The education of the people of a country and its level of development are strongly correlated. Quality of higher education, learning process, out-comes-based education and of course, employment opportunities are the dimensions of higher education that must be looked upon by students before they embark on their journey onto it. India has undergone a massive paradigm shift in the way education is delivered and many institutions are as good as the best in the world. The quantity however is a few as such in this country. Students must consider very thoughtfully the reason they want to pursue higher education in a specific stream and evaluate their choices based on their competencies and likeliness of the subject rather than just employment prospects of a certain area or country. Indian higher education is in the process of a major overhaul by the government with a focus to generate more centers of excellence and institutions of eminence. Many science, engineering and medical institutions are rated very high in the world. Social sciences have just a few in this regard. The massification of higher education in India has brought along its own issues that are being dealt with. Vocational education, skill-based education and quality framework in education has been taken up with a big focus in India now. Skill University has also got established in our country. However, there is still a long way to go.
"Methodology of teaching which includes participant-centered learning through simulations, cases, capstone project work is robust"
Indian students are mostly seen making choices based on limited information and without matching their core skills or what their heart calls out for. I urge the students to make rather informed choices. Each filed has vast career opportunities that can be harnessed. This era is of specialization and excellence. Journalism, gender studies, political science, psychology, law, history, anthropology and many other socials science fields have risen in aspirations and offer lucrative career options. As a student of Delhi University, during our graduation days in the early nineties, we hardly thought of a career beyond medicine, engineering or civil services, but in recent times higher education has focused on almost all sectors as a welcome field. Even the social acceptance of previously unexplored sectors has emerged.
When I ask the generation Z students for a reason they want to pursue a specific field; a usual answer is that it has great prospects. However, they lack clarity quite often. An in-depth check on what goes in the course of study, subjects taught, and alumni placed are a good parameter to judge a college or university. The teaching quality is definitely well developed in western and European institutions. Methodology of teaching which includes participant-centered learning through simulations, cases, capstone project work is robust. Work opportunities while studying enable the student to adapt to the industry requirements and gain skills alongside studies.
France as a destination opportunity offers lucrative prospects to Indians, with the pre-condition that fluency in spoken French is mandatory. Courses are surely available in English but if the fruits of higher education of a specific country are expected to result in a job there, language proficiency is a must. I have quite often encountered this issue with students who went to study in France and failed to develop language skills as a part of their life.
The French institutions are very warm to make students comfortable. Institutional Counsellors aid the students in all aspects. Cost is a consideration which in France is lower than American universities but still quite steep for Indians. Scholarships and work opportunities help ease the cost of education.
The history of France in itself is very enchanting and provides solace to the student to explore the city solo on weekends or holidays. A cultural shift is what every Indian will experiences and bring with it a mixed bag of feelings to be dealt with. I believe in being an explorer and take a calling of the heart. Weigh your options wisely. Choose a course of study first, then the destination and university. While you evaluate your options, keep in mind the considerations of the cost, your ability to cultural adaptation.
Be strong to make decisions and live up to the dreams that you see for yourself.
Dr. Meenakshi Gandhi, Professor of Entrepreneurship & Marketing
With a professional journey of 19 years in the academic circles working in institutions of higher education, Dr. Meenakshi Gandi has been involved in teaching, training, research, academic administration and program management. Her work strength has been in areas of entrepreneurship, leadership development for women and capacity building for academicians both in teaching and research. In educational leadership roles, Dr. Gandhi has enabled institutions to create frameworks, systems, processes for quality enhancement, teaching enrichment, learning outcomes-based approach to deliver accreditation potential. Dr. Meenakshi Gandhi is a research enthusiast and has several national and international publications, books and articles to her credit.
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