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India : The New Overseas Destination

Today, Indian IT Engineers are dominating the Global IT industry. The Indian Education System is credited for producing this new breed of highly successful professionals. Today, the global interest in the Indian Education System is increasing rapidly. India has become a popular Overseas Education Destination that offers a great value proposition: Globally recognized English-medium Education @ Affordable Costs

Globally Recognized

The success of the Indian Education System’s alumni indicates the global recognition of the Indian Education System

• Engineers educated in India dominate the Silicon Valley: In 2001, more than 40% of the Venture Capital funded technology startup companies in Silicon Valley had at least one India-educated founder.



• More than 15% of the teaching faculties in US Universities have their undergraduate degree from a University/Institute in India.



• In the USA, India educated professionals constitute over 10% of the physicians, 21% of NASA employees, 18% of the Microsoft employees, 16% of the IBM employees and 17% of the Intel employees.



• Over 100 of the Fortune 500 companies regularly recruit from Indian university campuses.



• In Nov 2004, according to research published by OPEN DOORS program of iienetwork.org in the USA, India is the leading place of origin for international students in US Universities/Colleges.

#1 India (79,736, up 7%),
#2 China (61,765, down 5%),
#3 Korea (52,484, up 2%),
#4 Japan (40,835, down 11%),
#5 Canada (27,017, up 2%),
#6 Taiwan (26,178, down 7%),
#7 Mexico (13,329, up 4%),
#8 Turkey (11,398, down 2%),
#9 Thailand (8,937, down 11%),
#10 Indonesia (8,880, down 15%).

English-medium Education

The best kept secret about India – it is the 2nd largest English speaking country in the world. English is the de facto lingua franca of the government, education and business. In India, 72 million people are English literate. #EAEBED

Top English Speaking Countries

Country	English Speaking People	% of Total Population
USA	280 million	Near 100%
India	72 million	Approx 7.1%
UK	61 million	Near 100%
Canada	31 million	Near 100%
Australia	20 million	Near 100%
NZ	4 million	Near 100%

Population Data Source: Population Reference Bureau, Washington, DC

In India, English-medium education was started in the 19 th century - when India was the Crown Jewel of the British Colonial Empire. Over 150 years of English medium education and language diversity in various states of India have resulted in English being the only common language that unites modern India.

Today, many Indians have an English proficiency level that is at par with native English speakers. High English proficiency of Indian professionals going to the USA is one of the reasons for their astounding success in the USA.

American Call Centers in India

The new generations of English speakers in India identify themselves with the modern American culture and prefer the American accent. The growing number of American Call Centers in India that cater to North American customers is a testimony to India’s American English accent and proficiency.

Year	Employees in India
1999	8,600
2000	16,000
2001	33,500
2002	65,000
2003	130,000
2004	246,000
2005	496,000*
*projections
Source: Nasscom/ McKinsey

Affordable Costs

The best part of the Indian Education System is its affordable price. There are numerous schools, colleges and universities scattered all over India. Most of these educational institutes offer globally recognized English-medium education at very competitive prices- what you would expect in a developing country.

Comparison of Annual Living Expenses

Country	Annual Living Expenses ($)
US (Public Univ)	$14,000- $16,000
US (Private Univ)	$14,000- $16,000
Canada	$9,000- $10,000
UK	$15,000- $16,000
Australia	$8,000- $12,000
NZ	$8,000- $12,000
India	$1,800- $4,200

Comparison of Annual Tuition Fees

Country	Annual Tuition Fees ($)
	Humanities	Science & Engg	Medicine
US (Public)	$7,000-$10,000	$7,000-$10,000	$15,000-$25,000
US (Private)	$16,000-$20,000	$16,000-$40,000	$20,000-$40,000
Canada	$2,700-$9,400	$2,300-$9,400	$2,500- $10,000
UK	$8,100- $16,200	$8,100-$17,150	$13,900-$27,200
Australia	$5,400-$8,600	$8,000-$10,500	$15,000-$29,100
NZ	$5,400-$8,600	$8,000-$10,500	$15,000-$28,100
India	$2,150-$4,600	$3,000-$8,500	$8,000-$20,000

The total cost of one year of education in India can be as low as low as $3,950. The exact annual tuition fee varies among various Universities/Colleges in India. It depends upon the number of credits you select in an academic year.

The growing trend among many Asian students is instead of going to the USA for a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree, many students prefer to go to India for a 4 year Bachelor’s Degree and then go to the USA for a 2-year Masters Degree.

For Example:

Option 1: 4-year Bachelor’s degree education USA

Total cost of 4-year Bachelor’s degree education in USA: $84,000 or higher

Option 2: 4-year Bachelor’s Degree in India + 2-year Masters Degree in the USA

Cost of 4-year Bachelor’s degree education in India: $16,000 or higher + Cost of 2-year Master’s degree in USA: $42,000 or higher = Total = $58,000 or higher

In the USA, the cost for a 2-year Master’s degree program is usually lower due to the fact that more financial aid is available for Graduate students than for under-grad students.

Safe and Welcoming Environment

India has one of the lowest per-capita crime rates in the world. Traditional Indian values promote a safe and non-violent society. International students in India feel safe to travel on their own within India.

Most International students in India praise the warm hospitality they experience in India. International students are often invited to the homes of their Indian colleagues. Most International students in India easily form life long friendships with their Indian colleagues.

India ’s Rich Cultural Heritage

Studying in India offers a special experience for International students. Students learn about India’s rich cultural heritage and valued traditions.

Students explore the historical monuments and places of interest spread across the country.

Adventurous students get a chance to visit the Taj Mahal on a starry full moon night, go on a camel safari on the sand dunes in the deserts of Rajasthan or simply soak in the Sun on the warm white sand beaches of Goa in the winter months of Jan/ Feb.

For art lovers, India offers ancient performing art forms such as yoga, Indian dances like Bharatnatyam and Odissi. The musically inclined are drawn to the enchanting Indian music. The colorful Indian festivals like Diwali (festival of lights) and Holi (festival of colors) are a treat to the eyes and enjoyed by the international students.