Modus Operandi of Studying Abroad

Amar Manchanda
AIMS Global Study is a consultancy aimed for all international education and immigration needs ranging from decision making to arriving in the country of choice.

The number of Indian students going overseas to study rose to a stunning 256 percent – from 53,266 to 189,629 – in just nine years, according to a study conducted by IIM-B. With the phenomenon of globalization, the idea of studying abroad is not just a dream anymore for aspiring Indians who want to explore the world beyond our borders. There is an increasing number of Indians who want to build careers for a better lifestyle which in turn leads to an increased frequency of them flying into countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. With the silent phase in the UK, New Zealand is ranked first in terms of recruitment followed by Australia which is gradually coming up. There are many organizations that are aimed to help and guide students in the process of acquiring a visa, admission and accommodation to students who want to study overseas.

A lot of filtering is done by immigration authorities when they inspect whether a pupil is travelling into the country purely for academic purpose or simply using academics as a tool to reside in the guest country. The student visas have paved a way and ushered Indians to opt for international education. There are numerous organizations that assist students with all the basic necessities right from acquiring visa to providing part time jobs upon reaching the host country; allowing the student to focus on the more important aspects.

Hot-spot Destinations

The biggest market for international education was the U.S., but post the recession there was a downslide in the number of Indian academic aspirants travelling there for higher education. On the flipside Australia and New Zealand continue to grow in this aspect as students can earn Permanent Residency after Completion of Course, Higher Visa Success Rate, 400+ Institutions offering UG, PG, Masters & Doctorate course and avail paid internships and work permits from 4 weeks to 1 year, as compared to more stringent factors in other countries. The recession that occurred in the U.S. in 2006 also saw the decline of Indian students there and a preferance these countries. Students are also opting for South East Asian countries which are termed as pathway countries as people go and study there as there are opportunities to move to other countries from there. ‘Pathway’ is rightly termed as most countries like Canada and Australia have part run institutions in the host country, with students who are transferred later to the main campus in the respective country.

Students who wish to go abroad for further studies usually need to pay a big amount initially which is not feasible for every family. Aiding such students are various financial institutions that provide assistance to students who want to go abroad. National banks such as SBI provide student loans up to Rs.30 lakh for international education. The government has made the facility such that repayments of the loan starts only after students finish their studies or when they start their jobs allowing them to complete their education without any hassle.

Work and Study

Students going abroad usually require working part time to be able to bear their expenses. The added advantage of part time jobs is that it allows students to cover 75 percent of their tuition fees alone while working. Countries like Canada, New Zealand and Australia are more preferred as they provide 20 hours of work per week with government regulations ensuring them their deserved minimum wage. The students can also work full time in long breaks between semesters like Christmas holidays.

In New Zealand, there is a 10 +3 system of education but due to the advanced course in India, students who have finished their 10th standard from any board, whether national or state can get direct admission into the level 12 there. They are also allowed to work for 20 hours per week with prior permission from the principal and the parents. In the case where students are less than 10th class or less than 16 years, both parents are allowed to accompany the child, go there, find a job and apply for their work visa. If the parents get work visa the students are treated as a local student. Other added advantages and privileges are available for students who opt for education higher than high school up to the PhD level.

There is recognizable growth in the number of Indian students in New Zealand, which has grown by more than 1000 percent over the last decade. Yet again, due to the high standard of education in New Zealand, the authorities are also putting together a group of employees for the future who will not only have the skills which they may have brought from India or inherited from their families but will also be well aware of the New Zealand’s way of life. Since education is a costly investment, opportunities like part time jobs in countries like New Zealand and Australia will see the population of Indians migrating overseas continuing to grow with host countries providing amenities and provisions to harbor them. Several developed nations have created a benchmark in the lifestyle and standard of education, making it irresistible for Indians to build their careers and reside on foreign soil.

Current Issue

TheHigherEducationReview Tv