5 Reasons Why Indian Students Are Choosing To Study Abroad

Do you know how many students are projected to study abroad by 2024?

18 lakh! Just 5 years ago, that number was 7 lakh! The surge in the number of Indian students opting to study abroad is undeniable. Students across the nation are gearing up with increased vigour and strategic preparation to tackle international exams like TOEFL, SAT, and IELTS. Their aim? To broaden their horizons and embrace a global career.

But, why not India for study? Let’s take a look at the top 5 reasons why students are opting for study abroad: 

Lack of Global Recognition

One of the primary reasons why students may opt not to study in India is the lack of global recognition of Indian universities. While there are many big institutions in the country, most international employers and academic institutions may not be as familiar with Indian degrees/diplomas, potentially impacting job prospects and further education opportunities abroad.

• Incompatibility with International Standards

Many students fear that degrees from Indian universities may not align with global academic standards, posing a challenge when seeking opportunities abroad.

• Limited Awareness Among Global Employers

International employers may not be fully acquainted with Indian degrees, leading to potential biases and obstacles in securing employment opportunities outside India.

• Barriers to International Mobility

The lack of global recognition for Indian degrees can hinder students’ mobility to pursue further education or employment opportunities in foreign countries.

Better Course & Curriculum Options

Why not India for Masters? The question is asked by almost every graduate student who ever dreamt of studying abroad. An important factor that drives students to study abroad is the wide range of course options. Colleges and universities abroad have curated a set of courses across different fields of study. 

In India, many fields of study and their courses have yet to be included in the college curriculum due to various reasons. For example, parapsychology, energy sustainability in smart cities, etc. are some of the course options not available in India. 

Why do colleges abroad have more course options?

Many undergraduate students at universities abroad specialize in one or two subjects, taking fewer general education courses than Indian universities. This specialization allows for a more focused curriculum tailored to student’s academic interests and career goals. 

Additionally, colleges abroad may emphasize independent research, large lecture classes with smaller seminar meetings, and exams that require long essays rather than multiple-choice questions. 

Here’s a list of top colleges preferred by Indian students along with reasons for choosing: 

Better Career Opportunities 

The abundance of work opportunities available after completing studies abroad is a significant driving force for Indian students opting to study overseas. Countries like the USA, UK, and Canada offer attractive post-study work options that serve as a major drive for Indian students seeking to enhance their career prospects. 

Work Visa & Career Abroad

Many countries provide pathways to permanent residency, which is highly appealing to Indian students looking to secure long-term career growth and stability opportunities. For instance, Canada offers a 3-year stay-back policy for students, during which they can apply for a work visa and eventually for permanent residency. Similarly, the USA provides a 2-year stay-back policy, allowing students to convert their visa to a work visa, while the UK has reinstated its 2-year stay-back work visa for international students to facilitate employment opportunities

Exposure To Different Cultures

Studying abroad not only offers academic and professional opportunities but also serves as a transformative experience that shapes individuals into global citizens. By embracing diverse cultures, students cultivate empathy, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of the world around them, enriching both their academic journey and personal growth. Here are some of the reasons that students themselves have shared as reasons why they left their home country to study abroad- 

• Cultural Studies: Many study abroad programs incorporate cultural studies courses, providing academic frameworks for understanding the socio-cultural dynamics of host countries. For example: sociology, anthropology, historic art, etc. 
• Language Acquisition: Immersion in a foreign culture often facilitates language acquisition, enhancing linguistic proficiency and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Cultural Exchange: Interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds enables students to gain firsthand insights into various cultural practices, traditions, and perspectives.

Better Networking Opportunities

We can’t deny the fact that some students are just blessed with an entrepreneurial attitude & leadership skills, and they just want to explore their ideas in different environments & with different people around the world. Building relationships with international students opens doors to future collaborations, friendships, and professional connections spanning across borders.

Shared Experiences among the same peer group:  

Shared experiences such as navigating a new environment, overcoming language barriers, and adapting to cultural differences foster camaraderie among international students. 

Better Internship Opportunities

Studying abroad provides access to internships, co-op programs, and job placements with multinational companies and organizations. Engaging in internships or part-time work allows students to expand their professional networks. 

Global Alumni Networks 

Many universities abroad boast extensive alumni networks spanning across continents. As students graduate and enter the workforce, they become part of these global alumni communities, offering access to valuable networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and career resources.

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Conclusion: 

In this blog, we’ve tried to answer the widely asked topic- why not India for study? While India undoubtedly has a lot of educational opportunities and cultural experiences, studying abroad presents a compelling alternative for many students. Whether driven by a thirst for global exposure, academic excellence, enhanced career prospects, or a desire for a higher quality of life, the decision to pursue higher education abroad is a deeply personal one.