"Exploring the trend of Indian students intending to study abroad"

This sections aims to explore a very popular trend in India - the trend of Indian students intending to study abroad.

Why study abroad?

Ever since globalization arrived to touch all aspects of our life, there has been one trend that is discernible till date. It has been in the field of higher education - graduation and thereafter. It is the trend of Indian students intending to study abroad. The increasingly international outlook towards academics and employment has spawned a generation of students who are looking to study abroad or work abroad and explore greater career prospects for themselves overseas.

Though the major attraction of an overseas education is from a future employment perspective, there are plenty of other factors that make studying abroad a rewarding and fulfilling experience - the opportunity to discover and experience a different culture, the chance to acquire life-skills and the sheer joy of making friends from all around the world.

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Education Abroad versus Study in India

The popular belief is that in spite of its distinguished record of producing world-class teachers and students of the highest caliber, the quality of higher education in India is yet to catch up with international standards. The fundamental cause for this lag may be the poor infrastructure of most institutions offering graduate and post-graduate degree programs in India. There are however several other reasons that drive students in India towards an education abroad:

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Funding opportunities provided by institutions abroad

Since India is as yet a developing country, the government is not in a position to finance universities as effectively as the study programs abroad. Poor remuneration for teachers is also a major problem; as a result, students aren't attracted towards the teaching profession, choosing instead to venture abroad for better facilities.

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Research opportunities at universities abroad

This is a frequently heard complaint from meritorious students who wish to pursue their research in various fields. The scenario is much better overseas, where excellent and up-to-date facilities offer a wide range of research options for those interested.

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Employment opportunities abroad

Foreign study programs, especially those undertaken in a reputed institution, enhance employment prospects simply because more multinational organizations recognize a degree or diploma acquired from these universities.

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Studying abroad at internationally acclaimed institutions- A definite value addition

One of the biggest benefits of studying abroad especially at internationally acclaimed institutions is the overall value it adds, not only to the degree or qualification sought but also to oneself as an individual. Studying abroad exposes a student to a varied range of courses and programs. Some of these programs may not be available at Indian universities. There is also the chance to learn, and become proficient in, at least one new language. Having a language on your degree as a major or even as a second minor course also negates the need to take up additional major courses, while drawing prospective employers' attention to one more acquired skill.

A stint at a foreign university also allows one to experience first-hand different cultures and live and work among different peoples of the world. Surveys show that students who opt to study abroad have a more expansive world-view and are far less biased towards other countries and their respective cultures. Employers too tend to view such students as independent, highly motivated and capable of tackling diverse challenges that may frequently arise in today's increasingly multi-cultural workplaces.

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International education - multinational opportunities

With secure and profitable employment at international organizations being the main, if not sole, reason for opting to study abroad, increasing job opportunities that come one's way are not to be missed. In most institutions, efficient career guidance cells provide students with all the information and counseling needed to match interest and ability with the right jobs after they complete their education at these institutions of international repute.

For those seeking a foothold in the international job market, internships are often found to be the most direct path as they encompass a wide variety of disciplines and locations. An internship abroad would thus open a whole world of opportunities for these students. Indian students studying abroad have an edge over those studying in India for these international internship opportunities.

Teaching is also fast catching on as another popular career option among students overseas. There is always a demand for teachers who are proficient in the English language.

All these reasons motivate Indian students to spread their wings and seek educational opportunities abroad.

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