You’ve decided to seek expert help for your study abroad journey. That’s a smart move! You’ve booked your first meeting with an overseas education consultant, ready to discuss your dreams of studying in Canada, the UK, or the USA.
But here’s a crucial piece of advice: This is not just a casual chat. This is the most important interview you will conduct this year.
Think of it this way: you are hiring a personal coach or a strategic co-pilot for one of the biggest and most expensive projects of your life. The consultant you choose will have a massive impact on your future. You need to be absolutely sure they have the right experience, a transparent process, and a genuine commitment to your success.
Walking into that first meeting unprepared is a missed opportunity. Walking in with the right questions, however, empowers you to take control of the process. This guide will provide you with the ultimate list of questions to ask. We’ve categorized them to help you cover all the bases and, more importantly, we’ll explain what a good answer sounds like. This will help you confidently choose the best study abroad consultant for you.
Setting Yourself Up for Success: How to Prepare for the Meeting
Before you even walk in the door, a little preparation can make your first meeting incredibly productive.
- Do Some Basic Homework: You don’t need to have everything figured out, but have a rough idea of what you want. Think about potential countries that interest you, the field of study you’re passionate about (e.g., Computer Science, Business), and your approximate budget.
- Prepare Your Documents: While not always mandatory for a first meeting, it’s helpful to bring along your academic documents, such as your Class 10, 12, and undergraduate mark sheets. If you’ve taken any tests like the IELTS or GRE, bring those scorecards too. This helps the counsellor give you more specific advice.
- Keep an Open Mind: You might have your heart set on one specific university, but a good consultant might suggest other excellent options that are a better fit for your profile or offer better scholarships. Be open to expert advice.
Your Interview Checklist: 20 Essential Questions to Ask Your Consultant
We’ve broken down the questions into four key categories. Don’t be afraid to ask all of them! A good consultant will welcome your diligence.
Category 1: Questions About Their Expertise and Experience
(These questions help you verify their credibility and track record.)
How long have you been in this field, and how many students have you successfully placed?
- Why it matters: You want a consultant with a proven history of success, not someone who is just starting out.
- What a good answer looks like: A confident answer with clear numbers. “We’ve been guiding students for over 10 years and have helped more than 15,000 students like you achieve their dreams.”
What are your qualifications or professional certifications?
- Why it matters: This shows their commitment to the profession. Look for certifications from bodies like ICEF, AIRC, or national organizations.
- What a good answer looks like: They should be able to mention specific industry training or certifications their counsellors have completed.
Do you have special expertise in a particular country (e.g., Canada, UK)?
- Why it matters: If you are certain about your destination, you want a consultant who is an expert in that country’s specific visa rules and university systems.
- What a good answer looks like: “While we guide for all major destinations, we have a specialized team for Canada with deep knowledge of the PGWP and Express Entry PR pathways.”
Can you share some student testimonials or connect me with past students?
- Why it matters: This is social proof. Genuine testimonials (on Google, their website, or video) are a strong indicator of their service quality.
- What a good answer looks like: A transparent “Yes, absolutely. You can see our reviews on Google, and with our past students’ permission, we can often connect you for a brief chat.”
What is your student visa application success rate?
- Why it matters: This is a critical number. A high success rate (ideally 98%+) shows they have a meticulous and effective visa process.
- What a good answer looks like: A clear, verifiable number. “We are proud of our 99.8% visa success rate, which comes from our rigorous document checking and mock interview process.”
Also Read: Study in Singapore for Indian Students | GlocalED
Category 2: Questions About the Process and Services
(These questions clarify exactly what they will do for you.)
What is your process for shortlisting universities for a profile like mine?
- Why it matters: You want to avoid consultants who just push their “partner” universities. You’re looking for a personalized strategy.
- What a good answer looks like: “We use a holistic approach. We’ll analyze your grades, budget, and career goals to create a balanced list of 8-10 ambitious, target, and safe universities that are the best fit for you.”
Will I have a dedicated counsellor throughout the process?
- Why it matters: A single point of contact ensures consistency and a personal connection. Being passed around to different people can be frustrating.
- What a good answer looks like: “Yes, you will be assigned a dedicated senior counsellor who will be your main point of contact from this first meeting until you fly.”
What level of help do you provide with the Statement of Purpose (SOP) and LORs?
- Why it matters: This is crucial. Some consultants just glance over your SOP, while others provide deep, structural feedback.
- What a good answer looks like: “We don’t write your SOP for you—it must be your story. However, we act as your expert editors. We’ll help you structure your ideas, brainstorm content, and provide multiple rounds of feedback to make it powerful and compelling.”
How do you help with the visa application, especially financial documents and mock interviews?
- Why it matters: This is often the hardest part. You need to know they have a robust system.
- What a good answer looks like: “We have a dedicated visa team. They will give you a precise checklist for your financial documents and review every page. We also conduct several rounds of one-on-one mock interviews to ensure you are completely confident.”
Do you provide support after I get my visa?
- Why it matters: This shows if they offer true end-to-end support.
- What a good answer looks like: “Absolutely. Our service includes a pre-departure briefing to prepare you for life abroad, and we also offer assistance with finding accommodation and connecting with other students.”
Category 3: Questions About Transparency and Costs
(These questions are about the business relationship and ensure there are no surprises.)
What are your service fees? Could you provide a clear breakdown?
- Why it matters: You need to know the exact cost upfront.
- What a good answer looks like: A completely transparent answer with a clear fee structure. “Our services have a flat fee of [Amount]. This covers everything from university shortlisting to visa support. There are no hidden charges.”
Do you have exclusive partnerships with certain universities?
- Why it matters: This helps you understand if they are a “consultant” (working for you) or an “agent” (working for the university).
- What a good answer looks like: An honest answer. “Yes, we are official representatives for over 800 universities. This gives our students benefits like application fee waivers and faster offer letters. However, our primary commitment is to you, and we will always help you apply to any university that is the right fit, even if it’s not on our partner list.”
How do you ensure your advice is unbiased?
- Why it matters: This is a direct follow-up. You want to be sure their recommendation is based on your profile, not the commission they receive.
- What a good answer looks like: “Our counsellors’ success is measured by your success, not by which university you choose. Our student-first philosophy means we always prioritize your career and academic goals above all else.”
What does your service agreement or contract include?
- Why it matters: A professional consultant will always have a written agreement.
- What a good answer looks like: “We will provide you with a clear service agreement that lists every service you will receive, the total fees, and our terms and conditions, so everything is clear from day one.”
Category 4: Questions About Your Specific Profile
(These questions make the conversation personal and show you what they think of your chances.)
Based on my current profile, what are my realistic chances at [Your Dream University]?
- Why it matters: This tests their honesty. A good consultant won’t just say “yes” to please you.
- What a good answer looks like: A realistic and data-backed answer. “Getting into [Dream University] is very competitive, but your grades in [X subject] are strong. We’ll need to build a very powerful SOP to highlight that. We can definitely list it as an ambitious choice.”
What do you see as the main weakness in my profile, and how can we improve it?
- Why it matters: This shows they are thinking strategically about your success.
- What a good answer looks like: A constructive and helpful answer. “Your overall GPA is good, but a slightly lower score in [Y subject] might be a concern. We can address this in your SOP by highlighting your practical project experience in that area.”
How can you help me find and apply for scholarships?
- Why it matters: This is a key part of making your education affordable.
- What a good answer looks like: “We have a dedicated scholarship team and a database of opportunities. We will assess your profile for eligibility and assist you with the separate application essays required for scholarships.”
Why should I choose GlocalED over other consultants in Bangalore?
- Why it matters: Give them a chance to give you their “elevator pitch.”
- What a good answer looks like: A confident summary of their unique selling points. “You should choose us for three reasons: our 99.8% visa success rate, our deep expertise from over 15,000 success stories, and our transparent, student-first approach that you won’t find anywhere else.”
Warning Signs: Red Flags to Watch Out For
- “Guaranteed” Admission or Visa: No one can guarantee this. It’s a huge red flag.
- Lack of Transparency About Fees: If they are vague about their charges, be very careful.
- Pushing Only a Few Universities: If they dismiss your choices and only promote their “partner” universities, they may not have your best interests at heart.
- Asking to See Original Documents in the First Meeting: You should only need to show copies at this stage.
Choose Your Partner, Choose Your Future
The right overseas education consultant is a powerful ally who will empower you on your journey. This first meeting is your opportunity to find that partner. Use these questions, listen carefully to the answers, and trust your instincts.
At GlocalED, we welcome these questions. Our transparent, student-first approach is why we’re considered the best overseas education consultant in Bangalore. We invite you to come and interview us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the first consultation with a study abroad consultant usually free?
Yes, almost all reputable consultants, including GlocalED, offer a free initial counselling session. This is a no-obligation meeting for you to understand their services and for them to assess your profile.
What documents should I carry to my first meeting?
It’s a great idea to carry photocopies of your academic documents (Class 10, 12, and university transcripts), your passport, and any English test scores (like IELTS) if you have them.
Is it okay to talk to more than one consultant before deciding?
Absolutely! We strongly encourage it. This is a major decision, and you should feel 100% comfortable and confident with the consultant you choose to partner with.