THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Consumerist approach to education was one of the downsides of American system of education, said Sreenath Sreenivasan, Dean of Students of Columbia Journalism School.

He was speaking here at a workshop on `education in the U.S.' organised by the Kerala International Centre and Mar Ivanios College on Tuesday.

"Education in the U.S. is an expensive affair. Your child's one year in kindergarten can set you back by a cool Rs. 10 lakhs," said Mr. Sreenivasan who was named one of the 20 most influential South Asians in America by `Newsweek Magazine.'

American students can avail loans from the Government at minimal rate of interests to pursue education. But most foreign students have to arrange for the expenses and for many students from India scholarship is the only option.

However, according to Mr. Sreenivasan, the number of Malayalees studying in various American Universities is very less. "There appears to be a common understanding among Malayalees that it is best to work abroad than study," he said.

"There is a great interest in American colleges to recruit Indian students," said Mr. Sreenivasan who criticised the Bollywood for presenting a distorted image about Indians in the U.S. "Indians are either super-rich or extremely poor. There is no middle class."

Age is no barrier when it comes to working in the US. People can work in various capacities for a longer time there than in India, where "everything is dependent on age." In this context, Mr. Sreenivasan recalled his experience of teaching journalism to a 65-year-old woman at his school.

"Students there do not immediately go for higher studies after completing school. There take a break during which they work and gain experience and money for higher studies," he added.

The workshop also provided an opportunity for clarifying issues regarding admission process, scholarships and the relative merits and demerits of colleges and courses in the U.S.

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