Overseas Education
Overseas education has a distinct benefit. For student from developing countries like India and Philippines, venturing into the world in itself is a daring step. There is always a saying that those who take risks are street smart and tend to survive in adversity. The global exposure of studying in a different country with students of different cultures has immense growth prospects. It is unfortunate that even though countries like India has numerous dynamic and result oriented institutions, NO institution has been listed in the top 500 educational institutions in the world. It may be due to lack of global competition or just that no domestic institutions feel the need to match to global expectations. This could change, but when?
Benefits of Overseas Education today: Until recently, the prospect of overseas education was limited to the quality of education, the exposure it brings about in terms of independency and the environment of studying with different nationalities of the world. However, with globalization the trends are changing. Today, in addition to the above benefits, overseas education has numerous other potentials. For example, if a student opts to study for Aircraft technicians course in New Zealand, he has the flexibility of obtaining a work permit to work in New Zealand .In addition to that during his work permit tenure he is allowed to apply for permanent residency. New Zealand is becoming a leader in the “Immigration through Education” concept to make sure they have the population strength in the future to be a vibrant economy. Canada has also adopted some of the “Immigration through Education” trends in the world.
Cuntries like Canada and New Zealand process immigration through a point system, providing points based on different criteria like age, Educational Background and experience. Immigrants are taken in with ideas and practices they have developed in the home country. Some of these practices are transferred to the new country as well. Since most of the immigrant applications processed for Canada and New Zealand happens to be from third world countries like India, Philippines and China, it is possible that practices like Red tapes, beau racy and corruption may seep into these economies. On the other hand, “Immigration through Education” has distinct benefits for the developed world. Some of the benefits are:
- Overseas Students contribute to the economy of the developed world. Therefore contribution to these global economies begin even before the student actually lands in the country.
- Overseas Students contribute to the tourism industry.
- Overseas students are young and are at a learning stage. They tend to learn faster and adapt to the new environment.
- Adaptability and assimilation is easier and faster.
- Overseas students are young and can be a contributor for a longer period of time.
- Overseas students are trained in the country of study and therefore jobs are easier to find.
"Immigration through Education"
Canada happens to be one of the hottest destinations for immigrants. This is probably because of Canada's proximity to the United States, the size of the country and the multi-cultural environment it has to offer, as well as the benefits offered to its residents. Canada is also seen in the world as a neutral country with clout. Its G7 nation status may also have a role in its popularity. Immigration Agents play a key role in popularizing Canada in countries like India and China. Canada is a Leader when it comes to providing PR opportunities for foreign students through the Canadian Experience Class, a federal program and several Provincial programs aimed at providing PR opportunities for students who have crossed the oceans to study in Canada. The Student Herald will be monitering such programs and will make available any information which will be beneficial for foreign students in Canada!
United Kingdom goes a long way in promoting their education but looks at overseas students only as a business prospect. Other than the global exposure for Indian students studying in UK, Overseas Education in UK provides little else.
United States: Even though the United States takes in a substantial number of immigrants each year, their process is plagued with uncertainties. There are numerous changes from time to time. The only stable process of immigration to the United States is the family class sponsorship. However the United States is the only country which allows sponsorship of close relatives, even though such process takes a decade to process. It is more than likely to see the United States follow other countries with the "Immigration through Education" idea. They are unlikely to be leaders in implementing such a scheme.
Australia: Unless the treatment of Immigrants improves, and unless there is more tolerance to other cultures, Australia is likely to loose out on the war for good immigrants. Australia is popular in countries like India because of the hard work done by their Agents. There may be changes to the Australian Immigration Policy and The Student Herald will keep a close eye on these changes and shall bring information which may benefit foreign students in Australia.
New Zealand has fallen back in the options it offers its foreign student. Considering the small size of the country and the limited Industrialization it can boast about, New Zealand has fallen from being one of the top countries. New Zealand stiff offers good courses and options in Agriculture, Marine and Aircraft related courses. Some Universities in NZ are ranked well for their Business courses.