Admission Journey: Know how Smitha Balakrishnan got into Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Ireland during COVID-19
Talk to ExpertStudyabroad.shiksha.com got in touch with Smitha Balakrishnan – to know about the challenges she faced while processing her study abroad application during the coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19. Smitha is looking forward to pursuing her Postgraduate Diploma in UX Design & Applied Innovation from the Letterkenny Institute of Technology in Ireland. The excerpts of the conversation follow.
Q. Why did you choose to study abroad? Did Covid-19 affect your decision at any point?
Smitha: I chose to study abroad especially Ireland because they generally provide short duration courses and I can work while studying. I will get a better understanding of the world, culture, and people which will add up as an extraordinary experience in my life.
I did have doubts about planning to study abroad during the COVID-19 phase, but the confusion did change when I got clarity from the Shiksha Study Abroad counselors. I was given reassurance that I can still follow my dream as I can start with online classes.
Q. Was this particular country your only choice as a study destination or did you consider other countries as well?
Smitha: I chose Ireland as my study destination as the country has one of the best curriculums for the User Experience course. I also did not opt for admission to any other country.
Q. Once you were sure of going abroad to study, how did you research the application process? Was it a difficult stage?
Smitha: Research was quite complicated as I had a bitter experience with another agency. The Shiksha Study Abroad counselors made this process easy. They understood my requirement and provided me the list of universities related to my course. Since I got the university details, it was quite easy for me to choose and decide.
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Q. Which exams were you required to take?
Smitha: I was required to appear for the IELTS test for my Master’s program.
Q. How was your Visa interview? What questions did the Visa officer ask you?
Smitha: In my scenario, the Visa Officer did not ask any questions but did check if the documents were submitted in the order mentioned by them.
Q. What challenges did you face due to Covid-19 Lockdowns? Was it difficult to arrange finances?
Smith: There were a few challenges while preparing the documents (like Photostat and affidavit). Arranging the finances was not difficult as I have self-sponsored my study.
Q. Was your family concerned about sending you abroad during these uncertain times? How did you convince them?
Smitha: Yes, my family was concerned about studying abroad during COVID-19 as people were returning to India from abroad. The highlight of studying in Ireland is the part-time job while studying and two years stay back which my parents saw as an opportunity.
Q. How did you come across Shiksha Study Abroad Counseling services? What’s your honest opinion about the help provided to you by the team?
Smitha: I had started my application process through another agency and was struggling to figure out the universities. Accidently I chanced upon Shiksha Study Abroad and gave my details for the inquiry. From there my life has changed for good.
The services from Shiksha have been outstanding. They understand the individual’s circumstances and guide accordingly. They were very patient and always available to me. I give a hundred percent credit of getting my Ireland Study Visa to my counselor Srashty Agarwal.
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Q. What additional support did you receive from the university or Shiksha Study Abroad counselors during this unforeseen situation?
Smitha: Getting my birth certificate was a bit challenging. I was given every bit of detail by Shiksha Study Abroad counselors on how to get the document.
Q. You have made it to your chosen study abroad destination. What advice would you offer study abroad aspirants, esp. amid the COVID-19 scenario?
Smitha: I would suggest following one’s dream and goal of studying abroad in spite of the ongoing pandemic. There might be a delay but there will not be a stop. Apply for the application process if it has commenced. Options like online class can be opted for during the initial days and one can be in the university once the flights have resumed.
While Smitha waits for the international borders to open, we would like to wish her all the best for her future ahead.
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Griffith College Dublin offers an affordable master's degree in computer Science for international students. The Griffith College Dublin fees for MS in computer Science is around INR 12.59 L for first-year. Therefore, yes Griffith College in Ireland is good for doing a computer Science course.