Learning the foreign way

June 11, 2012

Learning_Foreign_Way

 

Going overseas to earn a foreign diploma or degree is the dream of millions of Indian students. Although the country has made significant advancements in the education sector, a foreign qualification still holds its allure. The United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany and Canada are some of the favourite destinations where Indian students flock to. If you are one of those aspiring students wanting to go abroad for a coveted foreign qualification here are some tips to how to go about it.

 

The US

Students can source information regarding the USA from the United States Educational Foundation in India commonly called USIEF. USIEF advising centers are located at New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai.

 

The USIEF centers also administer the following tests at their respective locations :

 

New Delhi: SAT I, SAT II, PSAT and AP tests

 

Mumbai: AP tests

 

Kolkata: SAT I and SAT II

 

Chennai:SAT I and SAT II

 

Undergraduate Study

 

English Proficiency Exams

 

International students whose native language is not English may be required to take a test to establish their English language proficiency. Students should visit individual college websites for more information. Options include:

 

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

 

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

 

PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)

 

SAT/ACT

 

US universities may require students to take either the SAT Reasoning Test OR ACT. The most competitive US universities may require students to take the SAT Reasoning Test and 2-3 SAT Subject Exams OR the ACT with Writing. Some US universities do not require any admissions tests.

 

If the US universities to which you apply accept both the SAT and ACT, it is a personal choice as to which to take. Choose the test that you will do best on.

 

AP Exams

Advanced Placement Exams are college-level undergraduate exams that test an applicant's knowledge of a particular subject. Participating US colleges and universities may grant college credit to Indian students who score well on these exams. USIEF administers the AP Exams in May.

 

PSAT

The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) is a standardized test that provides an opportunity for international students to practice taking the SAT. The PSAT is administered by USIEF.

 

Please check the websites of individual universities to learn which tests are required for admission. It is important that you begin test preparation well in advance. An examination fee needs to be paid to take each of these tests. Check the websites of the admission tests for detailed information.

 

In addition there are graduate and post doctoral studies also available in the US. Log on to: http:// www.usief.org. in/New-Delhi- (Head-Office ).aspx

 

The United Kingdom

The most popular undergraduate qualifications are the Bachelor's degrees (also called undergraduate or first degrees ), which are now required for entry into a wide range of careers in the UK and other countries. British degree programmes incorporate the most upto-date subject developments. Many universities and colleges now co-operate to deliver degree courses, and this has further increased the number and variety of courses and study environments. For English proficiency one has to take IELTS or International English Language Testing System.

 

UG Studies in the UK

Undergraduate applications are processed through the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), a centralised clearing agency. For UCAS forms log on to http:// www.ucas.com

 

International applicants

If you are applying from outside the UK or EU, whatever your nationality, you need to be aware of the three application deadlines, although many universities and colleges will consider your application up until June 30. This does not apply to applications for the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, courses in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or veterinary science. For all of these, you must apply by October 15.

 

Universities and colleges do not guarantee to consider applications they receive after January 15, and some popular courses may not have vacancies after that date. Please check with individual universities and colleges if you are not sure. You are advised to apply as early as possible.

 

Remember to allow enough time for entry clearance or immigration ; also travel and accommodation arrangements , which can take longer during the summer when immigration departments are busy. If you think you may be assessed as a 'home' student (UK or EU) for tuition fees, you should apply by the relevant deadline at the top of the page.

 

Several countries require their citizens to complete mandatory military or national service. If this affects you, check with universities and colleges in advance to discuss when you should apply. You can defer through UCAS for a maximum of one year. It would be useful to include information on your military or national service in your personal statement.

 

Also log on to: www.britishcouncil. org/india.htm

 

Australia

According to Australian High Commission estimates, the number of Indian students studying in Australia has also grown rapidly over the past few years. The end of year Indian student enrolment data 2009 shows that 1,20,913 Indian students had enrolled to undertake an Australian qualification in 2009. India is now the second top-source country for Australia's international education industry. Log on to www.studyinaustralia. gov.au; http:// www.india. embassy. gov.au/ndli/study.html; and, www.aaeri.org

 

France and Germany

In France one can choose among universities offering academic or technical programmes or specialized schools offering engineering, management among other courses. By logging onto the given website you will get to know all about the study programmes available, as well as scholarships and financial help. There are two types of institutions of higher education in Germany: Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences. Universities are research-oriented . The Universities of Applied Sciences are professional institutions. For France log on to: http:// www.inde. campusfrance.org/en For Germany log on to: http:// newdelhi .daad.de/

 

Canada

Canada is fast catching up with other nations to be among one of the best education destinations. For all information on studying in Canada have a look at the website of High Commission of Canada to India . Log on to: www.canadainternational .gc.ca/india-inde /index.aspx

 

UAE

Although it cannot be compared with the aforementioned countries as a popular educational destination as of now, the fact that lakhs of Indians are working in UAE, in Sharjah, Dubai among other cities, there is a lot of potential for educational ties to grow. There are lots of universities welcoming international students . Log on to: http:// www.uaeinteract . com/education/links.asp



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News Network
August 9,2020

 

New Delhi, Aug 9: With the National Education Policy 2020 recognising the need for flexibility in choosing the subjects that a student wants to study, implementation of this policy will boost science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in India, edtech startup SP Robotic Works has said.

The new education policy also recognised that skills like coding and scientific temper and evidence-based thinking should be learned by all students to become good, successful, innovative, adaptable and productive human beings in today's rapidly changing world.

With the semester-based pattern, there is a lot of relaxation with respect to a child's choice to select their interest in subjects, according to Sneha Priya, CEO and co-founder, SP Robotic Works.

"This will promote the kids to explore various segments which otherwise I believe was restricted to an extent," Priya told IANS in an interview.

On July 29, the Union Cabinet gave its approval to a new National Education Policy (NEP) which aims at bringing about several changes in the education system from the school to college level.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the NEP is the foundation of a "new India" and that it will help close the gap between education and research.

It is now well recognised that in opening the door to myriad opportunities offered by STEM education, online platforms have played a pivotal role.

Coding-related courses have picked up well and the online platforms have seen a lot of kids enrol in block programming, artificial intelligence (AI) and android app development.

"As the field of STEM education gained immense popularity in India, this online learning platform has seen 80 per cent increase in the number of renewal of programmes, which implies the increase in interest and is a positive sign for the future of STEM education," she said.
The proposal to introduce coding from Class 6 and onwards is one of the best decisions of the policy, Priya added.

"With importance being given to coding in the NEP, the schools will be more open to adopting new ways to ensure their children master in what they are learning which will automatically result in better outcomes," she opined.

"Focus on these skills is crucial during the formative years for the development of the children. Hence, this new policy will prove beneficial for growing kids to gather their interest in coding at an early stage," she said.

According to Priya, it is important to deliver the coding concepts in the right manner to captivate and encourage the child to engross his/her attention towards the subject.

She also stressed that both robotics and coding courses have seen a huge upsurge this year.
In addition to what is being taught at school, the online learning platform has seen an increased number of queries from parents with regards to shaping up their child's coding skills.

"Especially with the current situation, the Covid-i9 lockdown has given more time to students to explore their interest in this field and we have seen double the demand in participation just in the previous few months from children," Priya quipped.

Even during the lockdown, SP Robotic Works said they have seen an increase of 55 per cent in the revenues.

"Additionally, we have seen around 1 lakh new enrolments during the last four months which demonstrates that Indian children are exploring their interests across segments," the CEO said.
"For the next six months, our focus is going to continue educating and engaging more students in experiential learning as we work towards building a nation that's truly 'Aatmanirbhar'," Priya noted.

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Media Release
March 15,2020

First Steps Pre-School, Kudroli celebrated Red Day on Friday, 14th March 2020 with elegance. To mark the celebration, all the tiny tots wore Red clothing and brought Red coloured fruits, vegetables & toys to share with the class and each pre-schooler briefly described his or her Red item brought to the class. 

The classroom was decorated with red streamers, balloons and table settings. The bulletin board was designed with the word ‘Red’ with pictures of Red animals, vehicles, plants and foods.

The Bloomings were asked to bring Red coloured objects for a ‘Show and Tell’ activity.

The teachers collected the objects from the children and displayed them on a table and taught the names of the objects to the children and also introduced many other facts about them. Students were given a thorough understanding of the colour red through different activities.

The kids actively participated and were very happy and excited. Parents were equally thrilled and overwhelmed due to their child’s participation.

Career Guidance Counsellor, Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) Shameer Ahmed was the chief guest of the event. He addressed the students on the importance of colours and explained the purpose of conducting such an event to boost the confidence and creative culture in kids.
 
Headteacher Himna S. Ahmed enlightened the importance of colour in our life. She further added that Red is the best colour to create enthusiasm for life and can awaken greater confidence & optimism. In the meaning of colours, Red inspires original thought and inquisitiveness. 

Red is the colour of energy, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire, and love. Red is a very emotionally intense colour. Children learnt the significance, importance and identification of the colours.

The teachers Himna, Azeema decorated the classrooms with red objects that children can easily identify with. They created beautiful red tables, red drapes, red balloons, red toys, red boxes, red balls, red fruit and vegetable cutouts etc. Everywhere the kids looked, they found something or the other in red. Learning was fun on red day and the children are looking forward to learning about yet another colour.

Event coordinator Shehzan S. Ahmed arranged the event in a skilled manner, which added a feather to the event.

In the end, each child was sent home with a bright Red smiley prop. and the colouring sheets which they coloured as an indoor activity to commemorate the Red day.

The event magnificently concluded with refreshments for the kids of pre-school.

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Media Release
May 26,2020

The Department of Business Administration organised a Webinar on Career Planning and Development for the Under Graduate and PUC students of various colleges on 23 May 2020. Sr Dr Venissa A.C, Principal, inaugurated the programme and conveyed her best wishes. Mr Abhilash K, Managing Director of Abhijnya Education Private Limited was the Resource speaker.

Mr Abhilash said that a student should assess themselves, evaluate their career skills, set career goals in order to implement and maximise their career plan. He listed out the various courses available after completion of PUC/Degree. He also said that the students need to create their own future, assess their strengths, build personality and explore various options available to build their own career. He gave a few tips on how to prepare for the various competitive exams and manage time.

The Webinar had 125 participants from various colleges who actively participated by asking their doubts on Career Planning. The programme was conducted on Google Meet. Dr Neethu Suraj, Assistant Professor of BBA welcomed the Resource speaker and the participants, Mr Elson Dsouza Assistant Professor of BBA delivered the vote of thanks and Mrs Sabina Dsouza HOD of BBA coordinated the programme.

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