Despite being the land of educational excellence, India has faced a tough challenge when it comes to imparting inclusive and quality education to all and at every level especially higher education. This challenge has its own ripple effect in various terms such as employability, entrepreneurship etc. However, we are witnessing a rapid transformation as the government is acting proactively to ensure the access of quality education to all at every level.

The recent developments in the education sector in India at the policy as well as the structural level present a promising picture to achieve the objectives of making quality education accessible to all irrespective of any demographic hindrance. These policy level changes aim at strengthening the roots while ensuring fertile results as the focus is on ensuring access to basic education to achieving result based higher education rather than rote learning.

The ecosystem is maneuvering to address two major peculiarities in the Indian education system, one being the flexibility in choice of subjects, course duration, course structure, and so on while other being the absorption and assimilation of foreign resources and institutions into the Indian mainstream.

Internationalisation, in recent times, has grown rapidly as the world is connected in a much better way. Moreover, the thrust on online education has also given an opportunity to the stakeholders in broadening their reach. With apprehensions among the students as well as the parents about travelling abroad amid the pandemic situation, universities and colleges are looking forward to taking this as an opportunity to expand through collaborations and partnerships. This will not only help them in catering the needs of the students but it will also benefit the research across the globe. International collaboration over the years has been gaining prominence owing to various factors such as availability of technology, rising demand of such courses, improved affordability, aspirational values, mid career crisis etc. Name of International university/institution on a person's academic profile not only helps in improving the skill set but also the helps in getting preference in the employment.

Benefits of international collaborations

In the recent past, after decades of discussions and demands, finally the foundation has been laid towards modernization of the education system. Currently India is seeing the beginning of a revolution to overhaul the education system in the country. Obsolete education practices are being gradually eradicated from the system and relevant modern systems are being introduced. The government is striving for the provision of equal opportunities to every citizen irrespective of regional, economic or social bias.

Partnerships/ collaboration with international educational institutions is one of the country’s various efforts to raise its education system to the global standards. Collaboration with foreign universities is not a new thing in the country, however now it has started picking pace. More and more universities across the country are partnering with international academic institutions to provide the latest and most relevant education to their students.

Not only Indian but also the international universities will benefit from these collaborations, both in short as well as long term. Some of the expected benefits from such partnerships have been listed below.

High quality education becomes affordable

Millions of students in India are unable to realize their dream of foreign education due to financial issues. If the international universities will start providing the same level of education in the country, the cost of education will significantly come down. With collaboration with Indian universities, foreign education institutions can provide quality education and training to students through webinars, video conferencing, faculty visits and online classes. This will bring quality education within the range of students with weaker economic backgrounds.

Exchange programs develop wholesome personalities of students

Exchange programs are a common way of providing quality education, experience and exposure to students. Students from one university travel to other universities and learn things on sight with students from different nationalities and cultures. Besides helping in academics, such programs also help sensitize students regarding different cultures, races and nationalities. This prepared them for working and adjusting in multicultural environments.

Faculty development

Collaborations with international universities will not only help the students gain better education but will also help in the development of the faculties. Such collaborations keep the teachers updated regarding any new developments in teaching techniques. They also stay informed regarding the latest developments, researches and breakthroughs in their field of study. Exchange programs for faculties are also run by most of the international universities where teachers are provided opportunity to learn and understand students from different cultures.

Transformation of Institutions

The institutions that generally engage in the collaborations witness tremendous transformation in the approach and quality due to the exposure and the benchmarking which International institutions set for local institutions to follow. The transfer of knowledge, infrastructure, approach and skills often upgrade the existing institutions for a greater good.

Higher enrollment

A lot of students in India aspire to learn from the top universities but due to various factors such as financial, social and incomplete knowledge often discourage them to settle for less. The collaboration with a reputed international university helps an institution build its credibility and increases the number of enrollment which eventually is crucial for the human resource development of the nation.

In the times when education is just not restricted to imparting knowledge but working together to find solutions for the global problems it is important that more and more exchange of knowledge and approach should take place which help countries not only improve the human development index but also chalk out common goals to address various socio-economic challenges.

The author is Founder and CEO of Financepeer

DISCLAIMER: Views expressed are the author's own. Outlook Money does not necessarily subscribe to them. Outlook Money shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organisation directly or indirectly.