Indian Students losing interest in the US

It seems the American dream is getting over for Indian students. Fresh data released by the US embassy has shown a sharp decrease in the number of students opting to study in the US.

Data reveals there is a 25 per cent decrease in F1 student visas over the past one year, which means only 25,680 US visas were issued for Indian students between October 2008 and September 2009 as compared to 34,510 visas last year.

Analysts say Indian students are seeking other destinations because of the global slowdown and tight visa procedures.

“A large number of students wanted to stay on and work after the studies so as to cover the cost of the education. This is not happening because of the recession and the lack of jobs available in the US,” Director of Career Smart Usha Albuquerque said.

And America's loss is fast becoming a gain for other countries like Canada, Australia, Germany, New Zealand and France. Human Resource analysts like Career Smart say these countries are proving to be better student destinations, both in terms of affordability and easy visa procedure.

“Because of the recession a large number of universities have cut back on their funding. Also, in the US it is far more expensive than any other country and I think students have started realising the good courses in other countries,” Albuquerque explained.

Many of the students also apparently realise that India now offers more job opportunities as compared to foreign countries where they will have to spend much more.