Do you want to study in New Zealand [Images], but don't know how to go about it?

Or maybe you've gained admission to a UK University but you're unsure if it's as well-accredited as it claims?

Or maybe you just want to study abroad but have no idea about what the process involves or how to go about choosing a course or college?

To address these and many other Study Abroad queries, foreign education consultant Karan Gupta hosted a chat with Get Ahead readers on April 15.

For those of you who missed the chat, here's part I of the unedited transcript.

Karan Gupta says, Good Afternoon! This is Karan and I am ready to take your questions.

Nisha asked, hi..i wanna study abroad

Karan Gupta answers, Once you have decided on the course of your interest, it is important to complete the entrance test requirements. Shortlist your universities, and send your application packet to the universities 1 year prior to your desired course of study.

burningstone asked, Hello Karan. How many years of Job exp with a avg GMAT score makes it easier to get a good college.?

Karan Gupta answers, Most good B schools abroad require students to have atleast 3-4 years of full time work experience after the Bachelor's degree. A GMAT score of 680 and above is considered good.

ashi asked, hello karan. i am in btech final year and about to join a major software company.. i want to pursue MBA from UK after 3 yrs. i have deep interest in economics. what subject shud i choose?

Karan Gupta answers, You can apply for an MBA and take up classes in Economics as part of the course. Since most B schools prefer applicants with atleast 3 years of work experience, you have taken a wise decision.

piyush asked, hi...ths s piyush studyin in welcomgroup graduate school of hotel administration...3rd yr...n next yr ive d oppurtuniy 2 go 2 UK @ SHEFFIELD HALLAM univ...but ive no idea bout d repute f that univ...should i go dere o not???

Karan Gupta answers, In my opinion, Sheffield Hallam is an average university. It is best to check the accreditation of any university you plan to apply to.

mamama asked, Dear Karan, I want to settle in New Zealand. I am student who just finished her graduation. Is there a way in which I can get an admission in a NZ University and become a permanent resident there?

Karan Gupta answers, It is best to consult an immigration lawyer if you wish to permanently reside in New Zealand.

renu asked, hi karan...i hav done eco(hons) from Delhi unversity ....afterwhich i was workin with kpmg for 6 months in verifications deptt....i wantd 2 know is it a sound decision 2 take mba after masters in eco...

Karan Gupta answers, An MBA is a practical oriented for people from all backgrounds, including doctors, teachers and so on. Thus, if you have a keen interest, it is best to gain full time work experience (2-3 years) in your desired field and then apply for the MBA.

Pari asked, Hi karan, is it necessary to have a passport to study abroad?

Karan Gupta answers, It is imperative to have a passport if you want to study in any foreign country. However, Nepal is an exception to this rule.

piyush asked, which s d best place 2 study hospitality management???

Karan Gupta answers, Australia is a good bet for a course in Hospitality Management.

jag asked, I completed M.Sc.Analytical chemistry and want to persue Ph.D in Europe or US. But universities are encouraging to take MS first. Do I really need to go for MS?

Karan Gupta answers, PhD admissions are very hard and thus universities sometimes encourage students to apply fo a Master's degree and then continue with the PhD. If you are able to find some university that can fund your education, then the PhD is a good bet.

nik asked, when is the righttime to apply for the toefl or gre exam

Karan Gupta answers, Most US universities require students applying for a Master's degree to take the GRE and TOEFL. Please finish both the tests by November/December 2008, if you are applying for the Fall 2009 term.

burningstone asked, Can u guide what are the criteria on basis of which scholarships are awarded?

Karan Gupta answers, Universities consider many factors while considering applicants for scholarships, some of the important ones being, academic background, test scores, work experience (if required), any additional achievements, leadership roles and so on.

shibu1 asked, I have applied to the following institutes in the UK for MSc degrees in Computer science and hold offers from a few but expect favorable replies from the rest. My background, Education: Bachelor of Commerce (BCOM), Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) Work Experience: 2 years (Financial Analyst), 4 years as IT Product & Technical Manager (international experience)... From your experience, which should I list as my top 3 institutes keeping in mind my background (and other factors like scholarships for Indians)... Uni of Edinburgh, Uni of Glasgow, Uni of Bristol, Kings College, Uni of London [Images], Royal Holloway, Univ of London, Uni of Manchester, UCL, Uni of London... THANKS, SHIBU

Karan Gupta answers, UCL and Edinburgh are among the better universities from the list mentioned by you.

shabarish asked, Hi Karan,doing MIT in Australia be good as far as job is concerned...and getting PR. And please tel me about the placements for doin MIT. Have finished my BE(CSE).

Karan Gupta answers, Australia has a small economy and thus jobs are always difficult to get. I f you are looking for PR, please consult an immigration lawyer.

DHANESH asked, Which one is best institute to pursue MBA finance through correspondence?

Karan Gupta answers, There are a few good universities that offer online MBA. You can study the courses offered by IE Business School (Spain) and University of Phoenix (USA).

senthilkumar asked, I am interested to study MBA in the foreign business schools, in that which provides a better education?

Karan Gupta answers, Please refer to www.ft.com for a list of the top B schools worldwide. Check their requirements before you consider to apply.

burningstone asked, Which season is better for joining a MBA course in USA?Fall or Winters

Karan Gupta answers, Fall is a good option.

NAS1317 asked, Hello Karan, I am graduate in Mechanical & also pursuing my DBM. work exp is 2 yrs. I want to study MBA in Europe. Do you know any good & recognised universities their. I have not done my GMAT. What is the chances of getting addmission in MBA. Some European universites dont required GMAT score. is that true?

Karan Gupta answers, Most top B schools worldwide require the GMAT. Some of the top European B schools include INSEAD (France [Images]), IE Business School (Spain), London Business School (UK).

vikram asked, Hi Karan , i m have done my B.Tech in civil engineering and i m into sales now . Right now i m working in dubai and want to persue part time MBA from good british university cn u guide me wht is required for it and wht will be the fee . Do u have to visit the universities for examination . Wht will be evaluation between the MBA from indian university like FMS or IIM lucknow or symboisis and any other british university

Karan Gupta answers, You probably would like to consider an online MBA which may not require you to visit the university campus. All lectures, study material and tests will be conducted online. An international degree definitely holds value and will be recognized worldwide.

shreyas asked, I've done airline + hospitality course & also did 3d animation course but i'm lil bit interested in hospitality i'm confused what should i do ?

Karan Gupta answers, If Hospitality is your interest, you can pursue a degree or diploma in the same. It is best to evaluate your short term and long term career goals before you apply.

nikhil asked, Hi Karan how much will i have to pay for MBA in the US with 3 years job experience and gmat score of 670 and a btech degree from UDCT

Karan Gupta answers, You have a good profile. Fees vary from school to school. However, the average tuition and living expenses can go anything between $45000 - $65000.

Part II: Tomorrow