India is becoming an educational stop for students of different countries having diverse cultures and backgrounds. According to Dr. J.W. Lobo, Director, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), at present India is host to about 40,000 international students from more than 100 countries worldwide. Out of these, 5,000 students are in Karnataka alone. It is gratifying to note that the country offers more than 17,000 scholarships for meritorious international students.

But studying in distant lands has its fair share of good and bad experiences. Sometimes it is difficult for students from overseas to adjust to the local cultures –language and food habits. This is quite understandable. India is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Even students from north India who opt to study in the south or those who go to the other parts of the country face difficulties in adjusting in their adopted homes. So for those in foreign lands, it's certainly a different ball game all together.

But what is that attracts foreign students from different parts of the world especially, African, Asian and Middle Eastern countries to India? For some, India is the destination where they get quality education at affordable fees. Some others are attracted by the existence of opportunities. As His Excellency Mr Suphot Yanthukij, Consul General of Royal Thai Consulate pointed out while addressing the gathering at Gardenia Internationale: Confluence 2007 at the Garden City College “There exists several opportunities for the Thai students in this part of India.”

While students from other countries come to India for education, it is equally true that Indian students go abroad for higher studies. According to Mr.Frederick .J. Kaplan several Indians go to America to study. “They may have gone abroad for studies but some of them have stayed back to contribute to the American dream.” Interestingly, the consul does not accept the concept of brain-drain. “Many of the people after studying in America come back and set up industries in India contributing to the country's economy,” he reasons.
So with cultural and geographical boundaries breaking down and a slew of students leaving their home countries in pursuit of higher education, several debatable issues are bound to come up. But there is no doubt that the diversity in student bodies gives rise to exchange of multi-dimensional ideas which is beneficial for everyone.