In the past decade, overseas education has become one of the most trending aspects of global education owing to steady economic and social development across several countries. Furthermore, the opportunity experience another culture apart from their own is also inspiring several students to explore different study abroad destinations to accomplish the same. The growing interest in overseas education is visible in developing nations like India as well, where people, mostly from the majority middle-class population can now fulfil their dream of pursuing higher studies abroad with the help of easy access to loans and scholarships.

According to a report published by the Institute of International Education, the total number of students from India who were studying abroad was 181,872 in 2014. Among those, over 97,613 students were enrolled in colleges in the U.S., 25,562 in Australia, 19,604 in the UK, and 13,626 in Canada.

While the U.S. and the UK have been the top favorites among students in terms of overseas education for years, it has been observed that some European countries are now becoming equally popular among international students, specifically Germany, France, and Ireland. In addition, with more and more students enrolling from around the world enrolling at universities across Europe, many believe that this trend will only gain more prominence in the near future. Moreover, the growing demand for European study destinations is making many educationists wonder why aspiring scholars are exploring opportunities in Europe. Let us find out the reason behind the shifting trend:

Multicultural Experience – The European continent is comprised of 50 sovereign states, each well-connected by road, rail, or any other means of transport. Each place has a unique charm, culture, and tradition, and are home to some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Furthermore, international students enrolled in a European college get to meet people from different backgrounds, and get an exclusive sneak peek into their culture through their eyes, and in the process, broaden their worldview for the better.

Most students hoping to pursue their higher education in Europe do so as most European universities have an extensive education infrastructure, specifically in the STEM fields

Student-friendly Cities- According to the 2017 QS ranking for best student cities in the world, four of the top 10 cities are European, namely Paris (2nd), London (3rd), Berlin (6th), and Munich (9th). Other student-friendly cities in Europe include Zurich, Vienna, Edinburgh, and Barcelona.

Demand for STEM Subjects – Most students hoping to pursue their higher education in Europe do so as most European universities have an extensive education infrastructure, specifically in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields. Germany leads the way in STEM subjects in Europe as the country has long been known as a nation that cultivates innovation in these fields, and thus, is also one of the fastest emerging overseas education destinations in the world.

Opportunity to Learn a New Language– International students in Europe have no compulsion of knowing English. Instead, they get an opportunity to learn more than one language, which can also enhance their overall career portfolio, and help them secure lucrative job opportunities anywhere in Europe.

Hassle-Free Visa & Immigration Policies – Following the recent crackdown on immigration & visa policies across both the U.S. and the UK, many students have now begun to look towards certain European countries that have easy processes to deal with such requirements. Germany and Ireland are known for their hassle free student visa rules that allow international students to pursue their education there with ease.

Going by the aforementioned factors, it is evident that international students in Europe get to learn & experience not just the best education, but a chance to nurture and hone their skills as well.