The millennials have an insatiable desire for learning and experiencing everything new. This is a generation open to new experiences in every sphere and, hence, the opportunity to travel, meet more people from different countries, learn new languages, change thinking patterns, do independent and creative thinking, be a part of the global workforce with an international outlook and have fun are things what motivate and drive them.
Their familiarity with technology has led them to a clear understanding that a strong base in this is essential in their learning process for them to be successful in the future knowledge-driven economies in the brave new world of automation and robotics. Much of the innovation that has happened starting from the internet took place in the US, and other European countries. Technology has to be the pillar of all subjects taught. They recognise that the traditional classroom education methods are passé. Flipped classrooms, virtual learning environments, and online learning are the new norm. With easy access to information, the new global workforce will need to equip themselves with mastery in an additional range of skills from IT, people soft skills, intercultural communication across all levels, creative thinking, problem-solving and adaptation.
Their awareness of an intensely competitive future job market that is not going to be just with just other humans but robots being in the race, as corporations aim to cut down costs and increase efficiencies. Over the next 15 years the expectation is that 50% of the jobs will be replaced by robots where the processesare mechanical or have data historical data. Each has to be a life-long learner to keep updated and improve their skills matrix to adapt themselves sufficiently and quickly to the changes that are required. In fact, the number of young entrepreneurs has risen exponentially over the last decade and most of these are those using technology.
Current estimates are that there are more than 6 million students that traverse their borders to study in other countries across the world and these numbers are estimated to grow 12% annually. Interestingly, it is the Asian and latin American countries from where the larger student populations are moving. India is often the second largest student population after China to many countries including the US, the UK, Australia and Canada.
The opportunity to be taught by professors involved in cutting edge research, many in collaboration with other partner universities, the emphasis on skill-based education in their curriculum design enabling and enhancing learning opportunities as well as hands-on practical experience education are all part of a very valuable experience. There is ample evidence showing that time and money invested in an education overseas leads to a great number of advantages.
The writer is Natasha Chopra, Managing Director and Co-founder, The Chopras