Loan applications for study abroad programs in India have made a 4x jump post pandemic and this trend is evident for many middle and upper-middle class families in the country. An average of 28 lakh INR is required for an Indian student to complete under graduation in the UK which is 3 lakh INR if done from India itself. On the other hand, a native undergraduate will not be able to grab a lucrative job but an undergraduate from UK will not only grab a lucrative package but also will be open to various other job opportunities globally. Considering this along with several other aspects, the point of view of Indian students towards study abroad programs is a concoction of concepts. However, in order to facilitate Indian students, we have witnessed the emergence of many study abroad scholarships, easy financing options and various study abroad consultants that are helping students take informed decisions.
“The US is the top choice for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad, and the number of Indian students choosing to study in America continues to grow. The vast majority of colleges and universities in the US recognize an ACT test score as a valid, reliable readiness indicator for admissions, course placement, and scholarships”, mentioned Janet Godwin, CEO, American College Testing (ACT) to the media.
A subjective discussion would reveal a few advantages and disadvantages related to the decision of studying abroad and a candidate will be able to understand all aspects that surround this decision.
Opening up to Broader Possibilities
It is true that employability is a matter of concern when it comes to Indian institutions because of which wasted potential and underachievement is nothing new in the Indian scenario. The majorly happens in case of management education and similar courses that offer placement opportunities after course completion. This is exactly why candidates need to think about an MBA from abroad. Many globally renowned institutions have employed their own education consultants who can provide information to candidates about their desired courses and opportunities.
To give an example, one of the countries that is marching steadily in providing management education is Germany. Very cheap fee structure is available in government colleges and universities which is utterly beneficial for students going from India. Germany is also a technology hub and home to many MNCs that operate locally and are in constant association with the institutions for recruitment purposes. This opens a world full of job opportunities for Indian students who can also come back to their country and opt for promising job opportunities.
Understanding Different Cultures
Staying confined to the understanding of only native culture has been a major drawback for Indian students across generations. Despite being highly educated, in many cases candidates are unable to showcase their talent in global platforms because they stay confined to a specific culture and geography. A decision to pursue higher education abroad can become a game changer in this regard. At internationally popular universities like Oxford or Harvard, students from different geographies and cultures come to together to receive education. This very exposure to different cultures makes helps in creating an accurate understanding of the world and provides a sense of adaptability in a student. During the course of the program, the students not only get educated on the subjects but also undergo a complete transformation in personality.
In this regard, international universities also take steps towards community building and look into the fact that all students learn and grow together.
“Recruiting a diverse group of international students isn't enough, colleges and universities must also work hard to build communities, or they will run into retention issues. This means celebrating a diverse group of holidays and building international student associations”, mentioned Dustin C., Director of Admissions, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Creation of Global Mindset
It is true that there are many reputed higher education institutions across India and created many geniuses who have changed the world. But, as times have progressed, the style of education has also changes across the globe. Many technology innovations that have already been incorporated by international universities are still unavailable in India. This is exactly why, despite quality education, the education system is unable to keep up with the international standards. A decision to study abroad can make candidates experience the advanced courses that align with the changes taking place with the higher education industry.
To give an example, one of the premier management institutions that provide the most advanced courses is IBR Institute of International Business Relations. It is one of the finest management institutions that Indian students can decide to study because of the global mindset it helps to create among all the students.
History would reveal that India has been home to many reputable universities like Taxila and Nalanda where some of the seeds of education were sown and even today, institutions like JNU, BHU and a few others are upholding that tradition. But these universities offer only a limited number of seats which makes it difficult for such a huge number of students to get accepted. In this regard, it is always a better decision to finish study abroad and open up to a world full of possibilities.
