Noida International University: Preparing for Global Challenges through Cross-Border Education

Sarath Shyam
With students from more than 25 countries, Noida International University offers a truly international education in the Indian soil. Hence, studying at NIU is much worthier than graduating with a mere degree.

The 21st century is the start of a global age and no country, sector or institution is immune to from the process of globalization, including higher education. Therefore, internationalization of higher education is of growing significance worldwide, with economic, political and social changes driving an increasingly global economy. Apparently, not many universities in India embrace this concept. Making a difference is Noida International University (NIU), which is a frontrunner in offering its products and service to a large number of foreign clientele. "We have over 1000 students in the campus with international students from 25 countries. Our affiliations are constantly reviewed as we want to stay relevant to what our student's need - so we do not see Internationalization of higher education as a trend but more as a necessity especially in this day and age," says Dr. Devesh Kumar Singh, Chairman, Noida International University.

Known for internationally acclaimed faculty members, competitive curriculum, global student profile and state-of-the-art infrastructure, NIU is a magnet that attracts large number of international students to India. For these student, the privilege or rather benefit of choosing NIU as their higher education destinations is its access to the international counterparts. The university is in the process of signing MoUs with educational institutions across to the globe to facilitate a constant exchange of students and scholars. "We have multiple collaborations and in fact one of our most recent is with New York Institute of Technology, USA and Kings University, Canada. Through our Schools of Architecture Engineering and Business, we have collaborated with not only international institutions but also MNC overseas for Students to receive maximum exposure," claims Dr. Devesh. As per the plans drawn by the NIU, students and professors can join these universities and organizations on a short term or periodic basis to enhance their skills and expertise over particular subjects. These programs can also be used to build one's portfolio for a job or as an additional qualification to secure more lucrative positions as compared to their peers from other institutions.

At present, NIU has 11 schools that offer 150 programs. The curriculum that followed in NIU qualifies eligibility of professional organizations and is developed in collaboration with the international educational institutions. The NIU curriculum is also a product of close cooperation between academicians, industry bodies, education councils and a thorough research on worldwide best practices. "The Academic Council annually reviews each faculty from each disciple. I along with committee - members from our board and school directors look at what needs to be changed and updated. We draw out plans on not just the classroom taught material but also work out the details on what the extra curriculum activities need to be in order for our students to reap the most out of their experience," explains Dr. Devesh.

While, NIU's innovative curriculum ensures that the students are kept up-to-date in the dynamic world of knowledge, interactive learning takes center stage at the NIU classrooms. The university has laid strong emphasis on tutorials, presentations, demonstrations and discussions based learning. With highly qualified faculty members who encourage active participation in class, NIU students are not only given every opportunity to rise questions and clear queries but also be expected to critically analyze and express their finding about a particular topic. The university encourages project based and case based learning where students are exposed to real world problems with an involved teaching-learning process in do it yourself mode. "We ensure that a student: teacher ratio is met - this way each student has a mentor on campus. Having this as a set up helps students talk-out their plans with someone of experience; therefore giving the students the tools on moving in a direction best suited to their skills and expectations," says Dr. Devesh.

At NIU, apart from providing a strong foundation to individuals, students are given opportunities to pursue their career in some of the most sought after corporate houses in the industry. "Internships, industrial visits, and on campus visits from multinationals, industry veterans, are some of the tools we employee " no different from our counterparts but there is no substitute to actual industry working. We at NIU believe that children have the next 50 years to be educated in the school called "life" - this is the only time they will learn their trade and so we work with them to give them a flavor of what to expect but don't rush them into this process either," says Dr. Devesh. To offer their students a feel of things in practically, NIU has signed many MoUs with leaning MNCs, software giants, law firms and accounting houses. "For the students it is the experience they receive that is the best benefit " as for the companies we work with; they get talent - talent that they get to mold. Therefore, they do not just get new ideas through young talent they also get to get fresh recruitments that can be integrated into their workings," adds Dr. Devesh.

By making higher education accessible to all and still maintaining standards, NIU is on an aggressive path to become global leaders in education. "As all lasting institutions " evolving; keeping up with market trends and maintaining consistency; these are the corner stones to our way of maintaining quality," concludes Dr. Devesh.

Dr. Devesh Kumar Singh, Chairman

Hailing from Aligarh, Dr. Devesh completed his high-school education, in 2008. Being a star athlete all through-out his school years Dr. Devesh decided to take his passion forward by pursuing a degree in medicine from Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College Pune. In 2013, he successfully completed his Degree in Medicine, and decided to join his family's business by promoting the discipline of medicine through education and state-of-the-art infrastructure development for hospitals.

Dr. Devesh's current pursuit is in setting up a Medical Institution and certified Hospital in Greater Noida. The best medical professors, renowned doctors mentoring and training students and patients, respectively are just some of the ways Dr. Devesh plans to oversee his vision being executed. His unflinching aim is to provide better quality health care to all at lower cost. Dr. Devesh's long-term plans are brimming with diverse project ideas, charity involvements and medical advancements for India. 70 hospitals, medical centers, sport institutions, and youth development programs are all part of Dr. Devesh's long term vision for covering the entire state of Uttar Pradesh.

But like all forces to be reckoned with; Dr. Devesh's long term plans are brimming with diverse project ideas, charity involvements and medical advancements for India. Medical Centres, sport institutions, and youth development programs are all part of Dr. Devesh's long term vision.

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