Bangalore: Rising incomes have made it possible for students as young as those just out of school to opt for studies abroad. While some leave as early as after 12th standard others prefer to go abroad for postgraduate courses.

Once they are out of their familiar home environment, they have to fend for themselves. This is probably why most of them opt to study abroad — to get a feel of being independent.

Although a few of them are not dissatisfied with the education available in India, they feel that going abroad will help them grow up in a more complete manner. When there are no parents to provide constant protection, they become aware of their own responsibilities — some that they were not even aware of back home. Being in a new place means that they have to learn to handle themselves without being told what to do.

Aditi Devi, a student at University of Leicester in the U.K., says: "I wanted to study in England because I wanted the exposure. I wanted to be on my own and experience life firsthand. Plus the research course I wanted to do was not available in India."

In India, the method of education is very different to that followed abroad. They have a far more developed syllabus, which gives the student an all-round education and not only book knowledge. Ms. Aditi felt that she learned the practical aspect of education, something which was unheard of almost in India. This hands-on experience of education and work enables the students to become more confident of their skills. They become sure of themselves. According to Rahul, back from a U.S. university, the system taught him what he was best at. "I discovered what I was good at and became even better at it." They do not force one to stick to the conventional and perhaps even backward method of learning.

The courses offered do have an influence on the trend gaining so much popularity to such a large extent.

There is a course for almost every kind of interest. Someone who is doing a hardcore Biotechnology course can take up the secondary subject of perhaps dancing.

This allows for interest to grow and knowledge to extend to various fields. In the U.S., some universities even have a course in bartending. It therefore caters to the needs and interests of several people, something that is lacking greatly in the education system in India. Also when one is in a place full of international students one learns to be more tolerant and understanding. It makes students worldly wise.

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