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Journalism of Courage
8220;Pardes is paradise,8221; is the thought in many a young mind. No wonder every year, there is an ever increasing number of students going abroad to study. With the number of courses that are offered abroad, even the falling value of the rupee and the sanctions, do not deter the grit of students. Though many don8217;t want to stay back after completing their courses, for others it is a chance to settle in the country of their dreams, whether the USA, UK or Australia. This trend has caught up more in the past few years. With many scholarships and sponsorships offering financial help to students, studying abroad has become accessible, even to the ones from the middle class.
But what is it that makes studying abroad more attractive than studying here? The prime reasons beyond doubt, are the ample opportunities and better job prospects. Another reason is the absence of some specialised and technical courses in India.
Discontent regarding the education system, has played a key role in the increasing number of students going abroad. Prithvijeet Chowdhary, a student of FYBA, Fergusson College, aiming for the London School of Economics, feels that colleges abroad have extensive research facilities with a lot of interaction involved. According to him, the setup in India does not offer much freedom, in complete contrast to studying abroad.
According to Dilip Oak, director of Dilip Oak8217;s Academy which trains students for GRE, TOEFL and GMAT, more opportunities, advanced technology and a high standard of living are the key factors, which have attracted students abroad.
The high costs of living, while studying abroad, are no longer hindrances as many feel it8217;s worth it. With student loans and scholarships, that too does not remain much of a problem. Another very prominent reason according to many students and counsellors, is the stamp of approval they obtain after studying there. As some say, 8220;Studying abroad is a proof of one8217;s intellect and capability.8221;
British Council librarian, Savitri Iyer, rates MBA as the most sought after course. She adds, 8220;But students are unaware of the scores in GMAT and TOEFL required to get through. Secondly, for some masters courses like MBA, colleges abroad require students to have a couple of years8217; work experience.8221;
Modus Operandi
GRE Graduate Record Examination and TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language is a must for all students applying for non-management graduate courses in the USA. The GRE consists of three sections of 800 points each of English, Maths and Logic. Forms for these exams can be obtained from the IPEM, Allahabad, USEFI in Mumbai. In Pune, these are available at Dilip Oak8217;s Academy. Now with the system being computerised exams can be given on any date provided your forms reach two months before. The marks of these exam papers are sent to four colleges of your own choice. Marks can also be sent to additional colleges at 11 for TOEFL and 13 for GRE. For MBA applicants, you need to take the GMAT Graduate Management Aptitude Test which measures writing skills. This exam, being a computer based test, can be given at the student8217;s convenience.
Students who wish to do postgraduate studies in UK, have to appear for International English Language Test IELTS which is conducted regularly by the British Council. The application forms for these are available at the British Council Library Education Counselling Service.
For undergraduate studies in the US, you need to take the Scholastic Aptitude Test SAT which is held six times a year. SAT I tests your verbal and mathematical reasoning, whereas SAT II tests your knowledge of particular subjects. For undergraduate studies in the UK, all applicants have to give the International English Language Test IELTS. A student from the state board has to do a foundation course in UK. Students who have done standard XII in state boards have to undergo a year-long foundation course in UK, which acts as a bridge course between standard XII and under-graduation. Students from CBSE and ICSE, however, can appear for the exams straight away. Applications forms are available through a computerised national system known as Universities and College Admissions Service UCAS. Each UCAS form allows students a choice of six universities and courses, reducing wastage of much time and energy.
Student visas for studies in the UK can be obtained from offices of British High Commission and the British Deputy High Commissions. A student needs to have proof regarding accommodation and sufficient funds to cover entire cost of living and studying in Britain. It has to be made clear in the beginning itself that the student intends to return home on completion of the course. A visa for USA can be obtained from any USA consulate in India.
