Why International Education Lures Indian Students Abroad

Why International Education Lures Indian Students Abroad

Indian students who are frustrated with the education system in the country are increasingly opting to study at foreign varsities. Colleges in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Germany, France, and Singapore have for a while featured among the most popular destinations, but Indian students are now also exploring education in smaller countries including Sweden, Italy and Ireland. After China, India sends the most students abroad, as has been found by a study carried out by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement of the Department of Homeland Security. In the year 2015-16, the number of Indian students in the USA touched an all-time high of 165,918 − second only to China. While this is expected to fall in 2017-18 due to the present uncertainty over visa policies, there are still plenty of students who consider the US their haven for higher studies. There are many reasons for this massive brain drain from the country. Today’s students demand course content that is presented well, is updated, and is intellectually stimulating. Learning by rote, as is still the norm in many Indian colleges, has become passé. Students look for hands-on training and upgraded skills that will hold them in good stead in the changing global economy. For emerging careers like Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Scientific research and Healthcare, India is still far behind in terms of knowledge capability and current relevance. Education abroad is known to meet the needs of industry, provides superior quality infrastructure and connects students with excellent job outcomes. Another point to note is the increased competitiveness in Indian colleges. A child who has secured 97.9% is denied admission in top colleges, as the cut-off is an astonishing 98% or higher. This situation has been acerbated by ‘cram schools’ offering entrance exam coaching, which teach students mindless ways of acing entrance exams without actually understanding the subject matter at all. Once the student gains admission to colleges in this way, he ends up faring very poorly as he has lost the ability to think for himself. Little wonder, then, that the more intelligent students prefer to bypass the local colleges and focus their aspirations on universities abroad! In stark contrast, colleges abroad offer programs that lay equal emphasis on practical skills and theoretical learning. Students are encouraged to carry out their own research work, read up on their own and arrive at their own conclusions in their field of study. Lecturers in international education programs take on the role of mentors and guides, and help the students to explore the subject with a passion that is lacking in Indian colleges. The learning environment and infrastructure provided overseas are above par, and students find it a joy to study there. Education abroad comes with several other advantages – the excitement of living in a foreign country, learning a new language, making new friends and travelling the world makes for an experience unlike any other. If learning abroad is your dream, do consult a reputed overseas education consultant who can help you with a list of study abroad programs that suit your talent and background.