Many engineering colleges of North Andhra region are ahead of other reputed institutions in attracting students of neighbouring countries. Students of Nepal and Bhutan are now keen to pursue higher studies in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram engineering colleges which are providing courses at affordable cost. Students of West Bengal, North Eastern States are also looking at colleges like Aditya Institute of Technology and Management-Tekkali, GMR Institute of Technology, Vaishnavi College of Engineering-Srikakulam, Maharaja Vijayarama Gajapathi College of Engineering, Vizianagaram and other institutions.
Educational fairsThe colleges are keen to participate in the educational fairs in other countries from next month since students would join under management quota. The students of abroad and other States would pay fees promptly, making the colleges financially viable. Currently, many colleges are fed up with fee reimbursement scheme as they have been not able to get repayment for the last six months. It has forced many colleges to use overdraft facility to pay salaries of the staff and meet other expenses.
Cosmopolitan cultureMany colleges feel that admission of foreign students would ensure cosmopolitan culture in campus and make local youngsters understand the culture of other regions too.
AITAM College Director V.V. Nageswara Rao told The Hindu that over 100 students would be expected to join the college in 2014-15 academic year. “Many students of Nepal and other places are keen to pursue civil and mechanical engineering courses in reputed institutions with the ample job opportunities in their respective countries. We are planning to construct an exclusive block for them in future,” he added.
Vaishnavi College of Engineering Principal Vasanta Rajendra Prasad said that it would take time for the students to adjust to new atmosphere due to change in weather and food.
Nepali students Biplab Chowdhary and Nitesh Chaurasiya of AITAM College said that the two engineering colleges located in Bhutan were not able to cater to the needs of all the youngsters. “Indian government is selecting only 100 students by offering scholarships. The youngsters, who were not selected, are opting reputed private engineering colleges in India,” they said. Anil Kumar Sah, a second-year student, said they were happy with the weather and culture in Srikakulam. “We are not able to understand Telugu. Except this, all of us are happy with studies and food,” he added.
