Studying abroad for Indian students

Post-graduate students from India are increasingly choosing to study abroad. Why? In the social sciences and humanities, there are a small number of respectable departments, but absolutely none that are considered by international experts as in the top class of academic programs. In the hard sciences, biotechnology, and related fields, the situation is more favorable with a few institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology, the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and some others. But the numbers of students who can be served by these schools is quite limited. Moreover, a degree from a top foreign university tends to be valued more in the Indian job market than a local degree — a perception based not only on snobbery but also on facts.

And this brings up the question: what are the advantages of studying abroad? To figure it out it is necessary to check all offers from foreign universities and find out feedback from people that already got education in that country.

Advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad

Before choosing a university, regardless of a country, it is important to understand the problems you might face. When it comes to studying abroad, you should make sure you really want to go there. You should realize that studying abroad supposes finding a job in a proper field, which may be in a foreign country. If you decide to get education in a foreign country, but then you get home a start working in a completely different sphere – it is better not to waste your time and take somebody’s place at a university.

If you still want to get education abroad no matter what, you should realize the matter of a problem: advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad. So, advantages include:

1. Quite high level of education.
2. Diplomas of international universities are in demand worldwide.
3. Possibility to improve your level of a foreign language during studies.
4. Education abroad provides meeting new people and emergence of useful connections.
5. Possibility to find a job before graduation.
6. The study process is not dictated.
7. Opportunity to travel.

After checking the whole list of advantages, you also need to decide what to study abroad. However, it is not that simple and has its disadvantages:

1. High cost of education.
2. Language barrier.
3. Lots of issues need to be done while processing necessary documents.
4. Possible problems with admission exams.
5. Long distance from family and relatives.

It is necessary to check what countries are the most suitable for Indian students.  Student numbers from India to the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Germany grew faster than overall overseas student numbers to these destinations, according to the latest report by MM Advisory Services in New Delhi. A lot of Indians go to international university to get a Master`s degree. The main reason behind their choice is the fact that the Indian job market appreciates a degree from a top international university more compared to an Indian’s.
Additionally, universities from several countries provide top quality higher education, far better facilities and most importantly, focus more on research than Indian universities. Let`s check the most comfortable countries for Indian students to study.

Canada

The cumulative total of the number of Indian students attending Canadian colleges and universities over the last year has crossed 100,000 for the first time, even as those admitted in 2017 could make for a record high.  Canada is also English speaking country which is very suitable. The Canadian government has recently introduced immigration policies that bring several benefits to Indian students, such as offering permanent residency to highly skilled students who graduate from a Canadian university. Jobs are a plenty today in Canada. At the same time it is important for an international student to realize that there are a lot of job opportunities available across industries and at all levels in Canada which ‘cannot be fit’ for people from other countries. It is one of the safest countries in the world and also has a high quality of life. Canada has a wide multicultural environment and it will make you feel less like a stranger and you can easily make new friends.

Germany

In a new trend, Germany is emerging strongly as a favored destination and could soon overtake the UK as the most popular study destination in Europe for international students. Studying in Germany not only comes for free, but you can also do it in English if your German language skills are not so good. English is an international and widely spoken language, taught as a second language in the majority of schools around the world.  Particularly for Master’s degree level, international students enjoy free-tuition in German public universities for various English-taught degrees. There are many scholarship providers in Germany who offer financial support to talented students, but DAAD in particular, has a special program dedicated to Indian students. If you’re interested in studying engineering, technology or sciences, you will benefit from the advantage of getting involved in advanced research in your study field.

Australia

One of the reasons why many Indian students select Australia is the fact that the visa application process for many Asian students has become more relaxed in terms of financial requirements. Australia is one of the safest countries in the world, with a very low crime rate. Australia is a multicultural society that is very egalitarian. So typically it tries to treat people equally. While prejudice exists (racism, elitism, xenophobia etc). Moreover, international students in Australia can work up to 20 hours a week and after graduation, they can also benefit from a post-study work visa. Additionally, the Australian government has initiated a Professional Year Program dedicated to all graduates of accounting, information technology and engineering programs, allowing them to work in a local company.

New Zealand

Like Australia, New Zealand has revved up its drive to attract more international students, particularly Indians. There were more than 29,000 Indian students enrolled to study here in 2015; that’s a 150 percent increase since 2010. Tuition fees can vary widely between universities. Generally, PG studies can cost between $7,000 and $21,000 depending on the course. However, scholarships are available. Students can work for 20 hours a week during semesters and full time during holidays. A student visa can be extended by a year for a job search after studies. However, some job-seekers have found that local candidates are preferred for well-paying jobs.  New Zealand is a tourists’ paradise that provides various opportunities for outdoor activities. English is spoken in most parts of the country.

The United States of America

By simply considering any university ranking, U.S. universities are among the world’s best, perfectly blending academics with research and extracurricular activities. A lot of international students pick USA because of its strong reputation when its comes to higher education. With over 4000 universities across the country, the US higher education system is always held in high esteem, is extremely prestigious and exerts a powerful influence on the rest of the world. Undoubtedly, a degree from a top US university is like having global citizenship. Completing your degree or even just a part of it in the U.S. will impress anyone, especially potential employers. Higher education in the U.S. is known to prepare talented professionals that are highly skilled; companies will see you as a candidate with an international mindset and a problem solver. Also there is more to the US universities than just faculty, research and technology. For most international students, the universities become their home for the four years of undergraduate studies. The campuses not just have beautiful open surroundings but have an extremely alluring infrastructure.

Other popular destinations

Italy, France, and the Netherlands are also among nations gaining popularity among Indian students. As many as 3,000 Indian students are enrolled at universities in France. About 700 courses are now taught in English, and 300 scholarships are available to the best students from India. The India-France Job Opportunities Board assists Indians with degrees from France in matching their qualifications with vacancies at French companies operating in India. Italy, which has a hoary tradition of university education, is also wooing Indian students with scholarships. Although many courses are taught in English, the medium for most programs is Italian. The Netherlands offers 1,900 courses at 60 institutions. Since the 1990s, many premier colleges have started courses in English. Opportunities for high-end research in computer science and electronics are available. However, the cost of living and the weather are challenges for Indian students.

So, why is it still a good option to study abroad? Despite any difficulties, you should understand that studying abroad is very advantageous, because in this case you will have an opportunity to get your dream job with respectable salary. As soon as you get diploma from a European university, you will definitely have a chance to stay abroad and live a decent life. If you have any doubts or you don’t know what to start with, you can get help from special centers dealing with studying abroad.