The United States of America (USA) is renowned for its prominence in the field of international education. There are several key factors that contribute to the country’s fame as a preferred destination for studying abroad.
Mr. Patriek Karayil, the President of American Colleges, the international arm of the American Education Board, has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between students and world-class American educational opportunities.
In an exclusive interview with ET TECH X, Mr. Patriek Karayil shares his insights, experiences, and the impact he envisions for the future of education on a global scale.
Patriek Karayil: Recent changes in the worldwide educational landscape have been notable, particularly with the policy shifts in international education such as –
Canada: In January the Canadian government introduced a temporary two-year cap that will reduce accepted study permits by 35% in 2024. Given India is the largest source of international students to Canada, we can expect soft demand softness. Master’s, Ph.D., K-12 students, and current study permit holders will not be affected, however, the diploma programs will run under the cap. Furthermore, As of September 1, students who enroll at public-private partnership institutions will no longer be able to access post-graduation work permits after graduating. These new policies are in addition to the stricter visa issuance policies that were put in place towards the end of 2023 such as raising the minimum funds required to obtain study permits.
Australia: The Australian government introduced the Migration Strategy in December 2023, which outlines several changes such as reducing the number of years international students can stay in the country after their master’s degree. However Indian students are exempt from this thanks to the 2022 historic free trade agreement between India and Australia notable changes include increased English language requirements and more targeted scrutiny of student visa applications from high-risk providers.
UK: The UK government also introduced several study abroad policy changes. Most notable is the one Students will no longer be able to bring dependents to the UK with them (except PhD programs). This will likely lead to fewer graduate students from India.
US: Unlike the other nations, the U.S. has not had a major policy shift. However, in 2024, the U.S. will hold its presidential elections and all signs point to a rematch of the 2020 elections.
Patriek Karayil: American Colleges envisions a future where it remains at the forefront of international education guidance by:
Expanding Digital Presence: Leveraging technology to create a robust online learning platform that offers students access to a vast array of resources, including interactive masterclasses, webinars, and personalized guidance tools.
Enhancing Content Offerings: Developing a comprehensive library of educational content, including video lectures, and downloadable guides, that address the specific needs and challenges faced by international students throughout their academic journey.
Global Collaborations: Fostering strong partnerships with educational institutions worldwide to offer students a diverse range of study abroad options and cultural exchange experiences. Collaboration with the American Education Board will continue to provide valuable insights into evolving policies and regulations.
Maintaining Affordability and Accessibility: While some specialized resources may have minimal charges to ensure quality, the core principle of providing free, unbiased guidance will remain steadfast.
Patriek Karayil: I prioritize understanding the unique challenges faced by international students. This student-centric approach ensures that our guidance goes beyond simply providing information, but becomes a tailored support system that addresses their specific needs and anxieties. Operating under a not-for-profit model underscores our commitment to unbiased advice. We choose to stay neutral and not pursue commissions from universities, ensuring that our recommendations are solely in the best interests of the student. All decisions and initiatives are grounded in creating a student-centric environment where success is not just about gaining admission to a university, but about thriving in the American educational system and achieving their long-term academic and professional goals.
Patriek Karayil: One of our most significant milestones is the collaboration with the American Education Board. This partnership provides American Colleges with invaluable insights into university policies and the intricacies of visa regulations, allowing us to offer students the most up-to-date and accurate guidance. This has established American Colleges as a trustworthy source of unbiased advice, a reputation we hold in high regard. Finally, we actively engage with policymakers, advocating for student-centric policies that address the specific needs and challenges faced by international students in the U.S. These collective accomplishments solidify American Colleges’ position as an expert voice in international education and immigration, merging deep insights with transparency and a relentless focus on advocating for students’ needs.
Patriek Karayil: American Colleges address the internationalization of education by acting as a bridge between international students and universities. We tackle the information gap by providing comprehensive resources, workshops, and counseling services – all designed specifically for international students. We offer guidance on standardized tests, application essays, financial aid navigation, and visa procedures. This empowers students to navigate the complexities of applying to colleges and universities.
Patriek Karayil: The transition from student life to the professional world presents several hurdles for recent graduates. Here are some key challenges:
Skill Gap: Academic knowledge may not directly translate to workplace skills. Students might need to develop additional skills like project management, communication, and teamwork to thrive in an office environment.
Job Market Realities: Finding a job that perfectly aligns with one’s field of study can be difficult. Graduates might need to adapt their expectations and be flexible in their job search.
Workplace Culture: Adjusting to a new work environment with different communication styles, dress codes, and office politics can be challenging for recent graduates.
Financial Pressures: Student loan repayments and the need to become financially independent can add stress to the job search process.
Lack of Experience: Many entry-level positions require some experience, creating a catch-22 situation for recent graduates.
Patriek Karayil: My decision to shift from a successful corporate career to international education wasn’t a single event, but rather a culmination of factors:
Personal Journey: My own experience navigating the F1 to H1-B to green card to eventually obtaining U.S. citizenship gave me firsthand knowledge of the challenges international students face.
Witnessing Ongoing Issues: However, when I serendipitously landed in the Higher education sector as a corporate CXO did I witnessed the continued information gap and lack of unbiased guidance for international students which fueled my desire to make a difference.
Desire to Empower: I saw many students receiving inaccurate or self-serving advice from for-profit counseling services. This motivated me to create a resource focused on student well-being and informed decision-making.
Shifting Priorities: Reaching a point in my corporate career where financial success wasn’t the only motivator. Contributing to a cause I believe in and empowering future generations became a driving force. Many years ago I read that “During the first half of our career we choose success, and during the second half we choose significance”. I am on a journey to satisfy that second half.
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