Becoming a 'global' pilot

Dear Sir,

I have finished my class 11 (CBSE) exams and my 12th standard classes are going to start. I am interested in continuing my further studies (under graduate) in Canada. Most of my friends who want to study abroad are planing to do their SAT. But one of my friends (who is right now studying in Canada) advised me to do IELTS. When I checked the websites of some of the universities, they also mentioned the requirements as IELTS along with my 12th board marks. I am confused about whether I do my SAT or IELTS? What is the difference between the two?

Student

Dear Student,

There is basic difference between these two tests. IELTS is a test to check your proficiency in English language. Most universities in USA look for TOEFL which is similar to IELTS. Canada having partly British system of education asks for this score. Immaterial of whatever other tests are prescribed or not IELTS, or TOEFL, is a must. SAT is Scholastic Aptitude Test, which is a requirement to get admitted to any under graduation programme.

All universities in USA need SAT 1 and a few universities also ask for SAT 2 score. Some universities in Canada do admit even without a SAT 1 score. However, since you are in the 11th and still have time I would advise you to take at least SAT 1 so that, should you change your destination, it will be useful. Even otherwise it is an affirmation of your intelligence. You can check out www.sat.org for more details.

Dear Sir,

I am doing my BE (8th sem) in Electronics and Communication. My aggregate is 73%. I wish to pursue my masters in Australia in the field of embedded systems. What are the exams I should be taking up for getting an admit in a good university? Which is the ideal time to take it up, how is the quality of education and what is the cost of living. Please suggest some good universities which offer this course.

Hansika

Dear Hansika,

Good that you have an aggregate of 73% so far. See how much more you can improve on it in your final semester. Australia is a destination for higher studies that does not require any great preparation. All you need to do is IELTS, which is a test for your English language proficiency and is a mandatory requirement.

Quality of education is of world standards and is improving as globally there is competition amongst educational institutions. Ever since recession has set, educational institutions are gearing up for the influx of aspiring persons who would want to enhance their educational qualification. Hence the quality of the courses would not be compromised. Even otherwise Australia gives quality for the money. Semesters start in February and July in Australia and so you can aim for the February 2010 semester if you start your preparations from now on. Some of the good universities are: The Australian National University, The University of Melbourne, Monash University, RMIT University, The University of New South Wales and The University of Sydney.

Dear Sir,

I have written my 10 std exams. I am interested to become an international pilot. Please advise.

Giridhar C

Dear Giridhar,

To start with you need to complete your 11th and 12th with mathematics and physics. Then you can seek admission into a flying training school here in India or abroad and then take the commercial pilots license (CPL). All aviation schools have a written psychometric test for entrance to their training programs for CPL after which they insist on a “simulator test” to test natural talent for flying. You need to be prepared to spend between Rs 20 to 35 lakhs. Before embarking on an expensive course of training, it is paramount that you find out whether you have the right aptitude and commitment required to successfully see the training through to the end. Your medical health check can be a hurdle, so make sure that you are sound of health and eye sight is impeccable.

Having CPL is not an assurance of any kind of job even in India let alone in an international scenario. To graduate from single or twin engine aircraft to higher versions needs additional endorsements that can be taken only by further training. Earlier, airline industry used to sponsor selected candidates with CPL for further training to be employed by them. Now the scenario has changed and it is difficult get training even if one is willing to spend huge sums of money. Unless one gets the correct endorsements and is capable of flying multi-engine jet aircrafts, becoming a career international pilot is a gamble.

If you are very passionate about being pilot there is one option that can be thought about. You can think of continuing your education in an engineering degree preferably or any other degree and lay a good foundation before you try for CPL. Even if you have a set back in flying you still have your academic degree that may fetch you a career in airline industry. With the advent of privatisation of airports, many career choices have opened out. Be aware that one needs to have lot of patience and commitment with determination. All these qualities are essential along with huge sense of responsibility to become an international pilot. You can browse the website www.dgca.nic.in, which gives you all the flying training schools approved by the Director General Civil Aviation, for further details.

Dear Sir,

I have completed my BA in a triple major of Media, Literature and Psychology. I want to apply for a MS abroad. Most universities in the USA require four years of Bachelor’s and our universities offer only three years.

Maya

Dear Maya,

I suggest you do a Masters programme here in India to get 16 years of education. Since you cannot study only for one year of master’s degree and then seek admission for MS in USA, you have to complete the course. But it will not go waste as you can earn additional course credits for the Master’s course you do here. After you join an university, on arrival in USA, your qualification will be evaluated and they will decide on the course credits. Be sure of the subject you want to do your MS in, in the US, and take up the appropriate master’s degree here in India.

Dear Sir,

I’m studying in 6th sem computer science. I have an aggregate of 70%. I would like to write TOEFL and GRE exams. I want to join a coaching class for these courses. Can you suggest a good coaching centre in Bangalore.

Prakash M

Dear Prakash,

It is a good plan to start preparation to take up GRE and TOEFL when you are sure of doing a MS in USA. It is difficult for me to give you a choice of coaching centers as there is no accreditation for these. For many Indian students TOEFL preparation is not a big issue as most have studied in an English medium. Even GRE preparation is done by many on their own using good guides. Kaplan guide has been used by many aspirants to their satisfaction. You can also take on line mock tests to test your scoring ability and improve by self study. Should you still need a coaching center I suggest you ask around in your peer group or seniors who have taken coaching.

The author is the Director of Banjara Academy and Coordinator of Helping Hand, a free counselling centre. ‘Study Abroad’ is a tri-weekly column.
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