Monday, September 15, 2008

Importance Of Study Abroad

Nowadays it seems like all Indian students want to go abroad for their studies. What do they get out of an opportunity like this? Well there are, actually, many advantages that the Indian youth perceive in a foreign school experience.

There could be hundreds of reasons why a student would want to study abroad and we have listed one of the most important ones here

  • Gain a global perspective and broaden your horizons by experiencing the various cultures of the world.
  • Cultivate a global network of social contacts.
  • Improve your social and communication skills.
  • Develop independence and acquire proficient problem- solving skills.
  • Learn new technology and explore new concepts and ideas.
  • Become a more well- rounded individual primed for better prospects.
  • Become a global citizen

Academically Speaking

Students are attracted to technological nations such as USA, UK and Australia, where they look forward to a different experience as well as better job prospects. The academic programs that these nations offer are excellent and you will benefit from any one of them immensely. Here are some attractive qualities of these academic programs that you should take into consideration.

  • Some programs give you the opportunity to interact directly with some of the finest minds in their chosen traditional/professional disciplines.
  • Others may give you a chance to gain work experience thereby improving your job prospects for example sandwich program etc.
  • Different universities will have different teaching styles. While some focus more on exams, others may consist of lots of group work and module assignments. You can choose the university that best suits your learning style.
  • There are universities that are flexible in their courses and in their modules. If you are one of those people who is not sure this would be a great option for you. The university will allow you to change in the first month.
  • You will have the opportunity to develop strong relationships with your faculty and fellow students as you work and learn from both.
  • There is an emphasis on imparting practice-oriented education. This generates valuable employment-related skills in you as a student.
  • The avenues for interdisciplinary research and training are better explored in the west than in India.
  • The predominant principles and practices of the system for higher education abroad have something for everyone from even the most diverse walks of life.

The points mentioned above are just some benefits of the academic opportunities abroad. There are, in fact, many more.

Our Technological World

We are living in a world where information is accessed and shared in nanoseconds. The better connectivity translates directly into a competitive edge. Whatever your field of study, most universities abroad equip you with the latest technology. You will use their technology to obtain and process both subject-specific and general information. On these lines, many universities abroad remain unmatched. The technological skills that you obtain will open doors for you in the job market.

Your Social Life

Most universities abroad provide you with a whole list of extra curricular activities that you can choose to do. If you are a person who is very interested in sports, for example, you will find that some universities have excellent sport facilities that you can benefit from, other people may be attracted to theater, or music facilities. Some of you may want to join a university in an urban area which will provide you with eating, entertainment, shopping and cultural facilities whereas others may be attracted to a rural area university. All in all universities abroad provide a rich variety of activities as part of their campus life. These factors add a unique dimension to your educational and cross-cultural experience.

The Value of Adapting

As a foreigner in a different nation you will learn to adapt to a culture that is completely different from yours. As globalization is on the rise companies are looking to be established internationally. They will value the skills that you gain from having to adapt to a different culture.

Choosing Your University

Here are some factors that will affect your choice in universities

  • Academic experience
  • Tuition expenditure
  • Cost of living
  • Cultural encounters
  • Internship opportunities
  • Work Permit access in the study destination you choose after completing the studies
  • Career aspirations
  • Available options for study
  • Permanent residency options upon graduation

Difference in Education in India and Abroad

IN INDIA

IN ABROAD

Protected and Supportive Environment
Children have protected and supportive environment from parents till the time of completing graduation and gaining employment

Confident and Independent
Children have a higher level of freedom and discretion to decide from an early age. So they learn quickly to be confident and independent

Employment on Completion
Children get to start earning on gaining employment on completion of studies and learn the applied job oriented skills quiet late

Independent Thinking
Children are encouraged to work on their own and have independent thinking and learn practical applied job oriented skills very early

Emphasis on Theoretical Skills
The qualifications emphasis on the theoretical aspects of knowledge

Emphasis on Practical Skills
The qualifications emphasis on the Practical and applied skills

Low Profile
Indian qualifications are still low profile in terms of global recognition and reputation

Global Recognition
Qualifications from these Countries are well known for their quality and highly reputed and globally recognized

Lack of Opportunity to Socialize
Being close to the family – do not give an opportunity to socialize and get to meet different people and culture

Opportunity to Socialize
Gives a lot of opportunity to get to know people from different Multicultural societies and Countries – that helps to improve interpersonal people handling skills and communication skills

Lack of Employable Skills
Fresh graduates find difficulty in getting a professional employment due to lack of employable skills

Gain of Practical Knowledge
Qualifications have high employ ability throughout the world with the practical knowledge and employable skills

Learning based on Academic Knowledge
Learning in India – basically develops only the academic knowledge of the Child

Learning based on Practical Knowledge
Learning abroad – Children develop overall skills like academic, practical job skills and independent thought and learn to respect the Services available