Education

Why are students studying abroad more holistically developed?

Lakhs of students in India opt for a study abroad experience, each with their own right reasons. Some seek independence, and some seek better job opportunities. Some seek exposure, while others choose a niche degree.

Whatever the reason, one thing that can be sure said about the study abroad experience is that it equips a student with social skills, independence, personality development, knowledge and a thrilling experience.

If we were to look back at the Gurukul Education System of Vedic Bharat, one would realize that this type of education aimed at not only learning from books, but co-relating it with nature and real life. Unlike the modern education system in India introduced under the British Raj by Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay, memorizing answers and writing them down in exams wasn’t the Gurukul style, like the present teaching techniques of education.

Their education was based on the vedanta - rules of sacrifice, philosophy, sanskrit grammar, calculations, derivations, logic, science, skills necessary for occupation, and essential life skills.

The ancient education system of Bharat recognized the supreme goal of life to be self-realization, hence, it was focused on several other aspects of society and didn't worry about the fee, curriculum or learning hours.

With the modernization in education, parents' concerns are increasing with student rankings and marks taking a toll on their personality development, moral and ethical training. This creates unnecessary and pointless pressure on them and moves away from the approach of a more holistic learning.

In Gurukuls, a student lived and learned within a close proximity of the Guru, oblivious of outer distractions, doting parents and homely comfort. This aided in the well rounded development of a child ensuring discipline, self-reliance, right attitude, empathy, creativity and strong moral beliefs or dharma.

The Gurukuls provided practice of the knowledge learned. Its curriculum was a perfect blend of academics and extracurriculars that made their educational journey one of a kind.

Studying abroad provides a similar experience to students. Education abroad has become important for a student's global learning, development and intercultural sensitivity. Like the Gurukul systems, Education overseas engages in a series of practices like internships, common book experiences, diversity experience, student-faculty research, learning communities, diversity experiences, etc.

Students are taught to understand and address global issues, apply disciplinary knowledge, and work with people from other cultures. They participate in education, volunteering activities, group projects, internships etc. This leads to their growth in multiple aspects: cognitive (cultural knowledge, global awareness), intrapersonal (identity, emotion), and interpersonal (behaviors, skill sets, and social responsibility). Students engaging in study abroad have greater self-perceptions and global/personal skills as compared to students who do not participate in study abroad courses.

Hence, following the Gurukul philosophy, students engaged in study abroad are better positively associated with holistic development. Formal study abroad programs aim at bringing value-added components to a student’s intercultural experiences, global competencies and skills development, making it a perfect blend of the Gurukul and Modern Education System in India.