When considering international study abroad destinations, the United Kingdom is top of mind for many students. In fact, more than 750,000 international students studied in the UK in 2022/23, enrolled in courses at over 250 postsecondary institutions. For many, the UK calls to mind images of Big Ben, the London Eye, and Buckingham Palace. But the appeal of studying in the UK extends far beyond the hustle and bustle of London.

Over the next few months, we’re taking a closer look at the four countries that make up the UK: Wales, Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland. First up is beautiful Wales, a mountainous country with a rich history.

Over 150,000 students are enrolled at the 8 universities and 14 higher education institutions in Wales, including nearly 30,000 international students! Although Wales has fewer postsecondary institutions than other parts of the UK, these institutions make a big impact. ApplyBoard is proud to partner with all of the leading higher and further education institutions in Wales including Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff and Vale College, Gower College, Swansea University, and the University of South Wales.

Use our free ApplyBoard platform today to explore the 200+ courses available at our partner institutions in Wales!

3 Top Reasons to Study in Wales

Here are just a few reasons why Wales offers any international student such a unique study abroad experience.

1. More Affordable Cost of Living

Getting a high-quality education can be expensive, regardless of where you study. However, Wales offers international students a lower cost of living compared to other parts of the UK. Accommodation costs, such as rent, are on average 20% cheaper in Wales, while food, entertainment, and other day-to-day living expenses tend to cost 15% less than in the rest of the UK. Some institutions, like Aberystwyth University, even offer fully funded accommodations for international students!

Major cities in Wales, including Cardiff, are some of the most affordable university cities in the UK. That said, even in cities with lower costs, if you’re planning to study anywhere in the UK, it’s important that you have enough funds to cover your expenses throughout your course.

Remember to plan your budget before you study in the UK. Learn more about the cost of living in the UK for international students.

2. Outstanding Natural Beauty and Incredible History

From its incredible seaside views to its majestic mountains, Wales is home to landscapes of outstanding natural beauty. Regardless of where you decide to study in Wales, you’re never far from the water. Wales has many great west-facing surfing beaches, such as Manorbier, Llantwit Major, and Porthcawl.

Wales is also home to six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. It’s also believed that Wales boasts more castles for every square mile than any other country in Europe. Be sure to take in Laugharne Castle—home of legendary Welsh poet Dylan Thomas—and Caernarfon Castle, built by Edward I.

3. World-Class Sports and Culture

Wales is a country that lives and breathes sports, especially rugby. As Welsh sports writer and broadcaster Charles Williams says, “there’s nowhere on earth like Cardiff on international rugby day.” It’s as if the entire country comes together to cheer Wales on to victory.

However, if football—known on the other side of the pond as soccer—is more your game, you’ll definitely want to take in a Cardiff City or Swansea City match.

The country also has a ton of incredible culture to offer, including more than 90 accredited museums, as well as live theatre and music (Wales is known as the land of song, after all), and an array of festivals. The annual Hay Festival attracts the world’s top writers and thinkers every year. Plus, Wales offers an innovative food scene supported by a rich agricultural industry. Wales is renowned for some of the best lamb, beef, and crops in the world.

Planning to work in the UK during your studies? Be sure you understand how much you’re allowed to work, and where, while in the UK on a Student visa.

A Spotlight on Three Welsh Universities

Now that we’ve explored a few reasons why Wales is such a vibrant study destination, let’s look at some of its incredible educational institutions.

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Cardiff Metropolitan University is an excellent choice for international students choosing to study in the UK. With two campuses located in the beautiful capital of Wales, Cardiff Metropolitan has been delivering impactful research and innovation since 1865. The university welcomes over 11,000 students every year, including over 1,200 international students from more than 143 countries. And, higher education is a huge part of Cardiff’s identity and character, making the city an integral part of student life.

Cardiff Metropolitan University is a globally focused institution with a strong reputation for their work with industry and professions. The university also works in partnership with students to instil the Cardiff Met EDGE.

What’s the EDGE? It refers to a series of Ethical, Digital, Global and Entrepreneurial skills that help develop students’ confidence, resilience, and experiences that will prepare them for life after university.

Check out popular courses offered at Cardiff Met’s Llandaff campus or Cyncoed campus today!

Aberystwyth University

As the first university in Wales, Aberystwyth University offers research power, teaching excellence, student satisfaction, and an incredible location! Since its founding in 1872, Aberystwyth University has welcomed students to its historic and friendly community while equipping them with the life skills they need to pursue their careers after graduation.

Whether students are wandering around its Georgian and Victorian streets, or enjoying a barbecue on the beach, Aberystwyth has a lively social scene. Another thriving university city, Aberystwyth’s Students’ Union runs more than 100 clubs and societies from canoeing and computer gaming to moot debates and musical theatre.

Aberystwyth also offers unrivalled affordability: international students who choose to live on-campus have their housing fully covered at no extra cost! Plus, thanks to benefits like the university’s strong industry connections and an emphasis on equipping students with practical experience, 97% of first-degree students are working or enrolled in further study six months after graduation!

Learn more about in-demand courses at Aberystwyth University.

Bangor University

Established in 1884, Bangor University has a long tradition of excellent teaching and research. Bangor is recognised internationally both as a centre of excellence and for the unique, multicultural, inclusive experience it offers its staff and students. Bangor is also widely recognized as a top university in the UK: it ranked within the top 500 universities in the world according to QS World University Rankings 2025 and recently opened the North Wales Medical School.

Thinking of studying at Bangor? If so, you can live in one of the most scenic locations in the UK! Nestled between the mountains and the sea, the community of Bangor is more than just beautiful: it’s a playground for nature lovers. Hike, climb, kayak or canoe in nearby Snowdonia National Park, head to the beaches on Anglesey, or take the plunge on Europe’s fastest zip wire. And, the city of Bangor also features a healthy social scene due to the high student population.

Find out more about the 300+ courses available at Bangor University on our ApplyBoard platform.

If you have the option to study in Wales, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to join us in the coming weeks as we head north to Scotland to explore everything this beautiful country has to offer international students.

Ready to go? Use our free ApplyBoard platform to jumpstart your study abroad experience in Wales!

The post Countries within the UK: Studying Abroad in Wales appeared first on ApplyBoard.

“From ApplyBoard Co-Founder & CEO Meti Basiri’s speaking panel to showcasing Abbie at our booth, as well as engaging with partners, investors, students, and industry members, we were able to showcase ApplyBoard’s mission and how we’re using innovative tech to bring it to life,” explains Brooke Kelly, ApplyBoard’s Manager, Public Relations.

Keep reading for some highlights from this year’s conference!

Sidd Sengupta, Product Manager 6, and Haitham Amar, Head of Data Strategy and Analytics, demonstrate how Abbie is truly like having your very own guidance counselor at your fingertips, 24/7!

Showcasing Abbie, the First-Ever AI Study Abroad Advisor

Abbie was unveiled to the world on Tuesday and we couldn’t think of a place we’d rather be to mark this milestone than Collision! Members of ApplyBoard’s Product and Marketing divisions were excited to be on hand at booth E123 (in a prime spot near Centre Stage!) to showcase the first-ever AI advisor designed exclusively for studying abroad.

Learn more about how Abbie is the fastest and easiest way to navigate the student journey!

Over our three days at booth E123, we had the opportunity to connect with friends old and new, including both recruitment and institutional partners, some of our initial seed investors, and friends from TD and Communitech. But most meaningful of all was meeting students who have used the ApplyBoard platform to help make their study abroad dreams come true. It’s a gratifying reminder of how the work ApplyBoardians do every day is helping to unlock students’ potential around the globe.

Meti Basiri joins Iryna Volnytska, Michael Ellison, Tom Simon, and moderator Emily Ragobeer for a conversation on the role AI will play in the future of learning.

The Role of AI in the Future of Education

ApplyBoard Co-Founder & CEO Meti Basiri hit the Future Societies stage on day two of Collision for a conversation exploring the role AI will play in the future of learning and how it can empower students and educators in a way that doesn’t compromise critical thinking. He joined an incredible panel of industry experts, who, like ApplyBoard, are all working to help break down barriers to education. The panel included:

• Iryna Volnytska, President at SET University
• Tom Simon, President of Higher Education & Virtual Learning at Pearson plc
• Michael Ellison, Co-Founder & CEO at CodePath.org

The wide-ranging conversation touched on the importance of responsible Generative AI in education, how AI can personalize education and critical thinking, the importance of data security, and more.

ApplyBoard has been using AI to simplify the study abroad journey since we began our mission to educate the world in 2015. It has allowed us to support students from over 150 countries,  expanding their access to education and encouraging global student mobility. 

“When I was applying to study abroad, the process was labour intensive, time-consuming, and very confusing,” recalled Meti. “I had to physically mail large documents, visit multiple study abroad agents, and even go to a different country in order to kick-off my study abroad journey. 13 years later, tools like our ApplyBoard platform make this process easier, removing barriers to studying outside your home country.”

ApplyBoard’s proprietary AI helps match students with the best schools and programs for their education goals, providing targeted recommendations with our program matcher tool. Students can easily find, apply, and get accepted to schools around the world and be guided throughout the entire journey. From accessing information about their chosen program, country, and institutions, to taking advantage of testing services, loans, and more, ApplyBoard has them covered.

The conversation, occurring the same day as our release of Abbie, couldn’t have been more timely. Meti explained that AI tools, such as Abbie, help level the playing field and can be used to enable a deeper understanding for students. Meti compared Abbie to a traditional high school guidance counselor, but said that with Abbie “you have that in any language and at your fingertips 24/7. We’re very excited that we can utilize years of data that we have gathered and bring that opportunity to every student around the world, accelerating student mobility and accessibility”.

“AI is just the starting point and a pivotal point in accessibility for education,” explained Meti.

We can’t wait to see where it takes us next.

The post Abbie and ApplyBoard’s Innovative Tech Takes Centre Stage at Collision Conference appeared first on ApplyBoard.

ApplyBoard is thrilled to announce an innovative partnership with renowned actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood. In a move to empower Indian students, Sonu Sood is now the official first brand ambassador for ApplyBoard, kicking off a multi-year collaboration designed to dismantle barriers and unlock potential for students around the world.

Sood is a renowned Bollywood actor who has starred in over 50 films across Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada languages. Beyond his successful film career, Sood is widely respected for his extensive philanthropic work, particularly through his role as Founder and Executive Director of the Sood Charity Foundation, where his and his team’s humanitarian efforts focus on enabling access to health, education, and employment for underserved people.

Unlocking Potential for Indian Students

“Sonu Sood’s vast experience and enduring commitment to education make him the perfect brand ambassador for ApplyBoard,” says Meti Basiri, Co-Founder and CEO, ApplyBoard. “Together, we share a deep commitment to democratizing access to education. This partnership marks a significant step forward in empowering students from all backgrounds to pursue their academic aspirations on a global scale.”

Established in 2021, the Sood Charity Foundation embodies the legacy of Sood’s late mother, Professor Saroj Sood, a dedicated educator who believed in providing free, quality education to everyone, regardless of their background or resources. The foundation carries on her mission by empowering underprivileged individuals in India with access to education, fostering career opportunities, and promoting self-reliance.

“Raised by an educator, education has always been paramount to me,” says Sonu Sood. “Accessibility, however, remains a significant hurdle for many deserving students. My late mother selflessly dedicated her life to teaching and instilled in me the importance of breaking down these barriers. I’m honored to join forces with ApplyBoard because together, we can unlock the potential for students around the world to achieve their study abroad dreams and pursue a brighter future.”

Sonu Sood in conversation with ApplyBoard Co-Founder & CEO Meti Basiri at Top Recruiters Workshop (TRW) Global.

Learn how this year’s TRW Global sparked meaningful conversations and made an impact that will go on to help unlock the potential of the next million students and beyond!

An Impactful Collaboration

This impactful collaboration leverages Sood’s immense influence and ApplyBoard’s industry-leading expertise to create a transformative collaboration for educational advancement globally. The partnership will encompass a multitude of initiatives including:

• Raising Awareness: Wide-scale campaigns spearheaded by Sonu Sood will shine a light on the vast array of international education opportunities available to potential students.
• Empowering Resources: ApplyBoard’s comprehensive platform is readily accessible to students, offering valuable resources and expert guidance to navigate the application process for international studies seamlessly.
• Scholarship Opportunities (details to be announced): ApplyBoard and Sonu Sood are dedicated to creating pathways for deserving students by offering scholarships to bridge the financial gap and make international education a reality.

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new partnership!

The post Sonu Sood Joins ApplyBoard as Brand Ambassador to Empower Students appeared first on ApplyBoard.

Keep reading and watch the video below to learn about Aarushi’s journey!

Empowering Students to Make an Informed Choice

The ApplyBoard platform is a prospective international student’s gateway to incredible study abroad opportunities at more than 1,500 leading educational institutions across Australia, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

An important aspect of Aarushi’s role is “developing and managing dedicated pages for our partner schools” on the ApplyBoard platform. These pages “contain crucial information about the schools, the programs they offer, and all the available intakes for their different programs.” Aarushi explains that “providing students with easily accessible and detailed information through our dedicated pages facilitates a smoother decision-making process, as it empowers them to choose institutions and programs that align with their goals and preferences.”

“The most rewarding aspect of my role is contributing to the process that motivates students to pursue education abroad and accomplish their academic goals,” says Aarushi. It gives her a “deep sense of fulfillment knowing that my small efforts help expand education opportunities for students.”

Ensuring Content Accuracy on the ApplyBoard Platform

Aarushi and her team always go the extra mile to ensure that students have the most accurate and up-to-date information about ApplyBoard’s partner institutions at their fingertips.

“To maintain accurate information on the ApplyBoard platform, we’ve implemented a thorough review process,” explains Aarushi. “Regular audits help us verify details” and “our collaboration with partner schools is facilitated by [ApplyBoard’s] dedicated Partner Relations and Partner Client Manager teams. This cooperative approach ensures that the information on our platform aligns seamlessly with the school’s official data, promptly addressing any disparities or updates. To reduce the risk of errors, we directly source information from reliable channels and use automated tools for real-time cross-verification and updates. This way, we make sure everything you see on our platform is correct and up-to-date.”

A More Seamless Decision-Making Process

Aarushi and the team always strive to Deliver an A+ Customer Experience to their customers.

A partner institution recently approached them about “enhancing how their information is presented on the ApplyBoard platform.” The project would mean “revising and updating” thousands of program pages, including “meticulously reviewing and aligning the information with the resources provided by our partner.” However, they quickly jumped at the opportunity, recognizing the profound impact it could make on students, who are at the heart of everything we do at ApplyBoard. For Aarushi and the team, this initiative “goes beyond accuracy. It aims to provide students with greater clarity about the courses offered by the partner institution, ensuring a more seamless decision-making process.”

The success of this cross-functional project and its potential to make the study abroad journey easier for students has got Aarushi and the team thinking about how they can roll it out to more of our partner schools in the future.

Meet two more ApplyBoardians who go above and beyond to Deliver an A+ Customer Experience: Kara and Ian.

A Profound Learning Journey

As a company on a mission to break down barriers to education, ApplyBoard believes wholeheartedly in making learning and growth a priority for our team members scattered across more than 30 countries around the globe. Aarushi shares that, as an employer, “ApplyBoard stands out in its commitment to fostering continuous learning and growth.”

For Aarushi, ApplyBoard gives her the chance to immerse herself in a “diverse range of opportunities, where I not only expand my knowledge but also engage in networking and collaboration with individuals from different teams and experiences. This exposure serves as a profound learning journey for me, personally.”

Another of ApplyBoard’s six core values is Innovating and Improving, and each day we push ourselves to challenge the status quo. “Our leadership is exceptionally supportive, consistently motivating us to strive for excellence and innovate solutions that align with the company’s vision and mission,” says Aarushi. “This culture encourages me to think creatively and push boundaries of conventional thinking.”

Thank you, Aarushi, for constantly going above and beyond in Helping Students Achieve Success in the work that you do at ApplyBoard every day, and for making countless study abroad dreams come true!

Are you passionate about Helping Students Achieve Success? Explore open roles on the ApplyBoard Careers page!

The post ApplyBoardian Q&A: Meet Aarushi Grover, Content and Intakes Professional appeared first on ApplyBoard.

Studying abroad is an exciting adventure. However, it can be difficult to know exactly what you need to bring and leave behind before travelling to study in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, or Ireland. To help you understand what to expect when you arrive at your study abroad destination, we’ve created a packing list for international students, as well as travel tips. It will help prepare you for your next steps in Canada, Australia, the US, the UK, or Ireland, and ensure your travel experience is as smooth as possible! 

Want to study abroad? Choose from five different destinations and thousands of programs and courses on the ApplyBoard platform.

Travel Information

Travel requirements for specific nations change regularly. To ensure you have up-to-date info, we recommend checking the individual country’s government websites for the latest information:

• Australia
• Canada
• Ireland
• United Kingdom
• United States

Travel Tips for International Students

Before you start your packing list for international students, Canada, Australia, the US, the UK, or Ireland, take a look at some of our travel tips for students. Start preparing for your journey by:

• Monitoring the cost of flights
• Verifying luggage restrictions with the airline 
• Packing for all sorts of weather
• Checking what you can’t bring through customs, such as animals, plants, fresh fruits and vegetables, meat products, controlled substances, etc.
• Purchasing travel and health insurance (if needed)
• Practicing your communication skills in the country you’ll be studying in

Tip: You might consider a travel agent if you’re unsure of how to book a flight yourself. If you are booking a return flight, we recommend the flexible flight ticket as dates may change and you may want to leave at a later or sooner time. This way you will avoid additional fees.

Can I bring my pet while studying abroad? Read this article to find out!

Documents Packing List for International Students

Prepare ahead of time by packing your documents. You will be asked to show your travel and study-related documents to the Border Control Officers for clearance before leaving the airport. They must be physical, paper documents—not stored on an electronic device, such as a mobile phone or tablet. 

Ensure that you include them in your packing list for international students. This will make your next step in Canada, Australia, the US, the UK, or Ireland that much easier. Make sure that these key documents are easily accessible, so you can produce them when asked. Keep your study and permit documents in your carry-on; don’t check them in with your luggage!

Tip: A folder or binder will help you keep everything organized and in one spot.

Key Documents to Have:

• A valid passport
• A valid study visa (what this looks like will vary from country to country)
• An extra copy of your passport and visa (email a scan to yourself—and a family member, to be safe!)
• Your Letter of Acceptance/Admission and a printed page listing any relevant information about the program or course you are studying
• Original or certified copies of your academic transcripts and qualifications
• Proof of payment for accommodation, tuition fees, and any other major purchases
• Other personal identification documents, such as a birth certificate, ID card, and driver’s licence
• Proof of financial support (evidence that you have enough money to cover your expenses, such as bank statements used to support your visa application)
• Accommodation confirmation and full address
• University or college address and contact details
• Any health or travel insurance documents
• X-rays (if required)
• The college or university’s 24-hour helpline number
• Details of any pre-arranged transportation provided by the college or university (you’re encouraged to book this if available)
• Any additional relevant documentation that you can think of!

Also, read our guide on making the most of your first week studying abroad!

Other Items for Your Packing List for International Students

You should also add the following items to your packing list for international students to prepare you for next steps in Canada, Australia, the US, the UK, or Ireland. You can bring these items with you on the plane (in your carry-on, not your checked luggage): 

• Cash. You can set up a bank account when you arrive, so don’t carry too much.
• Prescription medication. However, you shouldn’t need more than a few weeks’ worth. Bring any prescriptions with you (in English), so you can have them filled when you arrive. Double check what medication you’re allowed to bring with you. 
• Electronic devices. That includes a travel adaptor, laptop, phone, and any other devices you will require.
• Warm clothing. Even Australia gets cold sometimes! 
• A list of items in your luggage and a description of your luggage. Don’t forget to attach a luggage tag with your full name and telephone number on your checked bags. An AirTag or similar product can also be helpful.
• A few face masks and sanitizing products. You don’t want to get sick while travelling. Remember that you can’t take liquids over 100 mL on the plane.

What Not to Include in Your Packing List

Avoid the following items in your packing list for international students. It will help make your next step in Canada, the US, the UK, Ireland, or Australia run more smoothly (and make traveling easier):

• Bedding and linens
• Kitchen equipment
• Large amounts of toiletries: you can often purchase these after arriving
• Meat, dairy, fruit, vegetables, and potato-based products: these items are against the law to travel with

What to Expect Upon Arrival

Upon arriving by air, you will pass through immigration control before picking up your baggage. Make sure you have the documents mentioned above easily accessible.

The Immigration Officer will ask you some questions to ensure that you’re coming to your study abroad destination for study purposes and that you intend to leave after completing your studies. You must be able to answer these questions clearly without having to rely on an interpreter. 

For more details, read our guides on the UK Credibility Interview, the US F-1 Visa Interview, or the Canadian Student Visa Interview.

Some common questions an Immigration Officer may ask:

• What is your name? 
• Where are you from? What is your home address? 
• What are your mother’s and father’s names?
• Where were you born, and what is your birth date?
• What university or college are you going to attend? 
• Which program/course are you going to study, and how long is it? 
• What are your plans after completing the program/course? 
• Who packed your bag(s)? Do you know what’s inside the bag(s)? 
• How much cash are you carrying with you? 
• Do you have relatives/friends/family here? If so, where do they live? If not, where will you stay? 
• Is someone coming to pick you up at the airport?

You should respond to all questions asked by the Immigration Officer with simple and clear answers. If you don’t hear or understand a question, you can ask the officer for clarification.

We hope this packing list and travel tips for students for international students to prepare for your next step in Canada, Australia, the US, the UK, and Ireland will help you prepare for the challenges ahead! Finally, you can collect your baggage and officially begin your study abroad adventure. Best of luck!

Ready to go? Start exploring your study abroad options on ApplyBoard.

The post The Big Move: A Pre-Arrival Checklist for International Students appeared first on ApplyBoard.

In a past blog post, we explored what some of our Canadian partner schools are doing to support international students and help them thrive this fall and beyond. This week, we want to help you better understand your offer letter. We’ve also included four additional steps you’ll need to take after you receive it as you get ready to start your studies in Canada! 

1. Understand Your Offer Letter

Congratulations on receiving your offer letter from a Canadian academic institution! You’ve hit the books and studied hard and should be proud of yourself.

Students applying to study in Canadian can receive two types of offers: An offer letter, sometimes called a pre-offer letter, or a letter of acceptance (LoA). One is conditional, and the other is unconditional. Let’s take a look at each one:

Offer or Pre-Offer Letter

Academic institutions can issue you an offer or pre-offer letter, meaning that a space is being saved for you in the program you applied to. However, to finalize your spot, you must meet conditions defined by the institution, like a required minimum grade average or submitting final transcripts. Then, if you’re still eligible after submitting the outstanding conditions or required documents, a letter of acceptance will be issued.

Important Note: You can’t use an offer or pre-offer letter to apply for a study permit.

Letter of Acceptance (LoA)

A letter of acceptance (LoA) is an official document from a college or university indicating you’ve been accepted to a program. A student who receives a letter of acceptance is not subject to any additional requirements in order to be accepted. (If you get one of these, you’re in.)

This document is recognized by the Canadian government and can be used to apply for a study permit.

2. Accept Your Offer

Next, you’ll want to accept your offer by completing your admission by the deadline set out by the college or university. How you accept your offer can vary depending on the school. Usually, you’ll accept through the institution’s online portal or simply by paying your tuition deposit.

Once you’ve accepted your offer, you’re one step closer to fulfilling your dream of studying abroad in Canada!

3. Apply for a Study Permit

Once you receive a letter of acceptance and have accepted your offer, you can apply for your study permit. A study permit allows international students to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.

To apply for a study permit, you’ll need to have the following documents handy:

• A letter of acceptance
• A valid passport
• Proof you can financially support yourself, as well as any family members who intend to accompany you

You can apply for your study permit either online or by paper. The Canadian government recommends students apply for their study permits online, as online applications are: 

• Received instantly and potentially processed more quickly 
• Checked for completion prior to submission 

Online applicants will also benefit from online status updates on their study permit applications. You can also quickly submit any additional supporting documentation if needed.

Student Direct Stream (For Reference Only – Program Closed in November 2024)

Until November 8, 2024, students like you may have been eligible for faster study permit processing through Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS). This program ran between 2018 and 2024, and allowed eligible international students from certain countries to speed up the processing of their Canadian study permit. Applicants provided more information up front, allowing officers to make a thorough assessment and final decision quickly.

Students from the following countries were eligible for SDS:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Brazil
• China
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• India
• Morocco
• Pakistan
• Peru
• Philippines
• Senegal
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Vietnam

Learn how Canadian schools are supporting international students this fall and beyond!

4. Enrol in Classes

Now the fun part—enrolling in classes!

Each college or university has its own enrolment schedule. This means you should review the calendar of important dates to know when you can start selecting your classes. You’ll also want to know which classes you’ll need to take, and when, to ensure that you graduate on time.

Starting Online

If it applies to you, check to see if you can start your study program online. You can do this even if you have not received a final decision on your study permit application. International students that are unable to study in person in Canada are still eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) until August 2023. 

As long as you apply for a study permit before starting your program, the length of time you spend studying online will count towards a PGWP. This still applies even if your study permit application is rejected and you have to submit another one. However, you must be approved for a study permit (even if it takes a few tries) before becoming eligible for a PGWP.

5. Travel to Canada

If you meet the travel requirements and have your approved study permit, you may be ready to begin your travels. Be sure to check the Government of Canada’s website for more information.

Congratulations on receiving your offer letter. Follow the next steps outlined in this article, and you’ll be starting your studies before you know it. Happy travels—and happy studying!

Have more study abroad questions? Reach out to us today—ApplyBoard’s experienced team is here to help!

The post Take the Next Step: <br> Understanding Your Offer Letter appeared first on ApplyBoard.

What Are the PIEoneer Awards?

The PIEoneer Awards is an annual event that celebrates innovation and excellence in the global education industry. It recognizes individuals, organizations, and initiatives that have made significant contributions to the field of international education.

This year, the awards will take place on September 22 at Hilton Bankside in London. The judging panel is made up of diverse global professionals who work together to assess individuals and organizations that contribute to improving professional standards, enhancing engagement, and transforming the international student experience.

About the Digital Innovation of the Year – Student Recruitment Category

The Digital Innovation of the Year – Student Recruitment award is one of four new PIEoneer Award categories for 2023. The other awards are:

• Emerging Leader of the Year
• Business School of the Year
• Study Abroad and Exchange Experience of the Year

The Digital Innovation of the Year – Student Recruitment award celebrates advancements and innovative approaches in using digital technologies and strategies to enhance student recruitment processes in the education sector. It acknowledges initiatives and practices that effectively leverage digital platforms, tools, and techniques to attract, engage, and enroll students in educational programs. This award aims to identify organizations or institutions that have successfully harnessed digital innovation to optimize their student recruitment efforts and achieve positive outcomes around attracting and enrolling international students.

ApplyBoard is in good company in this award category. Some of the other finalists are Rosedale International Education, Cialfo, and our partner schools Niagara College and Swinburne University of Technology.

Whether we secure the top spot in September or not, it’s truly heartening to be acknowledged as a frontrunner in digital innovation within the realm of student recruitment. And we owe this tremendous recognition to each and every team member. Behind this outstanding achievement are the relentless efforts of ApplyBoardians who have worked to revolutionize the international education sector.

Keep up the amazing work, everyone!

The post ApplyBoard Named as a Finalist for the 2023 PIEoneer Awards appeared first on ApplyBoard.

In the second installment of our Core Values in Action series, we decided to double our fun and celebrate two outstanding team members who personify Delivering an A+ Customer Experience: Kara Zhang, International Recruitment Manager, and Ian McRae, Partner Relations Manager. “While they’re on different teams within our Sales department, both work tirelessly to ensure an A+ Customer Experience,” says ApplyBoard Chief Revenue Officer Scott Harper.

Keep reading and watch the video below to learn what Delivering an A+ Customer Experience means at ApplyBoard and how Kara and Ian go above and beyond to ensure it for their customers!

Delivering an A+ Customer Experience at ApplyBoard

As ApplyBoardians, Delivering an A+ Customer Experience means that we’re customer-focused in everything we do. At the heart of our mission to Educate the World is, of course, our students. However, our customer base extends beyond students to include our global network of recruitment partners and partner institutions, as well as our internal team. We take pride in responding to each of our customers with the best resolution and ensuring their experience with us is “wow”-worthy.

Explore ApplyBoard’s other five core values: Helping Students Achieve Success, Caring About Each Other, Taking Ownership, Innovating and Improving, and Making Work Fun.

What A+ Customer Experience Means to Kara

As an International Recruitment Manager on ApplyBoard’s Onshore China Team, Kara’s days typically start and end with her recruitment partners. “She always thinks outside the box to provide her recruitment partners with a seamless application journey from beginning to end,” explains Scott. This includes proactively following up with her applications to ensure no missed information and that her recruitment partners are aware of any changes in their students’ applications.

To Kara, “Delivering an A+ Customer Experience means building a strong relationship with my customers.” She shares that “it means valuing my customers’ feedback, listening to their inquiries, taking pride in my work, and ensuring that every aspect of the application process is handled with professionalism and attention to detail.” 

When promoting a recent summer program in Toronto, Kara spent extra time training and working with her recruitment partners. This dedication helped her recruitment partners better understand the application procedure and related requirements. But Kara didn’t stop there. She provided additional support through an on-site event where her recruitment partners could explore the campus, experience the environment, and ask questions.

Kara always keeps her recruitment partners at the forefront of everything she does, ensuring they have all the information they need to support students.

Discover how Elias lives and breathes our core value of Caring About Each Other.

What A+ Customer Experience Means to Ian

There’s never a dull moment for Ian as a Partner Relations Manager. He’s responsible for managing ApplyBoard’s partnerships with colleges in Ontario, creating a roadmap for what ApplyBoard and our partners seek to accomplish together. Ian works “closely with our partners to understand their goals for international recruitment to ensure what we’re doing at ApplyBoard supports their vision for the future.”

When asked what Delivering an A+ Customer Experience means to him, Ian shared that “it’s all about going above and beyond expectations.” “First, it’s about delivering a solution that actually works, in a way that’s comprehensive and professional.” When working through a problem, Ian begins by asking himself, “Why are we in this situation in the first place? Is there another way of approaching this problem that we haven’t considered yet?”

Ultimately, to Ian, “in the context of working with our school partners, Delivering A+ Customer Experience means solving problems, but also adding a strategic perspective in order to be better positioned for success in the future.”

Ian has brought this strategic perspective to his role by working with our academic partners to develop joint business plans. These plans have been extremely beneficial in establishing a long-term strategy for how academic institutions and ApplyBoard can work together to grow their brands across different parts of the world.

ApplyBoard is very fortunate to have people like Kara and Ian on our team. Team members who show up every day ready and willing to give their all, deliver great work, and inspire others around them to excel. And that’s precisely what these two ApplyBoardians do.

On behalf of ApplyBoard, thank you, Kara and Ian, for your dedication, ingenuity, and constant demonstration of our core value of Delivering an A+ Customer Experience!

Are you passionate about Delivering an A+ Customer Experience? Explore our open roles.

The post Core Values in Action: Kara and Ian Go Above and Beyond in Delivering an A+ Customer Experience appeared first on ApplyBoard.

These great honours recognize outstanding work in the industry while promoting the philanthropic nature of marketing and communication professionals.

About the Hermes Creative Awards

The Hermes Creative Awards is an international competition that honours the creators and messengers of traditional and emerging media. They celebrate those who use their imaginations and technology to bring ideas to life in the most innovative and creative ways. 

Fun Fact: The Hermes Creative Award takes its name (and inspiration for the design of the statuette) from Hermes, the ancient Greek messenger god, who is also the patron god of literature, orators, and poets.

Get a glimpse of ApplyBoard’s six core values and then take a deeper dive into our core value of Caring About Each Other. 

2023 Platinum Winner: TikTok

ApplyBoard was thrilled to receive a Platinum Award in recognition of our rapidly growing TikTok account. In August, our TikTok video on slang words any international student needs to know went viral and saw the beginning of our account’s meteoric growth.

@applyboard Dont look sus, slay these slang words and have everyone dead #fyp #foryoupage #collegelife #internationalstudent #studytok #xybca #slang #studyabroad ♬ original sound – ApplyBoard

Less than six months after that first viral success, we’ve been thrilled to see 11 more videos go viral. Eight have received over one million views each and have collectively scored more than 25 million views. Plus, our audience has grown from 243 followers in August 2022 to over 166,000 in April 2023. That’s a follower growth rate of 68,210%!

And the best part? All of this was achieved organically—that’s right, no paid ads, and no influencer agreements. Instead, our world-class Social Team explored innovative ways to grow ApplyBoard’s engagement with a global audience. Their distinctive approach has shaped our TikTok account’s content, making it relatable, fun, and useful, with videos ranging from how Gen Z use emojis to reasons to study abroad in different destination countries.

Get to know Kripali Kulkarni, one of ApplyBoard’s wonderful Project Managers, and learn about her Life at ApplyBoard.

2023 Gold Winner: PR Campaign

The accolades don’t stop there! We received a Gold Award for a public relations campaign on last year’s coverage of International Education Week (IEW). This included launching our second annual Trends Report, A New Era of Student Choice Begins: Top Trends in International Education for 2023 and Beyond, and multi-platform audience engagements around the theme of Celebrating the Bold. By bold, we mean those students who rise above the average and chart a new path by fulfilling their educational ambitions abroad.

We believe that nothing illustrates the profound impact of international education quite like the actual words and stories of students who have transformed their lives by studying abroad. With that in mind, the ApplyBoard Blog published Student Success Story: Arabelle. Arabelle is a recent international student graduate and business professional who embodies the word Bold.

In this Student Story, Arabelle shares her motivation for studying abroad in Canada: “I don’t want to settle for a stagnant life,” Arabelle explains. “I always want to improve myself … Education is not the easiest to access, but [it’s] one of the first things that will help you to improve your life.” The blog also posted other engaging and informative posts, including The 5 Best Reasons to Study Abroad and Celebrating the International Student Community.

All Brand and Design hands were also on deck to create the campaign’s unique visual identity, customized for each day of the week. And our amazing Video Team headed back to campus to sit down with a handful of students to ask them one question: What do you dream of achieving with your education? Their answers are as varied as the programs they’re studying, but a common thread runs through them: they all want to help others.

Many team members contributed to the campaign’s success: from campaign management and social media posts across our various platforms, to partner email outreach and website back-end updates. Thank you, everyone, for your hard work!

We want to thank the Hermes Creative Awards for this recognition. It wouldn’t have been possible without each and every ApplyBoardian on our incredibly talented and creative Marketing Team. Thank you for everything you do to help us inch closer in our mission to Educate the World!

Want to be a part of ApplyBoard’s exceptional Marketing Team? Check out our careers page for open roles!

The post ApplyBoard’s Marketing Team Takes Home the Platinum and Gold Hermes Creative Awards appeared first on ApplyBoard.

• Guide every decision we make at every level to help us realize our goals and fulfill our vision
• Inform how we interact with our students, recruitment partners, partner schools, and one another
• Ensure accountability for all of us, regardless of our role

Examining Our Core Values

ApplyBoard is on the cusp of celebrating our eighth anniversary. In the last eight years, we’ve become the world’s leading online platform for international student recruitment. We’ve grown to more than 1,500 team members across over 30 countries. We’ve helped more than 600,000 students from more than 125 countries along their educational journeys. So our Executive Leadership Team thought it was time to sit down together in person to examine our six core values.

They determined that our core values still represent who we are as ApplyBoardians and the work we do in our mission to Educate the World—however, there was something missing! They worked together to establish definitions of what each core value looks like in practice. These definitions will help all ApplyBoardians model these behaviours every day in the work that we do and in the interactions we have with both our customers and fellow ApplyBoardians.

ApplyBoard Core Values: Defined

Without further ado, here are our six core values and their accompanying definitions:

Core Value #1: Helping Students Achieve Success

Helping Students Achieve Success means that we:

• Make students’ dreams come true 
• Maximize students’ full potential with the best schools and programs for them
• Directly or indirectly change students’ lives in a positive way

Core Value #2: Delivering an A+ Customer Experience

What does Delivering an A+ Customer Experience look like in action? It means that we:

• Provide a “wow” experience for our customers
• Always respond to the customer with the best resolution
• Be customer obsessed in everything we do

Core Value #3: Caring About Each Other

Here’s how ApplyBoardians demonstrate Caring About Each Other. We:

• Embrace each other’s differences
• Practice empathy and understanding
• Acknowledge each other’s wins

Core Value #4: Taking Ownership

Taking Ownership means that we, as ApplyBoardians:

• Act on behalf of the entire organization
• Step up to be part of the solution
• Hold each other accountable to our goals

Core Value #5: Innovating and Improving

Our fifth core value, Innovating and Improving, means that we:

• Empower each other to challenge the status quo
• Show up curious and dig deeper
• Take risks and learn from our mistakes

Core Value #6: Making Work Fun

Rounding out our six core values is Making Work Fun. It means that we:

• Celebrate success
• Promote cross-functional relationships and collaboration
• Work hard and play hard

ApplyBoard Co-Founders Meti and Massi Basiri take to the stage to hand out our very first ApplyBoard Core Values Awards!

A Year-Long Celebration

For our core values to truly stick, each and every ApplyBoardian must model them—regardless of role and level—and they must be entrenched in everything we do as a company. That’s why we’ve committed to celebrating our core values all year long and beyond.

Every two months, we’re shining a spotlight on a different core value, where we’ll do a deep dive across company-wide meetings and events, our internal newsletter and resources, and in general day-to-day conversation. Team members are also encouraged to rock virtual meeting backgrounds that visually represent the core value we’re spotlighting. Regardless of whether they’re connecting one-to-one with a fellow ApplyBoardian or on a team call, these backgrounds are always a great conversation starter.

We’re also celebrating individual ApplyBoardians who embody our core values. We started the year off strong with our first-ever ApplyBoard Core Values Awards, where we handed out awards named after each of our six core values to ApplyBoardians who personify them. We’re also spotlighting team members on our Core Values in Action video series. We’re looking forward to sharing these videos with you right here on our Life at ApplyBoard blog, so be sure to check back soon!

If ApplyBoard’s core values resonate with you, please check out our Careers page and come help us Educate the World!

The post A Glimpse at ApplyBoard’s Six Core Values appeared first on ApplyBoard.