Reality of Indian Students Going Abroad

Summary

The script explores the motivations and challenges of Indian students studying abroad, highlighting the high costs and intense competition in India's education system. It delves into the pursuit of better opportunities, professional environments, and quality of life, while also addressing the harsh realities of visa struggles, job market challenges, and social isolation. The narrative underscores the complex decision-making process behind seeking education overseas, reflecting the diverse experiences and outcomes of Indian students in various global contexts.

Takeaways

• 📚 In 2023, approximately 13 lakh Indian students went abroad for higher education, with the majority opting for the US, Canada, UK, and Australia.
• 💰 On average, these students spent 32 lakh rupees annually on their education abroad, indicating a significant financial investment.
• 🤔 Despite the high cost, many Indian students abroad reported dissatisfaction, raising questions about the value and motivations behind studying overseas.
• 🌍 The script highlights the diverse range of countries Indian students are choosing for education, beyond the traditional study destinations.
• 📉 The economic slowdown post-COVID-19 has led to a challenging job market for international students, including those from India, in their host countries.
• 🏫 Indian students often face intense competition to get into top colleges in India, with acceptance rates for prestigious programs being very low.
• 🏛 The quality of education in India is a concern, with many colleges lacking in curriculum, faculty, and practical skill development.
• 💼 Employment prospects for Indian graduates, both domestically and internationally, are not always promising, with employability rates varying by degree and field.
• 🌐 The desire for a better quality of life, professional opportunities, and social status are cited as reasons for Indians to seek education abroad.
• 🔄 There is a dichotomy in experiences, with some students thriving abroad and others facing significant challenges, including visa issues and cultural adjustment.
• 🏙️ The script emphasizes the subjective nature of 'happiness' and 'success', suggesting that the decision to study abroad is deeply personal and varies greatly among individuals.

Q & A

How many Indian students went abroad to study in 2023, and what was the total expenditure on average per student per year?

In 2023, 13 lakh Indian students went abroad to study. On average, these students spent 32 lakh rupees every year.

Which four countries received the majority of Indian students in 2023, and what were the approximate numbers for each country?

The majority of Indian students went to the United States (250,000), Canada (300,000), the United Kingdom (130,000), and Australia (80,000).

What percentage of Indian students who went abroad in 2023 chose these four countries, and what does the rest of the percentage represent?

65% of the Indian students who went abroad in 2023 chose the four mentioned countries. The remaining 35% went to other countries, some of which may be lesser-known.

What are some of the lesser-known countries where Indian students are studying, as mentioned in the script?

Some lesser-known countries where Indian students are studying include Kyrgyzstan (14,000 students), Italy (6,000 students), Bangladesh (9,300 students), Taiwan (over 2,000 students), and Venezuela (93 students).

Which Indian states contribute the most to the number of students studying abroad, and what percentage of the total do they represent?

Punjab, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh contribute 38% of the students studying abroad.

What are the two most common degrees pursued by Indian students going abroad, and what percentage of students are pursuing each?

60% of Indian students abroad pursue a master's degree, while 33% go for their bachelor's degree.

What is the estimated growth in the number of Indian students going abroad for the next two years?

The number of Indian students going abroad is estimated to grow by 7% in the next two years.

Why do Indian students choose to go abroad despite the high competition and limited seats in top Indian colleges?

Indian students want to escape the intense competition in India, where entrance exams act as filters and only a small percentage of applicants gain admission to top colleges like IITs and IIMs.

What is the state of most Indian colleges in terms of curriculum and faculty, according to the script?

The script suggests that most Indian colleges lack a strong middle class of institutions, with either highly praised colleges like IIT IIM or those in poor condition. The focus is often on infrastructure rather than curriculum and faculty quality.

How does the script describe the employability of Indian business graduates and the potential reasons behind it?

The script states that only 7% of India's business graduates are employable, suggesting that the quality of education and lack of practical skills are significant issues.

What are some of the challenges faced by Indian students who have gone abroad, as highlighted in the script?

Challenges faced by Indian students abroad include economic slowdown leading to job scarcity, high cost of living, visa struggles, social anxiety, loneliness, and cultural differences.