@ Tiger007 and seniors, please give me your opinion...

[evanstp9]

Hi, I'd appreciate your opinion on my visa chances, as I'll share my case with you:

10th - 71%
12th - 82%
TOEFL - 113/120

After high school completion (2004) I had 2-3 years where I struggled to find a permanent job, then completed a 3-month certificate on Microsoft Office-Internet (ECDL) and till now I've been working as a call-center agent in a multinational communication/call center/database etc company,
here in Greece.

I've got LOA on the following diploma programs:
Seneca college - Computer Networking & Technical Support
George Brown - Computer Systems Technician

I would appreciate your opinion on my visa chances, regarding possible study mismatch or study gap (since there are quite a few years since my graduation), since I have read most of your posts here and you seem quite experienced and helpful to all!

 

[tiger007]

Re: @ Tiger007 and seniors, please give me your opinion...

Hi, I'd appreciate your opinion on my visa chances, as I'll share my case with you:
10th - 71%
12th - 82%
TOEFL - 113/120
After high school completion (2004) I had 2-3 years where I struggled to find a permanent job, then completed a 3-month certificate on Microsoft Office-Internet (ECDL) and till now I've been working as a call-center agent in a multinational communication/call center/database etc company,
here in Greece.
I've got LOA on the following diploma programs:
Seneca college - Computer Networking & Technical Support
George Brown - Computer Systems Technician
I would appreciate your opinion on my visa chances, regarding possible study mismatch or study gap (since there are quite a few years since my graduation), since I have read most of your posts here and you seem quite experienced and helpful to all!

Hi,

It's really difficult to comment on chances..even remotely. To comment on your case, like how members discuss profiles of applicants from South Asian countries... which will not only be inaccurate but also unfair.

The Visa Section of the Embassy of Canada to Italy is responsible for processing visa applications for citizens and residents of Greece. Although, Greek citizens as part of E.U are allowed to enter visa free to Canada as a visitor... yet, keeping in mind, the economic turmoil Greece is currently going through ... I've no idea.. as to what policies Canadian Embassy in Italy has adopted for issuing Canadian study permits to the citizens of Greece.

It's nevertheless, always a good idea to visit the official website(Embassy of Canada to Italy) and check the details regarding study permit information and other procedures:
http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/italy-italie/visas/index.aspx?lang=eng&view=d

Although you have good academic marks, the 2-3 years could be an issue..but if you honestly fill the student questionnaire form and briefly mention the reasons as to why there was a long gap (probably explain a bit on a short SOP )... and provide all work ex and required documents... perfectly prepare the application package... then given your seemingly appropriate choice of diploma in the field of computers, you may have a good shot at getting the visa.

I know, there's not much here. Still, hope it is of some help...


Best of Luck.



***All opinions expressed are purely personal, and pieces of information mentioned are to the best of my knowledge... You should consult other sources too.

 

[evanstp9]

Re: @ Tiger007 and seniors, please give me your opinion...

Thank you for your reply!

The gap that I have troubles me a bit, as you said, but I believe that I'll be able to explain it in my SOP

I have gathered all the necessary info from Visa Office in Rome, I am now in the process of making my SOP... thus the ongoing situation here might play a negative role, but I hope that course selection along with good marks and a strong SOP should be enough to result in a positive response for me!

-Regarding the 2 diploma programs I mentioned above, do you have any knowledge or opinion on which would be the best option??
I know they are pretty similar, both are top colleges in Toronto and I'm in a bit of a dilemma here...

 

[tiger007]

Re: @ Tiger007 and seniors, please give me your opinion...

Thank you for your reply!

The gap that I have troubles me a bit, as you said, but I believe that I'll be able to explain it in my SOP

I have gathered all the necessary info from Visa Office in Rome, I am now in the process of making my SOP... thus the ongoing situation here might play a negative role, but I hope that course selection along with good marks and a strong SOP should be enough to result in a positive response for me!

-Regarding the 2 diploma programs I mentioned above, do you have any knowledge or opinion on which would be the best option??
I know they are pretty similar, both are top colleges in Toronto and I'm in a bit of a dilemma here...

Hi,

Yeah.. make a very strong, honest and to the point short (1-1.5 pages max) SOP... as to how you want to further your education, how getting get a world class Canadian practical diploma in this field - Computer Technician will help you in long run... how you came to be interested in this field (like you may mention - got interested while working in call center, in a computing environment, always had interest in technical aspects of computer maintenance)... and of-course mention honestly about the struggle you went through to find a permanent job... and yet you never gave up and continue toward your goal to work and find a job. And do mention in end that you are financially capable to support yourself during your 2 years of study (sources of your funds). Being positive/ showing your strengths should b the overall theme.

Both diplomas look similar, offering hands-on practical training in this field of study. You need to do some online research into each of the course contents.. and decide which subjects might interest you more. You may prefer the course on the basis where the colleges are located. Though both are in Toronto city, GBC is right in the heart of downtown... while Seneca is a bit far ..up in suburb of North York/ Markham. Although when I consulted a forum member who has a solid background in the field of CS(Computer Science - going to a reputed Canadian univ. for Master's in CS engineering, so you can rely on that member's opinion) on both of these courses, that member gave me his personal opinion -- He will prefer MORE the GBC ( Computer Systems Technician) course.... (in short) as the GBC course is more inclined towards software networking side while the Seneca course is more inclined towards server setups...

I hope this helps you decide.


Best of Luck.



***All opinions expressed are purely personal, and pieces of information mentioned are to the best of my knowledge... You should consult other sources too.

 

[evanstp9]

Re: @ Tiger007 and seniors, please give me your opinion...

Hi,

Yeah.. make a very strong, honest and to the point short (1-1.5 pages max) SOP... as to how you want to further your education, how getting get a world class Canadian practical diploma in this field - Computer Technician will help you in long run... how you came to be interested in this field (like you may mention - got interested while working in call center, in a computing environment, always had interest in technical aspects of computer maintenance)... and of-course mention honestly about the struggle you went through to find a permanent job... and yet you never gave up and continue toward your goal to work and find a job. And do mention in end that you are financially capable to support yourself during your 2 years of study (sources of your funds). Being positive/ showing your strengths should b the overall theme.

Both diplomas look similar, offering hands-on practical training in this field of study. You need to do some online research into each of the course contents.. and decide which subjects might interest you more. You may prefer the course on the basis where the colleges are located. Though both are in Toronto city, GBC is right in the heart of downtown... while Seneca is a bit far ..up in suburb of North York/ Markham. Although when I consulted a forum member who has a solid background in the field of CS(Computer Science - going to a reputed Canadian univ. for Master's in CS engineering, so you can rely on that member's opinion) on both of these courses, that member gave me his personal opinion -- He will prefer MORE the GBC ( Computer Systems Technician) course.... (in short) as the GBC course is more inclined towards software networking side while the Seneca course is more inclined towards server setups...

I hope this helps you decide.


Best of Luck.



***All opinions expressed are purely personal, and pieces of information mentioned are to the best of my knowledge... You should consult other sources too.

I'll definitely try to incorporate most of the info on SOP you cited, this positive turn-up of the situation should play a crucial role in my SOP...

I had looked at the courses as you proposed but could not make up my mind because some are quite similar, plus I wouldn't be able to know exactly which program favors a more specific CS area...

Nonetheless, you were once again really helpful, as your friend's distinction in the end was pretty much what I was looking for, a perspective from someone in this field! So thanks again for your time and answers, extremely helpful and coherent posts from you as usual!!!