To win a scholarship from the King Abdullah Scholarship Program is exciting and appealing to students. But soon the excitement fades away when they are faced with critical decision-making regarding university applications and procedures.

“When you ask a high school graduate about his ambitions, he’d tell you I don’t know. Many students want to major in a particular subject at a college or university because it brings a lot of money or it’s in demand. They don’t think in terms of what suits their skills or what brings out their creativity,” said Al-Hartih Al-Qurashi, general manager of the educational consultancy EDUCON.

In 2005 when the scholarship program started, Al-Qurashi discussed with close friends and family members the obstacles of choosing a foreign university and completing application procedures.

Through personal research, he supported many individuals by providing them with the information, universities acceptance, language programs, accommodation and transportation. He provided tips for students who won scholarships and were confused about where to start. “Students started calling from different regions of the country. Gradually, I established a system and I opened the first educational consultancy office in Jeddah, EDUCON,” said Al-Qurashi.

EDUCON helps students to search for majors and register in universities or colleges. It also provides them with useful information about the country and the city they will be studying in and accommodations and host families.

The consultancy offers a profile test that could determine and rank in percentage the mental ability and behavioral action of the student in order for him to choose the major that meets his qualifications. It also offers English level determination tests to find out where the students stand in terms of language proficiency. “We found that most of the students need English preparation courses before enrolling in universities or Collages,” said Al-Qurashi. As part of 2008 summer projects, EDUCON launched a program called “Euro Trip” in May in an event organized at Effat College. It was a tourism and educational tour for students to get a taste of Europe.

“The idea was to go have fun and learn during a period of six weeks. It was a new way y to get a taste of different countries and languages while making new friends,” added Al-Qurashi. In following up with the global trend, EDUCON has invested in technology SR180.000 to provide the most efficient services for students in 2009. It is about to launch EDUCON’s new website that will help students choose universities and majors as well as following up on their applications online in a smart and organized way. “We want to provide the right services in a professional way for those who are looking to study abroad so they can add value to their societies,” added Al-Harthi.

EDUCON is located on Madinah Road, Al Khoraif Buliding. For more information please visit www.educon.com.sa