Career Mosaic Chronicles #3

Study abroad buzz

Visa rules reshape study abroad plans

In response to evolving visa regulations, Indian students are recalibrating their study abroad preferences. While traditional destinations like the US, Canada, UK, and Australia have tightened their visa rules, non-traditional countries such as Germany, France, and Ireland have streamlined their processes. According to the Indian Student Mobility Report 2024, approximately 10.3 lakh Indian students are studying abroad, with 8.5 lakh in the traditional destinations. However, a significant cohort of 1.8 lakh Indian students now opt for non-traditional study destinations, capitalizing on the regulatory shifts. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh contribute nearly US $5 billion to education in these primary countries, representing the largest group of Indian students abroad. While non-traditional destinations offer straightforward visa procedures and employment prospects, many students still favour the established study hubs.

?

ETS launches TOEFL India Championship for study abroad aspirants

ETS, the maker of assessment tests like TOEFL, TOEIC, GRE, and Praxis Assessments, has introduced the TOEFL India Championship. This national competition offers a total of Rs 15 lacs in prize money for Indian students aspiring to study abroad. The championship consists of two rounds: Quiz Challenge (Round 1) where participants complete a 20-minute quiz testing their English language and numeracy skills, and TOEFL iBT Challenge (Round 2) where eligible participants take the TOEFL iBT test. Grand prizes worth Rs 11 lacs are up for grabs. The prize money can be used to fund studies in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. This initiative aims to encourage and support young scholars in fulfilling their study abroad dreams, with TOEFL iBT playing a crucial role in this endeavour.

?

Study Abroad: Are foreign students in the US caught in the crossfire

International students in the United States find themselves entangled in a complex web of socio-political issues, especially during election seasons. While issues like immigration, inflation, and rising crime rates dominate public discourse, international students—particularly those of colour—are active participants, not mere bystanders. Despite the allure of the American dream, recent events have cast uncertainty over their experiences. Discrimination, xenophobia, and tightening immigration laws challenge inclusivity within higher education. As the upcoming elections approach, their outcomes may significantly impact immigration policies and international students’ experiences in the US. It’s essential to recognize that these students are not passive observers but active stakeholders with aspirations beyond politics.

Prominent media coverage

Career Mosaic received good exposure in the media, wherein mainline publications like Hindustan Times, and Indian Education Diary, followed by financial publications like The Hindu Business Line, Business Standard, and Financial Express have covered Career Mosaic.

The Hindu Business Line covers about establishing of a new office in Gujarat (GIFT City)

Career Mosaic has recently established its new office in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). This strategic move aims to facilitate seamless application management, assessments, marketing strategies, and enrolment procedures for educational institutions. “By leveraging its extensive network of over 900 universities globally, Career Mosaic is committed to redefining student recruitment and fostering global educational opportunities” Manisha Zaveri, Joint Managing Director, Career Mosaic shared. The opening of their GIFT City office underscores their unwavering dedication to serving both Indian and international students.

Story link: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/education/career-mosaic-sets-up-office-in-gift-city/article68199577.ece

?

An industry story in Hindustan Times talked about “How new VISA rules will impact Indian students, and migrants”, wherein Manisha Zaveri, Joint Managing Director, Career Mosaic shared her expert analysis on how expensive UK can be for students planning or studying abroad.

Read the story here: www.hindustantimes.com/education/features/what-uk-s-new-visa-rules-mean-for-indian-students-and-migrants-as-per-experts-101716527383099.html

Abhijit Zaveri, Managing Director at Career Mosaic, was recently featured in the Financial Express. In an authored article, he shared expert analytics on a notable trend observed in the USA: the rise in the number of students pursuing bachelor’s degrees.

Additionally, the industry story highlighted Manisha Zaveri, Joint Managing Director at Career Mosaic, discussing the attractive feature of the US education system—the availability of Optional Practical Training.

Financial Express authored article for Abhijit Zaveri link: https://www.financialexpress.com/business/investing-abroad-why-do-students-look-forward-to-pursuing-their-academic-aspirations-in-the-us-3482317/

Read the Financial Express industry story here, wherein Manisha Zaveri shared her insights: https://www.financialexpress.com/business/investing-abroad-studying-in-america-why-is-us-the-most-preferred-destination-for-indian-students-to-study-abroad-3479796/

?

Our Founder, Joint Director, shared his entrepreneurial journey with Times Now

Abhijit Zaveri, founder of Career Mosaic, left a lucrative job in the US to address the needs of Indian students aspiring to study abroad. Despite challenges, his company achieved a remarkable turnover of ?150 crore in 2022/2023. Zaveri aims to make Career Mosaic a global service provider for educational institutes worldwide. His journey inspires courage and commitment in the field of education.

Read more about the inspiring journey of Abhijit here: https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/industry/meet-abhijeet-zaveri-who-quit-high-paying-job-in-us-to-built-a-multi-crore-company-in-india-article-109837175

Expert Insight from Sachin Jain, Country Manager India & South Asia , ETS

How is ETS adapting its testing services to meet the evolving demands of international student recruitment in 2024?

ETS is continually adapting its testing services to meet the evolving demands of international student recruitment in 2024. Leading in test acceptance, ETS boasts recognition from over 12,500 institutions worldwide, ensuring that students have a wide range of opportunities to pursue their educational goals globally.?

?To provide easier access for the increasing number of test takers in India, ETS has now incorporated five days of testing each week across key cities. This significant enhancement increases accessibility and convenience, allowing students more flexibility to schedule their tests at times that best suit their needs.

?Additionally, ETS provides comprehensive support to test takers by offering deeper insights into key destination markets. Students can also connect directly with universities and hear firsthand from representatives about what to expect and how to prepare for their studies abroad. This direct engagement not only informs but also empowers students, making the recruitment process smoother and more informed.

?

What strategic initiatives has ETS implemented to enhance the appeal of U.S. universities to international students, particularly those from burgeoning markets such as India?

ETS has implemented several strategic initiatives to enhance the appeal of U.S. universities to international students, particularly those from burgeoning markets such as India.

?One key initiative is the TOEFL India Championship, which aims to increase awareness and engagement among Indian students. This competition not only highlights the importance of English proficiency but also encourages students to excel in their language skills, making them more competitive applicants for U.S. universities.

?In addition to the championship, ETS has organized roadshows in collaboration with U.S. universities. These roadshows connect university representatives with key schools across India, providing students and educators with direct access to information about studying in the U.S. This initiative helps to demystify the application process and showcases the available opportunities.

?Furthermore, ETS tests such as the GRE and TOEFL are integral components of the prestigious U.S. Fulbright Scholarships. By utilizing these assessments, the Fulbright program ensures that scholarship recipients possess the academic and language proficiency required for success in U.S. higher education. These strategic initiatives are designed to strengthen the appeal of U.S. universities to international students.

?

Looking ahead, what key technological advancements or procedural innovations from ETS do you foresee impacting the international student recruitment processes for U.S. universities?

Looking ahead, ETS anticipates several key technological advancements and procedural innovations that will significantly impact the international student recruitment processes for U.S. universities. One major development is the integration of AI-driven personalized learning platforms. These platforms are designed to tailor test preparation and improve critical skills according to individual students' needs, enhancing their readiness for higher education.

Another critical innovation is the expansion of remote proctoring technology, which allows students from around the world to take ETS assessments, such as the GRE and TOEFL, from the comfort of their homes. This increases accessibility and convenience, making it easier for international students to complete the necessary requirements for U.S. university applications.

Additionally, ETS is investing in data analytics to provide universities with deeper insights into the academic preparedness and potential of international applicants. This helps institutions make more informed admissions decisions and identify candidates who are likely to succeed in their programs.

These advancements, along with continuous enhancements in test security and integrity, are set to revolutionize the way international students are recruited by U.S. universities, making the process more efficient and inclusive.

In Focus:

NAFSA event participation

NAFSA: Abhijit Zaveri, Shreya Raval, Nirmal Thakore, and Roxy Turner participated in NAFSA, where the team engaged with global education leaders to discuss innovative strategies and form transformative partnerships in international education.

Roxy Turner, Manager of partnership, Career Mosaic, engaged with global agents and service providers at ICEF

Mr Nirmal Thakore, Vice President, Career Mosaic visited the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA