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I’m from Sydney, Australia. The IT industry is strong back home and becoming more competitive – pretty much like everywhere and although experience accounts for a lot, certification is well recognized. I wanted to certify with MCSE 2003 that much I knew.
 Like any endeavor to undertake ‘self sponsored’ study – you have to do your homework. I already knew which certification I had wanted and had carefully checked out the Microsoft training site to have a clear understanding of what has to be covered and the recommended allocated time frames to each module.
Next I was faced with the obvious cost. Back home it’s fairly to very expensive, especially if you wish to engage in full time study. So, I started to look overseas. I found Koenig Solutions on the web and started emailing them with questions and queries. I also spent quiet a bit of time reviewing other training providers and found that many where not as responsive to the queries I was putting forward and also a little vague. I also ensured the training centre’s I contacted where on the Microsoft Site and recognized which Koenig Solutions is.
Why India? As mentioned, it is a ‘self sponsored’ study – so cost did play a deciding factor. I was also aware that India has a large IT infrastructure and strong IT service industry which is being utilized all around the world. So training here must account for something - and I had never been to India before.
 I was satisfied and happy with the responses that I received from Koenig Solutions and now had to make the choice of which training centre to attend. I choose Goa, predominately for the weather at the time of year that I had set aside to study. It’s winter here – but not like you know it. It’s in the high 20’s to low 30’s (Celsius), clear blue sky, not humid and very comfortable. Goa also has a westernized influence to some degree so the transition wouldn’t be so extreme. (And not to forget that the beach is at hand when needed for a break)
There are a few things to note since being at Koenig for training. Firstly – your certification is not going to be handed to you. In India children go to school 6 days a week and so do you! Along with the classroom sessions you also have reading and study to do. It’s like any study – you have to have a goal, be dedicated and put in the hours.
Koenig Solutions Goa is great. The centre is airconditioned, well equipped and staff are always ready to assist. Classrooms are furnished with well maintained high spec custom built machines with the latest operating systems whether it is desktop or server environments you’re here for – you don’t get a flat screen monitor, but that’s not what I came here for and why I’m saving the $$$ - focus is put on training and you are provided with more than what you need in the way of equipment. My trainer has also been great. She has a great sense of humor, an excellent manner for teaching and is every knowledgeable and there is certainly no language barrier if this has been a concern for you.
I can certainly say that coming to Koenig in Goa has exceeded my expectations and this seems to be the common view between the other ‘international’ students. Like many of the other students, I have decide to stay on an extra couple of weeks and complete additional courses. For myself, I decided on MCDBA.
Goa it’s self is has plenty to offer, beaches in the north (with quiet a bit of nightlife – but I wouldn’t know about that. I was studying), site seeing, great restaurants with excellent food and a wide range of hotels to choose from and you can get a good coffee at a number of great cafes.
My advice to anyone considering to study overseas is to do your homework – email and contact the training provider, if you’re not sure about something – ASK, you’ll soon find out which providers have got their act together. With your accommodation – be prepared to move hotels, your going to appreciate the change in scenery after a few weeks in one place. And finally, get there a few days before the course starts to get yourself settled in and familiar with your new environment.
I’ve not only succeeded in what I set out to do, I have enjoyed myself in the process. I will definitely continue to give personal recommendations for Koenig Solutions and be back one day.
Thanks to all at Koenig Solutions.
Micheal |
