Education of the people of a country and its level of development are strongly correlated. Quality of higher education, learning process, outcomes based education and of course employment opportunities are the dimensions of higher education which must be looked upon by students before they embark on their journey onto it. India has undergone a massive paradigm shift in the way education is delivered and many institutions are as good as the best among the world. The quantity however is few of such in this country. Students must consider very thoughtfully the reason they want to pursue higher education in a specific stream and evaluate their choices based on their competencies and likeliness of the subject rather than just employment prospects of a certain area or country. Indian higher education is in the process of a major overhaul by the government with a focus to generate more centers of excellence and institutions of eminence. Many science, engineering and medical institutions are rated very high in the world. Social sciences have just a few in this regard. The massification of higher education in India has brought along its own issues that are being dealt with. Vocational education., skill based education and quality framework in education has been taken up with a big focus in India now. Skill university has also got established in our country. However there is still a long way to go.
Indian students are mostly seen making choices based on limited information and without matching their core skills or what their heart calls out for. I urge the students to make rather informed choices. Each filed has vast career opportunities which can be harnessed. This era is of specialization and excellence in a field. Journalism, gender studies, political science, psychology, law, history, anthropology and many other socials science fields have risen in aspirations and offer lucrative career options. As a student of Delhi University, in our graduation days early nineties; we hardly thought of a career beyond medicine, engineering or civil services, but in recent times higher education has focused on almost all sectors as a welcome field. Even a social acceptance of previously unexplored sectors have emerged.
Cost is a consideration which, in France; is lower than American universities but still quite steep for Indians. Scholarships and work opportunities help ease the cost of education.
When I ask the generation Z students for the reason they want to pursue a specific field, a usual answer is that it has great prospects. However, they lack clarity quite often. An in depth check on what goes in the course of study, subjects taught, and alumni placed is a good parameter to judge a college or university. The teaching quality is definitely well developed in western and European institutions. Methodology of teaching which includes participant centered learning through simulations, cases, capstone project work is robust. Work opportunities while studying enable the student to adapt to the industry requirements and gain skills alongside studies.
France as a destination opportunity offers lucrative prospects to Indians, with the pre-condition that fluency in spoken French is mandatory. Courses are surely available in English but if the fruits of higher education of a specific country is expected to result in a job there, language proficiency is a must. I have quite often encountered this issue with students who went to study in France and failed to develop language skills as a part of their life. The French institutions are very warm to make students comfortable. Institutional Counsellors aid the students in all aspects. Cost is a consideration which, in France; is lower than American universities but still quite steep for Indians. Scholarships and work opportunities help ease the cost of education.
The history of France in itself is very enchanting and provides a solace to the student to explore the city solo on weekends or holidays. A cultural shift is what every Indian will experiences and bring with it a mix bag of feelings to be dealt with. I believe in being an explorer and take a calling of the heart. Weigh your options wisely. Choose a course of study first, then the destination and university. While you evaluate your options keep in mind the considerations of the cost, your ability to cultural adaptation. Be strong to take decisions and live up to the dreams that you see for yourself.
