| |9 9 March 2020HIGHERReviewnumber of seats. IIMs (Indian Institute of Management), IITs (Indian Institute of Technology), and AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) are amongst India's dream universities, but a study has revealed that on an average, a student has less than a 50 percent chance of securing admission in any of these reputed institutes. High cut-offs compel even the brightest students to give up on their aspiration of securing admission to a course and college of their choice. As a result, students consider the option of studying abroad. 2. Diversity and Popularity of Programmes O eredA common concern about the Indian education system is that its academic institutes focus only on delivering popular STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses. Students who wish to opt for the road less travelled, often end up looking abroad to advance their higher education. Foreign universities typically offer programmes in some of the most contemporary and unconventional fields, coupled with an expert faculty. The University of New South Wales in Sydney offers a plethora of versatile undergraduate, postgraduate, dual degree and research programmes, steered by well-grounded lecturers and academic professionals in their respective spaces. These programmes, helmed by well-equipped universities, enable students to explore the industries of their preference while being enlightened about an array of other sectors.3. Employment OpportunitiesAn international degree has global recognition. Despite the cost of foreign education, students and their parents see a strong return-on-investment on account of its high employability quotient. An international degree is a proven gateway to employment prospects overseas. Indian students who wish to return home and seek quality job opportunities can also expect to have them in the bounty. 4. Global ExposureWhen you study abroad, you are exposed to activities and experiences that may not even exist in India. Depending on where you study, your university may have a host of extracurricular clubs and classes that will help you broaden your horizons while living in a new country. Moreover, many popular education destinations also allow international students to work part-time and take up internships while pursuing their studies. These enriching experiences aid students in preparing themselves for the real industry while also enhancing their interpersonal dynamics with potential recruiters. 5. Cultural DiversityFor decades now, foreign universities have been welcoming students from across the globe and encouraging a mixed bag of students belonging to different nationalities and cultures. Interestingly, Australia has garnered immense popularity over the last few years for being home to a melting pot of cultures, as every year, thousands of students migrate there, mainly to reputed universities such as The University Of New South Wales (UNSW) in a hub like Sydney to acquire this valuable international exposure, and expand their network through the city's warm and receptive vibe.6. Fostering CuriosityThe great educationist Sir Ken Robinson said that one of the great woes of modern education is that it stifles curiosity and this begins from the school itself. We create clones. We teach by rote. We stifle the desire to challenge, to debate, to disagree. Yet, it is from disagreements and doubt that great ideas are born, and inventions and discoveries take mankind forward. It is precisely here that top-quality international education scores over the Indian system. It makes all the difference. Despite the cost of foreign education, students and their parents see a strong return-on-investment on account of its high employability quotient
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