Deciding on courses, universities, and navigating the complexities of studying abroad can be overwhelming for aspiring students. From questions about student life and education loans to visa requirements and post-graduation job prospects, the list seems endless. That’s where Uniting comes in, providing a platform for direct 1-1 communication between these students and experienced seniors and alumni who have studied the same course or at the same university, offering valuable insights and guidance based on their own firsthand experiences.
In today’s student landscape, authenticity and peer-to-peer connections are highly valued, as opposed to relying solely on corporate marketing tactics. According to a recent market survey conducted by Uniting in 2021-2022, involving 20,000 current students and study abroad aspirants:
- 9% of students felt that overseas education agents lacked first-hand experience studying abroad, making their guidance less reliable.
- 85% of students received incorrect program and university recommendations from study abroad agents.
- 97% of students felt more confident about their study abroad journey after speaking with current students or alumni.
The survey also shed light on the top factors influencing aspiring students’ study abroad decisions, including financial aid and scholarships, specific departments or majors, location, career opportunities after graduation, quality of facilities and teaching, student support services, sports and clubs, social life, university ranking and reputation, university values, and influence from family and friends.
Uniting has developed a user-friendly 1-1 chat application similar to WhatsApp, enabling personalized communication and connecting aspiring students with alumni or current students through text, audio, and video calls. The platform addresses the challenge of accessing up-to-date, reliable, and accurate information about bachelor’s and master’s programs in preferred universities and countries. Verified mentors, including alumni and current students, serve as trusted sources, sharing personalized information and authentic experiences of student life.
Initially launched for Ireland studies, Uniting has already partnered with over 100 seniors, garnering more than 6,000 downloads and facilitating 4,000 student interactions within just two months of the beta version launch.
Following the successful beta launch, Uniting officially unveiled its new version at a launch event. Mr. Ilaya Bharathi, the Managing Director of Uniting, shared his sentiments, saying, “Having my dreams of studying abroad shattered by deceitful information was devastating! I was desperately seeking unbiased guidance and real-time insights that seemed elusive. Online information is often ambiguous, and study abroad education agents’ advice lacks authenticity as they prioritize commercial interests, viewing aspiring students merely as ‘customers.’ I know that countless aspiring students share this experience. That’s precisely why Uniting was created, with the app designed to cater to the needs of this generation. Additionally, Uniting conducted a comprehensive market survey across six states, engaging over 20,000 aspiring students looking to study abroad, further affirming these findings.”
Mr. Bharathi also added, “We are expanding our mentor network to cover other countries and aim to serve one million students by the end of 2025. Uniting is committed to empowering students with reliable information and personalized support, ensuring their study abroad journey is fulfilling and successful. Currently, Uniting has partnered exclusively with the top 200 International schools and 150 private universities in India.”
Recognizing the importance of connecting with mentors, the survey revealed students’ concerns about making the wrong course or university choice, struggling to fit in on campus, and difficulties in making friends. Uniting is specifically designed to provide prospective students with a free, safe, and secure platform to connect one-on-one with seniors and alumni. Through these interactions, students can receive personalized support, genuine guidance, and authentic mentorship, enabling them to make well-informed study abroad decisions.
Uniting is now available for free download on the Apple App Store and Android Play Store.