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Rediff.com  » Getahead » Expert tips: The best options to study in the US

Expert tips: The best options to study in the US

July 16, 2016 08:10 IST
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Overseas education consultant NNS Chandra shares advice on how to pick the right international education.

In an online chat with readers every Friday, overseas education consultant NNS Chandra offers advice on how to pick the right course and career abroad.

For those who missed the chat on July 15, here's the unedited transcript:


RanjanKumar DasMohapatra: Hi, Chandra. I am a post graduate in Horticulture, serving in the state Govt. of Odisha, India for the last 31 years. My daughter is studying in UC, Berkeley in MIMS programme. I want to relocate to US. Any prospects for me?

NNS Chandra: Your question related to study or job, Ranjan? Please write to me. I am an educator and I am not fully aware or have very limited info on job or VISA or immigration oppurtunities.


Suresh Sreedharan: Hello NNS, My son is waiting for his final semester results BE (Mech Eng) from VTU 2016 batch, has average marks and no back-log. Looking for higher studies opportunities abroad which is reasonably good and cost effective. Kindly guide us, thank you

NNS Chandra: Hi Suresh - Please ask him to write to me with his academic interests and results so far. Several opportunities are available. He must clear tests also.


abhishek mukherjee: Hi NNS, I am 34 and presently working in NITI Aayog (erstwhile Planning Commission). I have completed my masters in Economics in the year 2005. I want to pursue a degree in public policy and further research abroad. Please guide me. 

NNS Chandra: Wow - what capacity and position you work in NITI? From where you took your Masters?

Public policy and research in USA is a great idea.

Do you have an university in mind? Reserach - you must prove your interest and aptitude in reserach plus demonstrated research work - publications, conferences etc. Please get in touch with me I can probably administer a research aptitude test and provide guidance based on that


balaji sampath: My son is pursuing a dual degree in BITS (MSc in Bio Science and BE in Computer science), he wants to do a thesis for 1 year in computational biology from Europe/US. Could you suggest options available. He has an excellent academic track record. Also could you suggest way forward to pursue PHD in Computational/systems biology abroad......Thanks

NNS Chandra: I did not fully understand your question on one year thesis. Research, internship? Please e-mail full details I might be able to guide.

PhD - while recruiting doctoral candidates we look for interest and aptitude in research plus demonstrated research work - publications, conferences etc. Please ask him to get in touch with me I can probably administer a research aptitude test and provide guidance based on that.


rajesh prasad gangana: hello sir, I am Eshwar chandra I have completed my puc , i am looking for MBBS in georgia . i wanted to know how are the prospects for MBBS in georgia ? is it safe to study there ? will i have a good future after my completion of course? 

NNS Chandra: Dear Eshwar - Georgia med schools were considered to be good ones. And with required MCI approvals, Recently I read quality in some schools there are challenged and their approval by MCI revoked. Please check based om which school you are going


chandra vemula: Hi chandra, I am 38 years old electronics engineer having 14 yrs experience in telecom field. Is there any chance of doing phd directly in US/ CANADA/ AUSTRALIA.

NNS Chandra: Dear Vemula, technically and theoretically -- yes -- it is possible to do a doctoral degree directly after undergrad degree. At least one of my student (American, from Ohio state pre-med deg to full PhD in Iowa - she did that. It can be a tough call for an internationally trained professional middle of a professional career to pull it off.

Considering PhD starts with interest, aptitude and demonstrated research work. HAve you selected your topic? Please email, I can take a look and comment.


paditya--gupta: Hi, Chandra, My daughter has completed her MBBS and is in her 2nd year of MD in Anaesthesiology. She intends to do her fellowship in Canada or US. Please guide us to this effect & also let us know if funding/scholarships are available. Thanks.Bappaditya Gupta

NNS Chandra: Dear Gupta - Each year, several North American medical schools offer, limited fellowship opportunities to internationally trained medical professionals. Both in Canada and in USA. Applications are invited, mostly, by departments and research chairs directly - and numbers depends on funding and research going on.

Most fellowships are funded. Please ask her to get in touch with me. I might be able to guide her


Niranjan Bal: High NNS Chandra,I am 44. Planning to go for two years study in abroad. I have a B Tech (electronics) and MBA from IGNOU. Have 17 years experience and presently in a PSU job.(Powwer Sector). Should I sit for GMAT or GRE. Please advise .Niranjan

NNS Chandra: Hi Niranjan - Yes, you must have a GRE/GMAT score for sure, to be considered for US admission. But in selection you will get credits for your excellent professional work and experience, and its impact depends on quality of your work and your presentation.

And depends on program/university you are applying. Please email me your credentials I would be glad to guide.


premanand mishra: My daughter wants to join SP Jain tri city BBA. what is scope and future prospect or she should try any USA university? Please suggest 

NNS Chandra: Hi Mishra - Great. Which campus she is planning to be in? I am sure she will get a good training.

Regarding your second question, on getting in to US university, Depends. Depends secondary school work - on grades, etc. BBA is a good option. An entry level degree in management can lead to learning more and and good job.


bhavna naik: Sir I have completed my post graduation in ENT after MBBS.I wish to do 1 year fellowship abroad .what r the options available. Kindly guide. Thanks

NNS Chandra: Hello Bhavna - Each year, several North American medical schools offer, limited fellowship opportunities to internationally trained medical professionals. Both in Canada and in USA. Applications are invited, mostly, by departments and research chairs directly -- and numbers depends on funding and research going on.

Selection process is rigorous. The criteria being academic work and focus would be on applicants research work in university and after, publications etc.


Lead image used for representational purposes only. Image: Punit Paranjpe/Reuters

Have questions for NNS Chandra? Post them here!

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