Indian students and professionals looking to study or work abroad have been expanding their destination options recently, signalling a substantial change in the international education environment. Traditional choices like the United States and Canada are experiencing competition from growing locations like Singapore, Australia, France, and Sweden, according to statistics published by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which conducts the TOEFL exam. This change reflects the changing goals and motives of Indian test-takers.

Since 2017, the United States and Canada have held the top two spots as the most popular destinations for Indian TOEFL test takers. The third and fourth positions were held by Germany and the United Kingdom, respectively, until a significant shift in 2020 saw the UK overtake Germany for the third rank. This change emphasises how flexible options for overseas schooling are. While the top five destination countries have stayed largely unchanged over the previous few years, Sachin Jain, the Country Manager of ETS India and South Asia, asserts that these growing countries are gaining popularity among Indian test takers. This pattern reflects the evolving goals and driving forces of Indian professionals and students.

PTI’s exclusive access to data reveals interesting patterns in the test-takers’ motivations. From 5.83 percent of all test takers in 2021 to 7.77 percent in 2022, the proportion of Indian test takers planning to continue secondary education and certificates overseas has consistently gone up. In contrast, the percentage of people seeking immigration or employment has decreased, going from 8.19 percent to 7.22 percent over the same time period. The percentage of Indian exam takers in this category increased from 70.84 percent in 2021 to 71.87 percent in 2022, indicating a growing interest in graduate and postgraduate programmes overseas. This demonstrates how eager Indian students are to take advantage of opportunities for top-notch education on a global scale.

Notably, there has been a sharp rise in Indian test takers for the TOEFL. A startling growth of 53% over the prior year was seen in 2021, and this trend continued into 2022 with a growth of 59% over 2021. The TOEFL test has had significant participation in major Indian cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, Gurugram, Chennai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad.

The TOEFL has most recently been approved as a valid language competency test under Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS), which is intended to speed up the processing of study permits for overseas students. This development is anticipated to increase the number of Indian exam takers even more, opening up a new pathway for Indians looking to enrol in Canadian universities. More than 12,000 colleges in more than 160 countries accept the TOEFL score. Over 98% of UK universities recognise its validity, and it is generally acknowledged in other popular study destinations like the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Data from the Education Ministry that were given in Parliament highlight the rising worldwide mobility of Indian students in search of chances for higher education. In 2022, the number of Indian students enrolling in higher education overseas exceeded 7.5 lakh, marking a six-year high. India will overtake China as the country that sends the most foreign students to the United States in 2022, highlighting this trend even further.

In conclusion, a changing environment in international education is reflected in the preferences and motives of Indian TOEFL test takers. Indian students and professionals are becoming more interested in emerging nations while still travelling to major conventional locations like the United States and Canada. As the world grows more interconnected, there are more options for Indian aspirants to consider when it comes to furthering their education and careers abroad.

Literature has a great ability to take us through various times, locations, and viewpoints while providing a window into the human experience over the ages. There are few eternal classics in the huge world of literature that continue to enthral and speak to readers from all backgrounds. These works of literature have stood the test of time, and the themes and concepts they contain are just as relevant today as they were when they were first written. These classics have established themselves as must-reads in the world of literature, promising readers both enjoyment and enlightenment through epic adventures and profound philosophical thoughts.

1. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)

Austen’s masterpiece is a delightful blend of sharp wit, sparkling dialogue, and enduring themes. It’s a story that appeals to both your mind and heart, with its romance, expensive clothing, and biting societal satire. 

2. Frankenstein (Mary Shelley)

Mary Shelley’s groundbreaking science-fiction novel explores the consequences of tampering with life. It’s a story that remains relevant today as we grapple with the ethical dilemmas of technology.

3. Orlando (Virginia Woolf)

Take a whimsical journey through centuries as you follow the enigmatic Orlando, who undergoes a transformation from a nobleman to a woman, exploring the fluidity of gender and love across time.

4. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)

This seemingly simple story about the lives of the four March sisters carries profound messages about personal growth, familial responsibilities, and societal expectations during the nineteenth century.

5. Great Expectations (Charles Dickens)

Charles Dickens presents the captivating story of Pip, an orphan boy who rises from humble beginnings to a world of wealth and respectability, only to discover the true nature of happiness.

6. The Time Machine (H.G. Wells)

H. G. Wells’ pioneering science-fiction novella introduces the concept of time travel and continues to inspire the imagination of writers and readers alike.

7. Women of the Harlem Renaissance (Marissa Constantinou)

Explore topics including love, jazz, and Jim Crow legislation as you delve into the brilliant creativity of Black women during the Harlem Renaissance. In this outstanding collection, you’ll find voices from both well-known and obscure authors.

8. Of Mice and Men (John Steinback)

This poignant tale revolves around two migrant friends, George and Lennie, and their dream of owning a piece of land despite the challenges they face.

9. Madame Bovary (Gustave Flaubert)

A timeless examination of a woman’s ambitions and social limitations can be found in Gustave Flaubert’s moving depiction of Emma Bovary’s tribulations in a loveless marriage.

10. One Hundred Years of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)

This book, which is set in the made-up town of Macondo and features a compelling fusion of magic realism and social critique, follows the Buendia family through several generations.

These classic novels offer not only entertainment but also profound insights into the human experience. Whether you’re drawn to romance, science fiction, social commentary, or historical narratives, these timeless works have something to offer every reader. So, embark on a literary journey through these classics and discover the enduring relevance of these timeless tales.

Learning a new language is a journey that promises not only the acquisition of a valuable skill but also a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives. While it may seem like a daunting task, it doesn’t have to be slow or tedious. With the right approach and some effective strategies, you can master your language-learning process and achieve fluency more quickly and efficiently.

Set clear language learning goals: Set definite, attainable goals before you start learning a language. Whether your ultimate objective is to communicate effectively with native speakers or to be able to get by in daily life, breaking it down into smaller milestones will keep you motivated and focused.

Prioritize Essential Words: When learning a language, not all words are created equal. Start by listing the keywords, idioms, and phrases that can help you communicate clearly in commonplace scenarios. This method avoids overstimulation and guarantees that you are learning the vocabulary that is most useful to you first.

Use Flashcards: To effectively memorise language, employ digital flashcards and spaced repetition software (SRS). Prioritise learning translations at first and test yourself by speculating on the word’s meaning before knowing the true meaning.

Study Smart: Make use of all of your senses as you learn new words to strengthen your language abilities. Visualize, vocalize, and gesture as you study. Pronunciation practise and reading aloud are highly efficient methods. Additionally, makeup mnemonics to help you remember words.

Think in the Target Language: Try to think as much as you can in the target language. This strategy lessens your dependency on translation by assisting you in internalising the language. Start by picking up common phrases for everyday circumstances.

Immerse Yourself Daily: Add the language to your daily activities. Use flashcards during commutes, switch your phone’s language settings, and label items in your house with the target language. You’ll advance more quickly the more you immerse yourself..

 Seek Comprehensible Input: Even if they are a little bit above your current level, expose yourself to resources in your target language. Language acquisition is sped up by comprehensible input, where you mainly understand but come across some new vocabulary or grammar.

Watch Movies with Subtitles: Enjoy subtitled movies and videos in your target language. Pay attention to comprehending and correctly using new words and phrases. This strategy mixes fun and education.

Learn from Music Lyrics: Learn the lyrics to music while listening in the target language. Singing along helps you develop a better sense of rhythm and intonation in addition to better pronunciation.

Read Local Literature: Dive into books and literature from the culture associated with the language you’re learning. Start with bilingual books or materials designed for language learners to gradually build your reading skills.

Practice Real-Life Conversations: Talk to native speakers or other language learners in real-world settings. You can practise and hone your speaking abilities through conversation clubs, language exchange websites, and online language partners.

Test Yourself Regularly: To track your progress, take practise tests, quizzes, or online language competency assessments. You may stay motivated by keeping track of your progress and establishing realistic benchmarks.

Learn from Mistakes: Accept mistakes as a necessary component of learning. Consider your interactions, provide constructive criticism to yourself, and concentrate on ongoing development. Don’t let your concern about making errors prevent you.

Have Fun: Learning a language need not be a chore. Make acquaintances who speak the target language and incorporate it into your favourite activities and games. While learning, having fun keeps you motivated and interested.

By consistently applying these tips, you’ll find yourself making remarkable progress in your language-learning journey. It’s important to keep in mind that learning a new language opens doors to seeing different cultures, expanding your horizons, and building relationships with people from various backgrounds. So, get started on your language-learning journey with passion and commitment, and fluency will be at your fingertips in no time.