A German option
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The notion that non-Engligh speaking countries prove unattractive to Indian students because of the language barrier is changing. Universities in countries such as Germany have begun offering an increasing number of courses in English to woo foreign students.
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Deutschland beckons.
Non-English speaking countries such as Germany are joining the list of nations opening their doors to foreign students, as they understand the benefits of forging ties with them in the long term in today's competitive global scenario.
But unlike the English-speaking countries, which prove naturally attractive to students from India because of their background of higher education in this language, Germany will draw students from this part of the world only if universities in that country start offering courses in English.
And that exactly is what an increasing number of German universities are doing these days.
The USP
Individual regions are also highlighting their strengths to attract students. Like Baden-Württemberg, which is a region in Germany with the highest concentration of renowned car manufacturers and parts suppliers.
An opportunity to study automotive engineering (AE) in the land that is home to large automotive giants like DaimlerChrysler, Porsche and Audi is the unique selling proposition of the region.
Universities in this region are just beginning to offer courses either fully or partly in English. And some students manage by learning the German they need to know for the course they are studying, says Vineeta Manglani, a spokesperson of Sympra GmbH, an agency which helps the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts Baden-Württemberg with the international marketing of universities in the region.
Baden-Württemberg is the third largest of the 16 Federal States in Germany and is home to nine research institutions and about 40 other universities. It is looking for "high-calibre international students to train and form the next generation."
"The engineers of today need more than just the traditional skills of their trade: they need to have an understanding of related fields and the ability to communicate and work with colleagues from other branches and other cultures," says a university website.
English medium
One university that offers an automotive engineering course exclusively in English is the Esslingen Graduate School. It offers a three semester master's degree course, which provides for specialisation in either Design/Manufacturing or Mechatronics, to applicants who have a bachelor's degree or equivalent, graded B or better, in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, aeronautical, production or industrial engineering or equivalent qualification.
This course is taught exclusively in English, as is the Information Technology and Automation Systems Masters course, offered by this School.
Some of the foreign students, who have studied here, including some from India, have gone on to work for German automotive companies in their countries.
Sponsorship
The School's website states that its programs are sponsored by the German Government, as well as its corporate partners - which is the case with quite a few other institutions as well.
Other expenses would work out to about 8,400 Euros a year and students have to provide their German Embassy or Consulate with proof of financial support of at least 500 Euro per month (1 Euro is about Rs. 56 at the time of writing).
The Deutscher Academische Austauschdienst (German Academic Exchange Service) offers scholarships to gifted international students in selected courses - http://www.daad.de/en/index.html.
The website has a searchable database of scholarships though not every student might find one that fits their bill.
Job opportunities
Students can get jobs in local industries and other institutions but to get admission they have to initially show that they have the means to fund their studies.
The website put up by the region's authorities - URL: http://www.study-guide-bw.com/index.thtml - offers a wide range of information on the courses offered by universities there, links to the institutions and other information relevant to students who propose to study in Germany.
"My tip to Indian students is to apply early and then see what is on offer as this region is really booming in terms of education and places will become very scarce. The area is one of the strongest in Germany as they combine the knowledge in universities with practical work at companies - something other regions cannot do as they do not have as many global players in the automobile industry," Ms Manglani told Education Plus.
T. RAMACHANDRAN
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