Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore

Think twice, students advised

THERE IS an upsurge in the number of students pursuing "quality higher education" in foreign countries as it gives them an edge in the employment market with huge pay packets. As a result, there is a mushrooming of self-proclaimed overseas educational consultants Youth who were taken for a ride realise it only after reaching the destination or after making the payment. They find that these consultants were not only ill-equipped but also give false promises about untrustworthy institutions.

With the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia and to some extent Russia becoming sought after destinations for higher education, a number of consultants had opened centres luring youngsters. But only a few of them have tie-ups with the institutions abroad while small time operators end up as sub-agents for the "original consultants."

Speaking to The Hindu , on the precautions to be undertaken by the candidates, P. Vivek Anandan, Chief Executive Officer of Mentor Consultancy, said that students should check whether the consultancy has the approval of overseas universities. Moreover, they should be direct representatives of the universities and must be qualified to counsel on all aspects.

The choice of the university, course and the ranking it had obtained should be the criterion for choosing the country and the course. The students should get in touch with the Consulate or the Embassy of the country in which they are seeking admission.Students should also be wary of universities known as "shopping complex institutions" (akin to tutorials in India offering programmes and degree courses at cheaper rates). But these certifications offer very little scope and prospects.

Mr. Vivek Anandan said that it would be difficult to get a visa or a work permit in developed countries. But only these institutions showcase themselves through such consultants in India offering programmes at cheaper rates.

Some consultants spread an illusion that by not completing the course one can extend the visa. But such a practice would affect the prospects of the candidate. In the case of institutions in Australia, the student should go by "The Good Universities Guide" or Australian Education International (AEI) website - studyinaustralia.gov.au.

The students can approach the Association of Australian Education Representatives in India who are trained by AEI and the Australian High Commission for counselling and visa documentation. In the case of institutions in New Zealand, they should check whether the consultants have a tie-up with the India Education Exporters Network, an association of seven universities (only eight institutions are there in New Zealand).

The students should access the following websites for migration and visa details in the U.K.: www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk, for Australia: www.immi.gov.au and in the case of New Zealand, www.immigration.govt.nz. They should also be wary of the consultants from the metros who book posh business houses conduct a consultancy mela. Similarly, they should not go by the words of the consultants assuring them of good marks in the qualifying exams.

The City Police Commissioner, Sanjay Arora, said that the students should enter into an understanding in writing with the consultant. There are ample provisions in the law to deal with wilful and intentional cheating done by a few consultants. The agreement should have a legal binding. If at all there had been any breach or violation of the agreement, the consultants could be prosecuted for criminal breach of trust, agreement, cheating and misappropriation.

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu