Saturday, 7 December 2013

Why Higher education abroad?

There are many benefits and ways to grow personally, spiritually and professionally if you choose to study abroad. Be it a job seeker or a family entrepreneur choosing to study abroad can be one of the most enriching, fulfilling, interesting and educationally and spiritually stimulating experiences of your entire life.

Personal Growth:

Globalize yourself
While studying abroad, you will be given the opportunity to expose yourself to the world. Branch out and learn about different places, different cultures and people. Not only could you surround yourself with a new network of global friends, but you may learn about yourself by indulging in a new and exciting lifestyle. Globalizing yourself may help you understand how you, as an individual, fit into this world.

Take the challenge
Studying abroad comes with its challenges which directly relate to the benefits of studying abroad. You will more than likely be out of your comfort zone as you face obstacles like homesickness, spending and budgeting foreign currency and simply living in a new, unfamiliar place. These may seem like small feats now, but in retrospect you’ll be proud of the accomplishments you have overcome. You’ll most likely return home a wiser individual and ready to face any future challenges head on.

Spiritual Growth:

Strengthening your spiritual belief
You will learn how your religion fits into humanity, and through the eyes of a different religion, you can reflect upon your own religion more precisely. While learning another country’s traditions, you will understand the significance of keeping your own traditions alive while sharing them with others.

During your time abroad, you may be presented with the opportunity to travel around your host country or neighboring countries – take advantage of this. Executing travel plans and seeing unforgettable sights may help you see the world through a new set of eyes. 


Professional Growth:

Makes your profile strong
Employers are often looking for students who challenge themselves and learn from their experiences. The experiences and wisdom you acquire while abroad can give you plenty examples and real life situations to integrate into an interview to better illustrate your strengths and work ethic. Your newly acquired personal growth and worldly knowledge will strengthen your cover letter as you head into the world’s increasingly diverse workforce.

Discover a New Career Path
The experiences you take can influence the rest of your life in regards to career goals. You will probably discover a new found passion which could influence your major or career path, or maybe you will decide if you want to work or be an entrepreneur.

Global strategy in local market
Students may look to be an entrepreneur or work in their home country after studies. They can learn the strategies of the country where they study and can amend them as required and implement it in their home country.


Take your next step:


So, you get the point! You've now been exposed to a variety of reasons to study abroad. Now it’s time to start the search for you or your beloved ones. Good luck and enjoy the study abroad adventures that await you!!!

All the best!!!


Kamal Bohra
Education consultant - Higher Education in Germany
SAP Education Consultant
Chennai
Mob: +919840187777
Email: sapec.chennai@gmail.com




Tuesday, 3 December 2013

When I learnt "Life is like a Marathon": My first Marathon Experience

It was in august 2013 when my brother told me about The Chennai Wipro Marathon 2013. With his motivation I registered for the same. Few months passed by, but I didn't start any practice. The countdown began and it was day 30 before the run. I started practicing with my brothers. After two weeks he introduced me to an amazing runners' group "marina light house chapter". Seeing so many people whose passion is to run, inspired me a lot and as the D day was nearing I was all pumped up.

On the clouded morning of 1st Dec 2013 I was among the hundreds who were running their first half marathon. Loud music, cheers from enthusiastic runners, organizers and cool breeze had set the mood right and as the clock ticked 5.15 am the half marathon was flagged off.  

We started off and in 5 min the runners were blessed by the rain gods. It was a beautiful moment when I started running in rain with the smell of the wet mud, hearing light music and people cheering us from both side of the road.

After I ran for about 4 KM my speed reduced, body was dehydrated and the goal of 21 KM was looking like a mammoth distance. During my practice my maximum distance I ran was 11 KM so after getting refreshments at regular intervals I managed to finish half the way till kannagi statue.

After I reached half way mark my foot was swollen a bit and the pain was instructing my mind to give up. That's when a young man aged around 60-65 years ran passed me and said "Good going boy!" Yes a young man!!! I was inspired by his fitness level and energy and I started running again. When I crossed Gandhi statue, I saw a guy wearing a T-Shirt with a saying "Finish what you start" after reading this I made up my mind to finish my run. 

By the time I finished 16 KM there was a fight between my mind and body. Mind was saying "Yes you can do it" and my body was giving signals with pains on calf and feet. In few minutes I joined the group of 10 KM runners and I saw a kid ageing around 6-7 yrs, seeing him I was charged up and ran till Fortis hospital and stopped for refreshment.

Again I started running and I saw a bridge which looked like Himalayan mountains and that's where I heard a loud cheer from runners and I saw few people with special leg running with a smile on their face. Now suddenly this Himalaya looked like a small wooden bridge and I managed to finish my first half marathon of my life in 3hrs 25mins.

After I finished the run I realized, life is also like a marathon. It’s beautiful when we start it, but as time passes by we face so many difficulties, challenges, we raise and fall but there are always many people around you, your family, friends and strangers who encourage, motivate and inspire you to achieve your goals.