Structured research proposal is mandatory for Postdoctoral programmes abroad

Structured research proposal is mandatory for Postdoctoral programmes abroad

Recently PhD scholars from India are more interested to pursue postdoctoral studies from abroad. Scientists and teachers working in the research institutions and universities even take this as one of their career options. As part of the postdoctoral programme, candidate can continue their research in their respective field. It is very easy to get assistantship and fellowship for postdoctoral research. American universities are increasingly offering postdoctoral programmes for Indian students. Compared to graduate and postgraduate programmes it is comparatively easy to get admission for postdoctoral programmes in UK and USA since there is no need for qualifying English proficiency examinations like IELTS/TOEFL.
In order to apply for Postdoctoral programmmes, the researcher has to identify the research institutions/universities having research project in the respective disciplines. He has to prepare his biodata in an attractive manner along with the research proposal. Research proposal is the first stage of research process. It should be between 300-1000 words in length preferably typed in Times New Roman with font size 12.Even though the proposal will develop and change subsequently, it is important that the researcher should have clear research ideas in mind before joining for the PhD or Postdoctoral programmes.
Developing a research proposal may be divided in to two stages; viz; selecting a topic and structuring the research proposal.
Selecting a topic is the responsibility of the researcher. He needs to select a topic, which is of interest to him. Final selection of the topic should be based on reference to the research interests of the school and staff, and final topic choice will probably be based on discussion between the student and the professor.
The structure of the proposal-
The research proposal should be structured in the following way.
Title- it should be meaningful and summarizes areas of interest and planned programme of study.
Questions, Objectives and Hypotheses- identify the main research questions after reviewing previous research, policy or perspectives that are relevant to each question. Set some objectives for the research. What do you expect to be the outcome of the work? These Hypotheses should be testable. Methodology and work plan should be aimed at testing the hypotheses, and either accepting or rejecting them.
Methodology- briefly explains the methods, which will be used to answer the research questions such as experimentation, statistical design, empirical methods, etc.
Results/discussion- outlines the findings, evidence or conclusions that you expect to gain.
Conclusions- identifies the implications of research for existing theories, policy and practice.
Timescale and sequences of research-identify a relevant timescale for the project and to include location of research at different times.
Final comments- must anticipate probable outcomes of research.
Dr.T.P.Sethumadhavan

EDUCATION ABROAD

EDUCATION ABROAD
Dr.T.P.Sethumadhavan*
Recently spectacular growth has been witnessing in the overseas education sector in the country. Global village concept is acquiring momentum in this sector. Overseas education market has changed beyond belief. Large number of universities and schools from different countries are considering India as a potential recruitment center. Apart from UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zeeland, Ireland, and Switzerland, even countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Russia, China and Italy started recruiting students from the country.
Even though the basic objective of education is to attain knowledge, develop skills and attitudinal changes, the main goal is to acquire a better job. Overseas education has already been considered as the pre requisite for getting better career. Selecting the right place or right country for study abroad is really a difficult task. Some of the key questions like where should I go? Which course is best for me? How do I process every thing? Often confront every aspirant.
Overseas education has got so many advantages. Academic excellence, Global edge in faculty and students, better facilities, resources and faculty, variety of options, flexible curricula, cutting edge technology, hands on training, better support services for international students, financial assistance, challenging research opportunities and adaptation to different social environment are some of the major advantages.
Good academic merit, individual capabilities including analytical skills, suitability to course and college and proficiency in English language need more consideration before you proceed for overseas education.
Proficiency in English language is one of the major pre-requisites for overseas education. Different universities assess the English language proficiency of international applicants through different tests. These tests are considered mandatory by most of the foreign universities. Some of the major English language tests are as follows.
1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)-iBT- This test is required for international students whose mother tongue is not English. So applicants are required to demonstrate their reading, writing and understanding of English language by taking the TOEFL before they are considered for admission in most of the institutions worldwide. This multiple-choice format internet based test consists of four sections like listening, structure, reading and writing. TOEFL is considered mandatory by most of the U.S universities.
Detailed information about the test can be had from the Website- www.ets.org
E mail- toefl@ets.org

2. IELTS (International English Language testing System)- This test is widely recognized as a English language requirement test for higher education in United Kingdom, Australia, Austria, Canada, New Zealand and North America. IELTS tests ability to read, write, speak and listen in academic or general training contexts. IELTS is managed and developed by University of Cambridge Local Examinations syndicate, British Council and IDP education Australia. The test includes listening, academic reading, general training reading, academic writing, general training writing and speaking.
For details- Website- www.ieltsindia.com
E mail-info@ieltsindia.com
3. TSE (Test of Spoken English)- The test of spoken English is conducted to measure the ability of non-native speakers of English to communicate orally in English. Applicants at the graduate level who are seeking financial aid are required to complete TSE. It may be completed on the same day of Writing TOEFL. It is conducted 12 times a year throughout the world. TSE has two divisions. TSE-A and TSE-B. TSE-A is required for teaching and research assistantship in US universities or departments. TSE-B is required for certification in professional or occupational field.
Website: www.toefl.org
4. TWE (Test of written English)-TWE assesses one’s ability to write and express English. If an US university wants TWE it has to be written with TOEFL as a half –an-hour essay test.
5. ELICOS (English Language intensive courses for Overseas students)- Majority of international students entering Australia require additional instruction in English. Intensive courses are available in the campus.
6. BULATS (Business Language Testing System)-It is a computer-based assessment offered by British Council that gives reliable information on employee’s language ability. BULATS is an independent testing method linked only to internationally established levels of achievement and not to any language course or school. Candidates can be tested at any time, resulting in minimal disruption to work.
Test is available in English, French, German and Spanish. www.bulats.org
7. BEC (Business English Certificate)-BEC is designed to test English language ability in typical work situations that is offered by British Council. It has three exams; BEC Preliminary, BEC Vantage and BEC Higher.
Website-www.CambridgeESOL.org/BEC
Tests for Graduate Studies
GRE (Graduate Record Examinations)-GRE is required for students enrolling for a masters or doctoral programme in arts, science and engineering fields in USA.It has two independent tests- GRE General and GRE Subject.
GRE General-US universities require this test as part of their entrance requirements. It is a computer-based test. IT consists of Verbal, Quantitative and analytical writing tests.
GRE Subject tests are available in sixteen different subjects- Biochemistry, Cell and molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Education, Engineering, Geology, History, English literature, Mathematics, Music, physics, political science, Psychology and Sociology.
Website-www.gre.org

Exams Maximum Score
TOEFL -iBT 120
TWE 1-6 scale
TSE 300
GRE General 1600/2400
GRE subject- 800
Score validity period-
TOEFL-Two years
GRE- Five years

Students applying for Graduate and Postgraduate programmes in UK require IELTS and in USA require GRE and TOEFL with better score results.
Aspiring students should start planning one-year advance to complete the needed procedures.
UK and US Universities consider degrees accredited and recognized by Govt of India.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*Dr.T.P.Sethumadhavan, Visiting Scientist, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC, USA. Research fellow-University of Reading, UK, Visiting Faculty, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi, Asst Director, AH dept, Govt of Kerala, Educational Consultant and Columnist, Leading dailies.

Directory on Overseas Education

Directory on Overseas Education

Dr.T.P.Sethumadhavan

There are certain initiatives, which promotes awareness programmes on overseas education in India. Some of them are British Council libraries, United States Education Foundation in India, Canadian Education Center, Australian Education Center, Edu France, German Academic Exchange Service and Japan Cultural and Information Center.
· British Council Libraries-British Council division of British High Commission has a network of 13 British Council Libraries in the country. They offer different services which include education information and counseling for higher education in UK. As part of the education counseling British council is regularly organizing education UK exhibitions in selected cities of the country. For more details visit www.educationuk-in.org
· Canadian Education Center-CEC was established in 1997 by Government of Canada under the auspices of Canadian High Commission to provide information and counseling services to international students. They provide personalized education counseling, extensive library services, student visa counseling services and pre departure orientation sessions.

For more details visit www.apfc.ca/cec
www.studyincanada.com
· United States Education Foundation in India-USEFI fosters Indo-US educational and cultural exchange, helps the Indian students learn about study in the United States through its educational advising services, fellowships and seminars. USEFI is regularly organizing education seminars and exhibitions in the country. USEFI’s Head office is based at New Delhi and regional offices are based at Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai.Visit the web site- www.fulbright-india.org
· Australian Education Center-AEC based at New Delhi provides detailed information on educational institutions in Australia. More over an Education Resource Center is functioning at the Australian Consulate General Office in Mumbai. Visit- www.idp.com contact aec.india@dfat.gov.au
· Edu France-Edu France provides international students with a comprehensive package of information, programmes and services related to higher education and training in France. Visit www.edufrance.fr
· German Academic Exchange Service-DAAD promotes international academic relations, especially through exchange of students and faculty members. New Delhi office of DAAD promotes German education and provides information about German universities. www.daaddelhi.org
· Japan cultural and information center based at New Delhi provides information on Japanese education and various exchange programmes. Moreover in association with Japan Foundation this center conducts counseling sessions for higher education in Japan. Visit www.jpf.go.jp
· New Zealand Trade & Enterprise of New Zealand High Commission, New Delhi is regularly providing information on New Zealand education. www.mynzed.com
· International Education board of Ireland is regularly providing information on Ireland educational institutions. www.educationireland.ie
· Netherlands organization for international co-operation in Higher education-NUFFIC provides information on higher education in the Netherlands www.studyin.nl
· Indian mission in Hong Kong – Consulate General of India imparts information on education avenues in Hong Kong. www.indianconsulate.org.hk

Cambridge university plans financial aid for International students

Cambridge University plans to offer more financial assistance projects for students

Dr.T.P.Sethumadhavan

In the global education sector, education in United States is rather cheaper when compared United Kingdom. This is the major attraction for US education. United states education foundation in India is promoting US education for Indian students. Students from developing countries find it very difficult to meet the increasing educational expenses in UK. So many UK universities are offering one year condensed postgraduate programmes including one-year MBA programmes.
Realizing the increasing cost of UK education, many UK universities are seriously thinking of implementing more financial aid projects for Indian students. Vice Chancellor of Cambridge University Dr. Alison Richard in her recent visit to India revealed that since major American Universities are providing financial assistance to Students, Cambridge is seriously thinking of more financial aid schemes for students in the coming Eight hundredth anniversary of the University. As part of the same Cambridge university is planning to implement more fund raising programmes so that more students can be given financial assistance to pursue education in UK.
American universities are effectively communicating a positive message on US education. Whereas UK universities could not positively convey this message to students. Says the Cambridge Vice-Chancellor.