Higher Education: Abroad

This one would never fade away. Since 2000-2001 suddenly a majority of people graduating in India felt the need to pursue higher education from the UK,Australia,France,Germany,Spain???,New Zealand,Cyprus(would you believe it),Sweden,Singapore and anyways USA has always been the favourite along with Canada.
And higher education for many of those is just Masters..but Masters in what?This question is of the least concern when it should be the trigger question.
And if you sense the same then let me tell you something...this is like ruining your career even before it has taken off.Its not advisable at all to consider going to a foreign country for just the heck of it. And dont let those study overseas consultants overwhelm your thoughts with the choice you have to make.
Assuming that you have decided to take up your Masters in a foreign land there are few initiatives I can suugest, you take.
1. Identify your education,work background match it with your future aspirations and see which course or program is better equipped to take you there.
2.Do a search for the universities that offer that course,and sort them according to your preferance of location,reputation,total cost incurred,future opportunities and program start date,
3.The application process should start 6-9 months(1 year for USA) before the target course start date.
4.Get IELTS,TOEFL,GRE,GMAT etc. out of your way as early as possible.
5.Budgeting-most important.You need to know where your money is coming from to fund your studies.Find out about education loans that may help you.
6.Visa is the most important factor.DO your research on the requisites of obtaining a visa...approach consultants if you dont get it.
7.I would suugest going to a consultant since i know lot of applicants would lack a document or two here and there and consultants would help you with a work around.
(Post your queries on the blog for any kind of help...i have my won rating for consultants which i have created over the period of 8 years..i do it as free service so rest assured i intend no malice or bias..i am a good man :) )
8.If the only reason you are going abroad is to make a quick and big buck..then do not select a fancy university or program..go for a college which offers courses for less fees..better dont go for masters...For Australia and Canada you can apply for colleges offering Diplomas in Food mgmnt,hotel mgmnt,Hare dressing etc etc...not a bad option...
9.DO not ever think of abstaining from the college...no matter what...even if you want to work all the time make sure you attend college or else be ready to become an illegal(a baaaad idea)
Its a very generic topic to start with....better post your queries and i ll get to them alos the links on the left might be helpful...