Student Life
Why is there a decline in Indian students studying abroad in traditional destinations like the US, UK, and Canada?
The decline is caused by multiple factors, including diplomatic tensions, stricter visa policies, and rising costs. Canada saw the steepest drop (41%) following diplomatic fallout when Canada's PM accused India regarding Hardeep Singh Ninjal, leading to tightened visa regulations. The US (13% decline) faces challenges from Trump's rigid student visa policies, while the UK (27% drop) implemented stricter rules limiting family accompaniment and post-study work options. Additionally, the rupee's depreciation against the dollar (from ₹82 to ₹87.34) has significantly increased education costs abroad, pushing students toward alternatives like Russia, Germany, and Uzbekistan, which offer more affordable tuition and easier visa processes.
Watch clip answer (02:35m)What are some common pitfalls in student emails to professors?
Professor Christine Curtis highlights several common pitfalls in student emails to professors. One major issue is including excessive personal information, as demonstrated in an example where a student shared unnecessary details about their stomach flu symptoms. Another problem is prioritizing other classes over the professor's class, such as telling a professor you'll miss their class to study for another exam. Additional email mistakes include failing to use a proper subject line, not signing the email, and sending messages to unintended recipients (as in the case where a student accidentally emailed 1,200 classmates). Curtis emphasizes that effective student emails should be concise, respectful, properly formatted with a signature, and directed only to relevant parties.
Watch clip answer (05:19m)What actions has the Odisha State government taken in response to the death of a Nepalese student at a local university?
The Odisha State government has established a high-level committee to investigate the death of a Nepalese student at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology. This probe was initiated following campus protests regarding the incident. In addition to the investigation, authorities have directed university officials to locate and assist Nepalese students who were forced to leave the campus after the protests. This rapid response demonstrates the government's commitment to addressing both the tragedy itself and its immediate aftermath for other affected students.
Watch clip answer (00:18m)What sparked protests in Nepal and how did demonstrators express their outrage?
Protests erupted in Nepal following the death of a Nepalese student at India's Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology in Odisha State. Demonstrators gathered outside the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, where they held placards and shouted slogans demanding justice and university accountability. Student organizations from the Nepalese capital led these demonstrations, expressing outrage not only over the student's death but also the subsequent forced evacuation of Nepalese students from the campus. The incident has escalated into a diplomatic tension, prompting the Indian government to form a high-level committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Watch clip answer (00:13m)Why are Nepalese students hesitant to return to Kalinga Institute of Technology?
Nepalese students suspended from the Kalinga Institute of Technology in India's Odisha state are expressing fear about returning to campus despite receiving apologies from institute officials. Their hesitation stems from recent demonstrations that occurred at the institution, which appear to have created an environment where these students no longer feel safe or comfortable. Although KIIT officials have issued formal apologies and explicitly invited the students to return to campus, these assurances have not been sufficient to overcome the students' concerns. The situation highlights the serious impact campus unrest can have on international students' sense of security and trust in educational institutions.
Watch clip answer (00:14m)What challenges do conservative students face on college campuses?
Conservative students like George face significant social stigma that affects their emotional well-being. The clip demonstrates how George experiences hostility that makes him feel belittled or 'stupid' when expressing his political views. Through a role-play exercise, we see the venom and dismissive attitudes conservatives encounter, causing them to feel marginalized and silenced in campus environments. George struggles to openly discuss his conservative beliefs without fear of backlash, highlighting the need for more tolerance and respectful dialogue across political differences in educational settings.
Watch clip answer (01:40m)