Tag: STUDENTS

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India News USA

Indra Nooyi’s Message to Indian Students

Nooyi points out that, over the years Indian students are known for their hard work and success, but sometimes youngsters are getting addicted to drugs and other dangerous stuff…writes Shelja Pallath

Indra Nooyi, former Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, has delivered a poignant message to young Indian students aspiring to study in the United States, urging them to prioritize safety, academic success, and mental well-being. Nooyi urged young Indian students who have aspirations to come to US not indulge in drugs or excessive drinking. The video that includes some pieces of advices for the Indian students in diaspora was shared in Twitter by the Consulate General of India in New York.

Nooyi, one among the most powerful and influential business executives arrived in the US around 45 years ago to pursue her dreams and aspirations as she mentions in the video. She is the first woman, first immigrant and first person of colour to run a fortune 50 company. In the 10 minutes video, she commends US as multicultural nation with welcoming nature and environment, that made many well-known Indian American to make contributions to both India and USA with their positions and achievements.

At the same time, she emphasizes to be very judicious about the selection of universities and opportunities. She strongly suggested to engage with the university support system in order to assure the available resources. To her, there is no guarantee in getting a job for a lifetime security, despite making hefty investments in education. Nooyi in the video clearly says students should accept the ‘cultural sea change’ that happens especially in the initial phase while making friends and new habits.

Nooyi points out that, over the years Indian students are known for their hard work and success, but sometimes youngsters are getting addicted to drugs and other dangerous stuff. Many of the students from abroad are not aware of the rules and regulations of the host country. There are many boundaries to foreign students in the US. Nooyi highlights concerns about substance abuse and unawareness of host country regulations.

She gives alert on money mules and social networking scams. Scammers constantly looking for people and taking their money off. They used to call on phones by asking personal details to cheat others. ‘It’s very important to stay connected with the group of people or friends around you’. Even when we go out in the late nights, ensure that you are along with a trustful team, she adds.

“It’s up to you to make sure you do what it takes to remain safe…stay within the law, do not venture out into dark places alone at night, do not engage in drugs or excessive drinking please. All of these are just formulae for disaster,” she said.

Furthermore, Nooyi asks students to be careful of their mental health as the educational system of United States is so rigorous and there are chances to have anxiety and to be stressed. By keep in touch with families and buddies that stress in the fast-paced lifestyle is easily addressable. She advised students to prioritize mental health by staying connected with loved ones and embracing activities like travel and exercise. The foremost thing for Indian students in the US is to upskill themselves by acquiring knowledge.  Nooyi prompts students to go back to India, if possible, to make contributions to their homeland rather than confining their career and ambitions solely to US.

Acknowledging the prevalent challenges faced by Indian students abroad as a parting message, Nooyi extends her wishes to all the students to be safe and successful in the future with the help of the strong educational and other support systems around them.

Students’ missing and tragic death cases in US happens frequently that remind people about the challenges to study and get placed abroad. The recent death of Purdue University student Neel Acharya has put the focus back on the security and safety of Indian and Indian-origin students in US universities. Nooyi’s advice is really ideal for the Indian students to prioritize their safety and mental health while pursuing educational opportunities abroad.

ALSO READ-US envoy reassures Indian students amid safety concerns

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Africa News Education India News

Global Student Prize Encourages Indian Students to Apply for 2024 Recognition

Both Deng and Bishnoi are calling upon Indian students to take advantage of this platform to share their stories and be recognized for their tireless efforts to address global challenges…reports Asian Lite News

The prestigious Chegg.org Global Student Prize, in collaboration with the Varkey Foundation, is set to recognize outstanding students who have made significant contributions to their communities and beyond. As applications open for the 2024 prize, past winners and finalists are urging Indian students to seize this opportunity to showcase their achievements and impact.

  • Nhial Deng, the winner of the 2023 Chegg.org Global Student Prize, has been recognized for his remarkable efforts in empowering over 20,000 refugees in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya. Through initiatives focused on peacebuilding, education, and entrepreneurship, Deng has created a transformative impact, providing a safe space for young people to heal from trauma.
  • Ravinder Bishnoi, a top 10 finalist for the 2023 prize, has showcased exceptional innovation in the field of robotics during his time as an information technology student at Chandigarh Engineering College, Landran, Mohali, Punjab.

Both Deng and Bishnoi are calling upon Indian students to take advantage of this platform to share their stories and be recognized for their tireless efforts to address global challenges. They emphasize the importance of celebrating the achievements of talented and innovative students across India.

Heather Hatlo Porter, Head of Chegg.org and Chief Communications Officer of Chegg, Inc., encourages student changemakers worldwide to apply for the 2024 Global Student Prize. She highlights the significance of recognizing their outstanding contributions and providing a platform for them to inspire others. Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Varkey Foundation, underscores the pivotal role of education in tackling humanity’s greatest challenges and stresses its importance on policymakers’ agendas.

Application Details:

  • The prize is open to students aged 16 and above, enrolled in academic institutions or training programs, including part-time and online students.
  • Applications can be submitted at www.globalteacherprize.org, with the deadline set for April 28, 2024.
  • Criteria for assessment include academic achievement, impact on peers and community, creativity, innovation, and global citizenship.
  • The prize will be awarded to a Top 10 finalist by the Global Student Prize Academy, comprising prominent individuals.

As the world faces unprecedented challenges, the Global Student Prize serves as a beacon of hope, celebrating the achievements and contributions of students who are shaping a brighter future. Indian students are encouraged to seize this opportunity and showcase their remarkable endeavors on the global stage.

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-Top News Canada

Canada Imposes Two-Year Cap on New Study Permits for Int’l Students

The minister further said that from September, Canada will no longer issue post-graduate work permits (PGWPs) to students studying under curriculum licensing arrangements…reports Asian Lite News

The Canadian government has announced a two-year cap on new study permits for international students, which is expected to result in approximately 3,60,000 approved study permits this year — a 35 per cent reduction from 2023.

Asserting that international students enrich their communities, Immigration Minister Marc Miller made the announcement on Monday as the government faced backlash after their growing influx in recent years exacerbated the country’s housing crisis.

“I announced a two-year cap on new study permits starting in 2024. This is expected to result in approx 360,000 approved study permits this year, and will be allocated to provinces and territories to distribute among their DLIs (Designated learning institutions),” Miller wrote on X.

The development came as the number of international students in Canada crossed one million mark, with Indians leading the pack, accounting for 215,190 out of the 579,075 permits issued till November 2023.

Miller stated that to ensure the integrity of the programme and uphold the academic experience, Canada will continue to implement reforms, and the number of permits to be issued in 2025 will be reassessed at the end of this year.

Miller said that by imposing the cap, the government is taking action against some small private colleges taking advantage of international students by operating under-resourced campuses and charging high tuition fees.

The minister further said that from September, Canada will no longer issue post-graduate work permits (PGWPs) to students studying under curriculum licensing arrangements.

“These programmes are notorious for lacking oversight and do not provide the quality academic experience that Canada is renowned for,” Miller said.

In the coming weeks, the country will no longer issue work permits to spouses of international students, apart from those in master’s and doctoral programmes, the minister added.

Earlier, it was announced that from this year, students will have to show at least in their CA$20,635 account on top of their one-year tuition fees, and if they bring one family member, they will need to show an additional CA$4,000.

To get a study visa to Canada, a student currently needs to show $10,000 in his or her account to cover the initial cost of living.

International students contribute about CA$22 billion ($16.4 billion) annually to the Canadian economy.

ALSO READ-Canada Eyes Reduction in Foreign Students

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Education Lite Blogs

Indian Students Pursue Global Education in Record Numbers

Indian students in US Univs increased by 19% in 2021-22: Report.

How International Education Helps Indian Students? International education offers a range of benefits to Indian students, impacting their development as the trend of pursuing international studies grows annually…reports Asian Lite News

The global trend of pursuing international studies continues to grow annually, fueled by a rising number of students. The number of Indian students enrolled in studies abroad is expected to climb from roughly 1 million as of 2019 to as many as 2 million by 2025, according to an analysis of Indian student mobility produced by University Living, Beyond Beds and Boundaries: Indian Student Mobility Report 2023, indicating a substantial rise in the inclination of Indian students towards pursuing education on a global scale.

Further in 2022, India witnessed the highest-ever emigration of students, with Australia, UK, and the United States emerging as the preferred destinations for Indian students during this period. The United Kingdom issued 500,000 study visas until June 2023, with Indian students comprising 30%. The 143,000 visas granted to Indian students marked a 54% YoY increase, solidifying India as the leading sender to the UK. Meanwhile, Australia’s international education sector observed a 34% surge in Indian student enrollment from January to August 2023. And now constitute 17% of all international students in Australia, ranking second after China.

How International Education Helps Indian Students? International education offers a range of benefits to Indian students, impacting their development as the trend of pursuing international studies grows annually. Anuj Gupta, CEO of YounGrads , an online student recruitment platform, breaks it down : Academic growth: Studying abroad offers specialized field options providing a diverse range of courses for students to pursue niche interests. Exposure to varied teaching methods enhances critical thinking and analytical skills. Additionally, international universities emphasize research, offering students opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects, collaborate with renowned professors, and gain valuable academic experience. Professional development: A foreign degree enhances employability, benefiting individuals in both domestic and international job markets. Employers appreciate the global perspective, intercultural skills, and adaptability acquired during foreign studies. Moreover, studying abroad connects individuals to a valuable network of professionals, peers, and diverse alumni, creating opportunities for career advancement, internships, and mentorship. This experience also refines essential skills like leadership, communication, independence, and resourcefulness, qualities highly valued in achieving long-term career success.

Personal growth: Studying abroad offers a cultural immersion that exposes students to diverse traditions and lifestyles, fostering adaptability and understanding. This experience shapes individuals into well-rounded beings. Living independently away from home cultivates self-reliance, financial management skills, and decision-making abilities, fostering confidence, resilience, and adaptability. The challenges and experiences of studying abroad contribute to significant personal development, nurturing a stronger sense of identity, self-awareness, and a broader global perspective.

Anuj Gupta further adds, “International education goes beyond a trend; it presents a profound and transformative experience, propelling students towards their future goals. Invaluable tools for advancement, specialized courses and programs offered by international universities empower students. And to make the most of these opportunities, a comprehensive understanding of overseas education is crucial, and professional guidance becomes instrumental in steering students towards success.” Embarking on an international education journey offers rewards for Indian students, however it comes with its share of challenges. Academic obstacles encompass adapting to new environments, language proficiency, and demanding coursework. Financial considerations involve higher fees, living costs, and currency rates. Cultural adjustments include overcoming culture shock, communication barriers, and building a social network. Personally, dealing with homesickness, stress, and mental health differences may arise. Additional factors such as visa processes, safety concerns, and healthcare access must be navigated. Despite these challenges, ample resources and support platforms exist to help students navigate their path toward their international study goals. Thorough research, planning, and a positive mindset can ensure a successful international education journey, fostering personal, professional and academic growth.

ALSO READ-Indian Students Pursue Global Education in Record Numbers

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-Top News UK News

Cleverly Targets Foreign Students

Revised ONS figures released last month showed net migration ran at a record figure of 745,000 in the year to Dec 2022…reports Asian Lite News

Home Secretary James Cleverly has said the “unreasonable practice” of international students bringing their family to the UK will end as restrictions on visa routes come into force beginning today.

A near-eightfold rise in the number of family members joining foreign students led the government to announce the ban last year for those not studying “high-value” degrees under government plans.

Further, to prevent misuse of the visa system, foreign students will be stopped from switching from the student visa route into work routes until their studies have been completed.

According to an Evening Standard report, Cleverly said the government is delivering on its commitment to the British public by setting out a “tough plan” to cut migration by tens of thousands and prevent people from manipulating the UK immigration system.

“Today, a major part of that plan comes into effect, ending the unreasonable practice of overseas students bringing their family members to the UK. This will see migration falling rapidly by the tens of thousands and contribute to our overall strategy to prevent 300,000 people from coming to the UK,” he said.

Revised Office for National Statistic (ONS) figures released last month showed net migration ran at a record figure of 745,000 in the year to December 2022.

In the year ending September 2023, 152,980 visas were issued to dependants of students.

As per the 2020-21 data, Indians represent the second largest cohort of international students coming to study at UK universities — with 87,045 first-year enrolments behind China’s 99,965 enrolments.

In 2022, the number of Indian students (excluding dependents) who went to the UK for studies was 1,39,539, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Education experts have expressed concern about the measure, saying international students will go to competitor nations if they are discouraged from coming to the UK.

“I don’t celebrate the new changes…,” Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) think tank, told The Standard.

“International students benefit the UK in all sorts of ways. For example, they are vital to maintaining our world-class university sector as their fees cross-subsidise the teaching of home students and also help to fund UK research.

According to estimates, international students add 35 billion pounds a year to the economy. Foreign students and their dependents contributed to the UK economy not just through fees of 10,000 pounds to 26,000 pounds but also via an NHS surcharge of 400 pounds a year for the student and 600 pounds for a dependent, according to the UK-based New Way Consultancy.

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Asylum backlog target met, says Sunak

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Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that he has delivered on his commitment with more than 112,000 asylum cases being processed in the past year and small boat crossing arrivals down by 36 per cent.

In December 2022, Sunak pledged to tackle the remaining legacy asylum backlog — which had more than 92,000 cases of individuals who claimed asylum before 28 June 2022, which were still waiting for an initial decision.

Fundamental changes to the decision-making process and boosting efficiency has resulted in 112,000 asylum decisions this year, and the highest annual number of substantive decisions in a year since 2002, the UK Home Office said in a statement.

“I am determined to end the burden of illegal migration on the British people. That is why we have taken action to stop the boats, return hotels to their local communities, and deter those wanting to come here illegally from doing so,” Sunak said in a statement.

“By clearing the legacy asylum backlog, deciding more than 112,000 cases, we are saving the taxpayer millions of pounds in expensive hotel costs, reducing strain on public services and ensuring the most vulnerable receive the right support,” he added.

The government said it stepped up processing, deploying an additional 1,200 caseworkers, meeting their target to double the number of asylum caseworkers and tripling productivity to ensure more illegal migrants are returned to their country of origin.

All cases in the ‘legacy backlog’ have now been reviewed, with 86,800 decisions made, the Home Office said. In one four-week period from November 20 to December 17, 2023, there were 20,481 initial asylum decisions made, this is more than the number of asylum decisions made in the entirety of 2021.

While all cases have been reviewed and 112,000 decisions made overall, 4,500 complex cases have been highlighted that require additional checks or investigation for a final decision to be made.

According to the Home Office, these “hard cases” typically relate to asylum seekers presenting as children — where age verification is taking place; those with serious medical issues; or those with suspected past convictions, where checks may reveal criminality that would bar asylum.

Ending the ‘legacy’ asylum backlog comes as end-of-year statistics show small boat crossings were down by 36 per cent in 2023. In recent months, crossings have fallen even more sharply — by 45 per cent in the second half of the year and 64 per cent in the final quarter of 2023, against equivalent periods in 2022.

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-Top News Canada India News

Int’l Students Call for Permanent Work Rule Change

According to media reports, many international students have to share beds and single rooms, and some even end up homeless or sleep under bridges…reports Asian Lite News

International students in Canada, who have off-campus work authorisation on their study permit, say that the country should permanently lift the 20-hour-per-week work rule.

The Canadian government had announced temporary lifting of the cap from November 15, 2022 to December 31, 2023 as employers were facing unprecedented challenges in finding and retaining workers they needed for economic recovery post Covid.

According to students, many of whom are from India, working more hours gives them stability amidst rising costs in the country, CBC News reported.

Krunal Chavda, a 20-year-old Indian student at the University of Saskatchewan, said he has around $40,000 in student loans and was able to pay off $10,000 with full-time work.

“The past year has been quite good in terms of finances because I could work 40 hours a week and have been able to pay off my tuition fees,” Chavda told the Canadian news outlet.

With the previous rule coming back, Chavda is worried about his finances as his grocery budget has gone up from $100 to as much as $300 a month due to inflation.

Most post-secondary international students are allowed to work on and/or off campus, with their authorisation to work printed directly on their study permit.

In the past, nearly half of the post-secondary international students in Canada reported earning income during their studies.

“I’ve found myself in situations where I was like, ‘OK, should I buy this or not?’ It basically comes down to necessities and not the wants,” he said.

“There is a lot of uncertainty and anxiousness in the air. We’re on the edge… It’s becoming more and more difficult to sustain,” said Meghal, Chavda’s classmate.

Domenici Medina, an international student at the university from Ecuador, told CBC that the extra money earned helps with “medical appointments like a dentist, which is not covered by the university’s insurance”.

Medina said that making the rule permanent will have an impact on their “well-being and mental health”.

Karandeep Singh Sanghera, the student union president at Capilano University in North Vancouver, said international students like him are feeling the pressures of the housing market.

“Most of the students have to work on minimum wages, which is some $16 right now. It’s not possible to live working 20 hours in this condition,” said Sanghera, who shares a three occupancy space with five people.

The demand from the students come as Canada continues to grapple with a severe cost of living and housing crisis with nearly seven million people there struggling to put food on the table, according to a recently released Food Banks Canada report.

According to media reports, many international students have to share beds and single rooms, and some even end up homeless or sleep under bridges.

The immigration department, in an email statement to CBC, said it is assessing the impact the policy has had, and it would let the public know if there were any changes to the current plan.

Canada welcomed more than 800,000 international students last year, with the country on track to bring in 900,000 international students in 2023, according to immigration minister Marc Miller.

According to Immigration Refugees, Citizenship of Canada (IRCC), international students contribute more than $22.3 billion per year to the Canadian economy.

Indian students account for nearly four out of every 10 foreign students.

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-Top News Europe

France Ready to Welcome 30K Indian Students by 2030

France and India have been sharing a very strong connection regarding student and research mobility, as well as academic cooperation…reports Asian Lite News

Indian students willing to go to France for higher studies sometimes face visa related issues. This may no longer be the case as France is willing to welcome the students, said Thierry Mathou, the Ambassador of France to India.

Mathou said that President Emmanuel Macron has conveyed that France is willing to welcome 30,000 Indian students within its higher institutions by 2030.

The French Ambassador Thierry Mathou also discussed the recent measures regarding the five-year short-stay Schengen visa. He said that France believes that when an Indian student spends even just a semester in France, it creates a connection that ought to be fostered and cherished.

Since this summer, Indian students who hold a Master’s degree or above and have spent at least a semester studying in France are eligible for a 5-year short-stay Schengen visa. This is a special provision for Indian alumni to enable them to keep close links with France and their French counterparts.

During an interaction in New Delhi the Ambassador replied to several questions and described the policies of the French government. Excerpts from the interview:

How will providing a five-year Schengen visa help Indian students?

The recent measure regarding 5-year short-stay Schengen visa, France believes that when an Indian student spends even just a semester in France, it creates a connection that ought to be fostered and cherished.

Since this summer, Indian students who hold a Master’s degree or above and have spent at least a semester studying in France are eligible for a 5-year short-stay Schengen visa. This is a special provision for Indian alumni to enable them to keep close links with France and their French counterparts.

Is the French government also trying to target Indian students who opt for Canada?

We are trying to target all the youngsters.

Is there any plan to expedite the process, as there are a lot of pending visa applications?

It’s our priority, as I said. We have done some benchmarking; going to France is much easier as compared to other countries, and we try to do everything to make the process easier.

Is there any specific sector that France is targeting to enroll students in?

Yes, we already have a lot of students in our business programme, and we are very happy to enroll students in engineering as well. I will say that this is a top priority for us because we have a strategic partnership in many sectors, including engineering and design.

During this event students will have a chance to get first-hand information from representatives of 50 leading universities, Grandes Ecoles, and colleges about the programmes they can attend. These programmes span a wide range of fields.

Among them we have 22 business and management schools, 17 engineering schools, three arts and design schools, five public universities, two hospitality and tourism schools and one French language school.

How many students are targeted for this season?

As I said, our target for 2030 is 30,000 students. As much as we can, we’ll be happy. The success of this event shows how eager young people are to study in France.

How the recent announcement on Education or academic cooperation after Prime Minister Modi’s visit will help both the countries?

For several years now, France and India have been sharing a very strong connection regarding student and research mobility, as well as academic cooperation.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France on the occasion of Bastille Day last July, different measures have been taken to reinforce France and India’s strong partnerships on that matter. President Emmanuel Macron explained that France is willing to welcome 30 000 Indian students within its higher institutions by 2030.

Additionally, international classes will be created within universities in order to admit non-francophone students in standard French bachelor programmes after one year of training.

Their commitment to strengthening academic ties is further evident with the establishment of over 600 partnerships between French and Indian institutions.

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-Top News Arab News India News

India Aids Students Stranded in Israel Amidst Security Concerns

Her comments came after several Indian students in Israel were quoted as saying in media reports that they were scared in the aftermath of the attack…reports Asian Lite News

Minister of State (Mos) External Affairs Meenakashi Lekhi said on Sunday that efforts are on to bring back its students stuck in Israel in the wake of a terrorist attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Stating that she received many messages last night about Indians in Israel, she told reporters that the Prime Minister’s office is directly supervising the situation.

“Indian government is striving to bring back stranded students of India from Israel. Prime Minister and his office are monitoring the situation and huge efforts are underway to get back our students who are stuck in that country,” she said.

She added that the government has successfully evacuated its nationals abroad in the face of crisis time and again.

“Whether it was Operation Ganga or Vande Bharat, we brought everyone back and I am sure the government and the Prime Minister’s Office are directly in touch with those people and are working and monitoring the situation,” she said.

Her comments came after several Indian students in Israel were quoted as saying in media reports that they were scared in the aftermath of the attack.

In addition to the Indian students and nationals, 27 people from Meghalaya, who travelled to Jerusalem for pilgrimage, are stuck in Bethlehem.

Sharing the information, Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma wrote on X: “27 citizens of Meghalaya who travelled for the Holy Pilgrimage to Jerusalem are stuck in Bethlehem due to the tension between Israel and Palestine”.

“I am in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure their safe passage back home,” Sangma said.

Earlier today, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan urged the Indians stranded in Israel to stay safe and contact the Indian embassy in case of assistance.

There are approximately 18,000 Indian citizens in Israel, mostly caregivers employed by Israeli elders, diamond traders, IT professionals, and students, according to the Indian Embassy’s website.

In May 2021, 32-year-old Soumya Santhosh from Kerala, employed as a caregiver in Israel, was killed in Gaza shelling while she was on a video call with her husband.

Hamas on Saturday declared a new military operation against Israel and in a ‘surprise attack’ fired a barrage of missiles towards the Jewish state from the Gaza Strip for the first time since May last year.

In the attack, around 300 Israeli citizens lost their lives while more than 1,000 have been injured. In retaliation, Israeli retaliation killed 230 Palestinians and injured more than 1,500.

Hamas reportedly fired as many as 5,000 rockets, leading Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu taking a pledge to reduce the group’s Gaza hideouts to “rubble”.

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-Top News Canada

Canada Mulls Student Cap Amid Rising Housing Struggles

The opposition Conservative Party says the ruling Liberals has not done enough to tackle the housing crisis…reports Asian Lite News

The Canadian government is considering a cap on the number of international students to address the growing housing crisis, one of the main goals of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s new cabinet. 

The country hosted more than 8,00,000 international students last year, with 2,26,000 of the 5,49,570 study permits going to Indians in 2022, according to the government data. 

On being asked whether a cap could be imposed on international students, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Minister Sean Fraser told reporters: “I think that’s one of the options that we ought to consider. 

“The government has not yet made a decision… I think we need to do some serious thinking here,” Fraser told reporters on Monday. 

Canada hosted more than 800,000 international students last year, with 226,000 of the 549,570 study permits going to Indians in 2022, according to the government data. 

Fraser, who was previously the country’s immigration minister, also took aim at institutions, which were allegedly exploiting students and thus, worsening the housing crisis, the CBC News reported. 

“When you see some of these institutions that have five, six times as many students enrolled as they have spaces for them in the building, you’ve got to start to ask yourself some pretty tough questions,” the minister said. 

“There are good private institutions out there and separating the wheat from the chaff is going to be a big focus of the work that I tried to do with Miller (Immigration Minister Marc Miller).” Fraser said he plans to sit down with some of these institutions to find out ways to make it easier to find living space for those students in a tight rental market, CBC News reported. 

“If they’re going to continue to bring in record numbers of students, that they are being part of the solution as well by making sure that they have a place to live,” he said. 

He also took aim at institutions he accused of exploiting students and exacerbating the housing crisis. 

“When you see some of these institutions that have five, six times as many students enrolled as they have spaces for them in the building… you’ve got to start to ask yourself some pretty tough questions,” he said. 

“There are good private institutions out there and separating the wheat from the chaff is going to be a big focus of the work that I tried to do with (Immigration Minister Marc) Miller.” 

The opposition Conservative Party says the ruling Liberals has not done enough to tackle the housing crisis.

As it plans to take in a record 5,00,000 new permanent residents in 2025, Canada needs to build 5.8 million new homes, which includes two million rental units, by 2030 to address housing affordability, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. 

Fraser cautioned against blaming the lack of affordable housing on new immigrants. 

“We have to be really, really careful that we don’t have a conversation that somehow blames newcomers for the housing challenges that have been several decades in the works in Canada,” he said. 

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Education

Internships really help school-going students?

Over the years, there has been an unprecedented rise in demand for internship opportunities in the country. Against some 30,000 students applying for internships in 2014, a whopping 3.5 million had applied for internships on leading internship jobs and training platforms in the country…reports Aarul Malviya

Internships are an eventful as well as fruitful part of students’ summer vacations. Whether it is school students or those going to college, or someone pursuing a non-regular or distance education programme, taking up internships is a useful way to spend their summer time.  Now that the summer vacations have been underway in most parts of the country, internships are actively being sought with possibly lakhs of students already working as interns across industries and sectors. 

With the government bodies including the UGC and AICTE making internships mandatory for students, the trend has also caught on among school-going students, particularly secondary and higher secondary school students. 

Consistent rise 

Over the years, there has been an unprecedented rise in demand for internship opportunities in the country. Against some 30,000 students applying for internships in 2014, a whopping 3.5 million had applied for internships on leading internship jobs and training platforms in the country.

 In 2020-21, as many as 76,000 students applied for internships every day, according to a survey. Although these would not be all school students, these numbers certainly indicate the ever-rising need for and popularity of internships among students including school students in India. 

Rising number of vocational subjects 

With plenty of choices available in terms of vocational subjects for school-going children today, even children as young as those studying in classes 8th and 10th are also looking for internships. 
Some of those vocational subjects that they study and would need internships for would range from traditional trade-based subjects such as furniture-making and welding technology to formal office-based typewriting and secretarial assistance, arts and crafts, to modern solar energy technology, biogas energy technology, bakery and confectionery and food processing, among others. 

Besides, higher secondary students specializing in application-based courses such as computer science and IT and commerce and accounts would also explore internship opportunities. Within computer science and IT, even more advanced, fashionable and immensely popular has been coding and programming the basics of which are being taught to children as early as in class 6th in India today.

These students would also look for internship openings in the summers.
In view of such popularity and the enormity of demand, in what ways can summer internships really help school-going students?

Testing of classroom learning

First, an internship programme helps students to test themselves in a real work environment. They can check for themselves whether and with what degree of proficiency the theoretical lessons that they would have learnt in the classroom can be applied in the workplace.

This helps them identify gaps in their knowledge and understanding, revisit the ‘weak spots’, absorb and assimilate the learnings better, refine and hone their practical skills and eventually become more proficient and employable in the future.     

Familiarizing with relevant industries

Second, an internship programme is also an effective way to get to know the industry or the sector better in which they might work in adulthood. Depending on the sector and their chosen functional areas, students not only become acquainted with some of the relevant companies and organisations but also begin to learn and build their social and professional network from an early age. 

Also, while gaining hands-on experience, they get first-hand insight into how companies function, their inner workings, different departments and verticals, the workflows, the nature of technology and equipment driving the workflow, the collective nature of work etc. In other words, they also learn the value of teamwork, collaborative work ethic and shared responsibility, all critical to success in the long run.

Competitive edge  

Third, during an internship, a student not only gains and improves upon his domain-related knowledge and technical skills, but also develops and sharpens general problem-solving skills. While handling complex tasks at the workplace, he is made to engage in critical thinking and logical reasoning, employ functional intelligence, polish his communication and interpersonal skills and pick up the finer points of team-building and leadership development – all at a very early and tender age. At the same time, he also develops a wider worldview, the ability to see the big picture in terms of his chosen sector or industry as well as his own personal and professional course of development. 

With such grounding, students who would have undergone internship programmes, usually rank far ahead of their peers and fellow students who wouldn’t have taken up internship prior to applying for a position and are much more successful than the latter in their career in the long term. There is enough research available to illustrate this advantage for the internship takers vis-à-vis the non-internship takers.

Improves credentials 

Fourth, opting for internship opportunities at an early age also bolsters a student’s résumé in a big way which in turn improves his credentials for admission into institutes and colleges of his choice for higher education. There are AI-enabled measurement systems today that can also indicate a student’s ‘readiness’ for a certain subject area or a career option with a high degree of accuracy. Therefore, pursuing internships for school-

going children is a powerful way of speeding up their development, both professional and personal. And since summers are often the longest holiday that students get in a year, they can pursue a relatively longer and more stable internship programme, spending their time in the most productive manner possible. 

(Aarul Malviya is the founder of Zamit, a research-based Measurement, Improvement and Monitoring system for the school ecosystem that is developed using a proprietary AI)

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