Kerala has always been a favourite destination for students of foreign countries for their higher studies. Renowned universities and comparatively cheaper fees structure and cost of living makes Kerala a preferred place for higher education for foreign students.
Kerala government is planning to utilize this positive atmosphere prevailing in the education sector, by promoting a unique concept of ‘Education Tourism’. By this programme, the government plan to provide education of international standards to the students, while they could enjoy the benefits of tourism.
The concept is yet to get consensus from the universities; however, the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) has already been approached by the authorities to raise fund for the project.
There have always been complaints about the quality of infrastructure prevailing in the Universities in Kerala. The government’s idea to develop an international hub for education, complementing with state’s tourism development is to overcome this perception.
“Though the courses we offered are in par with international universities, our physical infrastructure is not adequate to cater their requirements. Furthermore, some of the students are not able to adjust with our food and culture. Currently we are planning to start an exclusive mess for the foreign students at the university hostel campus,” said an official from Kerala University.
Apart from the poor infrastructure facilities, the number of seats allotted to the foreign students also a deciding factor in attracting more foreign students to the state.
“The entire education scenario will be changed if we could provide quality infrastructure along with international standard education. It will attract more foreign students to our universities,” said Usha Titus, Principal Secretary of Higher Education Department.
“Education and tourism can be complimentary things. If we provide quality education of International standards, tourism will also develop. It will help the state universities to become international hubs for higher education,” added Usha
