Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Are there study and work programmes in the US?

April 24, 2008 13:22 IST

Can you recover your living expenses in the US by working while you earn your degree?

Is your GRE score good enough to get you into a leading college?

Are you considering studying in Singapore, but unsure of the universities' accreditation?

To address these and many other Study Abroad queries, foreign education consultant Karan Gupta hosted a chat with Get Ahead readers on April 15.

For those of you who missed the chat, here's Part II of the unedited transcript:

 Part I: Are you eligible for a scholarship?


mohitarora asked, Hi Karan.. I have done MCA from Kurukshetra University in 2005 with 74 percent marks, i want to know about the study and work program in USA ? Can u please tell me the details as well as the expenditure and whom should i contact?

Karan Gupta answers, It is important to have a full time work visa if you want to work in the US. In addition to this, you can apply for a part time course at a university. It is not possible to work full time while on a student visa.


VK asked, How far do you think studying abroad helps youngsters? Does this potentially mean that studying in INDIA does not fetch you jobs or youngsters who cannot weather the storm here are just buying degrees abroad as those universities are mainly focussed on making money?

Karan Gupta answers, Students have the opportunity to gain international exposure and earn an international degree. Additionally, the flexibility of the course structure, and practical study makes students more equipped as compared to degree obtained in India.


ak asked, Hi Karan, i want to pursue a course in Luxury goods retail and management. Do u know of soe courses for this in uk, usa or europe..?looking ata short term course or at most a year long course

Karan Gupta answers, MIP in Italy offers a course in Luxury Management.


Raj asked, Hi Karan, I got a placement at The University of Arizona for one year as post doctoral fellow. What will be living cost there? What are the necessary steps I should follow before stating my journey, so I should not face any problem for accomodation, insurance etc. Please advise.

Karan Gupta answers, The average living expenses are $10000 per year. You can complete your health requirements and medicals before you leave. It is best to visit the place 1 week before the course starting date, to find your accomodation.


NavinV asked, Hi Karan. I work in Infosys and will complete 3 years as of next fall. I got a score of 610 quants and 460 verbal in GRE I took last week. What are my chances of making it into top 30 colleges to pursue an M.S in either MIS or Computer Sciences? Will work experience help in getting admit and/or aid?

Karan Gupta answers, Work experience is not a requirement for students applying for a Master's degree. However, this will definitely hold value when you apply, especially for MIS. I recommend you re-take the GRE, if you are looking to apply to the top schools.


Subhashis Das asked, Dear Karan, I want to settle in australia.I am a B.COM(HONS)graduate from calcutta university.Is there any way i get admission in australisn university.

Karan Gupta answers, Take the IELTS and apply to universities in Australia once you have decided on your further course of study. Please send your applications to the universities 6-8 months prior to the course starting date.


nagi asked, I am BCom Graduate with 10 yeat experience but now i am interested to do MBA in aboard? For which campus can i apply? and also i have MBA correspondence degree from Madurai Kamaraj University. i am 33 yrs..old is it possible to do any course?

Karan Gupta answers, You can apply for an Executive MBA since you have 10 years of work experience. Please refer to www.report-ed.com for a list of schools.


rambo asked, hi karan, do u have any idea on the prospects of public policy? what kind og jobs can i look fwd to and hows the pay?

Karan Gupta answers, Public policy has good prospects in the US and thus well paying jobs.


crazyspikes asked, Hi Karan! I scored 690 on GMAT and tried to get through US MBA universities ( SIMON, EMORY, BOSTON, MARSHALL to name a few) through a reknowned consultant in Delhi. But i had a bad experience and i could not get through any of the colleges selected by the consultant. I am facing a tough time now. As i have no admissions in my hand. please suggest a way out.

Karan Gupta answers, You may be able to apply to some European schools that still have their admissions open for FALL 2008. IE Business School is one such top ranked school. Please check with each individual university website for their deadlines.


aabb asked, What are the tests i have to appear for doing a PhD(with financial aid) in US after completing Master of Engg and 3 years of experience with some technical publications.

Karan Gupta answers, Most US schools require the GRE and TOEFL before applying to a Masters/PhD degree in the US.


Mack asked, Hi Karan, I have completed my +2 last year i wanna study in us or uk can u suggest which is better option i wanna pursue B.E. in Comp. and Communication. there And later want to settle there

Karan Gupta answers, You can apply for an undergraduate degree in the US. Please take the SAT and TOEFL tests and send your applications (including SOP, essay, resume, transcripts, recommendation letters) to the universities 1 year prior to the course starting date.


priyal asked, hi,karan, which s d best place for MBA&MCA

Karan Gupta answers, The US is a good option.


dbalaji asked, Dear Karan, I have an offer from U Toronto (with full funding) as well as TIFR Mumbai for a graduation studies.What factors are to be considered in making a choice between a reputed Indian Institution and a foreign University?

Karan Gupta answers, Please evaluate the course structure at both institutes and speak to alumni before you have taken a final decision.


nk asked, I am BE mechanical, and in purcse dept with experience of 11 years. i amt a purchase manager certification which should be online can u help

Karan Gupta answers, You can consider an Executive MBA.


df asked, Hi Karan. How well recognised are MBA degrees from NUS and NTU, Singapore globally?

Karan Gupta answers, NUS and NTU are recognized schools and among the top in Singapore. If you are looking to apply for an MBA, it is best to apply globally.


hello asked, what chances are there for a 3 year gap student for Higher studies abroad?

Karan Gupta answers, If you fulfill the entrance test requirements as well as the minimum academic qualification requirement of the universities, you can consider applying for further studies.


Rajwardhan asked, hi karan,my gre score is 1250 and that of toefl is 105, both of which i gave being underprepared as i wasn't quite sure as to what i wanted to do and still confused betn MS in us and ab MBA from india.i would like to persue industrial engg. .. how are the prospects

Karan Gupta answers, Industrial engineering has good prospects. An international Masters degree after your Bachelor's degree will provide you with international exposure as well as knowledge and experience to start of a career. I do not recommend an MBA directly after graduation with no work experience.


Karan Gupta says, We are running out of time and will have to stop here. Thank you all for being a part of this chat and have a good day ahead!


 Part I: Are you eligible for a scholarship?