Schoolchildren attend the Australian Education Excellence Showcase 2011 at Taj Bengal. Picture by Anindya Shankar Ray

Students can now look beyond the UK or US for pursuing higher education.

The Australian Education Excellence Showcase 2011, an initiative of the Australian government, was held at Taj Bengal recently to inform students about courses offered in various universities Down Under. Students were also given visa-related information, as well as details of the different scholarships offered.

The daylong event saw several experts conduction lectures and holding discussions to help students organise their study plans.

“Several world-class universities have opened their doors to Indian students,” said Peter Mackey, the education commissioner of the Australian Trade Commission. The inaugural session dealt with how to enhance overseas students’ educational experience. This was followed by talks on existing collaborations between Australian and Indian institutions.

“More and more students have been approaching us along with their parents in recent times,” said Sabina Jain, the business development manager at the Australian Trade Commission.

Careers that can be pursued after studying in Australia were the focus of another session. Representatives from 15 Australian universities and educational institutions were present, including from the University of New South Wales and Curtin University.

Finally, a round-up session went through the entire process: from students choosing the right university to getting their papers in order.

Sangita Agarwal, a recipient of the 2008 Endeavour Award and a scientist at Jadavpur University, shared her experience with the participants.

Sagarika Saha, a student at Rabindra Bharati University, found the sessions helpful. “I will seriously consider pursuing my studies in Australia,” she said.

French touch

A French cultural programme, Journee Francaise, was organised by the Eastern Institute of Integrated Learning In Management (EIILM), in collaboration with the Calcutta chapter of Alliance Francaise, at Swabhumi recently. The show was staged to welcome the new batch of EIILM students. The event included a presentation on “France and higher studies in France”, a classical ballet performance followed by a few musical pieces by a French band. There was also a French and English music recital.

Diploma directory

An educational directory has been launched by the JIS Group recently. The What Next directory offers information on various colleges and universities and the degree and diploma courses they offer.

Corrigendum

The children of Dakshin Kolkata Sevashram Sangha presented the play Juta Abishkar by Rabindranath Tagore and not as reported on March 16.

The error is regretted.