Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Destination abroad

Kerala higher education scenario is witnessing a new trend today with students seeking opportunities in education overseas

The higher education system in Kerala is undergoing a change mode today. Gone are the days when higher options were few and education was restricted to the state alone. Students in Kerala are increasingly looking for overseas destinations to pursue their higher education. Popular colleges across India have a tie-up with foreign universities and business schools, leading to an increase in the flow of students seeking foreign education. Here is what a few eminent educational experts have to say about the overseas prospects for Indian students:

Education overseas
UK, US, Australia and Ireland are currently the most popular destinations for international students. There is no preferred generic destination. Students choose a place looking to make a career in future. “Though US/UK are the first countries preferred, those looking to settle down with a long term career, apply to Australia and New Zealand,” says Sheela Alex Matthai, Proprietor, Graduate Overseas. While financially sound students opt for countries like US and Australia, which cost 19-22 Lakh per annum for a Master’s program, others choose to study in UK and New Zealand, where it is relatively inexpensive. “Apart from quality education and international exposure, scholarship programs offered for Indian students in many European countries are an added attraction,” says Rejish Kuttan, BDH, Victoria Education Consultants. Overseas educational system focuses on research and innovation.  “In Australia, organizations such as TAFE (Technical and Further Education) offer Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Associate Degrees, which concentrate on high professional qualifications and research oriented learning,” adds K V Vinayarajan, CEO, SB Global Educational Resources Pvt Ltd.


Canada Calling
Canada is increasingly becoming a favoured study destination for many Indian students. Job opportunities, permanent residency prospects, migration possibilities are some of the major attractions for students wanting to migrate to Canada for higher studies. “The highly applied nature of Canadian education programs, strong growing economy and stay back facilities to explore job opportunities are attracting a sizeable number of Indian students to Canada,” adds Nicy Binu, Director - Overseas Program, Santa Monica.
 “Canadian qualifications are valued around the world, affordable education compared to any other English speaking countries, healthy and safe communities to work up to 3 years and eligible to apply for immigration. Students can also apply for paid internships while studying in Canada which will help them to earn while they learn,” says Deepali Singh Varghese, Director, NovaEdu.

Germany Beckons
According to D V Arunkumar, CEO, Translinguaindia Institute of Foreign Languages (TIFL),   Germany is one among the most preferred overseas destination for students as they get quality education at a reasonable cost. Masters program in Engineering, MBA programs and International Business Consulting (IBC) are popular courses, exempted from tuition fees for which students apply. Scholarships are available for students having 80% marks and above and degrees are valid across the world.
Advantage: stay back period for employment in Germany increased to one and a half years.
Eligibility: +2 for Bachelors degree & Bachelors for Masters program and in certain cases German language levels like A2/B1/B2

Destination Philippines
Philippines is a good destination for students seeking to study medicine abroad. "While it costs around 50-60 lakh for a management medical seat in Kerala or other states, the top medical universities in Philippines offer the five and a half year medical program at a starting price of 7.5 lakh upto 16 lakh,” says Beena Prem, manager, Campus International. Besides, Philippines is a 100% English speaking country and these universities are WHO and Medical Council of India (MCI) recognised.
Advantage: option of doing PG (Residency) in the US with stipend
Eligibility: 55% marks in the 12th standard

sherene.joseph@timesgroup.com



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