Adv Jaspal singh

Finland, a beautiful study destination in northern Europe

Jaspal Singh - 13 November 2022

Updated on July 20th, 2023

In the last week of October 2022, while traveling to attend ICEF Berlin, my stay was in Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Finland is a beautiful country, geographically in the most northern part of Europe. It is also the most densely forested country in Europe. Because of its geographical scenario, Finland has a harsh climate in the northern part of the country.

And all this resulted in a concentration of population in the southern part and mainly around the main city of Helsinki. Still, most people live in small towns and cities. They are always close to nature, especially forests. Here in this article, we will discuss the options for studying in Finland for International, especially Indian students.

Best Environment for Students in Finland

For quality education, Finland is a country that comes very first in mind. Finland is a good choice for students from around the world. One of the most environmentally conscious countries, Finland has a high level of infrastructure and technology where international students get the best for their learning. Finland is also called a ‘Country of Lakes’, and so scenic beauty of Finland makes a student feel an ideal place to live and explore.

Helsinki Market Square — *Helsinki’s Market Square, the heart of the city where events are happening all the day*

Beauty of Finland — *Another view of Market Square in Helsinki*

There are over 400 programs that are offered purely in the English language. While not a necessity, higher education institutions also offer language courses in Finnish or Swedish for students that wish to learn the national languages. Being a student in Finland has many advantages. From high-tech labs to well-stocked libraries, they equip university campuses with all the facilities that knowledge-hungry students need.

Beautiful Finland — *Helsinki Cathedral is one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks*

Bachelor, Master, and Ph.D. programs in Finland

There are several programs offered at various levels in Finland, whereas programs at Bachelor and Master levels are mostly in demand for international students, especially for Indian students.

Bachelor’s degree has a duration of 3 years (180 ECTS credits) whereas a Master’s degree has 1-2 years duration (60 or 120 ECTS credits). A doctoral degree in Finland usually lasts about 4 years.

English Language requirement

Most of the university courses are in English, particularly in the Master’s programs. As an applicant, you need IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. The least language requirement for a Master’s program is 6.5, and some universities require a special score or a skill score. Similarly, for undergraduate courses requirement is 6 bands in IELTS.

Subjects to study in Finland

As an international student, you can easily find a subject you want to study. Some of the most popular subjects to study in Finland are Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Business, Law, Nursing, Education and training, Natural Sciences, and many more. Ask for more details at Adv.Jaspal@gmail.com

Tuition Fee & Scholarship in Finland

Tuition Fees are mandatory for students from non-EU/EEA countries and will vary between universities. Finnish higher education institutions also offer scholarship opportunities to students who pay fees, so contact your chosen institution to find out more about their funding options. Each university sets its own fees, which can differ from program to program, but they set somewhere annual tuition fees between €8,000 and €18,000, not including general living expenses.

Students can work while they study in Finland

Student jobs are a valuable part and experience of a student’s life before entering the labor market. To support themselves and to gain some experience, students opt to work in the meantime. All the students studying in the university, national or international, can work while pursuing their graduate and post-graduate degrees. Students can work for 25 hours per week. During the holidays, there is no such time limit. As soon as the student works, he has to pay taxes based on his average salary.

Major admission intakes in Finland

Major intakes in Finland are in Autumn & Spring. Autumn is September whereas Spring is January. September is the Primary Intake. All universities offer all the courses to international students. Spring intake is a Secondary Intake. Plenty of courses are available for students who missed the Autumn intake.

Can you bring your dependents on a Finland student visa?

As a student with a residence permit, you can bring your spouse and children to Finland during the course duration. They will have to apply separately for the permit to join you in the country. You can submit your application together to save time and get processed as a family. Please note that you have to prove to have enough funds to cover your family expenses in Finland.

Stay back and working options after study

International students with a residence permit in Finland can work as many hours as they wish if the job is related to the program they are studying. As an international student, you can work up to 25 hours a week during term time, and full-time during holidays. However, since the beginning of 2022, the government of Finland has increased the number of hours international students can work during their study stay to 30 per week. Finland offers excellent opportunities for international students, including the possibility of getting a quality position while studying abroad.

When they completed their studies, they still stay back and work in Finland. You may apply for a work permit in Finland after studying to look for work or start a business. You’ll have the option for this two-year post-study permit for five years after graduation, and you can also take the permit in parts if you like. Another beautiful study destination NETHERLANDS: A LAND OF FLOWERS, BEERS & BEST STUDY OPTIONS

If you feel this article is useful and you are also planning to study in Finland, drop your query at Adv. Jaspal@gmail.com or WhatsApp +91-9888481965

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Australian Visa continues recovery through 2022 and now in 2023

Jaspal Singh - 1 August 2022

Updated on July 27th, 2023

In recent times, there has been a remarkable increase in the number of Indian students heading to Australia for higher education, making it a preferred international study destination. The surge in interest can be attributed to various factors, including scholarships, extended post-study work rights, and mutual recognition of academic qualifications between the two countries. In 2023, the number of Indian students planning to study in Australia is expected to surpass the record set in 2019, the year with the highest number of Indian students ever studying in the country.

Australia is one of the most popular destinations for Indian students along with others, such as the USA, UK, and Canada, and a few in Schengen Europe. High-quality education, with tremendous facilities across most institutions, is affordable, and a very luring post-study work permit offering, makes it a very popular choice. Australian education excels in all fields of study, be it Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, Clinical, Pre-Clinical & Health, Life Sciences, Engineering & Technology, or Physical Sciences.

Lucrative Post-Study Work Option in Australia

Post-study work option under subclass 485 is one of the lucrative reasons ‌students choose Australia as a study destination. Students are eligible to apply for this visa immediately after the completion of their studies. This visa category applies to bachelor’s, master’s (coursework & research), and doctoral students. Under this, students can work in any field or job and have multiple entry rights to and from Australia. It offers the most flexibility to work in the country upon graduation. The duration of this visa varies according to the location of the studies.

ICEF Perth 2023 — *During ICEF Perth, April 2023*

The recent introduction of a longer post-study work visa in Australia has significantly enhanced its appeal to Indian students. This provision allows students to gain practical work experience after completing their studies, making them more employable and increasing their chances of contributing to their home country’s development with newfound skills. Additionally, the mutual recognition of academic qualifications between Australia and India assures students that their degrees are valued for further education or employment opportunities in both countries.

Preference for Business and STEM Studies:

Among the various fields of study, business courses have emerged as a popular choice among Indian students in 2023. Many are opting for business analytics, bachelor of business, and MBA programs, driven by a desire for work opportunities and entrepreneurial aspirations. Nevertheless, STEM courses, including computer sciences, core engineering subjects, IT, software engineering, and data science, remain in high demand due to their promising career prospects. Furthermore, there is a noticeable trend in students exploring health sciences, with graduate and post-graduate courses in health, public health, and psychology gaining popularity.

The rise in visa applications and the number of visa grants

The number of student visa applications and visa grants dropped significantly during the COVID period and is now recovering day by day. India remains the major shareholder of visa grants during the period 22 November 2021 through 22 May 2022. Australian Student visa application lodgments also surged back during this period. Indian applicants have returned to 64% of pre-pandemic volumes (57,635 year-to-date for 2021/22 as opposed to 89,868 in 2018/19).

Visas grants are also showing recovery during the first half of 2022. Starting from a high point of 405,742 in 2018/19, visa grants dipped to 232,750 in 2020/21, and have now reached 56% of pre-pandemic levels, with 228,150 visas granted year-to-date in 2021/22.

As of 19 June 2022, there were 469,306 Australian student visa holders globally. Roughly three-quarters of that total (354,475 students) were in Australia, with the balance (114,831) currently based outside of the country. Those students outside of Australia are eligible to travel if fully vaccinated.

Overall, the number of active visa holders (both within and outside of Australia) has returned to roughly 80% of pre-pandemic levels as of May 2022

Australia is still a popular study destination in 2023

With a perfect blend of academic excellence, extended post-study work rights, and mutual recognition of qualifications, Australia has become an increasingly attractive study destination for Indian students in 2023. The surge in numbers highlights the enduring friendship between Australia and India, fostering educational opportunities and cultural exchange. As these students return to their home country equipped with valuable skills and experiences, the benefits of international education between the two nations will undoubtedly continue to flourish.

If you have any query about the Australian Visa, write me Adv.Jaspal@gmail.com or Whatsapp +91-9888481965

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Netherlands: a land of flowers, beers & best study options

Jaspal Singh - 13 May 2022

Updated on June 4th, 2023

A small and one of the most densely populated countries in Europe, we know the Netherlands for a flat landscape of canals, tulip fields, windmills, and cycling routes. Most of the population speaks and understands English, so it is very comfortable to live and travel in the country if you understand English. Whether you’re planning to live in the Netherlands or just visiting or going there for higher studies, English skills are certainly going to help you. As per the EF English Proficiency Index, the Dutch are top of the class in English, narrowly beating Denmark and Sweden. Between 90 and 93% of the population can speak English as a second language.

The Netherlands versus Holland:

People mostly get confused about whether to call it Netherland or ‘Holland’. The Dutch government officially dropped the nickname Holland in January 2020. Making it clearer; the Netherlands comprises 12 provinces, whereas Holland is the area made of two provinces, North Holland and South Holland. These two provinces contributed the most to the economy of the country. People took Holland as the name of the country, which is finally dropped in 2020.

Flowers in Netherlands — Colourful flower beds and windmills in the Netherlands

World’s leading exporter of flowers and beers

The Netherlands is famous for its colourful tulip fields. It is the world’s leading exporter of flowers, most of which are tulips. Around two billion tulips leave the country each year and travel to different destinations around the globe. Another thing after flowers is beer. The country is also famous for many Dutch brews, which include many well-known brands such as Heineken, Amstel, and Grolsch. The Netherlands is the second biggest beer exporter in the world, after Mexico.

Beer in Netherlands — Famous Dutch beer brands today include Heineken, Amstel, Grolsch, Bavaria, Brand, and Hertog Jan.

The Netherlands also has one of the most active social scenes and nightlife, making it a student-centric, enjoyable city. The county is ranked 6th as the happiest place in the world. So people love to visit and stay in this beautiful country. Almost everyone in the Netherlands owns a bike, not only as a leisure activity but also as a means of transportation to work. The Netherlands has an excellent public transport infrastructure. The country is small, and the transportation is quick, allowing you to live in one city and work in another.

A great destination for international students

Now coming to our major topic, we can easily say that the Netherlands is a great destination for international students. The Netherlands continues to attract more foreign students. In the Netherlands, where there are over 2,000 education programs in English offered by 77 different higher education institutions. You can choose between plenty of Bachelors’s and Master’s Degrees in different institutions. Studying in the Netherlands is the best decision for your career.

Study in Netherlands — Approximately 93% of locals speak English. This factor makes living, studying, and working in the Netherlands very convenient, and pleasant for international students.

Students may work during the study

International students can work while studying in the Netherlands. However, there are restrictions: you may work a maximum of 16 hours a week. International students may do seasonal work full-time (but only in June, July, and August). Students can avail of only one option.

Stay back option after study

The Netherlands, as a study-abroad destination, offers unique opportunities to international students. The post-study work also called the Search/ Orientation Year is one of the important reasons. If you have completed a bachelor’s or master’s or Post Graduate course of a minimum 12 months or you are a Ph.D. graduate, you are eligible for one-year post-study work. This cannot be extended. If, however, you pursue another course (as per the requirements mentioned above) then the validity of this residence permit is renewed. For example, if you undertake a research program, then even if you have had one orientation year, you can apply for another on completion of the research program.

If you require more details, reach me at Adv.Jaspal@gmail.com

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Denmark, a beautiful country to study and explore career options

Jaspal Singh - 29 April 2022

Updated on July 24th, 2023

Denmark is a small and beautiful place to explore career options and go for higher studies. The smallest of the Scandinavian nations, Denmark, serves as a bridge between Western and Northern Europe. With its beautiful cities, highly developed institutions, and exceptionally high-quality study programs, it is no wonder that Denmark is one of the top destinations for international students. Denmark is also home to one of the most developed and unique educational systems in the world, ranking in the top 5 in student satisfaction. High academic standards and innovative learning make education quality and globally accepted. International students can also find a range of opportunities, as Danish universities and higher education institutions offer many programs in English. There are plenty of courses available in English, which is obviously a big factor for students who wish to study in a foreign country.

Beautiful Country with a relaxed lifestyle

It is a beautiful country surrounded by beaches, GARDENS, and lakes. Denmark’s location makes it a gateway to other Scandinavian countries and the rest of Europe. Berlin is just an hour’s flight away. We can reach London and Paris in less than two hours. And Barcelona, Rome, Vienna, and Prague are all just a few hours’ flight away.

Happy People in Denmark — *Group of happy people enjoying the day in Copenhagen Denmark*

As a student or traveler, when you arrive in Denmark you will probably see the relaxed atmosphere everywhere, many people on bikes, a few playing music, hanging out by the seaside or the harbor, lounging, and barbecuing. In summer, people like to engage in sunbathing, swimming, and picnics, whereas, in winter, they like hot chocolates and indoor social gatherings.

Beer in Denmark — *Beer in the visitor’s hand in the street food market of Copenhagen, Denmark.*

Study Options in Denmark

Denmark is attracting thousands of foreign students each year. Universities in Denmark offer over 500 programs that are taught in English having international recognition. Most people choose to study in Denmark to enjoy its high standard of living, diverse cultural environment, and low crime rates.

Denmark has several internationally recognized universities offering a wide range of programs taught in English. Examples include the University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, and the Technical University of Denmark. International students can pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in various fields such as engineering, business, social sciences, and humanities. Denmark also offers competitive doctoral programs for those interested in research and academia.

What are the best programs in Denmark?

As an international student in Denmark, you can study for a Ph.D., master’s, bachelor’s, or academy profession degree. Bachelor’s degrees in Denmark last either three or four years and you can study for one in a vast range of subjects.

If you want to study a master’s degree program, it will last for two years. A doctorate or Ph.D. will take three years to complete. There’s a variety of universities and institutions international students can apply to in Denmark, including specialist business schools, medical universities, and engineering universities.

Indian students also choose Denmark for higher studies

Indian students also choose this Scandinavian country for their higher studies. There are a good number of Universities and institutes which offer so many programs at the Bachelor’s, Masters’s, and Ph.D. levels. Indian students will be required to pay tuition fees at Danish universities, as India belongs outside the EU/EEA. Denmark has several scholarships for Indian students.

Cost of studying in Denmark

If you’re from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you can study at a University in Denmark for free. If you’re an international student from outside the EU, tuition fees range between $8,000 and $21,000, although this will depend on the program and university you apply for. Check actual costs from University websites or consult any Education Consultant in your city. Similarly, you must check the cost of living in Denmark, which is slightly high.

Denmark study visa for Indian students

If you are an Indian student and have planned further education in Denmark, you need to apply for a study visa. This visa is straightforward and can be obtained with proof of ID and an acceptance letter from a Danish university. A student visa will last the length of the academic year. While applying for a study visa, you must keep points in mind to avoid any complications. Here I am discussing a few important points.

First, select the right course and University according to your eligibility.
You will need a valid passport and a passport photo.
Prove your English language proficiency to stay in Denmark. There can be different criteria for checking English language proficiency. Normally Universities accept IELTS as a test.
You will need to prove that you can support yourself financially during your study in Denmark.
You may have to give your biometrics during the process of visa application.
There will be a visa interview during the application process.

If you want to continue your stay in Denmark even after the completion of your study program, you will be required to apply for a new visa or a visa renewal with the help of the immigration office.

Stay back & working options after graduation

Here is what you need to know if you will stay back and work after your graduation in Denmark. It offers a variety of opportunities for working after the completion of studies. Different rules apply to different nationalities. If you are NON-EU/EEA, as we Indians are, we have to apply for a residence permit to work in Denmark. After graduation in Denmark, your residence permit remains valid for an additional six months. During this 6 months period, you also may work only 20 hours per week. If you have received a residence permit under the establishment card scheme, you can legally stay and work in Denmark. Another option to study in Europe is Finland: a beautiful study destination in Northern Europe.

If you feel this article as useful information, and you are also planning to study in DENMARK, drop query at Adv.Jaspal@gmail.com or WhatsApp +91-9888481965

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Study and Working Options in Germany

Jaspal Singh - 6 January 2022

Updated on May 13th, 2023

Germany is one of the preferred study destinations for higher studies. I am into consultancy for overseas education for the last 22 years and I face the very basic question, meeting every new student. Choosing a country and relevant college or university is an important task that every student faces. Whether it is cars or education, people recognize ‘Made in Germany’ as an icon of quality. Employers around the world highly respect a German university degree. After completing a degree in Germany, you can stay back in the country for up to 18 months to look for a job related to your qualification and look for further career options. Here in this article, we will discuss steps while applying to study in Germany.

Explore Europe while studying in Germany

Germany is located almost in the Centre of Schengen Europe. While studying in Germany, you will get opportunities to travel to different destinations in Europe with no restrictions. Schengen is a zone of 26 countries closely connected. Anyone can travel by road, train or plane and reach other beautiful countries in a couple of hours and enjoy their weekends. Weekend trips are easy to plan and really affordable.

Studies in Germany — *Students enjoying life in Germany*

Steps to follow when you plan your studies

Now coming to the topic, here we will discuss important steps that one has to take care of. The very first and basic thing is to decide what you want to study in Germany. There are several options available in terms of institutes and courses. While deciding, you must do proper research to make the right decision for your further studies. You may also choose an experienced consultant to choose the right course that would better fit your academic goal.

Checking the admission requirements

Once you have decided what programs you are planning to pursue in Germany, the next important step is to check the admission requirements for that program. University or college websites can be helpful in this, otherwise, again you can check some consultants who can guide you in a better way. If still, you are not clear about the requirements, never hesitate to reach University by email. There can be some basic requirements like academic percentage, English requirements, or some other text like Skype interview. There may be different entry requirements for different universities, depending on the chosen program.

Admission to Bachelor / Master Programs

While applying for admission in degree programs, whether at Bachelor or Master level, they may ask you to submit your academics, Proof of Language Proficiency, ID or Valid Passport Copies, Letter of Motivation (Optional), Important References, Work Experiences (Optional). When you have collected all the required documents, submit a completed application to the admission department along with the application fee, if there are any.

When you get a University Admission/ Offer letter

After applying for admission, wait for a few weeks to get your offer letter; it may take some longer time, and Germany Universities get many international applications. Meanwhile, University may ask you for some additional documents to process your application, so you must keep patience.

Indian students in Germany are the third largest group of international students. According to official statistics, in 2017/18 there were 17,570 Indian students studying in Germany.

Applying student visa to the embassy

To study in Germany, you need a valid student visa. When you get your offer letter and also complete other requirements like paying the University fee as required by University, submit a visa application in the embassy. There can be so many documents required while submitting your visa application. A very important for Indian students is the German Block Account in a designated bank which transfers one year’s living cost into the account. We can check the checklist of other documents from the VFS site and from any other sources.

Working in Germany during & After Graduation

When someone chooses any destination for higher studies, working opportunity during and after studies is an important factor. Students need to work to support their studies or at least live in that country. Germany has opportunities to work during and after studies. Students can work part time during their studies. After completion of their studies, they can stay in the country and find employment. Graduates who come from non-EU/EEA countries of origin can work in Germany after they finish their studies by extending their residence permit for up to 18 months after graduation. During these 18 months, you can do whatever job you get to support yourself until you get a proper job.

Stay back and working options in Germany

Stay back after completion of studies plays a very important role while deciding country for higher studies. Every student wants to explore career options after getting a degree from the university. This adds the opportunity to have practical experience in the job market. Germany offers 18 months of job search after completion of studies. During this period, students may work at another job while they are searching for a permanent position. After graduation, prepare yourself to enter the world of work. Have all of your certificates available, as well as any other paperwork you may need, such as your residence permit. When you secure a job with a minimum of a one-year contract, you can apply for a settlement permit and EU Blue Card, which allows you to live and work in Germany.

In order to be eligible for the Blue Card, the applicant must meet certain prerequisites, such as having a university degree and an employment contract with a company in Germany that pays at least €56,800 per year. In other occupations, where there is a shortage of skilled workers, the salary threshold is lower, approximately €44,304 per year. After 33 months of residence in Germany, those who have an EU Blue Card can apply for a settlement permit, which allows them to permanently settle in Germany. After spending 8 years in Germany on a settlement permit, you can require naturalization (meaning you can become a German citizen).

You may ask for any further details at Adv.Jaspal@gmail.com

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CANADA is still a popular destination among Indian

Jaspal Singh - 14 December 2021

Updated on July 9th, 2023

Canada is a dream country, especially for Punjabi students and other immigrants. I have seen this craze among every second person, whether he is studying in school or graduating, or even working in any sector on good profiles. Whenever I go to any sector in my routine work like banking, colleges, insurance, or in my friend circles, I always find people anxious about migrating abroad, especially Canada. There are other destinations as well, but Canada is always a popular destination. Studying in Canada, working there, and finally settling in a dream destination have so many steps that one has to follow. Over 200,000 people have moved to Canada in 2020-2021.

In north India, especially in Punjab, this trend is growing day by day for the last few years. In the coming few years, it will affect the socioeconomic fabric of society. It is being reported that a good number of students are moving abroad, especially to Canada, to study and then to find employment. Strength in Colleges has dropped, making them worried. No doubt this aspect is of serious concern for the Government. A better system with more opportunities here can only stop moving people. Some factors such as personal connections, educational goals, career aspirations, and familiarity with specific provinces or cities within Canada may also influence the decision-making process.

Canada a popular destination — CANADA: a DREAM Destination

There are so many reasons behind this trend. If we see at the Canadian system, Canada takes care of its people and has a robust economy, providing free health care and education until grade 12. People move to Canada from all over the world, making it multicultural. International students also focus on work opportunities after the completion of their studies. Present education and immigration law allows them to work for 2-3 years after their studies. In short, we can say, Canada is an immigration-friendly nation, and the government primarily supports aspiring immigrants by offering over 80 economic immigration programs.

Different Pathways to Move Canada

There are many pathways through which you can migrate to Canada from India. To name a few, there is Express Entry Program, PNP, Study & Work permit, family sponsorship, and more.

Express Entry System

They introduced an express entry system in 2015 to enable skilled individuals and their families to move to Canada as residents in as little as six months. So many immigrants migrate every year and the number is increasing every year. It is a point-based system and the highest-ranking candidates are issued invitations to apply for permanent residency in Canada.

Provincial Nominee Program

The provincial Nominee Program is the second most popular Canadian immigration pathway after Express Entry. All the top Canadian provinces like Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and more have their immigration program for immigrants. Each PNP has different eligibility criteria and invites and nominates candidates as per local labor market needs.

Study Permit for students

This is the most popular program among overseas students. A good number of Indian students chose Canada every year. Upon graduating from a Canadian institution (DLI), you can work temporarily by obtaining a work permit. This way, you can gain relevant work experience, which would eventually prove helpful for you to qualify for a PR visa through Express Entry Program. If we see the data of students applying for study in Canada, we can easily say that Canada is a popular destination among Indian students.

Working in Canada

In Canada, you can also work in any Canadian organization. There are two types of work permits. One is an employer-specific work permit, and the other is an open work permit. After fulfilling specific conditions, you may also qualify for permanent residency. Read more details on working in Canada.

There are so many other options to move to Canada, which you may check from the Official site of the immigration

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Indian Puffing Billy: Kalka-Shimla Train

Jaspal Singh - 21 November 2021

Updated on June 5th, 2023

Running through 103 tunnels and 969 bridges, and 919 stunning curves, the Kalka Shimla train track is one of the world’s unique and most scenic railway tracks. Having a total distance of 96 Km from Kalka to Shimla, this track has 18 railway stations and 5 level crossings. The rail track rises from Kalka at 640 m to the cool climes of Shimla at 2.060 m. Compared with the Australian oldest railway of puffing Billy, I named this article, Kalka- Shimla railway, as Indian Puffing Billy.

Both railway tracks were built almost simultaneously in the early twentieth century. Though the Kalka Shimla train route was completed on November 2, 1903, they opened it to the public only on January 1, 1906. It is said that this railway line was first drawn in November 1847, almost 50 years before they actually constructed it. Lord Curzon, the then British Viceroy to India, inaugurated this magnificent train in November 1903. The Kalka-Shimla Railway was built to connect Shimla, the summer capital of India during British rule, with the Indian rail system. The five-hour journey is one of the best train journeys for tourists operated by the Indian railway.

Train track passes through scenic landscapes

Natural beauty and pleasant weather greet you whole the way. A cool breeze sweeps across faces as the train crosses one station after another, like Taksal, Gumman, Dharampur, before reaching Barog, which is the almost mid-point of Journey. This journey encompasses a vast display of awe-inspiring landscapes. Barog is a colonial showpiece with bougainvillaea clusters tumbling down the walls. This station is one of the most beautiful and well-maintained on this track. From here, you can see the towering mountains. At Barog, we pass through the biggest tunnel.

A tragic tale of Engineer Barog

A tragic story is associated with the construction of this railway track. The longest tunnel at Barog is named after engineer Barog, who sacrificed his life when he attempted to construct the tunnel but failed resulting in the wastage of government funds. Barog committed the mistake of digging the tunnel from both ends of the hill. The ends of the tunnels could not meet because of a mistake in alignment.

It is said that the British authorities lay a fine of Rs 1 on him for wasting government money in the tunnel. The British engineer could not digest this humiliation and shot himself in sheer desperation while walking with his pet dog. He killed himself near what now is the state government-run Barog Pine Wood Hotel. After his death, tunnel work done by Barog has left aside, and a new tunnel was constructed a little farther from the old one. After Barog comes other beautiful destinations like Solan, Shogai, and Koti, all these have wonderful scenery with towering mountains with green and deep forests. You feel like being amid nature throughout the entire journey.

UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage in 2008

It is a heritage train, a journey with breathtaking views and stunning scenery throughout the entire journey. Track passing through beautiful surrounding takes you near to nature and is a wonderful experience. Its speed slows down as the train ascends through steep mountains and curves. This journey runs on a narrow gauge, taking passengers with breathtaking views of rugged mountains. On the way, there are lush pine forests and waterfalls. And picture-perfect hill stations along the way that will definitely tempt you to disembark and bask in their beauty. The entire journey takes about five and a half hours.

Earlier the train used to run by a steam engine, but now a diesel engine is used. It runs at the speed of 40 to 45 km per hour as against the earlier speed of 22 km per hour. To preserve the heritage roots of the railway, it is suggested that steam engines be preferred, like the Puffing Billy train of Australia.

In July 2008, UNESCO’s world heritage committee added the Kalka Shimla train track to the world heritage list. On 9th Nov 2008, UNESCO officially declared this railway line a world heritage site. Also, the Guinness Book on Rail Facts included this track as the greatest narrow gauge engineering achievement in India.

Special Trains on specific days

They equipped this train service with standard car seats and have nine halts. Passengers can get off at the stations along the way and nourish their eyes and soul with beautiful scenery. There are also two heritage carriages operating on this route: Shivalik Queen and Shivalik Palace Tourist Coach. Both are luxury services, with ultra-modern facilities, including an onboard kitchen, refrigerator, dining table, and folding cushion beds. These trains usually operate once a week, from March until September. During the high season (May-July, September-October, and December-January), several special holiday trains also run on this route because of a heavy tourist influx.

Another such heritage train in Melbourne Puffing Billy train, a blend of history, heritage, and winery lunch

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Puffing Billy train, a blend of history, heritage, and winery lunch

Jaspal Singh - 1 November 2021

Updated on June 5th, 2023

Culture and heritage always attract human minds, and their roots give blood to our growth. No doubt life moves every moment in the future, but still past plays its role to shape our present and future. Many things of the past can be the reason for making our life more beautiful and worth living.

Puffing Billy’s steam train is one of those things of the past that are worth being preserved forever. I visited this dreamland during my visit to Melbourne in June 2010. As I feel on every travel, you see beautiful things; it was really a wonderful and memorable experience to see the rail preserved in its original look.

It is a railway track of 24 km running through dense and beautiful forest. Volunteers of Puffing Billy Preservation Society are putting their efforts to ensure the continued preservation and operation of the historic narrow-gauge steam railway between Belgrave and Gembrook.

Puffing Billy Engine View — *Engine Front View*

Built in 1900, Puffing Billy is Australia’s oldest steam railway. On the 18th of December 1900, this narrow-gauge railway was opened to serve the farmers in the area to transport their goods to the markets in Melbourne.

…reaching there

Belgrave, the gateway to Dandenong Ranges, is situated 35 km east of Melbourne. You can plan your way to get there. If you are not going in your own car, there is a second option to use public transport. Metro train service is available from Melbourne City to Belgrave via Ringwood. Belgrave is the primary starting point of this railway. It would take approx. One hour to get there. When I visited this place the first time, I used public transport, which is quite easy and cost-effective. After reaching Belgrave Station, take a short walk to puffing billy station.

Open-sided carriages add more fascination to the travel experience as you feel closer to the forest and nature. The whole track passes through many curves, where you can easily get the train’s view captured in your cameras. You can’t ever forget the thrilling sensation when you pass over an iconic wooden bridge. On the train, there are also several enclosed carriages, both saloon and compartment cars.

Belgrave Station: Puffing Billy Train — *Belgrave Station*

Menzies Creek, Clematis, Emerald, Nobelius, Lakeside, Wright, Cockatoo, and Fielder are the main railway stations between Belgrave and Gembrook. Neal Menzies Creek station, there is a narrow-gauge railway museum.

*During my first visit to Puffing Billy*

Emerald is a good place to stop off and eat and Lakeside to have a walk. Emerald is also the destination as well departure point of many trains of Puffing Billy.

..stop to relax at Lakeside

At Lakeside, there are many café refreshing points, lawns, supervised swimming pools, playgrounds, barbecues, and other picnic facilities, so passengers can alight here for a few pleasant hours and enjoy bushwalking, swimming, or just relaxing in peaceful surroundings. This station is 13.2 Km from Belgrave.

The operations and administration center, main refreshment room (also selling souvenirs), and ticket purchasing are located at Belgrave station.

Most trains start from Belgrave and travel to Lakeside and return. Except for Christmas Day, the railway operates every day of the year. One service each day has the option of first-class carriages and lunch.

..once decided to close, but preserved

This railway track was blocked in 1953 after a heavy landslide but again reopened in 1962 to Menzies Creek and in 1988 at Gembrook Station. A plan was made to close the line and a farewell day was organized. However, when people gathered to say goodbye, a dedicated group of train enthusiasts came together to save the Puffing Billy.

Kids on Puffing Billy Train — *Children hanging their legs out of the steam train’s windows*. The court banned this practice in 2019 after an accident.

Before you plan your trip, there are a few important things that you need to take care of. You must know the timetable of daily trains that starts from Belgrave. There were four trains daily when I last visited. You must check it while planning to go there. Trains have tickets that you also need to book well in time to avoid any issues later.

Traveling on the Puffing Billy train is like recapturing the romance and charm of the bygone days of the steam engine era. Puffing Billy steam train takes you through the dense and beautiful forest of the Dandenong hill ranges, and you feel like moving in some dreamland. It’s really worth visiting again and again.

Special events train for couples & families

If you are thinking that the puffing train is all about kids, families, picnics, and fast food, you are not very right. Sometimes on some occasions, special carriages are set out for parties with special cuisines, delicious foods, drinks, chocolates, soups, baked chicken, and different desserts. If you are looking for a unique and lifelong experience, you must plan to join special event trains. Puffing Billy is great for families and children, but it is also fantastic for couples, singles, and groups.

The century-old tradition of leg tangling outside train windows is banned

A minibus driver crashed the iconic pugging Billy train in March 2018. One passenger on the bus was injured, but no one was injured on the puffing Billy. The court ended the century-old tradition of children hanging their legs outside the train. Many people protested the court’s decision, but it ended what was a long tradition practice. Safety is more important than anything despite that, people love it as a kid, so they bring their kids, then they bring their grandchildren. Generations of families have done it for years. It would just be so sad to see that tradition disappear forever. Court’s decision is also taken as a complete overreaction by a group of masses.

Heritage Train in India: Indian Puffing Billy- Kalka Shimla Train

I will end my article by saying that traveling always helps us understand the meaning of life, become better people, keep traveling, and keep exploring and never forget to visit once in a lifetime, this beautiful adventure of puffing billy train in Melbourne. Read about more Beautiful Places around Melbourne

Puffing Billy-Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge

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Memories from a Trip to ancient city Tashkent

Jaspal Singh - 4 October 2021

Updated on May 14th, 2023

Memories are like pages of a diary that we all carry with us. Sometimes we feel some memories are gone in the deep past, but suddenly, we see them floating back like some moving screen. Good memories are always the source of inspiration, and we try to keep them refreshing from time to time. Today in this article, I will share a few moments from my trip to Tashkent, and I hope you will also enjoy the brief description of those wonderful moments. I strongly believe that sharing adventures means enjoying them to the fullest.

We planned a Tashkent trip in 2018

In September 2018, a few friends from the same profession planned a trip to the ancient city of central Asia, Tashkent, in Uzbekistan. In this article, I will share a few names; otherwise, the description will remain incomplete. I read somewhere, ‘A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles. This trip was initially planned by my wonderful friends, Amarjit & Gurpreet, although at a very initial stage, it was not an organised one but later we all enjoyed it a lot. Few of us were not quickly ready to join the trip, maybe having different reasons.

Tashkent, a tourist destination

Tashkent is still a very underrated destination, but it has many amazing things to make the tour trip worth memorable. Ancient mosques, dazzling minarets, and Medieval-style Islamic monuments gloriously exhibiting the country’s rich cultural and architectural heritage make your experience really awesome. On the second day of our trip, the very first place we went was Alisher Navoi National Park. It is a beautiful and largest park having beautiful buildings located deep within the park, and while one can’t enter, it creates a stunning view. These buildings, especially Romanov Palace, are examples of Russian influence in architecture. They named the park after Alisher Navoi, the great Turkic poet and thinker.

We spent a few hours in the park while clicking a few photographs. Park is so large, having a water stream passing through it. You can enjoy so many activities like boating, cycling, and roller skating. Having seen a lot of greenery, a big lake, canals and fountains, meadow and decorative flower beds, most probably, that you will forget about being in the centre of Tashkent.

*Alisher Navoi is a big garden with several monuments inside. There is a very large man-made pool. It is a good place to chill for some time.*

Independence Square, in the centre of the city

Another place we visited was Independence Square, in the centre of the city. This is again a big garden with a lot of water fountains, statutes, and few buildings. Spread over 12 hectares, this place has so many government buildings and administrative institutions located there. During Soviet rule, the square was named Lenin Square. A monument to Lenin was erected in its centre, dismantled upon the Declaration of Independence in 1991. There is a monument of a woman, normally known as a mourning mother, sadly looking down onto an eternal flame in memory of her children who fell in defending the country, making us silent for a few moments.

Trip to Tashkent — *..all friends, Mr Virk, Satbir Bhatia, Sachin & Mr Kamal*

*Group photo reminding, friends that travel together, stay together*

*A journey is best measured in friends than in miles*

As the late Prime Minister of India passed away in Tashkent, his memories have been treasured as a monument by the Uzbek Government as a mark of respect to the great man. Visitors, especially Indians, visit this monument while they visit Tashkent. We also planned to visit this place and spend a few memorable moments and also clicked a few photographs as memories.

Amir Timor Square

We went to Amir Timor square; his statue is fixed in a huge sized park, where visitors hang out. Amir Timur was the most famous Central Asian conqueror in history. At its largest, the empire stretched from the borders of Western China all the way to Turkey. He was the great-grandfather of the famous Mughal emperor Babur who ruled India.

It was a sunny day with pleasant weather as it was the month of September, so the weather was sunny but not hot. A beautiful garden surrounds the statue. In the background, the building of the Uzbekistan Hotel, a classic piece of Soviet design, makes the sight more beautiful. The park surrounding the statue and the Bolazhon Park is certainly worth exploring, especially around sunset as locals meet to chat and relax. We all friends clicked a few pictures with statues. There are so many restaurants, café in the square’s surroundings, where you can sit and enjoy your evening. In the evening, this area comes more alive with visitors roaming here and there. Tashkent’s nightlife is also amazing. Bars and clubs attract you. A few of us went there and shared our experiences second day. I still remember they were pleased.

Shopping in traditional market

There are so many other details that I am missing because of the size of this article. We went to a traditional market, a dry fruit market, and many food corners and enjoyed delicious dishes. Restaurants and cafes in Tashkent surprise you with perfect service and food quality. It will amaze you with the wide range of cuisines.

The traditional market, in the old city, is a major crowd-puller of tourists. Just perfect for souvenir shopping, you can pick gorgeous trinkets, handicrafts, apparel, home décor items, and spices. You must know bargaining art while shopping there. I still remember how we purchased a few things using this bargaining art; few of us have.

In the last, it was really a wonderful trip to Tashkent, we really enjoyed it a lot. I can easily recommend you choose Tashkent as your next destination for a vacation.

Share your expressions in the comments section

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Student Dependent Visa for Australia

Jaspal Singh - 30 September 2021

Updated on May 26th, 2023

When you wish to apply study visa for any destination of your choice and have a partner or child dependent on you, you need to check the visa provisions of that country. If the country is Australia, you need not worry, and no need to leave them behind. You can apply for a student-dependent visa along with your visa application.

On the other side if you are applying for your visa or you are already on a study visa in Australia, still you have the option to apply for a visa as a subsequent entrant. Subclass 500 prescribes some requirements that must be satisfied for approval of their visa applications. In all cases, the duration of their visa will depend upon the visa of the main applicant.

Eligibility to apply for a visa under this category

Who is eligible to apply under this category or who can apply for a student-dependent visa? Family members include your partner and you and your partner’s dependent children. In other simple words, dependents that can apply for a visa under this visa clause include your spouse or de facto partner. De facto partner means when you are not married, but you live like married and have a relationship. A person under this clause can apply if the relationship is at least 12 months old. And the relationship is genuine and exclusive. Similarly, a dependent child to apply under this category should depend on you or your partner and has not turned 18.

We must declare all existing members timely

It is mandatory under subclass 500 that you declare all your relationships at the time of your first application. Whether you are married or single should be clearly mentioned in the application. It is not relevant if the dependent is accompanying you or not. If you cannot mention it at the time of the first application, it would be difficult to add them later or at the time of the subsequent application.

A member of the family member failing to declare will not be eligible to enter Australia as the student’s family unit member, apart from a person who becomes a member after the student’s application was decided. Such negligence can also make doubtful the genuineness of the applicant. Genuineness (GTE) is a significant factor considered when deciding on any visa application in Australia. So being on the safe side, all family members, including married or de facto partners and dependent children, should be declared at the time of first application.

Subsequent entrant visa application

In case the main applicant gets married after the lodgment of his initial visa application. Still, before the visa is granted, he must notify the Department of Home Affairs as soon as possible. This update will help you add your dependent later in the subsequent visa application. Subsequent entrant applications can be lodged when the marriage is done after granting the main application’s visa. Proof of marriage and continued relationship must be provided along with a visa application. The Visa officer may ask for any related document to ascertain the genuineness of the relationship.

It should be obvious that the visa officer is always concerned with the present situation of the relationship. The continuity of the relationship needs to be proved to get visa approval. Along with relationship proof, there are also financial requirements for a successful visa application. Such requirements keep on changing, so readers are advised to check with official sources before applying for your visa application.

Financial requirements for family members

As mentioned above, there are also financial requirements. Dependents need to show that they have sufficient funds to cover living costs during their stay in Australia. Applicant needs to show living costs for 12 months. And if the application is combined, then the student needs to show 12-month tuition and living cost. The cost of dependent children also needs to be calculated. Financial requirements are an essential part of a visa application, so I advised it to check properly while applying for your application.

Checklist of documents required

If you are already in Australia and you are fulfilling your all visa conditions and want to invite your dependents. In that case, your dependents need to file a visa application along with the following documents. This checklist is not final; the visa officer may ask for additional documents for his satisfaction.

# Form 919 Nomination of student defendants

# Form 157A Application for a student visa

# An Original letter from the education provider stating the course you are studying, the duration of the course, your expected completion date, and satisfying course requirements.

# Proof that you have sufficient money to support your dependents in Australia

# Proof of your relationship with your dependents as birth and marriage certificates

# Proof of school enrollment for your school-aged dependents

# Proof of health insurance for each dependent. Family members of the main applicant or visa holder must provide evidence of having adequate health insurance for the grant of their visa for the period of their intended stay in Australia. Documentation includes evidence of payment of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).