E-Paper
The American dream
The first thing that an Indian student must know is that the higher education sector in the US is a buyers market.
The first thing that an Indian student must know is that the higher education sector in the US is a buyers market. You can actually demand, and get, what is best for you. And why not, when it is a heavy investment of time (2-3 years), money (approx. Rs 10 lakh per annum) and energy.
Indians, in fact, constitute the second largest contingent of overseas students in the US. Every year, 50,000 Indian students flock to America, though Uncle Sam offers no free lunches (in contrast to the numerous scholarships and bursaries offered by the British under the Commonwealth programme) turning education into an $11 billion industry and the fifth largest revenue spinner for the country.
The lure lies in the smooth-flowing system and strong student support services offered by the US universities. Another plus factor is the flexible curriculum, which allows you to virtually design your own programme, the privilege of doing nine-month bridge courses and the complete freedom to switch from one discipline to another (say, from History (Hons) to Computer Science) if you so desire. You may even choose a test date. The infrastructure is so good, that learning extends beyond classrooms, is highly interactive and student-centric.
More Indian students are studying in the United States today than ever before, with their population doubling in only five years. Currently, the US has more Indian students (over 74,000) than from any other country.
It is a misconception that it has become more difficult for an Indian student to get a visa. The criteria for qualifying remain unchanged. However, 9/11 prompted US to review its visa programme with the objective of keeping America open, but at the same time improving US security.
