Study Abroad: Indian students seek admissions in UK, US schools

Students visiting study abroad for higher education is a trend in, but students pursuing schooling abroad sounds unusual for Indian parents. Gone are the days!! when Indian parents were looking into several factors before they take admissions into schools abroad.

The appetite of Indian parents to give the best education to their children, has taken a shift in the trend.

The increasing number of Indian students, taking admission in British Boarding school and US Ivy League schools clearly indicates that studying in UK and USA school been favourite destination for Indian students.

Some of the top British boarding school, which are included in the favourite list are: Sevenoaks, Charterhouse, Winchester, Harrow, Eton, and Wycombe Abbey.

The average cost of Rs 35-40 lakh is expected every year to study in abroad. Despite of high cost, parents urge to provide the best environment, both in academics and extra-curricular activities, is forcing them to look towards British schools.

Presently, pursuing schooling abroad is limited to cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Bengaluru. The trend is likely to catch in small towns.

Parents who have decided to take admissions in the International Baccalaureate (IB) schools says "New schools in India are good but they are not equipped with the kind of faculty, facilities or grounds that English public schools boast of. They are also of the opinion that it is easier to get into a top UK and US boarding school rather than a top IB school in India.

Citing one of the examples educational counsellor said, "Admissions to Ivy League universities are now being increasingly sought after by students from small-towns. Recently, a boy from Pilibhit in UP, was offered a place in a bunch of top schools, including Harvard, Princeton and Stanford. "

British schools are also seeking out Indian students. "I have been to Mumbai several times to meet prospective pupils, and am planning a trip to Delhi soon," says Hugh Gammell, registrar of Charterhouse, located in the Surrey countryside.

"A growing Indian alumni base is now taking an active interest in promoting the school. Alumnus has also instituted a generous scholarship for an Indian child from a low-income family," he added.