India’s Study Abroad Boom: Unlocking Transformative Adventures and Global Opportunities!

India’s Study Abroad Boom | Image Source: Canva

India’s ‘study abroad’ scene is buzzing with excitement! Since the pandemic hit, there has been a remarkable four times increase in loan applications, and the number of international schools is on the rise. It is amazing to see how this growing appetite for international education has given rise to an entire industry of consultants, prep classes, and financial services. Even small cities are booming with International Schools and parents are not hesitant to send their children to get the best of both worlds.

In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of regulatory bodies that oversee education abroad, ensuring quality standards are met and protecting students from fraudulent practices. These bodies also provide information and resources for students and parents to make informed decisions about studying abroad. Additionally, governments have increased funding for scholarships and grants for students to pursue their dreams of studying abroad.

In 2022, a whopping 770,000 Indian students set off on their exciting journey for higher education abroad, reaching a six-year high. This incredible number shows a mind-blowing 68% increase from the previous year! And guess what? There are currently over 1,300,000 Indian students studying in 79 countries around the world.

Some study abroad consultants offer their services for free, while others may charge a commission. Here in India, these consultancies usually charge fees ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 for the services they provide.

These consultants are known for their ability to transform even the most unlikely candidates into strong contenders for admissions. It’s important to keep in mind that while consultants can certainly enhance your chances, they cannot guarantee admission. A reputable consultant can offer valuable guidance and suggest various strategies to improve your prospects. However, if someone promises admission without proper evaluation, it’s important to be cautious as their motives may be solely financial.

Nowadays, parents often kickstart their kids’ journey by enrolling them in international schools with branches in India or renowned institutions offering IB and Cambridge curriculums. Can you believe that the number of IB schools has skyrocketed from just 30 in the early 2000s to a whopping 223 in 2023? India’s population is dreaming big on a global scale, but we are still waiting to see how this impacts the quality of education.

But a few positive points that I can think of are: -

1. Options: Indian students now have an amazing array of choices, including IB and Cambridge curricula. These programs are not just about academics; they are transformative adventures that shape lives. They are also ready to move to any country without much inhibition which increases the cover for them.
2. Finance: Making a global education affordable is no longer just a dream. Thanks to scholarships, loans, and financial aid, the world becomes your oyster. Though I am not the best person, processing and approval of an Education Loan is quite easy compared. I have taken this education loan, and it was a rather simple process for me.
3. Experts: These “unsung heroes” help you with the maze of applications, visas, and more. They turn your dreams of studying abroad into a reality. The diversity of these consultants varies and today they offer almost all “customized services” like help in Loan applications, college admission procedures, essay writing etc. Most of the aspirants leave the entire job to these consultants and hence it becomes the most important step in selecting the “right” hero.
4. Impact: It is not just about personal growth; it is a change that impacts society. There are numerous examples where these students return to India and do impactful work in their motherland. Many of them become aspirations for others and motivate many more to select this path. Moreover, global exposure will also help them to influence local culture, cuisine, and arts, enriching society with new perspectives and ideas.
5. Cultures: Studying abroad opens your mind to e and cultures. It is like putting on a new pair of glasses that let you see the world in a whole new light. When students study abroad, they have an opportunity to interact with people from other countries with diverse cultures. This not only helps them to embrace other cultures but also helps to understand other society, people, and their living styles.
6. Economy: The ripple to the economy, creating jobs and opportunities in the educational consultancy sector. International students contribute significantly to the growth of the economy of their country. This in turn leads the local economy to grow.

Simply put, the Indian study abroad boom is not just a passing fad, it is a life-changing journey. It is like having an all-access pass to the most incredible show on Earth! This opens new doors of opportunity for them which is enriched in cultural experience and equips them for future perspective in terms of job or even owning a business. It also fosters personal growth and a better understanding of the world, its people and thus making it a unique experience.