Indian students going abroad for studies often aim to make it big in life, regardless of where they intend to settle down ultimately. When it comes to dollar or pound dreams, life is not a bed of roses for these students if they are not insulated and mentally prepared to navigate challenges peculiar to various nations in which they pursue their higher education. These days, hundreds of Indian students lose their lives abroad due to diverse causes, though they may have left the shores of their motherland with wonderful dreams and blessings of elders in their families. Although the main causes behind such heart-wrenching deaths are diverse, such as natural causes, accidents, and medical conditions, it appears that there is ample room for taking preventive steps if the authorities at various levels do their bit.
For this week, Tanisha Saxena takes a critical look at the enabling and hindering circumstances surrounding international students and the multifaceted challenges they face in pursuit of education. The resultant survey of various aspects such as safety concerns, economic contribution, and the psychological toll on students offers insights into the intricate intersection of academic pressures, societal expectations, and mental health issues.
For this week, Tanisha Saxena takes a critical look at the enabling and hindering circumstances surrounding international students and the multifaceted challenges they face in pursuit of education. The resultant survey of various aspects such as safety concerns, economic contribution, and the psychological toll on students offers insights into the intricate intersection of academic pressures, societal expectations, and mental health issues.
In a recent statement by the Union government, it was revealed in Parliament that 403 Indian students have lost their lives abroad since 2018, with Canada recording the highest number of these fatalities at 91. The causes of these deaths vary, such as natural causes, accidents, and medical conditions. V Muraleedharan, Union Minister of State for External Affairs, responding to a query from Trinamool Congress MP Mausam Benazir Noor, expressed the Centre’s dedication to prioritising the safety of Indian students overseas. Muraleedharan emphasised ongoing vigilance through regular interactions and monitoring by diplomatic officials, along with swift responses to untoward incidents. Coordination with the authorities of the host country for thorough investigations and appropriate actions was underscored.
Addressing the relatively higher number of student deaths in Canada, Arindam Bagchi, the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, emphasised the importance of contextualising these figures relative to the total number of Indian students in the country. Bagchi stressed the need to understand the specific causes behind these incidents, shedding light on the government’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of Indian students studying abroad.
International education on the rise
In recent years, there has been a noteworthy surge in the inclination of Indian students to pursue advanced education overseas. A study conducted by Redseer Strategy Consultants based in Bengaluru projects that the count of Indian students opting for international studies will reach 1.8 million by the year 2024.
Government-released data presented in Parliament recently indicates a substantial 68% upswing in the migration of Indian students seeking higher education abroad within the last year, with figures escalating from 444,553 in 2021 to 750,365 in 2022.
“The decision of Indian students to pursue education abroad is a nuanced process shaped by a myriad of factors. Firstly, the allure of specialised courses not widely available or well-established in India prompts many to seek academic avenues abroad. Moreover, the prospect of accessing cutting-edge research facilities and engaging in collaborative research serves as a compelling draw…
Addressing the relatively higher number of student deaths in Canada, Arindam Bagchi, the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, emphasised the importance of contextualising these figures relative to the total number of Indian students in the country. Bagchi stressed the need to understand the specific causes behind these incidents, shedding light on the government’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of Indian students studying abroad.
International education on the rise
In recent years, there has been a noteworthy surge in the inclination of Indian students to pursue advanced education overseas. A study conducted by Redseer Strategy Consultants based in Bengaluru projects that the count of Indian students opting for international studies will reach 1.8 million by the year 2024.
Government-released data presented in Parliament recently indicates a substantial 68% upswing in the migration of Indian students seeking higher education abroad within the last year, with figures escalating from 444,553 in 2021 to 750,365 in 2022.
“The decision of Indian students to pursue education abroad is a nuanced process shaped by a myriad of factors. Firstly, the allure of specialised courses not widely available or well-established in India prompts many to seek academic avenues abroad. Moreover, the prospect of accessing cutting-edge research facilities and engaging in collaborative research serves as a compelling draw…
Beyond academics, the desire to establish a global network emerges as a pivotal factor, as it is perceived to enhance future career prospects and imbue a broader perspective,” observes Jugal Mathur, former employee at Canadian Embassy handling immigrants department.
The consideration of better quality of life, encompassing safety, infrastructure, and overall well-being, also significantly influences the decision-making process. Language proficiency is another facet, with improved English skills and exposure to diverse linguistic environments proving invaluable for certain career paths. For some, the prospect of studying abroad serves as a pathway to potential immigration opportunities and international work experience. Mathur amplifies: “Cultural exposure plays a vital role, fostering adaptability and a broad worldview, which are increasingly valued in a globalised job market. Access to advanced technology and innovation hubs, particularly in STEM fields, is an attractive proposition. Economic factors, including the perception of a superior return on investment in terms of education costs versus career opportunities abroad, can sway decisions. Additionally, the aspiration to be global citizens, contributing to global initiatives and understanding diverse challenges, serves as a motivational factor. In essence, the decision to study abroad is a multifaceted journey, intricately woven with individual goals, aspirations, and the specific opportunities available in the chosen field of study.”
The consideration of better quality of life, encompassing safety, infrastructure, and overall well-being, also significantly influences the decision-making process. Language proficiency is another facet, with improved English skills and exposure to diverse linguistic environments proving invaluable for certain career paths. For some, the prospect of studying abroad serves as a pathway to potential immigration opportunities and international work experience. Mathur amplifies: “Cultural exposure plays a vital role, fostering adaptability and a broad worldview, which are increasingly valued in a globalised job market. Access to advanced technology and innovation hubs, particularly in STEM fields, is an attractive proposition. Economic factors, including the perception of a superior return on investment in terms of education costs versus career opportunities abroad, can sway decisions. Additionally, the aspiration to be global citizens, contributing to global initiatives and understanding diverse challenges, serves as a motivational factor. In essence, the decision to study abroad is a multifaceted journey, intricately woven with individual goals, aspirations, and the specific opportunities available in the chosen field of study.”
