Athena Education, a Gurugram based education consulting firm, asserts its commitment to bridging the void in providing comprehensive assistance to students with ambitions of pursuing their education in esteemed international universities. The company claims to offer a flagship mentorship programme named ‘Athena Personal Mentorship Programme’. This programme encompasses various key modules such as Application Theme and Strategy (ATS), unique and authentic personal brand building, customised college lists, college interview prep and more, Rahul Subramaniam, founder, Athena Education, told FE Education. “Through our all-encompassing mentorship and counselling methodology, we guarantee that students obtain personalised assistance necessary for academic excellence and realising their complete potential. As students embark on their college journey, our commitment persists in connecting them to internships, job prospects, GMAT/GRE coaching and facilitating networking with fellow alumni,” he said.
Athena Education charges a counselling fee of Rs five lakh per year, with their average contract value for a student typically totaling Rs 11 lakh, spanning over a period of 2-2.5 years. “We acknowledge that every student’s journey is distinct. This adaptable approach enables us to address individual needs and preferences, tailoring customised packages that match specific requirements, Subramaniam added.”
The company stated that it is an independent education consultancy firm and does not have any kind of partnership with any universities or colleges. It further claimed that the United States (US) is a highly favoured study abroad destination among their students. Many prestigious US-based universities, including Harvard University, Princeton University, and Yale University, offer scholarships such as ‘Need-blind financial aid.’ Additionally, institutions like Northwestern, Vassar and Williams College are committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students. “Alternatively, merit-based scholarships are also available at institutions like Vanderbilt University and Boston University, which are awarded based on achievements rather than financial need and can cover a portion or the entirety of tuition fees,” Subramaniam said while responding to a query regarding scholarships or financial aid opportunities available for international students.
In addition to its mentorship programme, Athena Education asserts that it provides the ‘Eureka Programme,’ a four-week initiative tailored specifically for students in the 8th-10th grade as an integral component of the Athena curriculum. The Eureka Programme is organised into several key components. It begins with a series of four weekly workshop sessions aimed at nurturing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities among students. “Participants are expected to invest two hours per week, with 1.5 hours devoted to workshops and an additional 30 minutes for assignments. The programme’s culmination is marked by the Eureka Challenge, during which students exhibit their projects and share their achievements with their peers and mentors,” he said.
It is believed that studying abroad at Ivy league universities is expensive, in this context Subramaniam stated that the anticipated expenses associated with pursuing education overseas, including tuition, cost of living and various other charges, can vary considerably depending on the chosen destination.. According to him, the average annual cost of living typically falls between $10,000-$18,000. “Tuition fees usually range from $32,000-$60,000 annually, while textbooks and supplies average around $1,240 per year. Accommodation costs vary from $1,500-$3,100 per month and living expenses typically range between $10,000-$18,000 annually. Transportation costs generally amount to $90-$130 per month, and there is an additional expense of $510 for the F1 Visa application fee per application,” he explained.