India Strengthens Global Ties to Equip Students for Future-Ready Careers

28th October 2024: The third edition of the Global Education Conclave 2024, organized by OneStep Global, a specialized market entry firm that helps international academic institutions land and expand in Asia, served as a pivotal platform where global education leaders and policymakers gathered to engage in meaningful discussions on the evolving landscape of international education.

Esteemed guests of honor, including Mr. Raj Kumar Srivastava, Dean of the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS), Mr. Pavan Rajgopal, Vice Consul of the U.S. Embassy, Padma Shri journalist Barkha Dutt, and Mr. Sameer Pathak, CEO of Tech Mahindra Global Chess League shared their insights on India’s growing influence in the global education sector.

Padma Shri journalist Barkha Dutt emphasized education’s transformative power, extending beyond classrooms to multicultural experiences that enrich personal growth and adaptability. Reflecting on her journey, she highlighted India’s potential to empower young global citizens while preserving cultural roots, advocating for enhanced post-study opportunities to support students pursuing education abroad.

Featuring in-depth discussions on critical themes such as India’s growing influence in leveraging international education partnerships to enhance its soft power, as well as navigating the ever-evolving global visa and policy landscape, panelists also explored the shifting aspirations of Indian students, with discussions highlighting the rise of new education hubs beyond traditional markets, including Ireland, Italy, and Germany. Further, the importance of bridging academia and industry was emphasized, focusing on aligning education with real-world industry needs to better prepare students for the global workforce. The session on Transnational Education opportunities examined the potential for expanding international university collaborations with Indian institutions.

The event also saw the launch of a comprehensive report on the European higher education landscape, which highlighted emerging destinations like France, Italy, and Germany. The report provided key insights into student mobility trends, student housing, and the growing appeal of these destinations for Indian students.

Speaking at the report’s launch, Saurabh Arora, Founder & CEO of University Living Accommodation, said, “With over 1.3 million Indian students currently studying abroad, we are proud to contribute to key discussions on emerging global study destinations and the opportunities ahead. As education becomes increasingly internationalized, Europe has solidified its position as one of the top destinations, offering students unparalleled academic and cultural experiences. Together, we aim to shape the future of international education.

We are proud to launch our latest report, European Student Landscape: Beyond Beds and Benches 2024. This report sheds light on the comprehensive student experience across countries like Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Austria, and Malta. It covers critical areas such as student mobility, education systems, accommodation trends, and cultural integration. Our goal is to equip students, parents, institutions, and stakeholders with the insights needed to enhance international student experiences and foster stronger collaboration in this evolving landscape.”

The conclave underscored the importance of fostering global collaboration to ensure students are equipped for dynamic and evolving careers, enhancing both their education and professional journeys.

Aritra Ghosal, Founder and Director of OneStep Global, reflected on the significance of the event, saying, “The Global Education Conclave, now in its third edition, has grown into a key event in the international education space. Bringing together senior representatives from top global universities under one roof, GEC 2024 provided an unparalleled platform for discussions on the challenges and opportunities faced by Indian students aspiring to study abroad. With engaging panels on topics like global visa policies, student mobility trends, and international education partnerships, the event addressed critical issues head-on. The presence of key leaders and esteemed guests underscores how significant GEC has become in driving meaningful conversations and shaping the future of global education.”

With participation from representatives of top global universities, including the University of Reading, the University of Sussex, and Dublin City University, the conclave proved to be a significant step toward shaping the future of international education and fostering global academic collaborations.