In recent years, an increasing number of young Indians have been pursuing higher education abroad, marking a significant shift from the past when studying in international universities was a privilege reserved for a few. An article published in India Today reveals that the trend continues to rise, with a record number of 750,365 new students heading to foreign universities in the summer of the previous year. Projections suggest that by 2024, the number of Indian students studying abroad will reach 1.8 million, surpassing the total population of many countries.
Interestingly, Indian students are now exploring a wider range of study destinations beyond the traditional options such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. They are venturing into remote East European nations and other unexpected locations. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, Indian students were found studying in China, including in Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak.
The India Today article highlights that Indian students are becoming a dominant group in foreign universities, overtaking Chinese students. The number of Indian students in the US increased by 18.9% between 2020-21 and 2021-22, while the number of Chinese students declined. Similarly, the UK issued more visas to Indian students than to Chinese students. Several factors contribute to this trend, including the impact of Covid-19, a lack of richness in the Indian education system, and the availability of more opportunities for growth and learning abroad.
Foreign universities offer flexible curriculums, research opportunities, world-class faculty, and a different educational experience that students find lacking in India. For example, one student mentioned her interest in environmental technology, which was not available as a subject in India but could be pursued in the United States. Students appreciate the ability to experiment and explore their interests in foreign universities.
Studying abroad also provides exposure to different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life, expanding students' horizons. Foreign universities value the diversity that Indian students bring to their classrooms and contribute to the host nations' economies. Efforts are being made to simplify application processes, create student-friendly visa policies, and offer scholarships to reduce financial barriers.
The India Today article acknowledges that Indian parents aspire to provide the best education for their children, and rising disposable incomes and accessible loans have made foreign education more affordable. Countries beyond the traditional English-speaking destinations, including Italy, France, Germany, and Southeast Asian countries, are also attracting Indian students.
The article suggests that the increasing number of Indian students studying abroad should serve as a wake-up call for the Indian education system. The system lacks choices, faces scarcity of seats, and sets unrealistic cutoff percentages for admission to quality institutions. The government introduced the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) to address these issues, focusing on conceptual mastery rather than rote memorization.
The article concludes by emphasizing that India has the potential to become a global center of learning with the right government policies and funding. It underscores the importance of education in the progress of developing countries and expresses hope that Indian students will return to contribute to their homeland's growth.
In summary, the article highlights the significant increase in Indian students pursuing higher education abroad. It explores the reasons behind this trend, including the limitations of the Indian education system, the allure of a different educational experience, and the benefits of cultural exposure. It also discusses the efforts made by foreign universities to attract Indian students and the need for the Indian education system to adapt and improve. Ultimately, the article emphasizes the potential for India to become a leading hub of education with the right support and policies.
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