Choosing to study abroad is a lot more than just something to do — it’s a commitment to changing your life. And the first real step you will take in this process is choosing a study abroad consultancy. The right consultancy will make sure the process is seamless, inexpensive and outcome focused on your career success in the long-term. The wrong consultancy? They will ruin your plans.
Regrettably, through endless beautiful website imagery, influencer marketing, promises that are too good to be true, students — often unknowingly — make the wrong decision on which consultant they follow or fall for.
So, let’s be more specific — here are 10 of the most common mistakes students make in choosing or working with a study abroad consultancy, and exactly how you can avoid each of these mistakes.
Mistake #1: Falling for “Guaranteed Admission” or “100% Visa Success” Promises
Many consultancies lure students with the following terms:
- “Guaranteed visa success”
- “100% placement after course”
- “Get into a top university, regardless of your grades!”
Reality check?
No consultancy on earth can “guarantee” a visa or admission — because that is determined by embassies, universities, and admissions committees, not by agents.
What You Can Do:
Request them real success data, not general words. Request:
- Can you provide testimonials with student names and country of origin?
- Do you have any evidence of visa rejection or acceptance?
- May I speak to a student you recently placed?
If they are evasive or brush it aside — it’s a red flag.
Mistake #2: Not Asking for Transparent Cost Breakdowns
There are agents who may sneak in a little “service charge” or inflate application costs very quietly. Many students only find out about this when they have paid half of the fees.
Why is that such a big issue?
You can end up shelling out anywhere in the vicinity of ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 extra on dishonest processing or courier charges.
What You Should Do:
Before you make your final decision, ask for written cost estimates, including:
- University application fees
- Visa application fees
- IELTS/TOEFL/PTE charges for their support
- An estimate of the flight ticket (if arranged by them)
- Consultancy services fees
Go with honest and transparent agencies like KC Overseas Education.
Mistake #3: Social Media Aesthetics Were Your Basis for Decision Making
A flashy Instagram reel, celebrity testimonials, trendy influencers do not make agencies credible or trustworthy.
Why This Happens:
Today, students think of coming to an agency via the social media channel: Instagram or YouTube. These channels are okay for reaching out, but are definitely not good to assess credibility.
What You Should Do:
Social media gives clues for being a starting point, not the entire picture. Cross-reference with:
- Google Reviews
- Official blogs
- Lists of university partners
- LinkedIn profiles of counselors
- Certifications (British Council, ICEF, etc.)
Mistake #4: Not Researching the Consultant’s Experience or Certifications
There are such consultants working as freelancers or part-time employees who have only limited knowledge of the visa processes, specific time-lines in that country, or the course details.
Why it’s dangerous:
- The consultant in question may suggest:
- Old-fashioned or irrelevant courses
- Universities that don’t fit your profile
- Countries with non-existent post-study opportunities
What You Should Do:
- Put them through probative questioning for their expertise:
- What are the post-study work rights in Germany vs Ireland?
- Is this course accredited by the local education authority?
- Do you know the latest visa updates for the UK’s January intake?
- Agencies such as KC Overseas Education employ trained, certified professionals with fresh intel.
Mistake #5: Settling for an Agency That Only Markets 1-2 Countries
Certain agencies are only at ease promoting 1–2 countries because they have limited connections or expertise.
Why it matters:
Each student has their own profile — career aspirations, budget, language requirements, cultural adaptability, and lifestyle expectations. One-size-fits-all destination is seldom the case.
What You Should Do:
- Hire agencies that provide multi-country counseling and can contrast:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- PR and visa routes
- Industry prospects
KC Overseas, for instance, provides advice for 29+ countries — not necessarily the UK, USA, or Canada.
Final Word: Choose Guidance That Empowers, Not Pressures
Your dream of studying abroad is worth more than rushed decisions, flashy promises, or half-baked support. Choose a consultancy that gives you clarity, confidence, and control over your journey.
Why KC Overseas Education?
With over 25 years in the industry, 750+ university tie-ups, and 65+ global offices, KC Overseas Education has helped thousands of students across India — including in Calicut — build their future abroad with:
- Personalized country and course matching
- SOP/LOR writing support
- Scholarship and financial planning
- Visa application expertise
- Pre-departure and post-arrival guidance
We don’t just help you go abroad — we help you grow abroad. Ready to get started?
Schedule a free counseling session with our Calicut branch today — and take the first step, the right way.