Flow of AP students to US universities increase

VIJAYAWADA: With the US Visa norms being eased and foreign universities trying to woo Indian students with new courses and career options, the number of students aspiring to study abroad is increasing considerably.

Steady flow of students and parents at the foreign education consultancies proves city students' never ending fascination for foreign education.

'Though students going abroad for higher education is not a new trend, over the past one-and-a-half years the number has increased considerably. The main reason for this is foreign universities opening the doors for Indian students with new courses and programmes.

For instance, while about 1,500 students have gone to US, Canada, Australia and among other nations from Vijayawada a year-and-a-half years ago, this year the number rose to about 2,500,' explains V Sailaja, administrative manager at Stream Education Consultancy, Labbipet. The number increased from 20,000 to 30,000 during the period in Andhra Pradesh, she adds.

US is the most attractive destination for the students with more than one third of them opting for it. Many students prefer US as it offers many additional benefits apart from studies like part-time jobs, good career opportunities and a good lifestyle.

Besides, the approval of student visa is easier for US consultancy. 'When compared to the previous years, 25 per cent of students applied for US visa this year, as the process and paper work for students were eased,' said B Anil, director of World Wide Overseas Education Consultancy.

Ramanujam Parthasarathy, director of ECT Centre at Gudlavalleru Engineering College, said, 'A stint at a university abroad allows students to study subjects that are not available in India. In addition to this, the quality of education and living conditions attract students to the progressive countries like US, Canada and Australia. The students can now access the best of universities across the world and can gain a different view of international affairs, politics and social issues with advances in communication technologies and the media.'

Foreign education gives a new exposure and edge to the career. That's what drives Indian students to opt for foreign education, says G Mani Kanta, a student of Vikas Engineering College, who obtained US Visa recently.

In spite of fluctuations in the rupee value, anxious students and parents are making an extra effort to re-organise their funds to pursue their dream. K Nageswara Rao, an employee at Siris company, said that eventhough the expenses have increased by about Rs 3 to 4 lakh, it did not impact the family decision, as it was his daughter's dream to do MS in abroad.