ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
Every year, a considerable number of Indian students migrate abroad to pursue higher education. According to data from the World Education News & Reviews (WENR), there were about 100,000 Indians in the United States of America on student visas, making it one of the most popular places for higher education. Other countries that experience a big influx of Indian students each year include the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, China, and Germany. If there is one takeaway from this, it is that the exposure and experience provided by international education are high on many Indian students’ priority lists. Most universities nowadays provide a variety of exchange options. That implies you’ll be able to spend a semester or a year away from your home university, with funding available in some cases.
Role of exchange programs
Various students apply for exchange programs with the hope of learning not only about their preferred subjects but also about the culture and different attributes of the host country. Let us draw on some of the roles of exchange programs.
Exchange creates lifelong benefits for participants
Teachers, students, families, and volunteers from all walks of life expose foreign exchange participants to the values, practices, and ways of doing business in their host country, rather than bureaucrats or diplomats. As a result, the communities that host the exchange participants form their own international alliances and get a better understanding of various cultures and beliefs. Everyone involved in exchange programs, both participants and hosts, then engages those in their immediate environment with their new foreign exposure, resulting in a massive multiplier effect.
Exchanges help address critical topics
Participants’ aspirations for leadership are sparked by exchanges. Exchanges foster collaboration on issues such as national security, global economics and trade, energy, climate change, terrorism, and nuclear nonproliferation, resulting in generations of leaders with global contacts and experience, leaders who recognize the value of broad engagement and understanding and instinctively incorporate the international into their work.
Exchanges bring resources to communities
The host nation receives a large share of the Department of State’s exchange budget, while foreign students and exchange students spend a significant amount of their own money there. Furthermore, the exchange appropriation leverages significant contributions, such as tuition waivers for academic grants from host country universities and major volunteer activities.
Exchanges change minds
Foreign exchange students being a part of the host country consistently leave their programs with a positive view of their host country and its people. Exchange programs are routinely ranked as one of the most effective accelerators for long-term political change and mutual understanding by ambassadors.
Benefits of exchange programs
These student exchange programs have become something of a global fad, and Indian educational institutions have jumped on board. Many Indian colleges, business schools, and private universities have created student exchange programs with educational institutions in other countries to provide opportunities for their students.
Here are some reasons why you should participate in a student exchange program if you are a potential student in India and how you will benefit from them.
Low costs of studying abroad
Perhaps the most appealing characteristic of student exchange programs is their low cost. Many Indian students are unable to afford to study abroad since it costs thousands of dollars. When students participate in a student exchange program, they can have the experience of studying and living in a foreign nation for a fraction of the expense.
Get a taste of different learning methods
Every country has its unique method of imparting knowledge to students. When a student from one country goes overseas, they are exposed to different ways of learning, which they are likely to bring back to their own country and share with their classmates. As a result, the exposure benefits not just their own learning but also that of their classmates back home.
Personal growth begins here
There’s nothing like living on your own in a foreign place, away from home and from your parents’ protecting gaze, to help you grow as a person. Self-confidence and self-esteem will improve as a result of the event. It will also help students develop their decision-making and independent thinking skills, as well as their knowledge and acceptance of diverse cultures and viewpoints. Even if it is only for a semester or two, staying overseas will provide students with a true world outlook.
Prepare you for the global economy
The ever-shrinking corporate world is always on the lookout for individuals who understand and can perform in a global market. Because most university students participating in student exchange programs are about to join the job market, the experience of studying and living in a foreign country prepares them to work in a global economy. They have a greater awareness of global market forces and are far more prepared to deal with global difficulties at work.
Exposure to more employability
Having firsthand experience with a different educational system and procedures might be quite beneficial once you enter the job market. It has been demonstrated that participating in an international exchange program not only improves students’ employability but also helps them learn skills for future careers. It’s always a good idea to plan for the future, and by the time you finish your degree, you’ll want your CV to contain something that will set you apart from the competition. Adaptability, cultural awareness, tolerance, and so-called “transversal skills” are valued by employers. The latter indicates that you are inquisitive, self-assured, and a problem solver in general.
Form life-long bonds
Many student exchange programs in the host nation require students to live with a local family. This enables pupils to comprehend and appreciate the host country’s culture and way of life, transforming them into global citizens. If kids ever decide to work or stay overseas, the experience of adapting to a different culture will come in handy. Furthermore, living in such close quarters with a group of individuals and experiencing their warmth and hospitality allows students to form lifelong ties with them.
Help you come out of your comfort zone
Even if you think becoming an international student has already taken you out of your comfort zone, this form of exchange makes you flexible in a different way. When you live with your friends or family, it’s really easy to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of everyday life. You might suddenly realize how adaptable you are, how forgiving you can be, and how important communication is. You never know who you’ll wind up living with, which is part of the thrill. You can pick up new skills without even realizing it.
Easier to make global connections
Living in a foreign country is beneficial if you intend to return there in the future, or to any other country. Exploring different countries could be advantageous at this stage in your life if the country you’re currently living in does not appear to be a good spot to start your profession or if you don’t want to return home. If you’re returning to your home university, you’ll get to see what it’s like to live somewhere else and discover all the benefits that a different city and country has to offer. Plus, if you decide to return, you will already have a large network of people who can assist you. Small practicalities such as dealing with foreign currencies and different governmental procedures are brought to light by this kind of experience.
How to find exchange programs?
Universities frequently enter into international agreements with other universities based on specific course offerings. Even if an exchange program isn’t available at the time, it’s worth asking your university if you can go somewhere. You may wish to select a temporary foreign institution based on its location or the quality of the degree you are pursuing. Whatever your future plans are, traveling to (another) nation and studying something new in your field of study will be an interesting challenge. Many institutions publish a list of their exchange partner universities on their websites. It’s usually a good idea to speak with someone at your university about all of your alternatives. International placements are also available at several universities, which are similar to international exchange.
