Global exposure for Indian students

In the prevalent times, students are not only seeking to gain global exposure but also want a taste of diverse cultures, languages, attitudes, ways of living and different approaches to learning across disciplines and life in general. The delivery of the same is promised by global exchange programmes by reputed universities nowadays. The programmes not only lead to the broadening of social horizons, inculcating a better tolerance power of other cultures; but also greatly enhance the learning process, lending it a holistic and quality approach. 

Student exchange programmes may involve international travel, but does not necessarily require the students to study outside of their home country, pertaining to broadly two kinds of programmes – long term and short term. Most programme costs include insurance and other risk management components, including health insurance. While long term exchange programmes often come with a scholarship that covers most of the expenses, including travel, accommodation, etc.; secondary school exchange programmes may include a scholarship, but most of the time it is self-funded by the parents. Universities are increasingly indulging in signing MoUs and offering exchange programmes with foreign universities, keeping in mind the challenges presented by globalisation. 

Proving to be a transformational learning experience, global exposure via global exchange programmes promise to offer a different academic perspective and culture, allowing students to experience international issues and ideas from a fresh perspective. They imply a brilliant opportunity to challenge oneself in a new environment, helping young minds to gain confidence while strengthening life skills. In a scenario where education is not merely confined to be a text book learning exercise, equal emphasis is now laid on getting out of the bubble and experiencing life in a colloquial environment as well. Put in simple words, life experience is something that cannot be taught and something that is appreciated by employers too.

University of Delhi, for instance, has MoUs with foreign universities in Asia, Europe, Africa, North America and Australia, among others. On the same lines, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, India and Karlstad University, Sweden have inked a MoU in order to promote cooperation and the advancement of academic, research and educational exchanges between IITG and KAU. IIM Bangalore boasts of one of the most comprehensive exchange programmes. B-schools like the London Business School, GSB Chicago, Anderson School - UCLA, HEC Paris and close to 50 others in 26 different countries participate in the programme each year offering a total of 174 students to undertake a term of study at their campuses.

Another prestigious university joining the league is UGC recognised Apeejay Stya University, India’s first Liberal Arts and Meta University. In order to extend a diverse global exposure to its students, the University has signed MoUs with many international institutions and universities. Apart from identifying and developing collaborative research projects, the MoUs entail student and faculty exchange programmes and designing of other mutually beneficial potential academic modules. Some of these include Ecole Superieure d’Arts Appliques de Troyes, France; Georgia College and State University, USA; Normandy Business School, France; Willem de Kooning Academy, Rotterdam, Netherlands and Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands. The University continuously interacts with leading universities and institutions for course development/enhancement, while regularly upgrading its teaching-learning processes to make them more efficient and market-oriented.

Global exchange programmes/MoUs not only ensure a holistic learning experience but also adhere to meet excellent education standards. A critical requirement in today’s competitive times, these programmes are pertinent in delivering quality education.