Foreign edge

By Ruchi Chopda. While India boasts of the best engineering colleges, a large number of aspiring engineers are eager to pursue their higher education abroad. While some attribute it to global exposure , others consider it necessary to gain an edge in the job market. Classroom diversity, placement prospects and research opportunities are equally important for students who are looking at 21century learning as more than a classroom experience. In fact, Nihal Shah, who is pursuing BS in computer science at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign , points out that unlike in India, where entrance exams determine the course that one would pursue, in the US one's interest is the primary determinant. Additionally, he says, the liberal nature of the education system ensures that apart from gaining a thorough knowledge of his/her subject, students also get an opportunity to explore other avenues. Also, Nihal adds that the facilities in terms of equipment , methods of learning, exposure and opportunities are significantly better and varied when compared to India. More...