Students from India have a rare opportunity to expand their worldwide networks by studying in foreign countries. They establish connections with academics, professionals, and peers globally. These relationships may prove to be quite beneficial for them in their future employment, giving them access to a variety of viewpoints, opportunities for mentoring, and teamwork. The degree you earn, which is recognized across the world, is undoubtedly the biggest advantage of studying abroad at an accredited university.
In an interview with Financial Express Online, Lil Bremermann-Richard, Group CEO of Oxford International Education Group, discusses some recent trends in the field of international education, student preferences, and some crucial tips on how to deal with the various challenges that the student community overseas faces.
The United States has always been the front-runner in terms of attracting international students, but recent mobility trends have shown that Canada is highly sought after, mainly on the back of the prospects of Permanent Residency. The UK follows suit, attractive on the strength of its rich history in education, along with shorter course duration and more recently, the post-study work permit.
What advice or tips would you offer to students who are considering pursuing education abroad?
The student’s source of information is often mainly influenced by family, and peers, who are not always the best informed, hence doing your research and cross-referencing information is a must.
Secondly, students should focus on skilling themselves, both with the ‘hard skills’ in the programme of study but also with the softer skills which they often lack and which then have an impact on their prospects of employability, for example – under hard skills, Digital Marketing, Programming Language and Soft Skills like Teamwork and Collaboration, Time Management.
Thirdly, students need to be flexible and willing to learn with an open mind, as that will help them improve themselves both personally and professionally.
What challenges do Indian students commonly face when seeking international education opportunities?
Dependency on channel partners, family and individuals lead to mismatches in academic goals. The issue stems from a lack of emphasis on self-research, hindering independent exploration and decision-making.
Empowering students to take control of research and decision-making aligns choices with aspirations, fostering a personalized educational journey. To tackle these challenges, a multifaceted approach is needed, emphasizing self-research, confidence-building, and global academic connections.
Given your experience, how are Indian students different from other nationalities when it comes to studying overseas?
Indian students shine globally for their strong work ethic, quick learning, and adeptness in diverse academic settings. Proficient in English, thanks to India’s education system, they seamlessly integrate into English-speaking countries, bringing cultural vibrancy. What sets them apart is their ‘can-do’ attitude, embracing challenges, adapting to new circumstances, and actively engaging in host institutions. These qualities make Indian student’s valuable contributors, enhancing the global academic community.
What are some interesting trends being witnessed in the foreign education space?
Currently, we are witnessing a notable increase in Transnational Education (TNE) which encompasses educational programmes or courses provided by an institution situated in one country to students in their own country e.g. UK institutions creating campuses in India.
This involves collaborative efforts between educational institutions across borders, enabling students to pursue degrees, certifications, or courses without the necessity of physical presence at the institution’s main campus. TNE manifests in diverse formats such as online courses, establishment of branch campuses, and collaborative degree programmes.
Recent trends also reveal a shift in student preferences towards less mainstream courses for India, such as Art & Design, AI (artificial intelligence), and creative disciplines, reflecting a desire to align with emerging global demands.
