If you've just started life abroad, it's best to have concrete answers to the following questions:

Are you ready for a new culture, new academics and a stress-filled lifestyle?

What will you eat? Can you cook for yourself?

Will you make friends? And how will you interact with your professors?

What resources are in place to help you adjust?

Karan Gupta, overseas education consultant, chatted with Get Ahead users on 22 August 2007 and answered many of these queries.

For those of you who missed the chat, here's part one of the transcript:

lokesh asked, I will be going to germany this sept for my MS. What are he precautions Indian students should take.

Karan Gupta answers, If you are going to a small town in Germany [Images], be vigilant about the places you visit and avoid traveling alone especially at night.

hi asked,  hi i am planning to take Gmat in april 2008..When should i start applying for the schools..How good are NUS and NAnyang universities in Singapore for MBA from placement point of view?I am working in IT field for 2 years..Also tell me the min GMAT score required to target these schools..Thanks in advance..

Karan Gupta answers, You should apply by November of this year. A GMAT score of 650 and above will make your application strong. Placements are decent from both these schools.

fabs asked, What do I need to take for australia school. myu english is weak. wot about UK? Do i have to take tests and when to apply?

Karan Gupta answers, You will need to take the IELTS for admissions to Australian universities. For UK universities the IELTS or TOEFL both will work. Apply to the universities at least six to eight months before your semester starts.

Premji asked, What is methodlodly for entering business schools w/o bachelor? is this possible?

Karan Gupta answers, Most business schools will ask for a Bachelor's degree before they admit you. Hence you may find it hard to find schools which will admit you without a Bachelor's degree. Manchester Business School is one school which admits students without a Bachelor's degree (provided they have at least 5 years of work experience).

tejas asked, Hello sir. If I am studying in an institute in France [Images] and if I want to do an internship of about 2 months in a company in London [Images], then do I have to travel to India to get the working visa or can I apply for it from France itself?

Karan Gupta answers, You can apply in France itself.

Hello asked, hello karan gupta, what is the most common behavior of american students? do they drink alhohol and smoke ganja? i do not want my son exposed to this.

Karan Gupta answers, These are stereotypes. American students are like Indian students. All students globally have the same kind of behavior. Your son should go with an open mind and not have previous sterotypes set in his mind. All college campuses worldwide have alcohol and drugs. Your son should make an effort to stay away from such substances.

fasad asked, life difficult for muslims in US?

Karan Gupta answers, Not necessarily. Racism exists everywhere in the world. One should go with an open mind and most likely, one will not face any kind of racism.

shankar Musafir asked, I am working in an NGO and would like to know about what courses we can pursue in Social work

Karan Gupta answers, You can pursue a Master's degree in Social Work.

shivadeepa asked, hi, i am an ayurvedic doctor . is there any medical courses in abroad to do pg.

Karan Gupta answers, Very few universities offer a degree in Ayurvedic Sciences. Your best bet is to study in India itself.

jhaminu asked, I am Mphil in International Relations from DU any chance for me for PHD or any higher edu at this stage

Karan Gupta answers, Yes, you can apply for a PhD at American universities. You will need the GRE and TOEFL for admissions.

paliwal asked, hello sir I just want to know before going to australia for study what are the things that we should keep in mind for the daily life in australia

Karan Gupta answers, Try to blend in with the local students. Wear informal clothes on campus. Be open and friendly and you will have a great time studying in Australia. Also, refer to the article I wrote on coping as a freshman.

Ashok asked, Sir i want to work in Australia or singapore. I am a surgeon . my age is 27yrs. Can u show me way?

Karan Gupta answers, This is a study abroad chat only.

prasa asked, mi name prasanna sir. I want to know what you think about Texas A & M. Is it full of 'rough' Texan?

Karan Gupta answers, No, TAMU is a good university.

vinay asked, hi karan This is vinay i just wanted to know about an Ms dgree in london school of business and finance.. I am in a confusion whether to choose MS in finance or Ms in investment banking which one u would think as a best for a job and career

Karan Gupta answers, Always choose your course based on your interests and not on job prospects. Both the courses you have mentioned have good job prospects.

phil asked, Hi Karan. wot average cost of US education? how long is M Sc courses?

Karan Gupta answers, An average cost of education in the US is around $30,000 (Rs 12 lakhs) per year. MS courses are generally for 1.5 years.

Sanjay asked, MBA or BBA if I want to be in management?

Karan Gupta answers, An MBA would be your best bet. However, apply for the MBA only after you have at least three years of full-time work experience.

SUMIT asked, how can i get admission in m.i.t for m.s in computer science

Karan Gupta answers, Take the GRE and the TOEFL and even the Advanced GRE in CS and apply to MIT one year prior to your intended year of study.

Shubhankar asked, Is it good to do MS in VLSI in USA?

Karan Gupta answers, Yes, VLSI is a great field and if you are interested in this field, go for it!

chetrhan asked, i am BE holder in civi engg .is der chance of doing MS

Karan Gupta answers, Yes, take the GRE and the TOEFL and apply for admissions.

jhaminu asked, where should i approach for GRE and TOEFL

Karan Gupta answers, Speak to your friends and find local classes close to you.

Ranjith asked, Do I need a GRE score for post doc admission in US universities

Karan Gupta answers, Yes

Ranjana asked, sir wht is the possibility of a physically challenged person to to go to australia. im 42 english faculty, self employed but im on wheel chair?

Karan Gupta answers, Most universities have special services for students with disabilities. Hence, you should not have a problem while you are studying in Australia.

Chandrima asked, any chance of contact you personally for help, karan gupta? i live in Navi mumbai and want to go for January 2008 term.

Karan Gupta answers, You can visit our website www.karangupta.com for our contact information.

paliwal asked, thnks for your answer sir, can u pls tell me in australia university which country students come most for the study & what kind of behaviour is from the professor of the college

Karan Gupta answers, Indian students are probably the most numerous in Australia (among international students). Professors are generally nice and help students.

vinay asked, And one more thing sir i have done my BE in Chemical whether they would consider me? For MS in finance as i have 1 year work exp as a financial consultant

Karan Gupta answers, Yes they would consider you. Show your reasons to pursue an MS in Finance and take the GMAT exam.

Freddu asked, how long MBA programme globally?

Karan Gupta answers, In the US and Australia, an MBA is generally of 2 years duration (there are always exceptions to this rule).

Chandrima asked, i want to go to top liberal arts college in US. there are no opportunitiy in India for these studies. what should i look at-- vasser? Smith?

Karan Gupta answers, Vassar is a really good liberal art college.

nachiket asked, sir, i missed flight because of bad traffic and family problems. i was supposed to leave yesterday!!! What to Do!! Class begins September 4

Karan Gupta answers, Take the next flight out! If you cant get an earlier flight, talk to your university and they will be able to extend your reporting date.

drarchana asked, kindly suggest me about some post doctoral courses

Karan Gupta answers, Evaluate your goals and then decide on a PhD programme.

Ranjana asked, wht course can i join or is there any way to come there as i am already in teaching stream?

Karan Gupta answers, You can opt for a Master's degree in Education.

 Tomorrow: Part II