Attacks on Indian students are overrated
HYDERABAD,: The recent attacks on Indian students in Australia have made many Indian students aspiring to study abroad rethink about opting for Australia. What used to be the preferred destination for Indian students is no longer the first choice thanks to safety concerns.
In an image correction exercise Jane Den Hollander, vice-chancellor of Deakin University, Australia, says, It takes just one incident to get a blot but many years to wipe it.
The actual situation in Australia is nothing like what is being perceived outside. The country has always welcomed students from abroad and many foreign students have shared with us that it is easier for them to make friends in Australia than in India.
Speaking at a press conference here today, she said that the growing fear among Indian students was fuelled by media reports. Asked how she could explain the drop in the number of Indian students opting to study in Australia, Jane said the real problem pertained to visa and not violence _ it is 10 percent violence and 90 percent visa. ``The matter of fact is that securing a visa has become difficult and we are asking the government to make obtaining visa easier for students, she said.
The expensive Australian dollar may be another reason for the drop in the number of students, she said and attributed it to governmental policies. ``In the face of huge immigration with which it could not deal effectively forced Australia to cut down on the number of visas, she explained.
With respect to Deakin University, Jane says that following the attacks they conducted a thorough poll to find out if there were problems faced by Indian students studying at the university and they found out that nobody faced any problem. ``The university is located in south-eastern Melbourne which is a safe place and no untowardly incidents have been reported, she claimed. At this, Ravneet Pawha, India director of Deakin University, intervened to say:
There are places in Hyderabad and Delhi where you and I would not want to walk in the night. It is the same in Australia as well. That is why we insist on students to look for safe rather than cheap places for accommodation. DEAKIN-TERI MOU: ``The Deakin University, which has around 2,000 Indian students at present, has signed a memorandum of understanding with The Energy and Research Institute (TERI) of India.
Through this partnership, it aims to conduct research that can be useful at the grassroot level. Deakins strength lies in nanotechnology and Indians are good at biotechnology. We want to collaborate for mutual benefit, said Peter Hodgson, director of the university. ``The focus will be on research to develop cost-effective technologies in areas such as water purification and high energy solar cells which will help both the countries and useful to the common man, he said.
As per the MoU, the number of seats open for enrolment per year is 15. Depending on the merit of the students, scholarships are given. Students can continue their research in India after an initial 6 months on the Deakin campus. The university, in partnership with TERI, will also aid students in getting internships and funds for doing research.
Career opportunities in Australia for Indian students are high in chemical engineering, mining and health sectors, said Peter. The international certification also gives the student some flexibility to hop from one country to another without hassle, according to him.
Jane ends the press meet with a note of finality: One need not worry about safety and security in Australia. We respect Indians.
The only place where we combat with Indians is the cricket ground as they are playing better cricket than us. Deputy vice-chancellor (international & development) Robin Bucham and another deputy vice chancellor (research) Lee Astheimer were also present at the press conference.
?Attacks on Indian students are overrated? | Attacks | | Indian Express
