How Do You Differentiate Good Counselors From The Bad Ones?

For a student embarking on an academic journey in a foreign land, it is crucial to engage the services of a proficient and esteemed education counselor. However, with numerous options in the market, it can be challenging to differentiate between a good counselor and a bad oneThis blog post aims to provide insights on discerning essential criteria in evaluating an education counselor who can effectively guide students in their educational journey abroad.

Career Counseling vs. I-20 Counseling: Is The Counselor Ethical?

Choosing an education counselor who upholds ethical standards and practices, such as maintaining confidentiality and not making false promises or guarantees, is crucial. Unfortunately, some counselors focus more on I-20 counseling than career counseling due to their profit-motive. As a result, students cannot access their true potential or receive proper guidance, which should be a high priority for any ethical counselor. To determine if a counselor is ethical, assess whether they are sensitive to your career aspirations, consistently diverting you to a university of their preference, or providing false information. If the answer is yes, it is a red flag, and you should look for another counselor.

Professional vs. Amateur: Is The Counselor Qualified?

A proficient educational counselor ought to possess a pertinent academic degree or professional certification in the domains of education, counseling, or any related field. A counselor without any proper educational background, knowledge, and exposure cannot guide you well. While we are not saying they need to be an A+ student, they must understand what academia demands from a student and what to expect from academia as a student to prepare you adequately.

Studied Abroad vs. Studied Nowhere: Is The Counselor Well-Experienced?

It is advisable to seek an educational counselor who has prior experience of studying overseas, working with students, and facilitating them in achieving their academic and professional objectives. It is recommended to avoid counselors who lack any international experience or understanding of the international education system. Although a good counselor need not be a foreign-returned professional, it is preferable to have someone who possesses both academic and practical knowledge of the international education system and has a proven track record of successfully guiding students, similar to yourself, towards their desired university.

Certified vs. Self-Proclaimed: Is The Counselor Well-Trained?

Many professional organizations, such as PIER, TITI, and ICEF, offer certification for education counselors. The certifications serve as evidence that the counselor has met precise standards of knowledge or experience in the relevant field. A good counselor should be able to listen actively and communicate effectively with you, explain things in an easy-to-understand way, and be open to answering any questions you may have. Do not believe self-proclaimed untrained and uncertified individuals who waste your time.

Reputed vs. Newbie: Is The Counselor Trustworthy?

Choose an education counselor wisely. It is recommended to approach individuals who enjoy a favorable reputation and command high respect in their field. Referrals may be sought from trustworthy acquaintances, family members, or other professionals.

Remember that a good counselor can be trusted because it is about your career choice, which plays a pivotal role in your life. While a newbie may be trustworthy, it is better to go to someone with good word of mouth.

Personalized Approach vs. Parroting Approach: What Is The Counselor's Approach?

An effective education counselor should allocate sufficient time to understand your unique requirements and aspirations, and customize their advice and suggestions accordingly. They should not rely on a generic or repetitive approach that is not tailored to your specific needs.

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In summary, it is a good idea to meet with a few different education counselors before making a decision so that you can compare and contrast their approaches and determine the best fit for your study abroad journey. With these factors in mind, you can find a good education counselor who will guide you well on your education journey in a foreign land.