Online courses from foreign universities find fewer takers
It was my dream to go to Europe for higher studies. I even enacted the whole ‘Papa mujhe bahar padne jana hai’ scene from Angrezi Medium while convincing my parents. But, never in my dreams did I imagine a virus will put a question mark to all my plans,” says Athulya V Kumar, a student of Hindu College who has put her plans on pause rather than going the online way to pursue higher studies.
In light of the pandemic, a number of international universities have introduced many online courses. But, Kumar argues that such courses can “never make up for the exposure and experience of studying abroad.”
Agrees Amal K Simon, a student of Ramjas College who was looking forward to the cultural exposure one gets abroad. “It is not just about getting a degree; I want to learn a new language, enjoy international cuisine, acquire the knowledge of history of the new city and make global friends. How can such cultural exposure be possible while sitting behind a laptop in my home,” asks Simon, who has decided to take a gap year.
Students feel they invest in studying abroad to get a first-hand experience of working in the fields they want to make a career in, and hence, online courses are of little use. “You ideally aim to get a job there, for which you need to engage in networking with your professors, classmates and people around you,” reasons Fibin Filal, a student of Hindu College.
Some students, however, also see a positive side to online courses. “It’s a win-win situation for me. Ghar pe hi hain toh padhai aur kaam dono saath me manage ho pate hain. And when the pandemic is over and out, I’ll have work experience and a certificate,” says Abhishek Goyal, an IIT graduate.