Shriyance Jain currently contributes to COER as its Managing Director. He is also the Managing Director of Texplas India Private Ltd., Haridwar. He had his initial schooling at DPS, Ranipur, Haridwar and later went to St. George’s Mussoorie and Le Rosey, Switzerland. After schooling, he continued at the University of Manchester for pre-engineering in Mechatronics and later shifted to Grenoble, France for International Business studies from the Grenoble Graduate School of Business (Ecole Superior de Commerce) and also from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi.
India, a country ranking high in the race of education, is endeavoring to reach the top-most rank in the sector while transforming the sector and integrating new advancements that give a tough competitive edge over international universities and standards of teaching. This process is followed by empowering students and providing them with a system that is more structured and equipped to support their career development. In a world where change is the only constant, the education system is understanding the norms of interacting with students and disseminating education the productive way.
Educational institutions are realising the need to adapt to a diversity of cultures and redefine the way of teaching and learning. The current scenario is changing, thanks to the disruption caused by the pandemic and the impact of digitalisation. Distances have become minimal, leading to increased communication between people from various walks of life. Thus, to match pace with the new-day system, it has become imperative to give the education sector a long due overhaul and revive the concept of “Think global; act local.”
Idea behind think global; act local
This statement has taken a very different shape in today’s context. For a student to be able to take their place in today’s world, (s)he needs to be conversant with people from all cultures, beliefs and countries around the globe. A person really needs the right form of exposure and understanding to be able to excel in this fast-paced and constantly diminishing world. Let us delve into the details of intercultural communication with an example. For instance, shaking hands is acceptable for a meet and greet in various western civilizations, but it becomes a major problem for a country like Japan. Without the right exposure through international education or educators, it might be challenging for students to learn these things by themselves. With “Think global and act local,” the modern-day aspirants understand the professional and cultural differences across the maps and learn to respect them by adopting a mutually acceptable way of communication and upholding the decorum along with their country’s integrity and rapport.
The start of a new era
The intercultural diversity and sensitivity is not enough to fuel one’s individuality or career development. It is equally important to understand the standard protocols, formats and prerequisites required to develop a skill set that is not only significant in India but across the seas as well. With India accounting for nearly 935 universities, 50 central universities, 409 state universities, 127 deemed universities, 349 private universities and 50,000 colleges and standalone institutions; it is wise for the education industry to ingrain new norms that reflect international acceptance. The global fellowship programs and tie-ups with Indian universities are helping students transcend the geographical factors and gain knowledge from across the globe. Ensuring a smooth transition for aspirants answering their calling by opting for their respective professions and careers post their schooling, international partnerships are aiding in supporting the potential pillars of Indian economy and safeguarding the future of the country.
Global associations changing the landscape of Indian education
The pandemic outbreak might have disrupted the education sector initially, but due to universities’ quick thinking and strategic development, institutions have paved a path that leads to growth. Many massive online open courses (MOOCs) are being available to the students these days, preventing any lag on their educational front and the professors and lecturers upgrading their skill sets to match the new way of teaching. Embracing innovative ways and breaking conventional barriers, international collaborations are acting as a tool of collective growth for all three parties, including university and mentors, the respective countries and students.
The tech tale of progression
Not only cultural diversity and globally recognised formats, but technological diversity is equally important to understand. With countries taking various technologies to best suit their living, students must be exposed to them early. Every country has something to offer, exposure to which can work wonders for students. For instance, the USA is leading in terms of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, Germany is excelling in automotive technologies, Russia is far ahead in agricultural techniques. If students are given the first-hand opportunity to experience these technologies and do research and projects with universities globally, then their education will truly be complete as it will encompass the global nitty gritties and tactics to upskill their own country.
The Mixed Approach
With the global knowledge blended well with local upskilling and scaling of the national economy, international alliances are carving a new road to growth for everyone. In this endeavour to help students achieve global thinking, universities are going for international collaborations with institutions or educators to help them get a wider viewing angle on life. Students will eventually establish themselves as proficient professionals, and their path may lead them to a place where they battle with different challenges. But with global endeavours supported by the universities, the students will most certainly be much better equipped to deal with whatever life throws at them. It’s the job of the educators to mould the students to make them independent, confident and self-sufficient and global associations empower institutions to do just that.
International exposure: a stepping stone!
The alliances focus on enhancing the talent of the students and sparking their uniqueness with globally accepted and admired norms. They encourage them to choose their pick from a diversity of programs and learn the inner workings of the industry. Helping students flourish in their respective domains and desired industries; the international affiliations are serving as a stepping stone for youth. International internships, global lectures with critically acclaimed institutions and veteran professors are working wonders in the education sector and empowering students like never before.
Integrating a contemporary approach and fortifying the education industry, international partnerships, and global exposure are helping in shaping up the future of students. Developing their careers and preparing them to be competent professionals with financial stability with a hold in their industry, global affiliations and exposure is the key to mutual growth and success.