Material World Anniversary Debate 2007

OFFICIAL RADIO SPONSOR

Overseas Education: Luxury, Then; Necessity, Now

Overseas education is a dream of every student in today’s competitive world. The multiple benefits which a student gains through such education gives them an edge over others. The international exposure one gets makes a student competent enough to face the increasing demand of knowledge and skills and present themselves as a complete package which is often of special interest to future employers. However, before a student endeavors to opt for overseas education he or she must make sure that there are genuine and positive reasons to do so. One must never think of this option to run away from certain issues; as a student may have to go through few stressful moments too while studying abroad.

International exposure, Opportunities across the globe, Better career prospects, Multi-cultural experience are just a cross section of the multiple benefits of overseas education.

With all the advantages associated with overseas education, one has to remember a few things the other way round. International Education is now available right here in India. Degrees of various foreign universities are available in India and what’s more at a quarter of the price the student would end up spending at an overseas location.

Education overseas also exposes candidates to alien cultures, which may sometimes be not just a stressful exercise but also a traumatic one. On the other hand a large number of young people fail to handle the newly earned “freedoms” of stay in a Western nation and their careers plummet to the point of no return.

Again, critics of overseas education point out the notion of “Rome and Roman” citing that our education system, despite its drawbacks is best suited to local needs. For instance, the liberal arts curriculum of western nations is viewed, as “irrelevant” in the Indian context as such in depth exposure in subjects outside the area of specialization is “unnecessary” and “wastage of time” feel some education experts.

In the age of globalization has overseas education become a necessity or as Dominoes India makes sure it has a kebab on its pizza, shall “Indiansed” education stand out in the years ahead?

The Material World Anniversary Debate 2007 panel shall deliberate on September 1, 2007

(With inputs from the World Wide Web)

The Panel *

Dr. S. Banerjee, Director, Library Services, American Resource Center, Kolkata
Mr. S. Chakraborty, Principal, La Martiniere for Boys, Kolkata
Prof Ananya Chakraborty, Professor in Charge, Departments of Journalism and Film Studies, St. Xavier's College, Kolkata
Mr. Biswajit Matilal, General Manager (Public Relations & Advertising), Birla Corporation (Moderator) & Advisor, MW
Mr. Khokan Mookerji, Secretary General, Bengal Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Guest of Honor)

*not comprehensive