How to prepare for meeting an education counsellor

The decision to study abroad brings many things to consider. From getting to grips with course options to understanding student visas, the list can be long. For this reason, education counsellors can be a big help. These study experts help with everything from applications to accommodation, and even career planning. But how can you get the most from them? We asked some of IDP's finest for advice on how to prepare for meeting an education counsellor.

Give yourself time

Planning ahead makes everything easier. That's why IDP's counsellors recommend you contact them around six months to one year before you plan to apply to university.

They tell us that this gives you both enough time to do the following:

• Explore and shortlist suitable courses and universities
• Prepare necessary documents
• Meet English language requirements
• Apply for scholarships
• Handle application and visa processes without unnecessary stress 

Once you have made contact and arranged a counselling session, you can start preparing for it. Make sure to note down the date and time of your appointment, and confirm that you will attend. Your counselling may take place remotely or in person.

In either case, you may need to share some basic information about yourself in advance. You might also find it helpful to share any questions you have, as this will allow your counsellor to prepare their answers. For inspiration, look at our top questions to ask an education counsellor.

If your counselling session is going to take place in person, check your route beforehand and work out how you’ll get there. Give yourself time to arrive comfortably before the appointment. While you may not need to bring any documents with you, don’t forget to take anything that has been requested.

Want to feel sure that counselling is for you? Get inspired by these international student stories – each one began with the help of an education counsellor.

Prepare your thoughts

Before you meet with a counsellor, it’s a good idea to think about what you want in a study destination, institution and course. You do not need to know everything now, but any thoughts you have will help your counsellor present you with good options.

"The initial session is meant to guide students, even if they’re in the early stages of planning," IDP counsellors tell us. "With that said, it’s helpful if students have a general idea of what they want to study and a rough budget in mind."

To make this clear, you could write a brief outline of your thoughts, preferences and circumstances. This will help your counsellor understand you and provide you with suitable options. In addition, they may be able to point you towards scholarship opportunities.

Be ready to collaborate

Your education counsellor will put real effort into developing your study abroad plans, and you should be prepared to do the same. Counselling is a two-way street. Be open about what you are looking for, listen to your counsellor, and express your feelings respectfully.

To make things easier, IDP counsellors will ask you a series of introductory questions in your first session. These will be about your:

• Academic history and qualifications
• Preferred field of study or subject
• Preferred destination
• Career goals and long-term plans
• Budget and financial support

Being as clear as possible in your answers will help get things off to a great start. Good communication is important throughout the counselling process. It ensures that simple things can be done quickly, and more difficult things can be done with minimal stress.

Smart ways to set up your counselling collaboration include:

• Being open to discussion and suggestions
• Providing accurate information
• Submitting information on time
• Being clear about your expectations
• Trusting your counsellor
• Being honest

All good relationships start with solid foundations. The one you share with an education counsellor is no exception. By entering into it openly, you can make it hugely constructive. What you do now could have a very positive impact on your study abroad experience, and even your future career.

Take a look at some more questions an education counsellor may ask you.

Consider friends and family

While your decisions are ultimately your own, there is great value in considering the perspectives of others when planning your future. This is especially true of those who know you best.

Having your parents on board can be very important. Choosing to study abroad is a big thing for a family, and this is something with which a counsellor could help. They may be able to give your parents the information they need to feel at ease and part of the process.

Being away from friends is also something you should consider. Think about the things you like to do with them, and how you could do similar while studying abroad. Discussing your personal interests with your counsellor could help them guide you towards the right kind of institution and best student cities. This could minimise any homesickness you may feel.

Other things you could consider when assessing your options with friends and family include:

• Cost
• Distance from home
• Language
• Accommodation
• Career goals

You can also take our advice on what to ask universities as an international student.

FAQs

Still have more questions? We gave IDP's counsellors some common queries about their work, and they provided the answers.

Do counsellors offer guidance on what courses suit students' academic background?

Yes. IDP counsellors carefully review students' academic background and, where applicable, work experience. This ensures that the recommended courses align with their qualifications and career aspirations.

Is counselling different for undergraduate and postgraduate students?

Yes, the counselling approach differs based on the student's academic level. For undergraduate students, there is often a stronger focus on career exploration and guidance. Postgraduate students usually have more clarity about their academic interests and career objectives.

What makes IDP's counselling service different to others?

IDP stands out by offering premium, end-to-end services completely free of cost. Some of the key features include:

• IDP Live app: Helps students get real-time course recommendations, track applications and receive instant updates.
• FastLane: Lets students know if they pre-qualify for admission in minutes by matching their profile with partner universities.
• Student-first approach: IDP respects students' choice of institution.
• No hidden fees: All services are free, including counselling, application assistance and visa guidance.

We hope this helps you in preparing to meet an education counsellor. If it has made you sure you would like to speak to one, you can sign up now for a free study consultation. You might also want to read our top five reasons to use an education counsellor, or keep yourself informed with the latest news for international students.