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July 6, 2022

Financial planning tips for parents

financial planning tips for parents

The cost of education increases every year but this cost is not uniform; there are some degrees that cost more than others. Some expensive degrees like MBBS, MBA, Psychology, Law, and Dental cost up to a crore; this includes tuition costs, living expenses as well as miscellaneous costs.

This is because of the popularity, high competition, limited seats, university ranking and location as well as the tremendous ROI attached to the courses. Pursuing these degrees from top-tier universities and countries like the US or the UK can cost you almost a crore of rupees!  

So how should you as parents plan to fund these expensive degrees? Here are a few financial planning tips that will help you take charge of your funds and help your child pursue her dream career without any stress!

Financial planning tips

Tip 1. Start early!

While a corpus of Rs. 1 Cr. can sound daunting, it is achievable if you have 15 to 18 years in hand.

That’s right. If you have big professional career dreams for your children, you must start saving for their education as soon as they are born.

Some couples start even before the child arrives. After all, the earlier you start, the easier it will be to put the funds together.  


investment plan for girl child in India

Investment Plan for Girl Child


Tip 2. Define your corpus 

Always work on your goals on the higher side. The cost of education is going up by almost 10-12% a year, so allow for these growth rates, and for fluctuations in currency rates.

It is difficult to predict international situations two decades from now, so you must prepare for the worst, and work with higher numbers. This will save you from having to dip into your retirement savings at the time of your child’s education.  

Tip 3. Do the number-crunching 

This is part that most people who are uncomfortable with finance dislike. Once you have fixed the financial goal, break it down into years and months.

That is the only way you will be able to build that corpus. Define how much money you will need and explore the returns options like equities that can over time give you up to 15% returns.

Also, understand the risks involved. Be warned: stay away from get-rich-quick schemes, most people lose even their capital in such experiments.  

most expensive degrees
Source: pixabay

Tip 4: Be consistent 

Remember, Rome was not built in a day. It took centuries. Luckily, you will have to work consistently only for a couple of decades.

Just set up your SIPs in mutual funds, and equities, and start putting money away in Provident Funds and Bonds.

While the returns on the latter are lower, these investments add stability to your portfolio. And do it month after month for the entire duration. Do not stop, do not opt out, and do not withdraw these funds for unplanned expenses like a foreign trip or a big-ticket vehicle. Stay focused on your corpus goal.  

Tip 5. Go for high-return investments 

The longer your investment horizon, the greater the risk appetite you can have. You can consider a 65/35 mix or even a 70/30 mix with a higher percentage being invested in equities and other high-return instruments.

Do keep in mind that higher returns are usually coupled with high risk, and you must regularly balance your portfolio to avoid losing your capital.  

Tip 6. Monitor your investments 

All investments must be regularly monitored. Anything that is underperforming, you must get rid of and replace it with a better-performing option.

But don’t try to time the market, keep your parameters clearly defined when you start your investments. This will keep you from making unnecessary mistakes in the market.  

most expensive degrees
Source: pixabay

Tip 7. Seek help with your investments  

As the time for your child’s college admission comes closer, there are a lot of decisions you have to make to secure your child’s funds. Like turning your high-risk, high-return investment into safer options to protect your investments and corpus from any sudden market downturns, closer to the time of admission.

This is an important aspect to consider as you cannot shift the time of admission. Though before taking any of these decisions, it is wise to consult a financial planner to safeguard your interests. 

What we have shared here is a broad roadmap that will enable you to build the Rs. 1 Cr. corpus and fund any of the 5 expensive degrees your child may choose to pursue. While doing your initial calculations, also keep in mind that most of these courses also have entrance exams.  

Preparation for these exams can start 2-3 years in advance and the coaching for the same is also expensive. You must consider having access to your funds well in time, to avoid financial stress at the last minute.  

With planning, discipline, and consistency, you will be able to achieve almost any financial goal that you set for yourself. The key is to get your plans down on paper/on the computer and start working on them. So go ahead and start planning today!

FAQs

How can I start financial planning as a parent?

Start by setting financial goals, creating a budget, and tracking expenses. Build an emergency fund and prioritize saving for your child’s education and future expenses.

Consider life and health insurance coverage. Consult a financial advisor for personalized guidance.

How can I teach my child about money management?

Introduce age-appropriate financial concepts. Encourage saving, budgeting, and goal-setting. Involve them in family financial discussions and let them earn and manage their own money. Model responsible financial behaviors and provide guidance along the way.

What are some ways for me to save for my child’s education?

Explore education-specific investment options like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) for girls, 529 plans, and education loans. Start early, contribute regularly, and consider inflation. Research scholarships and grants. Consult a financial advisor for tailored strategies.

Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan for you 
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5 reasons why your child's college education is at stake

5 reasons why your child's college education is at stake

A college education is integral for every child. Not only does it provide your child with a degree and a career, but it also helps them grow as individuals. Yet there are many obstacles to good quality education. Let’s look at 5 reasons why your child’s college education is at stake!  1. Education Inflation  Education has to be the top-most factor when it comes to a child’s college education. Usually, the first thing which comes to our mind when we talk about inflation is the rise in the prices of fruits, fuel, rations, and so on. But education inflation is one domain that tops the chart. Especially after the pandemic, it has been really difficult to keep up with the ever-growing education inflation. Every year, universities hike up their fees in response to the growing prices in different sectors.    According to data generated by the Government of India, it is seen that between the years 2012 and 2020, the inflation in education rose by 10% whereas the food inflation was 9.62%. This data proves that the inflation in education has far surpassed the inflation in other necessities of life. The factors like tuition fees, higher cost of living, improved infrastructure, security, and so on. There are certain hidden costs such as flights, food prices, daily transportation, and accommodation also add up to the overall amount. 2. Lack of Savings  Lack of Savings is one reason why your child’s college education can be at stake. Many Indian parents struggle to save up for college fees and expenses. The way to avoid this hassle is by starting an education fund for their child’s education as early as possible. This helps in improving the potential to counter inflation in education. Your child might want to move abroad for their higher education. In such a case, you would need even more funds. Savings can be done either by going for a savings plan or by investing your money in a potential plan. Parents whose kids are still very young are advised to go for mutual funds. The time horizon can help manage the volatility and crashes that may come up. Also, it can help you gain a good return which will add up to the corpus for your child’s education. source: pixels 3. Lack of Research  A lack of research can lead to poor decisions and consequences. Certain universities are blacklisted and are not accredited by any board or council. The degree that a student gets from this college holds no value. It can prove to be a hurdle in your child’s education and a huge financial burden. Thus, proper research can help you avoid these mistakes and stay from university scams.   Furthermore, you need to ask your child about the course he or she is interested in and pursuing and conduct thorough research on the same. You must look for job opportunities that are offered after the end of that particular course. Avoid going for courses that do not have a properly retained market. 4. Lack of Opportunities  Recognized universities provide you with the opportunity to land a job. It should provide the return on the investment that has been put in. Furthermore, the course that your child selects should have demand in the market. The positions which are in high demand in the market tend to pay you better. If the university is renowned, many companies will conduct their drive for campus placements. Students even opt for off-campus placements if they want to get a specific type of job. 5. Lack of Guidance  Before your child applies to any university, it is important that he or she reads and understands the eligibility requirements of the particular institution. Make sure that your child has the necessary academic performance, extracurricular and entrance requirements to meet admission criteria. Most universities ask for 60% or above as an aggregate to get admission to undergraduate courses. In addition, they also require entrance exam results.    You need to have all the documents prepared beforehand. If your child does not fall in the eligibility category or is unable to produce the required documents, then his or her application might get rejected. Hence, it holds vital importance to take care of these minute details which may cause to be an obstacle.  Plan your child’s education with care to avoid some of the biggest obstacles!   TALK TO AN EXPERT
5 steps to apply for art school admission

5 steps to apply for art school admission

If you are of an artistic bent, becoming a professional artist must have crossed your mind at least once. Art is exciting, certainly more exciting than being buried in spreadsheets in a corporate job. It is through art, and through art only, that we can realise our perfection.” Oscar Wilde But what does art as a profession really entail? What are the things you need to know? What kind of education plan do you need to follow? Is a scholarship enough or do you need an education loan? Also, how do you make money from an art degree anyway? Well, here are some things you can do. 1. Knowing your education & career options Art degrees are not really as monolithic as you may think. They can lead to many different career avenues. As a matter of fact, there are many different kinds of art degrees! You have to figure out which degree is right for you. A Fine Arts degree is quite different from an Applied Arts or Design degree. In addition, there are specialized design degrees like graphic design, fashion designing, web designing, and many more. Fine arts, similarly, has specialized degrees in fields like painting, sculpture, printmaking, and so on. There are also degrees and disciplines that are loosely allied with arts but have different scopes and interests, for example, art history and curation.  Not all artists spend all their time in their studios or make money the same way. Design degrees can get you a well-paying corporate or freelance career. Fine arts degrees can also be lucrative, especially if you plan on teaching. It is important that you determine what kind of art course you want to take to understand the career options that would be available to you. 2. Finding the best fit Once you have determined what kind of degree and career path you want to undertake, you need to find a university or school that would be the best fit for you. Art school is one career path where studying abroad is worth it and makes a lot of sense. This is because universities abroad offer much better infrastructure, networking, and job opportunities, all crucial for any budding artist.  Image from Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels Research universities that are the best fit for you. This involves looking at their location, faculty, infrastructure as well as funding opportunities. Make sure that the university you are choosing is a good fit for the kind of artistic career path you have in mind. Choosing the right university is crucial to your education plan if you want to study abroad. 3. Convincing your parents If your parents are encouraging and supportive of your choice to pursue an art degree, that’s great! You are lucky! In fact, you are part of a lucky minority. Most parents tend to be a little iffy about any non-traditional career paths. If your parents fall into that majority, you may need to sharpen your persuasion skills a little.  Talking to your parents and persuading them is not as difficult as you may think. What you need to do is research and prepare a proper education plan. This plan is to show your parents that you have properly considered the details and intricacies of your decision and are prepared for any issues that might pop up. Image by Rodnae Productions on Pexels If that does not work, you can take the help of an education and guidance counselor. Counseling can help bridge the gap between you and your parents and bring them on the same page as you. Education counseling can also help you smooth out any kinks in your education plan. It can help you come up with comprehensive and pragmatic solutions that will enable you to follow your passions without reaching a career dead end.  You can even look for education counseling online if in-person sessions are not possible. 4. Securing Funding Art school is expensive. Not just tuition costs, but the costs of procuring materials and art supplies for projects and assignments can get pretty high.  You should look into the websites of the colleges you are applying to and talk to the admissions officer about funding opportunities. Look into the kinds of scholarships they have available and that their students and alumni have availed. Research one-time grants or fee waivers that you may be eligible for. You may need to secure an education loan. In that case, you should try to familiarise yourself with them. Find out how to apply for an education loan, the procedure, documents required, interest rates, repayment rules, etc. It could also be helpful to use an education loan calculator to figure out how much you can borrow and how much you would have to repay.  Talk to your parents because they are likely to have investments and savings set aside for your education. Education funding can be stressful but it is a necessary part of higher education planning. 5. Creating A Portfolio Portfolios are important when you are applying to an art school. A portfolio is a collection of your best work that basically acts as your resume. It presents the work you have done and are capable of doing so that admission committees can judge your skills and workmanship. A portfolio should therefore feature your best work but should also be diverse. You want to show people that you can do more than one kind of artwork and have more than one skill set.  You should refer to the websites of the universities you are applying to find out what they are looking for in a portfolio. Talk to admissions officers and current students and alumni of that university. You can also try to go online and look at other people’s portfolios to get an idea of how you should structure your own and what kind of artwork you should include. A portfolio contains artwork that is not just simply pretty to look at but also showcases the versatility of skills. For example, a simple landscape may be pretty to look at but does not really show any exceptional talent, skill or vision. Choose pieces that show your artistry with brushwork or impasto work. Pieces that are unique and show complexity and expertise with different materials or media are perfect for portfolios. What’s Next? Art school is a great place to both satisfy your passion and begin an exciting and promising career. You will be learning not just how to make great art but also how to sell and market that art. You will need to remember that you are not just here to learn artistry but to learn how to make a career out of that artistry. But even more than that, you are in college on an adventure! Remember to have fun on this adventure! FAQs How do I get into art school? There are many art schools across the world. The best way to start is to build a portfolio and check out the requirements for your chosen course. What subjects are needed for art school? You do not need to study any particular course for enrolling at art school. However, having an art subject like drawing, photography, fashion, designing or painting can be helpful. It gives a creative outlook and helps you build your portfolio that is required by most design/art schools in the world. What are the five steps for applying to an art school? Here are the 5 steps for applying to an art school - Knowing your education & career options Finding the best fit Convincing your parents Securing Funding Creating A Portfolio Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT
5 ways to deal with rising college fees for your child!

5 ways to deal with rising college fees for your child!

According to Money Control’s recent statistics, “education inflation in India rose by 10% from 2012-2021” It has disrupted the lives of parents and aspiring children to ensure ease of admission. The data shows that education costs rose above food and healthcare despite the hard-hitting pandemic. "IIT (Indian Institute of Technology)- all units in the country, doubled their fees by Rs. 90000 to Rs 2Lakh for all undergraduate courses in 2021." The worst figures are yet to blow the minds. According to the Economic Times, “parents will have to spend 1.5 crores on the child’s education.” To ensure parents do not struggle to meet the growing costs of raising a child, here are some ways to deal with rising college fees for your child!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvqzQx8kCpw Ways to deal with rising college fees for your child 1. Invest via SIPs SIPs are ideal if you wish to begin small in the market. In this, you can start by saving ₹5000 every month for ten years at 15% interest (assumed), and you can accumulate up to 7.93 lakhs for your child’s education. A SIP provides long-term gains and consistent savings. Continuously diversify your SIP investments in 2-4 equity-oriented mutual funds with a mix of large and mid-cap investments. Tap into equity-linked saving schemes to save for a child’s college fees and save on tax. The earlier you invest in SIP for a child’s education, you may reap more returns. Start Investing in Mutual Funds 2. Invest in US Stocks You can invest in US stocks from India in 2 ways, that is, Direct investments in stocks and Indirect investments in stocks through Mutual Funds In the case of Direct Investments, you can invest in stocks through an overseas trading account with a domestic broker or by creating an overseas trading account with an overseas broker. In the case of Indirect investments, you can invest in US stocks from India in the form of  Mutual Funds, or ETFs (Exchange Funds Transfer and Investing Applications. As per RBI guidelines under the Liberalized Revenue Scheme (LRS), one can invest up to 1.9 crores or 250000 dollars per year. 3. Invest in PPF (Public Provident Fund) A PPF is a 15-year scheme that helps create a tax-free savings account for your child’s educational expenses. A guardian may withdraw some amount after 6 or 7 years of maturity. If your child wants, he too may contribute towards the fund after maturity. One can extend the account’s validity after maturity. Always remember, that PPF is a debt account. Hence, inflation blows might affect investments. The combined limit for the PPF account is 1.5 lakh per annum. Under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, a PPF account with 1.5 lakh is eligible for tax benefits. One can leverage the use of interest and maturity amount tax exemptions. 4. Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP)  Insurance companies provide ULIP with the flexibility to cover multiple investments under a single scheme for investors. With one policy, you can choose among high, medium, and low-risk investments. An investor can either choose a fixed sum or an investment premium. Evaluate the risk appetite and invest accordingly in the low, medium-, or high-risk investment options. In an unforeseen situation, investors can withdraw a sum after 5 years. The premiums offered are exempt from tax under section 80C. As per research, “A ULIP fund provides 10% returns on average.” For this, an investor must invest for 10 years in the ULIP funds. It is considered an ideal investment for a long-term child’s educational goals. 5. Fixed Deposit It is one of the safest options to eliminate the college fees blues regardless of inflation. Fixed Deposits provide guaranteed returns on investments. Always analyze the interest rates, yield, and interest compounding frequency from different providers before settling for one. The higher the interest rate you get on FD, the bigger the child education fund corpus. However, FD may not provide 10-15% returns, but it is a volatile-free debt instrument.  The current educational costs may vary significantly from future educational costs. EduFund eliminates the guessing game by providing a tangible view of investments through a trusted college calculator. The experts help design a personalized child education investment plan highlighting the guardian’s current income and future educational costs, hassle-free. FAQs What are some best ways to deal with college fees? While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, a few options can be explored depending on your monthly budget, your choice of college, and the stream your child wishes to pursue. Below are some of the best ways to deal with college fees.  Manage your Budget Creating a budget to manage your finances efficiently goes a long way in setting up a disciplined way of life. It helps in monitoring your spending, prioritizing essential expenses, and cutting down on unnecessary costs, thereby helping you save for your child’s education.  Invest Early Investing early on is a smart move as you get enough time to create a corpus of a substantial amount for your child’s education. This also saves you from borrowing money from relatives and taking on educational loans.  Invest in SIP (Small Investment Plan) Begin by investing small amounts in a smart investment plan. This will help you get comfortable with the idea of investing in education. A flexible investment plan is also a good option that allows you to increase your investment at a later stage.  Invest in US stocks You can invest in US stocks, either through Direct Investments or Indirect Investments.  Direct Investments allow you to invest in stocks through an overseas trading account with a domestic broker or by creating an overseas trading account with an overseas broker.  Through Indirect Investments, you can invest in US stocks from India in the form of Mutual Funds, or ETFs (Exchange Funds Transfer and Investing Applications).  Educational Loans An educational loan is also an option for those seeking to study abroad as well as for those who wish to educate their child in one of the expensive institutions in India. Edufund helps you in calculating your college costs along with living expenses providing you a transparent report of the expenses involved. Based on this, a suitable hassle-free loan option is provided.  Scholarship Programs Most educational institutions provide scholarships to students who excel in academics but are unable to bear the cost of expensive institutions. You can apply for the same after reading all the terms and conditions. The first step should be to avail yourself of a counseling session to deal with all the doubts and queries you may have. EduFund provides this first step in a very transparent and efficient manner. As mentioned above, solutions are provided based on your budget and requirements and you can choose the one that suits you the most. What is the best time to save for college fees? The best time to start investing would be as soon as you plan to have your child, or even earlier if possible. This helps in accumulating a decent amount by the time your child starts college. Having said that, it’s never too late to start investing. Begin your investment journey with right now! What are the 5 ways to save for college fees? Here are the 5 ways to save for college fees: Invest in SIPs (Small Investments Plans) Invest in US Stocks Invest in PPF (Public Provident Fund) Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) Fixed Deposit Why are college tuition costs rising so fast? There are several common factors which contribute to escalating tuition costs: Administrative costs: Many universities have seen significant growth in staff and expenses and investing in appropriate technology. Infrastructure costs: With growing competition, institutions need to keep adding or upgrading their existing infrastructure and facilities. Additional Services and Facilities: Additional services and facilities such as providing counselors, a robust medical service, and co-curricular activities such as sports, arts, trekking, excursions, etc. require additional manpower driving up costs for parents. Education inflation: Inflation that affects the general public also affects universities and institutions increasing operational costs. It increases the costs of studying and related education expenses. Technological costs: Technological advancement improves the overall education system, but it also drives up costs due to investment in infrastructure and equipment as well as in their usage training. Reduced Government Funding: The government can reduce its funding for several reasons and universities have to face the rising costs. It forces them to increase tuition costs to make up for the shortfall. What are the solutions to rising college tuition costs? Here are 2 solutions to the problem of rising college tuition costs:Invest in mutual funds: Mutual funds are the best way to beat the rising college tuition costs. They offer great returns and are often known to beat inflation. You can start an investment plan for your kid's future when they are in school and invest till they are off to college. Invest in US ETFs: Another way to beat college costs is US ETFs. They are great if you want to send your kid abroad to study. They can beat inflation, and rupee depreciation and they offer great returns in US dollars.
5 ways to financially prepare yourself to send your child abroad 

5 ways to financially prepare yourself to send your child abroad 

Education is the most valuable investment. This is why millions of Indian parents aspire to send their children abroad for foreign education. Countries like the United States and the United Kingdom offer academic excellence and better infrastructure. But with the increase in tuition costs, sending your child abroad is tougher. 5 ways to financially prepare yourself to send your child abroad. 1. Start early with long-term financial goals   The first rule of saving is to start early. Examine your spending habits and eliminate unnecessary costs. Set aside a certain amount of funds on a monthly basis for your child's education. Saving and making investments early in life increases your chances of reducing your ability to procure loans and minimizing the effect on future cash flows.  Early Savings Help in Child's Future Read More 2. Estimate present and future cost  When calculating and budgeting, it is recommended to anticipate rising prices. The more funds you save now, you are in a better position to use them for your future needs. This gloomy outlook will ultimately allow you to improve your probability of establishing a prospective foundation that outweighs actual expenditures.  3. Consider inflation and currency exchange  While planning to send children overseas for higher studies, it is required to consider the country's inflation rate as well as the currency's potential depreciation fluctuations. Investigations and knowledge of historical inflation and depreciation trends will help calculate the additional amount required to manage education overseas. For instance, the falling rupee has directly affected the budgets of hundreds of Indians studying in the USA today and increased their cost of living and parents who wish to send their children in the future.   Why save 10 years in advance for Child's College? Read More 4. Find the best investment opportunities  Investigate medium- and long-term investment possibilities in which you may begin investing as soon as feasible. Determine your risk tolerance and investing capacity, and then invest accordingly. A well-diversified technique with an optimistic approach will allow you to develop a progressive investing strategy.  5. Speak with an investment advisor  Don’t shy away from consulting with an expert, if you are concerned and underequipped with your framework agreement. Investment advisers and foreign education professionals can assist you in analyzing your possibilities and establishing a more comprehensive and attainable approach.  source: pixabay What makes foreign education more expensive?  Without a doubt, the expense of studying overseas is more than the cost of education in India. The amount varies depending on the university, country, course, and length of the program. As a result, it is critical to choose universities that are within your financial means. The currency exchange rate and higher cost of living make foreign education expensive. Let’s look at more factors contributing to this cost!   1. Tuition Fees  Tuition fees are the largest mandatory expense. Depending on the course and location of study, it can vary. Master's degrees are more expensive per year than bachelor's programs.   Courses like Criminal Justice, Philosophy, English, and Mathematics are considered the most affordable subjects in terms of tuition fees. Courses like Health Sciences, Physical Sciences, Business & Nursing are considered the most expensive subjects in terms of tuition fees.   Tuition fees may be standardized or depend on the selected course. The report of probable tuition fees across the world's favorite destinations is as follows. 2. Academic Supplies  Another expense to prepare for is Academic resources, which range from textbooks and stationery items to computers and art tools. The report on average educational supplies costs worldwide are as follows: 3. Rent and Utilities Accommodation is usually the second-largest expenditure for overseas students after tuition. Students can rent accommodation in small towns closer to their universities to save on costs. The report on monthly rent cost country-wise is as follows: 4. Shopping and groceries  To cut down on costs, students can buy products that are at maximum discounts. Rather than purchasing big brands, students can buy cheaper brands that are more valuable. Students can plan to cook in batches and freeze the cooked meal for consumption. The report on country-wise monthly grocery costs is as follows: There are various other costs associated with being educated abroad. These costs include visa costs, insurance, and university commuting expenses. To manage all these examples, one must be financially prepared before sending your child for education abroad.   Higher education abroad is an enriching journey with several advantages; it can be affordable if you start saving consistently. These 5 ways can help you financially prepare yourself to send your child abroad and help them achieve their dreams stress-free! FAQs How do I plan for my child’s education abroad?   The first rule of saving is to start early. Examine your spending habits and eliminate unnecessary costs. Set aside a certain amount of funds on a monthly basis for your child’s education.   Saving and making investments early in life increases your chances of reducing your ability to procure loans and minimizing the effect on future cash flows.   Why do you want to send your child abroad?   Studying abroad has many benefits. The quality of education is outstanding in foreign universities. These universities also give students an opportunity to gain practical knowledge while studying. Leading companies are attracted to students graduating from top universities abroad. The experience of studying in a different country offers students a different perspective and boosts confidence.   How much money is required for foreign education?   International education is expensive. Parents need to start saving early to support their child’s education dreams abroad. A few tips to stay prepared for your child’s foreign education include:   Start early with long-term financial goals   Estimate present and future cost   Consider inflation and currency exchange   Find the best investment opportunities   Consult a financial expert   What are the benefits of children studying abroad?   Studying abroad has several benefits. It gives students global exposure and allows them to interact with people from different cultures. It also provides students an opportunity to be involved in research and development, which may be difficult to find in India.   Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan for you  TALK TO AN EXPERT
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