It's a 'fair' world out there...

Choosing Wisely

The City often witnesses many educational fairs with colleges from various universities from across the world trying to rope in students and provide opportunities for higher education. These fairs that are conducted annually not only aim at helping students decide what to choose but also where to choose from.

From one-on-one conversations with representatives of the universities to group discussions, it’s almost like going for a shopping festival with a long-term goal in mind.

Metrolife finds out if students actually find these fairs helpful. There are some students who feel these fairs help them get a clearer picture of the opportunities out there. Aishwarya, a second year student, has attended these fairs out of curiosity.

“When I went there, I felt that it was a good platform for those who are confused about their future,” she says.

“They can actually have a chat with the educationalists and take a call on what they have to do next,” Aishwarya adds.  But not all feel that way. Majority of the students feel that when foreign universities come here, one can never be too sure of them.

Most of them say that while they mainly aim at serving the objectives of higher education, it’s more like promotion of one’s campus.

“I feel these fairs are a complete waste of time. It’s just a marketing tactic to promote their own college. When they come here, the representatives may paint a rosy picture but it’s only when you finally go there that you know where it stands. I prefer to do my own research and apply to only those colleges that have some name,” says Suraj, an engineering student.

Naveen, a final year student, believes that youngsters these days can’t be fooled that easily. “I would never be convinced if people at the fair, who are  only trying to promote their institution, insist on me joining their institute. I would prefer going to the institute and checking the place myself,” he adds.      

Agrees Shilpa, a student counsellor, who adds, “There is no harm in attending these fairs. But students must not be blinded by everything the representatives at the stalls tell them.”

“They must do their own research and maybe even contact someone who has studied in this place before deciding,” she adds.