The appeal of a foreign education remains strong in India. Currently, the United States is the top choice for 69 percent of Indian students seeking higher education abroad, followed by the UK at 54 percent, Canada at 43 percent, and Australia at 27 percent, according to the second edition of Oxford International’s Student Global Mobility Index (SGMI) report. This year, the number of Indian students in the U.S. is set to exceed 300,000.
Navigating Educational Differences
However, this significant move comes with its challenges. Indian and American education systems differ in many ways, making it difficult for U.S. universities and employers to assess the equivalence of Indian degrees. This discrepancy often complicates the verification of educational qualifications, especially for fields outside the typical top five areas—Technology, Commerce, Engineering, Science, and Arts. As any PhD student can attest, niche fields can pose additional hurdles due to a limited understanding among evaluators.
To delve deeper into these challenges and opportunities, Forbes India’s Mridu Bhandari hosted a discussion with Esther T. Benjamin, CEO and Executive Director of World Education Services (WES), a not-for-profit organization that has assisted students and immigrants worldwide in pursuing opportunities abroad for over five decades.
The Expansive Reach of World Education Services
Esther T. Benjamin highlighted WES’s extensive experience, having evaluated the academic credentials of over 4 million individuals globally, processing nearly 6 million academic qualifications from more than 200 countries. WES credential evaluation reports are crucial for individuals seeking recognition for their academic achievements when applying for jobs, further education, or professional licensure in the U.S. and Canada.
With expertise in analyzing over 40,000 different degrees and more than 8,000 grading scales, WES has evolved to encompass programmatic, policy-oriented, and philanthropic efforts, expanding its role beyond credential evaluation.
India: A Key Focus for WES in the Coming Decades
According to Benjamin, India presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly with the implementation of the new National Education Plan (NEP), which aims to double the number of students in higher education over the next decade. This surge is likely to result in a greater number of Indian graduates seeking education and professional opportunities abroad. WES is enhancing its presence in India by building a dedicated team and forming digital partnerships, such as with the National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC), to streamline the authentication and verification of Indian credentials.
Impact on Immigrant Resettlements and Global Mobility
As international mobility increases, WES plays a critical role in facilitating the smooth transition of immigrants, refugees, and students into new environments. Benjamin noted the staggering figures of 6 million international students and 300 million immigrants worldwide. WES’s trusted partnerships with regulators, particularly in Canada, are instrumental in assisting Indian professionals, such as engineers, validate their qualifications and seamlessly integrate into the workforce abroad.
One standout initiative is the Gateway Program, which assists refugees who have lost access to their academic documents due to conflict or civil unrest. By leveraging its extensive data repository, WES reconstructs the academic histories of displaced individuals, enabling them to continue their educational and professional journeys. This program has already aided over 10,000 refugees, particularly from countries like Syria.
A Multi-Sector Approach to Inclusion and Mobility
Benjamin emphasizes the need for a multi-sector perspective in promoting inclusion, advocating for collaboration among governments, employers, academic institutions, and community organizations. This holistic approach aims to reduce barriers and create opportunities for talent across borders. WES is committed to this strategy, facilitating easier global mobility and inclusion at various governmental levels.
Looking Ahead: A Future Grounded in Service and Innovation
As WES looks toward the future, India is poised to play a significant role in its growth and impact. Benjamin envisions WES continuing to serve as a cornerstone for enabling mobility and inclusion worldwide, advancing opportunities for global education and employment well into the next 50 years and beyond.
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