Dilip Oak’s Academy’s annual Pre-Departure Orientation is back for all students joining American and Canadian universities in the fall of 2023. This is your best opportunity to get all of your questions answered, learn about student life in the US, and connect with other students enrolling in the same university.
18th June 2023
DP Road, Near Mhatre Bridge, Erandwane, Pune 411004
This session is open to all students joining US and Canadian universities for Fall 2023
Parents are strongly advised to attend
Conducted by Mr. Dilip Oak himself, this session will clear all your doubts regarding:
- Pre-Departure: Forex Regulations, Medical Checks and Immunization, Insurance and Port of Entry Procedure
- Life in the US: Campus Tips, Accommodation and Jobs after MS
Additionally, you’ll be able to arrange shared housing and coordinate travel with other students who are enrolling at the same university!
Also receive a free copy of “Get Set Go”, a guide on studying in the USA by Mr. Dilip Oak!
Event Chief Guests
Jennifer Gruber (Associate Vice-president)
California State University, Chico
Dr. Seema Sehrawat (Chief of Staff)
California State University, Chico
Session Timings
As the capacity of the venue is only 1,400 pax, we have split the program into two groups based on alphabetical order. Find details of which session to attend below:
Group 1 (Timing: 8:30 am to 10:30 am)
Students joining universities with names ranging from A to S (e.g. Arizona State University, Rochester Institute of Technology, San Diego State University)
Group 2 (Timing: 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm)
Students joining universities with names ranging from T to Z (e.g. Texas Tech University)
Entry-Passes for the Event
Students are expected to collect entry passes for themselves and their parents from the Academy.
Collect passes for event at the Academy between 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
If you are unable to collect the entry pass before 18th June, click HERE to fill up the required form and carry the same along with you on the day of the orientation at least 45 minutes before the program.
Prerequisites to Obtain the Entry Pass
- Admission Centre and Visa Counseling Students
Produce your Academy I-card (compulsory) and a photocopy of the I-20 form. - All Other Fall 2023 Students
Produce a photocopy of the I-20 form, or
stamped F1 visa, or
the admission letter from the university (in case you have not received the I-20 form/visa).
FREE seminars on bachelor’s and master’s in America!
Along with the Pre-departure Orientation, we have also organized FREE seminars on bachelor’s and master’s in America! Those aspiring to study in the USA, this seminar is the right place for you to get complete information about studying abroad.
18th June 2023 at Siddhi Banquet Hall DP Road, Near Mhatre Bridge, Erandwane, Pune 411004
11:30 AM( English and Marathi)
6:30 PM (English)
This seminar will cover
- Present status of the American economy and job opportunities
- Funding your education
- Prerequisite examinations
- Application timeline
Book your seat Here
Please share this information with all your friends.
Prior registration is mandatory.
See you there!
A glimpse of the Fall 2023 Pre-departure Orientation
Like every year, Dilip Oak’s Academy, in association with HDFC Credila, conducted the Pre-Departure Orientation for students joining US universities in August 2023 (Fall semester) for bachelor’s and master’s degrees. This event is one of the largest of its kind in India and has been conducted since 1996.
The event was held in two sessions at Siddhi Banquet Hall and was attended by an audience of around 1500, including students and parents. Dr. Jennifer Gruber, Associate Vice-President; Dr. Seema Sehrawat, Chief of Staff, both from California State University Chico and Ms. Sarika Oak, Director (Operations) Udemy, San Francisco, graced the event as chief guests.
Mr. Oak gave crucial information on things to do before traveling to the US, like medical checks, immunization requirements, insurance and foreign exchange regulation.
Mr. Oak explained that the overall unemployment rate in America is all-time low, i.e., 3.6% and the tech unemployment rate is only 2% in May 2023, suggesting that demand for tech professionals remains.
He further added that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the U.S. will need over 1 million more tech professionals over the next decade. While some large IT companies may have experienced some job losses in recent years, there are still many opportunities for employment in midsize and small IT companies. Moreover, jobs in the non-IT field like engineering, architecture, and finance are not affected at all.
Sarika Oak threw light on campus life, accommodation and security, and important documentation like Social Security Number. She also discussed how to get financial assistance, including campus jobs and job opportunities, after completing the degree. She urged students to be proactive and focus on opportunities that would make them well-rounded, work-ready employees. She emphasized that relationships and networks are important in securing internships and jobs, so students should make friends beyond the Indian community.
Dr. Gruber and Dr. Sehrawat also pointed out that students engage in campus life, make friends beyond the Indian community, and explore student clubs and leadership opportunities. Students should take advantage of the different on-campus employment.
Both students and parents were greatly impressed by the program. Mrs. Geeta Velankar added, “The guidance given was very professional and comprehensive, covering all aspects from settling down in the university, finding housing, and even landing a job. Now, I can rest assured that studying in an American university far away from home will not be a struggle for my child.”
Sameer Bhuvaji said, “Before the orientation, we thought spending such large sums of money on our children’s education was a big gamble. But, Mr. Oak and the university representatives assured us that our children would have good job prospects in America after their studies. So now, we see the money spent on their education as an investment.”
Academy student Sharvari Joshi shared, “I got assistance from the academy regarding the selection of universities, drafting of Statement of Purpose and visa interview. The entire process was seamless, and due to Oak sir’s guidance, I secured admission from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, for Mechanical Engineering.
Informative Seminars Receive Overwhelming Response
Along with the Pre-Departure Orientation, the academy conducted two free seminars on Masters’s education in America. Both seminars received great responses from around 1600+ students and parents.
In the master’s seminar, Mr. Oak highlighted the trending specializations for Computer Science, especially Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cyber Security, Robotics and Data Science. Also, engineering fields like Mechanical, Electrical, Civil and Bio-Medical have very good job opportunities.
At Dilip Oak’s Academy, We provide detailed guidance on these processes under our Admission Counseling Services, including a selection of universities, documentation process and visa counseling, and mock visa interviews. In addition, as India’s leading Study Abroad Consultants, we have helped more than 30,000 students to secure their dream admits for various universities in America including MIT, Stanford, Cornell, Carnegie Mellon and other top-ranked universities.
We also offer GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS coaching, GRE Self Prep and guide students with university selection, application essays, and visa counseling under our Admission Counseling Services for USA, Germany and UK. To enroll, call us on 91-020-67444222, 91-8007878495
Curricular Practical Training or CPT is a type of work authorization that permits students holding F1 visa to work off-campus in a position directly related to their major or program of study. CPT allows students to engage in internships, cooperative education programs, or other work experiences that are an integral part of their curriculum. CPT can be full-time or part-time, paid or unpaid, and may take place during the academic year or summer breaks. In this blog, we will discuss the details of CPT, and benefits for F1 visa holders.
Consulting with the designated school official (DSO) and following the necessary procedures will help students maximize the advantages of CPT while maintaining their legal status as international students.
Duration of CPT
The duration of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) can vary depending on the program and the academic institution’s guidelines. Generally, CPT can be undertaken on either a part-time or full-time basis. Full-time CPT allows students to work for more than 20 hours every week during official university breaks or vacation periods, while part-time CPT limits students to working not more than 20 hours per week while school is in session. The total duration of CPT typically should not exceed 12 months. However, it is important to note that engaging in full-time CPT for more than 12 month can make students ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which is another work authorization available to F-1 visa holders after completing their academic program.
Eligibility for CPT
You must have been a lawful full-time student in the United States for one academic year (i.e., two full terms) to qualify for CPT unless your academic program mandates immediate participation for all students. Maintain a valid F-1 visa and a medical coverage.
Advantages of Curricular Practical Training (CPT):
- Real-World Experience and skill development: CPT provides students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical work environment. It allows them to gain hands-on experience, develop practical skills, and understand how concepts learned in the classroom are implemented in real-world scenarios. CPT offers an environment for students to develop and refine a wide range of skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. These transferable skills are in high demand by employers across various industries.
- Career Exploration and Development: Engaging in CPT enables students to explore several career paths and industries. It helps them gain insights into their field of study, identify their strengths and interests, and make informed decisions about their future career goals.
- Financial Support: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) offers F-1 visa holders in the US the advantage of financial support through paid opportunities. By participating in CPT, students can earn income that helps cover their education and living expenses. This financial support reduces the burden of tuition fees, accommodation costs, and everyday expenses. Moreover, it promotes independence and self-sufficiency by allowing students to rely less on external funding sources. The financial stability gained through CPT enables students to focus on their academic pursuits, gain relevant work experience, and fully immerse themselves in the international experience. By adhering to regulations and guidelines, students can benefit from the financial advantages of CPT while maintaining their F-1 visa status.
- Networking Opportunities: CPT allows students to build professional networks and establish connections within their industry of interest. Through interactions with colleagues, supervisors, and professionals, students can expand their professional contacts, seek mentorship, and potentially secure future job opportunities.
- Enhanced Employability and Resume Enhancement: Practical work experience gained through CPT can significantly enhance a student’s employability. Employers often value candidates with relevant industry experience, and CPT provides an avenue for students to demonstrate their skills, work ethic, and ability to contribute to the workplace. Having CPT experience can give students a competitive edge in the job market. Including CPT experience on a resume showcases a student’s practical experience and demonstrates their commitment to professional growth. It can make their resume stand out and differentiate them from other job applicants.
- Cultural and Global Exposure: For international students, CPT provides an opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural and professional environment of their host country. It exposes them to diverse perspectives, work practices, and cultural norms, contributing to their personal and professional growth.
At Dilip Oak’s Academy, We also provide detailed guidance on these processes under our Admission Counseling Services, including a selection of universities, documentation process and visa counseling, and mock visa interviews. In addition, as India’s leading Study Abroad Consultants, we have helped more than 30,000 students to secure their dream admits for various universities in America including MIT, Stanford, Cornell, Carnegie Mellon and other top-ranked universities.
We also offer GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS coaching, GRE Self Prep and guide students with university selection, application essays, and visa counseling under our Admission Counseling Services for USA, Germany and UK. To enroll, call us on 91-020-67444222, 91-8007878495
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a program that allows international students who have completed their degrees in the United States to work in the country for a certain period of time. The duration of the OPT program can vary depending on various factors such as the type of degree, the field of study, and any extensions that may be available. It enables oversees students to work in USA without obtaining H1B visa.
Benefits of OPT for International Students
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an attractive option for overseas students coming to the USA for higher education:
Gain work experience: OPT allows international students to gain practical work experience in their field of study. This experience can help them stand out when applying for jobs after completing their studies.
Extend stay in the USA: OPT allows international students to stay in the USA for an additional 12 to 36 months after completing their degree program, depending on their field of study. This can provide an opportunity to gain work experience, and explore different career paths.
Network and make connections: While working on OPT, international students can network with professionals in their field, which can lead to job offers and career opportunities in the future.
Financial stability: OPT allows international students to earn money and become financially stable, which can be helpful in paying for their education loan.
Bridge to H-1B visa: OPT can serve as a bridge to the H-1B visa, which is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. OPT can provide international students with the necessary work experience to qualify for an H-1B visa.
Duration of OPT
The standard OPT program allows eligible students to work in the United States for up to 12 months. However, students with degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields, are eligible for a 24-month extension of their OPT period.
It’s important to note that the total duration of OPT, including any extensions, cannot exceed 36 months.
It’s also important to understand that the OPT clock starts ticking the day after a student’s program end date, and any time spent unemployed during the OPT period will count against the total duration. This means that it’s important for students to secure employment as soon as possible after their program end date, and to report any changes in employment or address to their Designated School Official (DSO) within 10 days of the change.
During their OPT period, international students can request that their employer sponsor them for an H1B visa, which grants them the ability to work in the United States for up to 6 (3+3) years. The US government allocates a total of 65,000 H1B visas every year, with an additional 20,000 visas reserved specifically for STEM students. Applications for H1B visas are accepted on April 1st of every year, with approximately 250,000 applicants competing for these limited slots, resulting in a lottery system to determine visa recipients. If a STEM student is not selected for a visa in the initial round, they can continue working under OPT and apply again the following year, providing them with up to three chances to secure a work permit during their OPT period.
At Dilip Oak’s Academy, We also provide detailed guidance on these processes under our Admission Counseling Services, including a selection of universities, documentation process and visa counseling, and mock visa interviews. In addition, as India’s leading Study Abroad Consultants, we have helped more than 30,000 students to secure their dream admits for various universities in America including MIT, Stanford, Cornell, Carnegie Mellon and other top-ranked universities.
We also offer GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS coaching, GRE Self Prep and guide students with university selection, application essays, and visa counseling under our Admission Counseling Services for USA, Germany and UK. To enroll, call us on 91-020-67444222, 91-8007878495.
There has been a rising tide of Indian students going to the United States for higher-studies in recent years. The GRE is an entrance test that assesses proficiency in math, reading, and writing. It is required for admission to most postgraduate programs and doctoral programmes in the US and is also accepted by higher education institutions in the UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland. The GRE provides universities with a common benchmark against which to compare applicants from around the world.
The increase in the number of Indian students taking the GRE is a significant development in the higher education landscape. Nearly 1,25,000 student visas were issued to Indians to study in the United States in 2022. This indicates a growing trend of Indian students opting for postgraduate education in the US and other countries.
Doubling of Indian Students Taking the GRE: A Significant Development
The number of Indian students taking the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) has doubled in the past decade to 1,14,000 which is just 10,000 examinees less than the number of test-takers in the United States.
The Educational Testing Services (ETS), a US-based organization, administers the GRE test. The organization has witnessed a 48% rise in the number of Indian test takers in the 2021-2022 academic year, with the number of examinees increasing from 68,869 to 1,02,024. This growth in GRE statistics in India has been attributed to the increasing number of Indian students opting for higher education in the US.
Hyderabad has topped the table in the number of students taking the GRE with a record 25,347 candidates. Mumbai had 5,759 candidates in 2021-22; Bangalore 5,564; Pune 3,689; Chennai 3,278; Delhi 2,845. Also, many second-tier cities are coming up. Guntur has witnessed rapid growth and the number of candidates for 2021-22 has increased to 8,983. Other Tier 2 cities like Visakhapatnam, Warangal and Nellore also performed well last year. The same can be said for many Tier 3 cities. For example, Khammam city entered the top ten following a 150% rise in the number of examinees, from 888 in 2015-16 to 2,221 in 2021-22.
Reasons for Indian Students Choosing US Universities
There are several reasons that attract Indian students to education in USA. Firstly, the US is home to some of the world’s best universities, offering high-quality education and research opportunities. Many Indian students see this as an excellent opportunity to gain a world-class education that will increase their job prospects and help them stand out in a competitive job market.
The US offers a diverse range of academic programs, giving Indian students a wide range of options to choose from. This includes courses in fields like engineering, business, technology, and the arts, among others. Also, the US offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for international students. Many universities in the US have dedicated international student support services to help students adjust to life in a new country and provide guidance on academic and personal matters.
Many universities in the US offer financial aid and scholarships to international students. This support can help alleviate the financial burden of studying abroad and make it more affordable for Indian students to pursue higher education in the US. Lastly, the US offers opportunities for practical experience through internships and co-op programs, which can help Indian students gain valuable work experience and develop their professional skills.
The GRE: An Essential Component of the Application Process for Indian Students
India’s rapid growth in GRE statistics is in stark contrast to recent trends in the US. In the US, universities are increasingly challenging the importance of standardized assessments like the GRE. However, in India, the GRE has become a critical component of the application process for admission to postgraduate programs. This growth in GRE statistics in India also makes a stark contrast against China, which has only witnessed a 20% increase in the number of test takers in the last decade. In the 2021-2022 academic year, only 50,758 Chinese students took the GRE exam, which is less than half the 1,14,000 of Indian test-takers.
At Dilip Oak’s Academy, we offer GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS coaching, GRE Self Prep and guide students with university selection, application essays, and visa counseling under our Admission Counseling Services for USA, Germany and UK.
We also provide detailed guidance on these processes under our Admission Counseling Services, including a selection of universities, documentation process and visa counseling, and mock visa interviews. In addition, as India’s leading Study Abroad Consultants, we have helped more than 30,000 students to secure their dream admits for various universities in America including MIT, Stanford, Cornell, Carnegie Mellon and other top-ranked universities. To enroll, call us on 91-020-67444222, 91-8007878495.