|
 GaramChai.com >> Indian
Student Associations >> Education
Abroad >> Article
There
are two distinct trends shaping up: On one hand, the US and
European governments are tightening visa and travel restrictions,
on the other hand, demand for western education has seen a
marked surge from around the globe. To cater to this demand,
universities and educational institutions are offering distance
education, part-time educational courses and, e-learning and
online degrees. This section of GaramChai.com presents a glimpse
into the options available to global students who wish to
avail of world-class education without travelling half-way
across the globe.
Articles on Distance Education
/
Articles on Part-Time Degree Courses
/
Articles on Online Education
/
Links /
Online Courses from Universities
/ Indian
Student Associations
Find your way to a global
degree - By
Chirdeep Bagga & Samiran Chakrawertti
There’s never been a better time to think seriously about
getting that coveted foreign degree. The prospect of a better
education abroad and easy availability of loans for studying
abroad has brought what was virtually unthinkable earlier
within your grasp.
It’s not just a question of the crosscultural exposure that
will be a boost to your resume. With most countries letting
you stay back to work a few years after you graduate, it could
be your ticket to a great career abroad. The next question
– which are the best destinations? In our first part, we tackle
this.
The US remains the preferred destination for Indian students
– they form the largest international student community there.
But new education opportunities have opened up in countries
like Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. The academic
calender or duration of courses isn’t the same everywhere.
Here’s checking all that out.
The American education system is among the highest-rated and
many of its universities are renowned for their programmes,
resources and faculty. The US has more than 3,300 colleges
and has a wide range of courses on offer.
The four years of undergraduate education comprise first two
years of general education and second two years of desired
specialisation. Courses start at two times of the year – the
fall semester (around October), and the spring semester (around
February).
The fall semester sees the most admissions when all programmes
are offered, whereas the spring semester might not have a
course you plan to study. Significantly, more aid is available
for the fall semester.
The next attractive destination for students is the UK. The
UK has a long history of quality education, and the intellectually
and culturally simulating environment at its colleges makes
it the preferred choice for many. Besides Oxford and Cambridge,
Britain has more than 150 institutes of higher education to
choose from.
The Bachelor’s course in arts and sciences takes three years
in the UK, while professional courses take four. The academic
year in Britain starts around October. Universities also offer
a high degree of flexibility.
United States
Over 3,300 colleges
4-year undergrad course
Fall semester begins Oct, spring semester starts around Feb
More aid available in fall
United Kingdom
Over 150 institutes
Bachelor’s course takes three years, professional courses take
four years
Academic year from October
Australia
37 public and two private universities
Undergrad course lasts three years
Courses start in February. Some in July, October
Good quality of life. Low cost of living
Canada
offers great varsities and good life
Acquiring
a foreign degree is no longer just a dream for Indian youngsters,
thanks to the easy availability of loans. While the US continues
to be the most favoured destination for students from the
country, the UK is not too far behind with its varsities offering
a lot of flexibility.
For instance, in the first year you would study three subjects
from those you applied to study, along with a fourth elective,
which you can choose froxm a wide range of subjects. At the
end of the first year, you are allowed to drop one of the
original subjects and replace it with another subject of your
choice.
Canada, often thought of as the poorer cousin to the US, has
come into its own in the last few years. Canadian universities
are quite highly rated and the country offers a high quality
of life at an affordable cost. There are over 90 universities
and 150 colleges and technical institutes to choose from and
as Canadian universities are largely publicly funded, they
offer uniformly high quality education, regardless of location
or area of study.
Despite public funding, all colleges retain a high degree
of academic autonomy. Additionally, the cost of studying in
Canada – both the tuition fee and cost of living – is among
the most affordable. Most undergraduate programmes take four
years and the academic year runs from September through May,
and is usually divided into two semesters, although some colleges
have a trimester system.
Australia
has increasingly been attracting large numbers of Indian students
for higher education because of its strong educational infrastructure,
a high quality of life, and relatively low cost. Home to more
than 21,000 Indian students currently, there are 37 public
universities and two private universities in Australia.
All of them offer both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
The duration of an undergraduate course is usually three years.
Australian universities operate on a semester basis. Most
courses start in February, although some may also start in
July and October.
New Zealand is another emerging destination that is fast developing
a reputation for quality education. There are seven government-funded
universities in New Zealand. The cost of education and living
is again relatively low. Undergraduate courses usually take
three years and the academic year of most universities is
divided into two semesters, with the first semester starting
late February.
From
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
|
