In Switzerland, too there are a substantial number of Indian students because the country offers the best programmes in hospitality management. Says Chellakumar, "Switzerland has professional schools which pay students during their professional training. Moreover, visa processing is easy and the chances of landing a job with a reputed chain of hotels are high." And the cost of education is a maximum of Rs 10 lakh per year, including cost of living.

Compare this to studying in the US, where you would have to shell out anywhere between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 10 lakh up front; you get quality education for the best bargains, he adds.

Speaking of the best educational bargains, Russia is rapidly expanding as an education destination for many Indian students aspiring for a degree in medicine. "The reason students are flocking towards Russia is because the cost of studying is really affordable, figuring around Rs 1 to Rs 1.5 lakh per year including accommodation. The only drawback is that not all of these institutions, which offer medical degrees, are recognised by the Medical Council of India," says Chellakumar. But he insists that considering the exorbitant admission rates of medical colleges in India, Russia is still a good option for students.

Which brings us to an important component of foreign education the high cost. Both Raccquel and Chellakumar concur on the drastic shift in mindset when it comes to parents investing for their children to study abroad. They have accepted the concept of spending on education for their children. Says Raccquel, "The demand for higher education is considered a good investment, because for a majority of Indians an International education means global career opportunities." An often heard refrain from prospective students at the IDP centre is `Studying abroad is a passport to a global career.' This translates into better-paid jobs, a chance to work with international organisations and build international networks, she adds.

And facilitating the `passport' to that global career are the educational loans, which banks are sanctioning by the hundreds.

Dhanasekaran, Chief Manager, State Bank of India, Chennai, says, "SBI gives educational loans up to Rs 15 lakh. Over the last two years the loans for studying overseas have increased three fold. The interest rates for educational loans have also come down from 13.5 per cent to 11.85 per cent." Zero processing charge, easy recovery procedures the moratorium or the repayment period is three years plus one year after the completion of the course rapid foreclosure of loans during the course period, which is possible without penalty, are also contributing to the rush towards a foreign degree.

how. Studying overseas increases the earning capacity of students. And, once they find good jobs, they tend to invest in real estate projects or other businesses in India."

However, the only possible loss that India would incur is in the form of evaluating exams such as the IELTS, because the fee has to be paid in foreign currency.

Nevertheless the race continues, with countries such as Canada and Ireland drawing students to their cloisters. "Canada is next to the UK with regard to higher education not only because the cost of education is 40 per cent less than in other countries like the US, but also because many think that it facilitates an easy entry to the US," says Chellakumar.

Germany, which is becoming hot property on the university lists, offers free education to its international students! "For the past three to four years Germany has been picking up. There is no tuition fee and research facilities are good," he adds.

Of late, even Dubai is offering higher education. "A few American schools are setting up shop in Dubai and offering courses to those students who are interested," he points out, adding that at this rate he sees only an upward trend in the demand for higher education. "I wouldn't be surprised if even Pakistan steps forward and offers study programmes to students," he laughs.

Offered in collaboration with the University of Madras, this programme offers informational knowledge, value and skills through case based education and a group process which will enable students to perform effectively as managers. This programme is one academic year in duration, consisting of three terms of three months each. This will cover 8 pre-requisite subjects, required by most accredited schools in the USA. Each subject will carry a 6 credit hour academic load, calling for adequate classroom hours of discussion including seminars and group discussions.

In addition to inculcating analytical and human relations skills, this programme would also help students develop communication skills, writing, speaking, listening and perception. On the whole, this course offers students real and complete educational knowledge, skills and values. The programme will have an Academic Dean and full-time faculty from the University of Madras. Classes will be conducted at the University campus and governed by the Board of Studies consisting of Senior Academics and Executives. For more details about the Campus-Abroad Pre-MBA programme, please contact Prof. Nagarajan, Dept. Of Adult and Continuing Education, University of Madras at 5393664, or Dr. C.B. Paul Chellakumar at Campus-Abroad at 6266286, 6266226, 6212626.