The outbreak of Covid-19 brought in serious challenges for Indian students willing to study abroad but as the vaccination drives pace up and things are returning to normal, students are willing to continue on their voyage of receiving their higher studies abroad. To project the statistics on the foreign study patterns in the current era, The Mentor Conference 2021 Polls conducted by ForeignAdmits show that despite the pandemic, 64% of Indian students plan on studying abroad in the United States of America and Canada.

ForeignAdmits, India’s premiere platform helping students in pursuing their dream to study abroad, has helped the students to get an insight into the current trends for international studies, through its Mentor Conference 2021 Polls, which comprised of 12,000 individuals majorly populated in India and a minor share from 17 countries internationally in mid-July. The sample space included a good mix of High schoolers, Under-Graduates, Post-Graduates, and working professionals.

Benefits of Studying Abroad: Polls Suggest a High Inclination Towards Studying Abroad

According to the poll, 79% of the students believed that studying abroad will increase their employability because of the higher chances of acceptance in reputed organizations. Also, the online study environment is taking a toll on young minds. 71% of the students preferred to visit the university in person and were not charmed with the hybrid or virtual mode of education. These students are aware of the educational benefits of going abroad. Face-to-face learning and cross-cultural learning are highly valued by respondents.

Courses in Demand for Higher Studies Abroad: 44% of aspirants opt for MEM

The poll reveals what courses are in demand for higher education amongst students/participants with the highest number of aspirants from Maharashtra, i.e.,16.31% and the footfall of the combined south Indian states (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu) comprised more than half of the participants. 43% of the counselors and mentors opted for the fields of AI (Artificial Intelligence), ML (Machine Learning), Big Data and Data Sciences. 17% choose a career in Media and Advertising, and 22% choose a career in management (MIM, MEM and MBA) as the most lucrative options for studying abroad. This consists of both Undergraduate and Post-Graduate courses. While over 90% of the counselors opted for “learning a new language” as the single most important skill for any study abroad aspirant. Out of the 22% of counselors and mentors who opted for management as a viable career option, 44% chose MEM (master’s in engineering management) in that category.

Poll results on the Challenges of Studying Abroad

The statistics reveal that 57% percent of the students and 41% percent of the counsellors reported that the financial component of a study abroad plan crushes the dreams of the aspirants and their parents. This statistics reflects on the need for financial planning for the families of the study abroad aspirants. Most of the time it is a late beginning or a lack of awareness about the costs involved in studying abroad. Sometimes it is the disorganized information available in the common domain and the fear of a cumbersome process that disheartens the aspirants and family.

The Mentor conference 2021 by ForeignAdmits, was full of insights and inferences even for the entire study abroad community. Speaking on the insightful conference and poll, Mr Nikhil Jain, Co-Founder & CEO, ForeignAdmits Said, “Generation Z is not afraid of changes and unfamiliar situations, rather it embraces it for their betterment in their careers. The aspirants and parents have started considering studying abroad as a viable option and nowadays start financial planning at an early age. These signs are a testament to the attitude shift and awareness amongst a current lot of students.”

Also Read:Indian degree vs foreign degree: Is studying overseas a right option?