Here & there | Young Ideas

Studying internationally is the 'hot-cake' and is catching up among the post-Intermediate level students here. Label it a trend or an undeniable opportunity in this age of globalization, it remains a fact that many students are favoring the lands away from the national borders as the prime location for furthering their knowledge. So, is the grass greener on the other side? WAVE met up with recently graduated students, and Bachelor level students from both national and international colleges for a freeform discussion on studying away.

Participants:
Nayan Pokhrel and Pragya Lohani (Connecticut College, USA), Sabik Kayastha (Kathmandu University), Gyanada Acharya (Carlaton University, Canada), Angela KC (an A Level graduate with plans to go to the USA for further studies)
What is the reason behind your choice of educational institution nationally or internationally?
Nayan: To be frank, I followed the footsteps of my seniors!
Pragya: It was the trend at the time mainly. Plus, the quality of education internationally is undoubtedly better.
Sabik: Two reasons: first, MBBS in Nepal is considered one of the best in South Asia and second, the college was much easier to access from my home.
Gyanada: I too was attracted to foreign education because of my seniors.
Angela: And also because education in Nepal is being constantly interrupted by strikes and political instability.

GYANADA
What do you find is the chief drive towards an international education?
Nayan: Nepali students are favored in international universities so it is quite easy for them to get a visa. Plus, I think it has to do mainly with being a trend. It's something new and the initial buzz that beings always brings a lot of attention.
Pragya: Internationally, education is really strong and set in an iron-clad schedule with no interruptions whatsoever from outside factors.
Angela: Outside, one can study anything and everything. You can't get that here; that flexibility is the strongest point of pursuing education abroad.
Gyanada: And also there are more opportunities and a wide variety of subjects internationally.
Sabik: Perhaps the factor that you can earn while working is also a plus point.

SABIK
Do you think the educational consultancies are doing a good job for the students?
Angela: Well not exactly, there are many of such consultancies but only a few are good.
Gyanada: Plus, such agencies are really expensive, some students might get swindled.
Nayan: Yes, speaking from personal experience a majority of such consultancies don't prepare the students for the life outside Nepal.
Sabik: The concept is okay but there is a lack of national planning and quality control.

PRAGYA
Do you think studying abroad makes a Nepali student lose his or her perspective on Nepal?
Nayan: On the contrary, I have begun to give more attention to Nepali news and events after I went abroad.
Pragya: It depends on the person. I feel that many people in Nepal themselves don't have good grasp of Nepal.
Angela: Yeah, many people haven't been around the country to grasp the actual situation of Nepal.

ANGELA
What about the practicability of the courses one can study abroad in context of Nepal?
Nayan: That can be an issue. In my case too, my majors in International Relations will only be practical perhaps at the UN or Embassies.
Pragya: It is not necessary that one can only make a contribution while inside the country.
Gyanada: Yeah, there have been cases of technical experts who have studied in Nepal only to leave for international countries.
Sabik: Well, in case of medicine, it is better to study it in Nepal as the medical problems that arise here are different from America and UK where 'new world diseases' are prevalent.

NAYAN
Are there any adjustment problems after both going to another country and returning?
Gyanada: Yes a few. Mainly because the lifestyles are radically different between two countries ranging from the way you stand in a queue to ordering food in restaurants.
Pragya: As I have been in the US for two years, I am feeling some differences between my lifestyle.
Nayan: I did feel some home-sickness but the chief aim is to get educated, not muse on the life style and culture.
Angela: I am not expecting to see any adjustment problems after I go to the US.

Do you think the development of the country would be retarded if all the capable manpower of the nation moves to international countries?
Nayan: This topic should be a national debate in my opinion. I had a mentality of returning back to Nepal after my graduation but I don't see myself returning until I have completed my Master's degree.
Pragya: It's not that one can only be productive by being in Nepal. I may be able to open my own venture internationally in the future and also provide opportunities for people in Nepal.
Sabik: I think the chief factor is the amount of opportunity you get. If I am educated in the States and I can find a high paying job there but a much inferior job in Nepal, I'd obviously choose the international one.
Nayan: Exactly, after studying Economics in America, one would definitely not return to be limited as a teacher or a government employee.
Angela: It is the moral choice to return to the nation. The only question is when. If there are sizable opportunities then that rate will be higher if not, Nepal will be the retirement home of all those in foreign lands.

What changes do you think are needed to better utilize this trend?
Nayan: A better national policy is a must.
Pragya: And also better information dissemination among people.
Angela: Maybe people should start making an informed choice rather than just follow the trend.
Sabik: Also one must not persecute someone on their decision to study abroad or nationally.