| | 8 June 2021HIGHERReviewINTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND CURRENT GAP IN TRAINING AND EMPLOYABILITYBy Prof. Dr. Radhakrishna S. Aithal, Director of International Centre for Applied Sciences (ICAS), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)Global exposure, interaction with diverse mind-sets, work opportunities abroad, intercultural experiences; these are a few reasons cited by a few students who are aspiring to study abroad. According to ICEF monitor, only in 2018-19, more than 7,50,000 students from India went to study in various countries abroad with the USA being the most preferred destination followed by Canada and Australia. The de-mand for studying abroad has increased during the last few years. Students, across demographics, are eyeing for education abroad with each of them having their reasons or aspirations. Karan Sagi, who is currently studying Industrial and Systems Engineering in North Carolina State University, a top tier university in the US, says he is quite keen to work for a few years in the US, hone his technical skills, learn the industry practices before he puts on his entre-preneurial hat and makes a difference in the field of indus-trial engineering. Dedeep, another Indian student in Cali-fornia, currently studying screenwriting, has an immense passion for movie making and videography. With Indian parents being more encouraging in recent times, students are exploring their interest areas and giving wings to their dreams. Today, in India, over 30,00,000 students are aspiring to study Bachelors degree courses in top colleges. With less than 10% of them being able to get into reputed col-leges of acceptable quality, there are serious concerns as to how a mere degree from an average college could meet the expectations of today's highly competitive industry requirements. In the era of globalization, where each IN MY OPINIONDr. Radhakrishna is serving as Director of International Centre for Applied Sciences (ICAS), a constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal since 01 February 2016. Dr. Aithal, a Senior Professor in Electrical & Electronics Engineering had served at renowned Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal for nearly 25 years in various capacities; as a Teacher, Head of the Department, Associate Director, Joint Director and Director In-charge, prior to these assignments.Prof. Dr. Radhakrishna S. Aithal, Director
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