Exploring the Global Educational Landscape: Insights and Initiatives by OneStep Global

CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Mr. Aritra Ghosal, Founder and Director of OneStep Global

Understanding study abroad trends, guiding students for successful international education, OneStep Global’s expertise in Asia’s higher education, facilitating global education opportunities, and expert insights on hiring trends in Asia

Ques 1. What are the driving factors behind the remarkable rise of the UK and Ireland as premier study abroad destinations?

Ans.  The UK and Ireland are increasingly favored by international students for several compelling reasons. According to a report published by the Universities UK, during the academic year 2021-22, the UK hosted 679,970 international students, including 151,690 from China and 126,535 from India. This showcases its global appeal, supported by the presence of four of the top 10 universities globally as per QS World Rankings 2024 and 80 in the list of top 1,000, underscoring the high quality and recognition of education offered here. This not only simplifies the academic transition for students but also significantly enhances their future employability.

In Ireland, the growth in international student numbers is equally impressive, especially from South Asia. From 2013 to 2023, the number of Indian students alone skyrocketed from 700 to over 7,000. A key policy enhancing Ireland’s attractiveness is the two-year stay-back visa, which permits graduates to seek employment and gain practical experience within the country for up to 24 months after their studies.

Additionally, the rich cultural experiences and diverse communities in both countries greatly enrich students’ personal and academic lives, turning their time abroad into a period of both learning and personal growth.

Ques 2. How can students be guided to make informed decisions about international education for successful outcomes?

Ans. Numerous sources of information can pose a challenge for students trying to decide on a course of study and a suitable university. One effective way to cut through the noise is by personally meeting with university representatives. These interactions provide invaluable insights, as students can directly ask questions and assess if a university’s offerings align with their needs. Events like pre-departure sessions, online information sessions, and other university-led events are excellent opportunities for these interactions.

Besides understanding academic offerings, it’s also crucial for students to have a solid grasp of financial planning and cultural orientation. This comprehensive approach helps in preparing them for the realities of studying abroad, ensuring they make well-rounded decisions that lead to successful educational experiences.

Ques 3. How does OneStep Global leverage its expertise in higher education to foster partnerships in Asia?

Ans. At OneStep Global, we pride ourselves on our deep-rooted expertise in the international education sector. Our team brings decades of experience and a broad network of connections within educational organizations across Asia. This strong foundation allows us to collaborate effectively with esteemed universities in the US, UK, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, Finland, and beyond.

Our approach to fostering partnerships focuses on sustainable growth and mutual benefits. Throughout the entire journey, from initial market entry to subsequent expansion, compliance management, brand enhancement, and process refinement, we maintain close collaboration with our partners.

We engage both our internal team and external stakeholders, ensuring that every step we take is informed by expert insight. This collaborative strategy has been key to our success in developing lasting, impactful relationships with educational institutions.

Ques 4. What type of universities are opting for in-country solutions to capitalize on India’s numbers?

Ans. We’re seeing a broad spectrum of universities, both ancient and modern, adopting in-country solutions to leverage the growing interest from Indian students in overseas education. The aim of implementing in-country solutions is not only to boost recruitment figures but also to create a more tailored and responsive experience for students right here in India. By having local teams, universities can provide immediate assistance and better manage the quality of their recruitment efforts.

These in-country operations also enhance the application process and open avenues for collaboration, such as student and faculty exchange programs with local institutions. Given the increasing demand for international study opportunities, we expect more universities to establish a stronger in-country presence to effectively engage with this vibrant market.

Ques 5. How does OneStep Global facilitate global education opportunities and ensure student success?

 Ans. We champion the idea of providing equal global education opportunities for all students. Our team of university representatives with their decades of experience in student counseling, are central to this mission. They’ve assisted thousands of students in their pursuit of study abroad opportunities, offering comprehensive guidance on choosing the right country, course, and universities to ensure well-informed decisions.

Furthermore, our pre-departure events are designed to equip students with all the necessary information they need to thrive abroad. These sessions cover important aspects like travel logistics, health, and safety, and what to expect academically. This comprehensive preparation ensures that students feel fully prepared and confident as they begin their journeys. Our overarching goal is to empower students to succeed in their global academic pursuits.