And there you have it!

No more confusion about submitting your university application or even choosing the right institution for you, because that’s what education agents are for!