Date:17/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/17/stories/2008081758060300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

For a shorter learning curve while studying abroad

Staff Reporter

Students told to attend orientation programmes compulsorily

CHENNAI: The number of students going abroad for higher education has been increasing over the years as the demand-supply gap is massive for higher specialised education in India, despite the existence of many institutes of excellence and specialised learning in the country, according to Naveen Chopra, Chairman, The Chopras consultants.

Addressing a gathering of students going overseas here on Saturday, he said, “As the students have to adapt themselves to a different culture overseas they have to be guided accordingly. We conduct these programmes to help them with valuable inputs for a shorter learning curve.” The Chopras is a consultancy providing various services to students interested in pursuing higher education abroad, including course and university selection, facilitating admissions and visas, accommodation, and career planning.

He said that the U.S. was still the preferred destination for most of the students and U.K. stood second.

He advised the students to keenly observe developments in their field of specialisation. “To be successful in any line of work you have to be an effective communicator,” said Mr. Chopra.

“The students going overseas should compulsorily attend the orientation programme conducted by the universities concerned. Those who had not attended have found it hard to cope with the new environment and their education has suffered,” he said.

“The students have to choose the right overseas university and the right course in specialised education as every course is unique and has life impacting implications,” said Sangita Virmani, Manager, The Chopras, Chennai Branch.