Industry orientation a big draw of US education

More than 35 universities from the US participated in a fair in Delhi Saturday to attract more Indians to study there and stressed the industry-driven, practical nature of the education they offer.

The United States India Educational Foundation (USIEF) University Fair saw more than 1,000 students registering by noon Saturday.

"According to the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), the number of students going to US at present stands at 100,270. And it is ever increasing, compared to other countries," Renuka Raja Rao, country coordinator of USIEF told IANS.

Students registering at the fair are provided first-hand counselling, to see them through the application process to visa application and pre-departure orientation.

Rao said: "The education in the US is industry-driven and very practical, so students prefer to go to the US."

Among the universities taking part in the fair were George Washington University, Temple University and Worcester Polytechnic. The fair will be held in five Indian cities.

"The good thing about the George Washington University is that 92 percent of its students are given internship before they step into the field after graduation," said Kevin M. Hostetler, assistant director of the varsity.

The fair is targeted at both undergraduate and graduate students.

"Universities in the US provide a lot of scholarship for international students. The scholarship amounts range from $7,500 (nearly Rs.5 lakh) to the waiver of the entire tuition fee," Nathan Jones of Temple University said.