Invaluable lessons for foreign guests

Colleges today are trying to give the students as integrated an education as possible.

In keeping with this, they not only look at national markets and trends but are also tapping in on the international approach. With this in mind, a delegation of 13 students and two faculty members from Cornel University, New York, paid a day-long visit to the Vogue Institute of Fashion Technology (VIFT) Apparel Park campus recently. This was done as part of their study tour to India.

The programme began with a series of speeches by VIFT chairman MM Kariappa, principal RSS Rao and other staff members. A tour of the campus was given to the visiting students, who asked a lot of pertinent questions as they explored the different departments. Presentations were also made about the courses offered at both the institutes, which touched upon the study culture and other facilities at each of them.

Over the course of the day, the students and faculty members interacted with each other regarding academics, recent trends in fashion and apparel technology. The delegates also expressed their interest in understanding the methodology and academic curriculum covering various aspects of apparel design.

“We learnt a lot from this visit and appreciated the warm welcome and the opportunity to tour an Indian campus like this. The video introduction that was presented really showed the spirit of the students and I hope that sometime in the near future, they will also come and visit us in Cornel,” said Margaret, one of the delegates from the Ivy League research university.

Dale, her batch mate, added, “I’m amazed at the hospitality in India as it’s not something we get to experience to this extent back home. It was beautiful to meet the students and faculty. Overall, it’s been a wonderful experience and we hope to come back soon.”

Needless to say, the authentic Indian lunch which was served was also a big hit among them. “Other than the people I interacted with here, I loved the dosas!” shared Eleni, another delegate.

The visiting professors were also impressed and said that given India’s incredible textile history, it is important to stay connected to the craft of creating textile and apparel, which VIFT is managing to do
very well.