We live in exciting times! Today, more than ever before, students can choose to think beyond limiting career beliefs; they can become explorers, deep-sea divers, designers, artists, nutritionists, media experts, sports managers ' anything is possible. Today, more than ever, one can set their heart to anything ' it is possible.
Infinite Possibilities - Gain
Is it transgender studies you would like to explore or metaphysics? Is the study of wines your fascination or do you wish to combine economics with philosophy or baking with science & technology or genetics with computer science? Why not. We are all live in a diverse, multi-dimensional world, then why should our education experiences be unidimensional or straight-jacketed?
Universities and colleges overseas are teeming with interesting student options that celebrate our multifarious personalities. Students can select majors and minor subjects that all add up to their final degree qualification. In essence, as an example, a Psychology major might be able to pursue a Music minor, not as a vocation, but as a well-taught subject.
Global Adaptability - Gain
In my opinion, studying overseas is an innovative way to explore the world. Allowing yourself to step out of your comfort zone and learn is a sure shot recipe for unique life experiences that can add value to your personality.
When in an alien territory, students have no option but to exert themselves to find information, make adjustments, make new friends, create new pathways to do or achieve something. It's like re-discovering your world and in the process, developing the muscle to face the world and life in general.
Financial Sensitivity - Gain
It is a great idea to get students involved in the financial planning leading to an international education and even after that. Indian parents often feel duty bound to fund their children's education. While some fulfil this commitment quietly and the experience becomes like a missed opportunity, some others spend but also make the child feel that its been a favour. There is mid-path; by helping students prepare their international education goal as an investment opportunity, parents can allow them to not only get involved in how and when the funds need to be released, but also how the student can get more in charge of their daily expenses when at college.
'Ever since my daughter went to study at New York, I've only been sending her quarterly fee, she's managing her day-to-day expenses on her own,' shared a single mother who had shared her financial limitations with her daughter. Whether at the library, a fund-raising event, research assistantship or even at a nearby cafe, students have a number of innovative options to study and work at most international locations.
At the same time, it is not just about the money, it is about allowing yourself an opportunity to become self-reliant and develop a better sense of self.
Holistic Admissions - Gain
A holistic application-admission criterion against the backdrop of the rigid Indian university framework that only focuses on marks, makes education overseas a rewarding experience even in terms of preparation for an offer letter. Students do internships, community projects, attend workshops and engage with groups and societies outside the classroom thereby leading to a well-rounded personality who is not just an academic but also deep involved otherwise.
This is not to assume that education in your home turf is not worth consideration ' a good college anywhere can make for a great life experience. So here is a quick litmus test - if the resources (vary from country to country) are adequate and the student's attitude (towards learning) is mature - making a choice to study internationally is definitely a brain gain.
Charushilla Narula
An extensive experience with Education and Parenting for over 13 years and a long drawn connection with guiding students towards University education, has given Charushilla an insight about admissions across the world. She studied at the Lady Shri Ram College (LSR) at the University of Delhi and graduated in the year 1999.
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