Prospects for education and Career abroad

Prospects for Education and Career abroad

Dr.T.P.Sethumadhavan

Recently spectacular growth has been witnessing in the overseas education sector in the country. In the recently held UK education fair at Kochi, more than 3000 prospective students visited the exhibition for study UK programmes. When compared to previous year the turnover was more than 150 percent. This clearly indicates the interest of students from the state. 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 Zealand, 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 like scholarship, assistant ship, fellowship, par time jobs, etc, 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.

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. Cambridge University is planning to implement more fund raising programmes so that more students can be given financial assistance to pursue education in UK.
Australia is emerging as one of the popular destinations for overseas students to pursue their higher studies. Annually more than two lakh international students choose to study in Australian institutions. Recently Australia is attracting more Indian students for their study abroad. Australia one of the largest islands in the world has six states and two territories. New south Wales, Victoria, Queens land, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Australian capital Territory and the Northern Territory. Cost of living and tuition fee in Australia is comparatively cheaper than in UK or USA. Overseas students can do part time work in Australia. Australian universities select students based on their performance in the qualifying examination.

Engineering and Management courses abroad

Recently in the rapidly changing world, engineering courses are emerging as major areas of technological advancement. In the global education scenario this trend is more pronounced. United states, UK and Canada are the major choices for Indian students to pursue Engineering courses abroad. Being the four-year graduate programme, engineering students can directly apply for postgraduate programmes abroad. Now a days more engineering graduates are interested to join for the management programmes in the business schools abroad.
While searching for engineering courses abroad, identify a research topic, which is most suited to the student. Job opportunities after completing the study programme, chances of getting financial aid/funding have to be assessed. Never believe the promises of overseas education facilitating agencies alone.

Master of Business Administration has acquired the status of one of the world’s most popular postgraduate management programmes. Among international students in order to augment their business and marketing skills, this programme is getting more popularity now a days. UK is the undisputed leader in MBA programme in Europe and the World leader in terms of innovation in MBA provision.

Why more students are interested in taking MBA from UK? The reason is simple. Duration of the course is only one year. More number of accredited schools are in UK. In USA duration of the course is nearly 18 months. So educational cost for MBA programme in UK is much cheaper than USA. UK institutions excel in reputation, best faculty and specialization.
MBA can be classic General MBA or a specialist qualification in the respective field. It can be completed either via full time or distance learning programme. General MBA include specialization in marketing management, financial management, computer management and Human resource management. Some of the specialization programmes include Engineering management, Agri business, Retail management, Supply chain management, Automotive management, Sports management, Production management, Insurance management, Transport management, and Telecommunication management.



Pre-requisites for foreign education

While selecting a course, priority should be given to a course best suited to student’s needs. It should take in to account potential for higher studies and research.
Criteria for selection in foreign universities include Undergraduate institute last studied, Score in the qualifying examinations like GRE, TOEFL/IELTS, GMAT, etc, Overall grade point average-OGPA, Percentage, class/ rank, Work experience, Research aptitude, Skills in programming and project work, Statement of purpose, Letters of recommendation, Extracurricular activities, Communication skills, motivation, sincerity and leadership qualities and integrity are

Statement of purpose is one of the essential components of application procedures for getting admission. It consists of students personal details, professional interest, goals, factors related to the career path and future plans. It must reflect the confidence, motivation and determination of the student. Give more emphasis to your area of interest, aspirations and career goals.
Letters of recommendation is one of the important application components. Based on this overseas universities will assess the credentials of the student. Letters of recommendation must be obtained from a resource person/ faculty members who can positively judge the student and his career plans.

Education abroad need one year planning

Preparation for overseas education needs strategic planning and evaluation. Then only easy access to foreign universities will materialize. Minimum one-year preparatory time is needed for fulfilling the envisaged goals. In European, American and Canadian universities, academic year will start from October onwards. Even though some of the universities admit students for the winter semester during February, Indian students prefer to join during the pleasant spring season.

Calendar of activities-

During September, the student has to decide the area in which he is interested to pursue the higher studies and collect information about the universities. Shortlist his choices. Register and apply for qualifying examination and admission requirements like TOEFL/IELTS, GRE, GMAT, CGFNS, etc. Check the websites of the selected universities and download the application form during October. Collect detailed information including list of relevant dead lines.
During November after carefully reading the instructions, fill up the application form and send it via e-mail to the Professor of the concerned department. Application form must be complete in all aspects. It must be send along with Structured curriculum vitae and Statement of purpose. Contact the universities for ensuring the receipt of the filled in application form during December. Collect details about the financial aids like Scholarships/Fellowships, etc during January and the dead lines are mostly 31st January. During February follow up the application and reply promptly. Never send a reply without considering the envisaged objectives. Some times you will get admission during February itself.
From March to June ensure whether the qualifying examination scores have reached the universities of your choice. Patiently wait for the admission decision from the respective universities. You can contact the Indian students of your university of choice and try to apply for residence near the campus. Admission offer will reach you during June- July months. During that period you can arrange the needed documents for visa interview and travel plans. Complete the visa formalities including interview during August it self. During September you can leave the country for foreign education.

Green signal for foreign universities

American universities are more interested to recruit Indian students for higher education. Study conducted by National Knowledge Commission revealed that among Indians aged 18-24 only 7% enter a university. If it can be doubled, the potential is enormous. Regarding the increased cost of education abroad, US universities are interested to start campuses in India so that Indian students will get foreign degree at lesser cost. Currently more than 1.6 lakh Indian students are studying and spending about 4 Billion US dollars abroad. Among international students in USA, India and china are in the forefront. Instead of starting satellite campuses in India, American universities are more interested to join with the Indian educational institutions. Recently as part of global educational initiative, Government of India has decided to permit foreign accredited educational institutions to start campuses in India. This will be really a boom for poor Indian meritorious students and researchers who cannot study abroad due to unaffordable expenses.
Emerging trends in job market

Impact of Globalization and quantum jump in information and communication technologies (ICT) has paved the way for emerging prospective courses with immense job potential. Recent findings reveal that this trend is gradually replacing the traditional sector. Study conducted by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) revealed that information technology (IT), IT enabled sectors (ITeS), Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO), Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO), Aviation, Hospitality, Retail, Entertainment and Brokerages are some of the prospective areas. Study on ‘job opportunities in the emerging sectors’, named as ASSOCHAM Business Barometer (ABB) revealed that IT and ITeS would be the most potential areas in the years to come. The study predicted that by 2010 IT &ITeS and BPO sectors require 50 lakh and 23 lakh professionals respectively. KPO and LPO are emerging as the most lucrative areas with a predicted career potential of 2.5 lakh and 79000 each by 2010. Indian Aviation industry has recorded an annual growth rate of around 25 percent. By 2010 Aviation and Retail sectors can create around one lakh and 20 lakh job opportunities respectively. The study assessed the potential in animation and entertainment sectors.
The ASSOCHAM study is an eye opener for the students and parents. Considering the importance of prospective areas, institutions have to start courses, which cater the need for potential work force in India. Now a days more professionals are interested to study management courses from reputed business schools abroad. Retail management, transport management, agri-business, Hospitality management, computer management, supply chain management, aviation management, logistics and production management are some of the specialization areas in business schools. Many students are interested to take MBA from UK than USA. In UK they can complete MBA programme in one year. Moreover they can do part time work during their study period. Communication skill and English proficiency are the main criteria for getting better positions in BPO sectors. Technocrats and professionals can work in the KPO sector. LPO is one of the lucrative areas for law graduates.
Recent study conducted by one of the leading HRD advisors in the country Mafoi revealed that during 2008, ten lakh new jobs would be created in the country. It will be in the areas of Hotel and Hospitality management, Health sector educational training and career consultancy. Their estimates revealed that 4.26 lakh jobs would be created in the hotel and hospitality sector in the country. 2.95 lakh and 1.66 lakh jobs will be created in the health and educational training & career consultancy respectively in the country. By 2011 around 40 international hotels will come up in the country.
KPMG studies revealed that KPO i.e., Knowledge process outsourcing in financial services is expected to be worth 5 billion US dollars by 2010. It may be due to the success in off shoring business operations. India is expected to remain a preferred location for KPO activity in future. Lack of talent pool, requirement of high-level control, confidentiality and high-level control and enhanced risk management are some of the limitations in this sector. Process complexities, higher billing rates and skilled resource requirements differentiate KPO from BPO.

Prospects for Conservation research abroad

Prospects for Conservation research abroad

Dr.T.P.Sethumadhavan

Biodiversity is the key in maintaining life. Rapidly growing human population place extraordinary pressures on ecosystems like large-scale environmental destruction, habitat conservation, habitat fragmentation and pollution. This lead to emergence of conservation biology, an assemblage of scientific disciplines that are focused on sustaining biodiversity through co-operative synthesis of ideas, information and approaches. Conservation biology is the emerging branch of biology having immense research and career potential in the world. Recently conservation of flora and fauna has been picking up momentum in the country.


Developed countries are giving more importance to research on Conservation biology. There is immense potential for biology students to do conservation research abroad. Postgraduates in Zoology and Botany can do MS and PhD from USA and UK. They can start preparing for overseas education during their postgraduate study period itself. Students are required to complete TOEFL and GRE for getting admission in American universities. They can also join for one year MS programme from UK after completing IELTS with a score of minimum 6.5. ‘Extinction is forever. But for endangered, we can do some thing’ is the motto of some of the American universities having conservation research projects.


The concept of genome resource banks is a not new. Already biomaterials from crops and livestock are stored systematically, a development driven largely by economics and by the desire to ensure secure food sources. Large scale organized repositories of germplasm are more common for plants than for animals, since it is easier to store plant than animal germ plasm. Livestock sector has been benefited from large-scale sperm and embryo cryo preservation for the purpose of improving meat and milk production. Moreover a few programmmes bank biomaterials from animal models used in biomedical research to protect the long-term availability of standard genotypes of mice, rats, hamsters, rabbits, cats and dogs ensuring that researchers are working with uniform animal models which will give repeatable results.

Transgenic technology i.e., the ability to incorporate novel genes in to injected embryos has also resulted in the production of thousands of new animal models in the world. Although this technology has hastened research opportunities, the byproduct is a proliferation of animal colonies that require expensive housing and care. Cryo preservation of sperm and embryos are potentially valuable in the future.

The usefulness of banked germ plasm and embryos from humans, livestock and laboratory animals depends on assisted reproduction procedures like artificial insemination, embryo transfer and invitro fertilization. These procedures are sometimes enhanced by other techniques, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection, in which an individual sperm cell is microinjected into an oocyte to create an embryo. Because a single semen sample often contains millions of sperm, this sample has almost unlimited fertilization potential.

Book on study abroad

Videsath Uparpadanam

This book titled ‘Videsath Uparipadanam’by Dr.T.P.Sethumadhavan is a recent publication on ‘Study abroad.’ Major contents of this book includes prospects and potentials of overseas education, processes, placements, proficiency tests, prospective courses, new generation courses, career options, long term potentials, financial aid, list of universities, visa & immigration procedures, etc. As a sequel to globalization, in the higher education sector Global village concept is acquiring momentum in the world. Any one can access to any education institution abroad. As far as Kerala is concerned, the state has immense potential to exploit the overseas education avenues. So it is the need of the hour to have a book on overseas education. Recently Graduate, Postgraduate and professional college students and parents are more interested to get information on study abroad. ‘Videsath Uparipadanam’ is the only updated publication on overseas education in Malayalam. Vice Chancellor of Kerala Agricultural University Sri. K.R.Viswambharan IAS released this book on 10th March 2008 from Kochi. It can be taken as a reference book and ready reckoner for students aspiring for overseas education. This book published by Current Books, Kottayam is of 246 pages with pictures and illustrations in the D1/8 format and moderately priced at Rs110/-.

Chapter wise details on the above book are herewith enclosed.
1. An Introduction to overseas education
2. Prospects and potentials for Indian students
3. Proficiency tests
4. Criteria for admission
5. Preparation of Curriculum Vitae, Statement of Purpose, Reference & Recommendation letter
6. Calendar of activities
7. Country wise details with special emphasize to 4 P’s
8. Prospective courses
9. New Generation courses
10. Financial aids- Scholarships, Fellowships, Assistantships, etc
11. Admission processes
12. An overview on stay at abroad
13. Apprehensions of Indian students-Most frequently asking Questions & Answers
14. Career options
15. Visa & Immigration procedures
16. List of Foreign Universities
17. Online universities
18. Online job websites
19. List of approved education facilitating agencies
20. Foreign education- Initiatives in India

Better prospects for Neuroscience and Tourism courses.

Better prospects for Neuroscience and Tourism courses.
Dr. T.P.Sethumadhavan
Neuroscience has acquired the status of one of the emerging sciences of the 21st century. Huge progress has been made in experimental approaches and techniques. The imaging and recording of brain activity provides extensive experimental data about different aspects of brain functioning. Theoretical neuroscience provides information on basic mechanisms underlining brain function at the cellular, circuit and systems levels.
Among different UK universities, Center for Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience (CTCN) at the University of Plymouth, UK is one of the leading centers in the field of theoretical neuroscience. Comprehensive expertise of computational, mathematical and neuroscience provides unique opportunity for students to acquire multi-disciplinary training. It envisages comprehensive knowledge of theoretical principles and concepts of brain functioning, mathematical and computational modeling of brain neural activity and cognitive function and statistical techniques of neuroscience data analysis.
Core modules include foundations of neurobiology & theoretical neuroscience, functional neuroanatomy, neural computation, Research skills, Neurobiology and modeling of the sensory motor system, optometry & auditory system, Statistical methods in neuroscience, computational models of cognitive function, Biophysical models of neural dynamics and cognition and research project on theoretical and computational neuroscience
Tourism & Hospitality
The tourism and hospitality sectors are acquiring momentum in the country, which provides more than 10% of total world employment. It has been estimated that, by 2007, more than 10 Crore people worldwide will be employed in this industry. The nature of tourism and hospitality is continually developing in scope and direction, away from traditional activities, to a wide range of new activities including cultural tourism, farm tourism, adventure tourism and eco tourism.

Considering the growing importance of this sector, many people are looking for suitable programmes, which will help them to prepare for management positions within tourism and hospitality.
Programme aimed at creating managers within the tourism and hospitality sectors will help to develop a strategic perspective while enhancing their management skills. The programme reflects changes in theory, practice and services management education.
Moreover this will provide a wide range of challenging, innovative and flexible learning, strategies that seek to develop the important leadership aspects of service managers.
MS International Tourism is designed for international tourism industry executives, Government officials and those who are interested in tourism and related sectors. Students can specialize in the issues arising from contemporary tourism around the world by taking an innovative, analytical and critical perspective on tourism and its relationship with the physical, cultural, economic and technological environments.
This specialist programme will provide an in-depth understanding of international tourism themes and issues. It will show you international tourism can be marketed and managed and how information technology can be effectively utilized in the tourism sector.
MS in International Tourism will provide a clear perspective of career opportunities of the travel and tourism industry and will have the capability to become a travel industry executive or a public sector tourism manager in India or abroad.