One of the most important phases in every student’s life is his higher studies. By default, most students in India prefer US as their first choice. I feel the mentality of going to US actually dominates the students more than the type of studies they have planned to do. In the sense, people want to follow a stereotype pattern just because their friends or relatives are there in the US and they have convinced them to come there.

I personally feel Europe, though not very popular among the preferred destinations, is better than US. Though the course in US is well marketed, I believe many courses in Europe are higher in quality. In many areas the research facilities and labs in Europe are better. Despite these, it is not considered as a hot destination because people are ignorant and do not have as much information as they have on US courses.

Once when I was browsing on an Aeronautical based course, I was astounded to see that there was one program called European Masters in Aeronautical Engineering. Three universities, one each from Germany, Portugal and France together conducted this program. The student had to go to these respective universities for one semester each. The most heartening fact was that the University in France was situated in Toulouse, which is the Headquarters of Airbus. You should be able to imagine the exposure the student derives in these kind of courses. Apart from the exposure, the fees in Europe is also very nominal.

Hence I wish to tell the readers that the stereotype thinking that US is the best choice for MS should be removed. Students should explore all the opportunities all over the world before zeroing on a particular university.