Category education

The ability to use English competently is critical for the study and practice of medicine in an international setting. As written by the Institute for Healthcare Communication, “extensive research has shown that no matter how knowledgeable a clinician might be, if he or she is not able to open good communication with the patient, he or she may be of no help”. When a student applies to an international medical school, with the view to practicing medicine in an English-speaking country, they should be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English. This is commonly done by passing a language test, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). With over 3.5 million IELTS tests taken each year and an increase in the number of students looking to study medicine abroad in English-speaking countries such as the US and UK, St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine, Grenada, in the Caribbean shares what aspiring medical students need to know about this test and its importance in international medical education.

What is the IELTS?

IELTS is a standardized test that measures English language abilities. It is widely recognized for medical students and healthcare professionals who wish to study or practice medicine in English-speaking countries. The test covers four key language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

The test is available in over 140 countries and is accepted by over 10,000 organizations, including universities, professional bodies, and government agencies. It is recognized by many medical schools in English-speaking countries, including the UK, Australia, the United States, and the Caribbean, as a required part of the admission process for international medical students.

What is considered a ‘good’ IELTS score for medical school?

IELTS scores are reported on a nine-band scale, with scores ranging from 0 to 9, with higher scores indicating a higher level of proficiency. For admission into most international universities, including St. George’s University School of Medicine, students need to achieve a 7.0 overall and 7.0 on all bands. This indicates that the test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings in some situations. They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.

What if I don’t meet requirements?

Check what support your medical school can give. SGU offers language support programs including Pre-sessional English programs, the English for Medicine Pathway (EMP), and Medical Academic Communication (MAC) for students who do not meet direct entry English requirements. These programs support the development of communication skills for studying and practicing medicine in an English-speaking context.

Communication and International Medical Education

The communication skills and tasks required both for the study and practice of medicine are dynamic and complex. “Our students need to do more than simply have conversations or write papers in English. The study and practice of medicine requires students to be able to synthesize, analyze, and apply evidence from multiple sources – key critical thinking skills and foundational for Evidence-Based Practice – clearly and concisely document notes for patients’ medical records, show empathy during the medical interview, and actively engage in collaborations with colleagues. These are just some of the many key communication skills needed,” says Kasey Larson, Director of the Specialized English Language Programs (SELP) Unit at St. George’s University.

A high level of English competence is required to engage effectively and learn in the interactive context of a medical school, and it is necessary to demonstrate competence on the course and standardized licensing exams.

Students are now more aware than ever that the journey isn’t over once they earn their degree. They need to consider where they would like to practice medicine once they graduate. While language proficiency tests can appear daunting, they are a straightforward – and critical – step in foreign students’ educational paths. The IELTS provides a springboard from which non-English speakers can launch their medical careers, granting them the necessary qualification to succeed in English-speaking countries regardless of their geographical location.

As no other medical school in the world provides more new doctors to the US healthcare system*, St. George’s University is well-versed in supporting aspiring doctors with their journey to a career in medicine and appreciates the importance of equipping these students with a well-rounded skill set.

* As the medical school graduates the largest number of students annually, SGU places the largest number of graduates into residency programs each year, based on internal SGU graduate and residency placement data as of May 2022.

BriBooks and Education World announced the successful conclusion of India’s National Young Authors Fair, the first of its kind event which inspired over 100,000 students to publish their first book and experience a journey of entrepreneurship.

The fair provided young authors with a lifelong souvenir of their published works, an opportunity to speak, a writing experience, an entrepreneurial journey, and hundreds of hours of reading and writing. Schools from across the country participated, with Cambridge School – Indirapuram, JBCN International School – Parel Branch, Apeejay School NOIDA, Modern Public School – Shalimar bagh, Birla Vidya Niketan, The Shriram Millennium School, Bal Bharati Public School, and The Heritage School Vasant Kunj winning multiple awards.

In conclusion of the event, Ami Dror, founder at BriBooks said “We are thrilled to have organized the National Young Authors Fair and given an opportunity to young authors to publish their first book. We hope that this experience has provided them with a lifelong love for reading, writing, and entrepreneurship.” Bhavin Shah, CEO of Education World said “As the curtains close on the National Young Authors Fair, we can’t help but feel a sense of pride and awe at the incredible stories written by the children who participated. We believe that writing has the power to transform lives and communities, and we are honored to have been a part of this transformative event. We thank BriBooks for their expertise and passion in making this event a reality.”

An awards ceremony was held on March 25th to recognize jury award winners and best-selling authors. The awards ceremony was attended by 500 people, including jury members, young authors, and esteemed guests. The jury included renowned personalities like Pulitzer Prize winner journalist Dele Olojede, bestselling author (of Start-Up Nation) and columnist Saul Singer, and Edesia Nutrition founder & CEO Navyn Salem.

Jury member Saul Singer shared that “I am truly impressed by the talent and creativity of the young authors. It is inspiring to see the next generation of writers and entrepreneurs take charge and showcase their work. I wish these budding writers all the luck and hope to hear more of their stories in the coming years.”

Winners of the Jury Award included Tara Kumar for ‘The Dead Alive and In Between’, Advik Yambalada for ‘Lessons from The Animal Kingdom’, Dia Shangbag for ‘Emotional Well-Being’, Utsa Banerjee for ‘Riki and Her Dream’, and Tvarita Guliani for ‘Princess of Beauty Island’. Tara Kumar, author of ‘The Dead Alive and In Between’ and winner of the jury award said that “Winning this award is a dream come true. It has encouraged me to write more and continue to share my thoughts with the world. I heartily thank BriBooks for giving me and all the other authors this opportunity to tell our stories to the world.”

After the books were printed and published, young authors promoted their work through social media, public readings, and school events. Some authors sold over 1000 books in just 30 days. The best-selling authors included Dhairya Sudarshan with ‘Savi Our Saviour’, Keya Hatkar with Dancing on My Wheels’, Kshipra Moreker with ‘Learning From the Jungle’, Kunwar Vikram with ‘Nature Teaches Love’, Rudraang Goenka with ‘The Rise of The Great Insane’, Subasree Bharathi with ‘My Talking Cat’, Roohi Sharma with ‘Memories Miracles Magic’, Hiyansh Joshi with ‘The Rescue Rabblets’, Tania Boya with ‘The Journey’, and Tvarita Guliani with ‘Princess of Beauty Island’.

New Delhi: Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, US, announces scholarships worth up to $25,000 per year for undergraduate programs starting this Fall 2023. These scholarships are designed to support and reward academically exceptional students who are seeking to pursue higher education in the US.

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria: a minimum SAT score of 1230, an IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent, a GPA of 3.25, and submission of a compelling essay. Augustana University is highly regarded for post-graduate employment and ranks among the top 10 in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report 2022.

Augustana University offers a diverse range of undergraduate programs, including popular fields of study such as computer science, software engineering, data science, business, and hard sciences. The university is committed to providing students with a well-rounded education that combines technical skills with the liberal arts approach, to help students develop critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills.

“At Augustana, we believe in quality over quantity. Our small classrooms provide ample opportunities for students to receive individual attention and focus on their learning,” says Ben Iverson, Director of International Programmes & Enrollment at Augustana University. He further adds, “In Spring 2023, we are expecting nearly 50 international students from 17 countries to join us, and around 10% of them will be from India. Currently, we have 9 Indian students studying at Augustana, and we are looking forward to welcoming more students from India and around the world.”

The scholarships offered by Augustana University present a cost-effective opportunity for students to fulfill their dream of studying in the US. With its outstanding reputation, diverse range of programs, and focus on quality education, Augustana University is an excellent choice for students seeking to further their academic and professional careers.

AU Recognition and Awards: AU was listed among the top 650 colleges in the US according to Forbes’ ranking of “America’s Top Colleges 2017.” Augustana ranked 98th out of all the Midwest-based universities. In addition, Augustana University boasts a 97% employment rate for 2020 graduates in their major or chosen field, is ranked as the best regional university in the Midwest (in the Top 10) by U.S. News & World Report 2019, and has a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio in its classrooms due to its emphasis on quality.

A quick glimpse into scholarships at Augustana University for UG courses:

Who may apply?

Indian students and young professionals can apply for undergraduate scholarships worth up to $25,000 during four years of education in fields including business, computer science, physics, math, accounting, and more. The organization states that to be eligible for the minimum $ 20,000 scholarship, applicants must have a SAT score of 1100 or an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, a GPA of 3.0, and submit an essay. IELTS score of 7.0 and an average of at least 75% grades in classes 10 and 12 are required for the scholarship, which has a maximum value of $25,000.

Important dates to remember

Admissions open: For Fall 2023

Last date to apply: April 30, 2023

Bengaluru, 24 March 2023: One of India’s first and largest media and communication festivals, ‘Article-19’ is back this year and will be held at Manipal Institute of Communication on the 24th and 25th of March, 2023. This two-day event has time and again served as a platform for promoting the very principle behind the said article of the Indian Constitution – Freedom of Speech. Inspiring and invoking the spirit of expression while intermingling ideas, interests, and passion, the fest is an embodiment of what media and communication stand for.

The panel includes Mr. Rohit Gandhi, the Editor-in-chief of Democracy News Live, Founder and former Editor-in-Chief of World is One News (WION); Mr. Viswanath Venkatraman, an alumnus of MIC’s first graduating batch in 1997 and the co-creator of some of the most iconic events for leading Indian & International brands and special feature shows in media groups like Network18; Mr. Shiv Aroor, journalist, author, editor, and anchor at India Today and a renowned defense correspondent who has done conflict reporting from defense zones such as Kashmir, Sri Lanka, and Libya.

“We at MIC started Article-19 with a coherent goal, to harness the power of ethical media, the power of students, and the power of freedom of speech and expression. After hosting more than 20 successful festivals, we strive to ensure that the same spark is alive and we hope to make a bigger and better impact with each passing year” says Dr. Padmarani, Director at Manipal Institute of Communication.

Article – 19 is a platform created by the students for the students. This year’s organizing committee is guided by the faculty coordinator, Ms. Shruthi V Shetty. One can witness a melange of creative media-based events, games, and learning experiences spread across fields like journalism, advertising, film making etc. This includes an extremely insightful workshop called, “Pitch Perfect” by Ms. Ann Kurian, Founder & Creative Director of Talking Tree Media, Bengaluru. The chosen theme for this year is, ‘MIC through Metaverse.’ The Metaverse is anticipated to be the next great revolution in the field of media and internet technology. Thus this year’s Article-19 is very intrinsically woven around it.

Students across Manipal will be testing their bounds of creativity and communication through various competitions like student TEDx Talks and Mad Ads. The 2-day conglomerate will be closing with an award ceremony and a fun fair making it a perfect blend of education and entertainment. Manipal Institute of Communication was established in 1997 by MAHE as a benchmark of holistic education in the burgeoning media industry. Since its inception, MIC has conducted Article-19 for over 20 years making it one of India’s first-ever media festivals. It stands for people’s right to Freedom of Speech and Expression and demonstrates it in an innovative and educative manner each passing year.

Zell Education has been announced as the recipient of the “Company of the Year 2022” award by Business Connect. This prestigious recognition highlights Zell Education’s Admirable growth, exceptional performance, and contribution to the Finance & Accounts industry in education. The award reflects the company’s commitment to excellence and dedication toward achieving its goals.

“We’re absolutely delighted to receive this award recognizing our outstanding growth in the EdTech sector for finance and accounting. It’s a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our team, who are committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that help our clients succeed.”, said Anant Bengani, co-founder & Executive director, Zell Education.

“We would like to thank our students, faculty, partners, and clients for their trust and support, which have enabled us to achieve this feat,” added Partham Barot, Co-Founder & CEO of Zell Education. “We are glad to be part of a community that values education and is committed to our goal of creating innovative educational solutions that have a positive impact on society.”

Zell Education’s award-winning products are available on its website, and the company continues to expand its
offerings to meet the growing demands of the EdTech industry.

Mumbai, March 23, 2023 – CollegeDekho, India’s largest higher education services ecosystem, has appointed Parag Gupta as Chief Financial Officer. Parag comes with over two decades of rich and diverse experience across all aspects of finance and will be leading the finance department of the company and will provide strategic advice to the CEO and the company board.

Parag Gupta is a qualified Chartered Accountant and has over two decades of experience working in the internet, e-commerce, fintech, banking and telecom industries. Before CollegeDekho, he served as a CFO in various organizations including Housr, PayPal, Nimbuzz, AT&T, Spectra, etc. In his various roles, he was instrumental in advising the board and the senior management in making prudent financial decisions which helped the companies in achieving their financial/investment targets besides ensuring financial health, cashflows and growth for the companies.

Commenting on the appointment of Parag Gupta as CFO, Ruchir Arora, Co-Founder and CEO of CollegeDekho said “We are thrilled to have Parag on board. He has a diverse array of experience in management and leading finance departments across several different businesses. CollegeDekho will benefit from Parag’s deep acumen in business planning and financial management as we move through our next level of growth.”

Commenting on his new role as a CFO, Parag Gupta said, “I am excited to join CollegeDekho in its mission to transform the higher education system in India. As the company embarks on an ambitious future, I look forward to working with Ruchir, Saurabh and Rohit as well as the rest of the leadership in driving strong growth for the company and building CollegeDekho as the leading player in the higher education space in India.”

Parag’s appointment comes at a time when CollegeDekho has led existing investors to double down on their investment by pumping USD 9 million into the company.

New Delhi, March 23rd, 2023: IDP Education, a global leader in international education services, is proud to announce the inauguration of its new offices in Delhi, Khanna (Punjab), and Hoshiarpur (Punjab), taking its India presence to 73 offices spanning 63 cities. It also expanded its offices in Guwahati, Jammu, Trissur, and Calicut. With this, IDP leads the path of the maximum number of physical presence across India in the international education industry.

These offices will be staffed by highly qualified and experienced education professionals who will work closely with students to understand their unique requirements and guide them toward their desired overseas educational outcomes.

“We are delighted to expand our operations in India to cater to the growing demand for international education in the country. This expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to providing study-abroad aspirants with access to world-class overseas educational counselling, and we are confident that our services will prove to be a valuable resource for students in these regions.”, said Piyush Kumar, Regional Director – South Asia and Mauritius, IDP Education.

IDP Education guides students at every level of their international education journey, from selecting the right course and institutions to submitting applications and undertaking visa formalities. Beyond this, IDP also helps facilitate education loans, accommodation, health insurance, money transfer facilities, and more.

Its expansion in India is part of the company’s wider global growth strategy, which aims to strengthen its position as a leading provider of international education services worldwide. With a comprehensive range of services and a network of offices and centers across India, IDP Education is well-placed to continue supporting students in India in achieving their educational goals.

Mumbai, March 22, 2023: Jasudben ML School, a leading educational institution in Mumbai, has taken a significant step towards promoting health and wellness among its students and parents. The school successfully organized a workshop in collaboration with Ms. Shwetha Bhatia, a renowned Registered Dietitian and Founder of Mind Your Fitness.

The workshop was attended by parents of standard XX and aimed to raise awareness and provide guidance on various aspects of health and wellness, including nutrition, physical activity, and mental health. Ms. Bhatia, with her 15 years of clinical practice and recognition by the Indian Dietetic Association, provided valuable insights and tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Expressing her delight, Shwetha Bhatia said, “I am thrilled to have been part of this initiative by Jasudben ML School to promote health and wellness among its parents. I hope that the insights and tips provided during the workshop will help them maintain a healthy lifestyle and lead happier lives.”

The collaboration between Jasudben ML School and Ms. Shwetha Bhatia is in line with the new education policy’s values of promoting the physical and mental well-being of students. The school’s principal, Mrs. Damayanti Bhattacharya, expressed her satisfaction with the success of the workshop, stating, “We are pleased with the turnout and the valuable insights provided by Ms. Shwetha Bhatia. This collaboration has helped us in our efforts to promote health and wellness among our students and parents.”

Jasudben ML School’s initiative to promote physical and mental well-being among its students and parents is a significant step towards creating a healthier and happier community. With the collaboration of experts like Shwetha Bhatia, the school is sure to continue providing valuable insights and guidance in this regard.

In today’s world, where the importance of health and wellness has become paramount, Jasudben ML School’s initiative to educate and promote healthy living is a commendable effort. The school’s commitment to its students and parents’ well-being is a testament to its dedication to providing quality education that goes beyond academics.

March 21, 2023; Hyderabad, India CSIR- Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Aragen Life Sciences, and Kewaunee Labway India Pvt. Ltd. signed an MOU for conducting a skill development program focused on developing skills in Advanced Synthetic Organic Chemistry and pertinent Analytical Chemistry fields. It is a Finishing School program enabling hands-on training to postgraduate students in chemistry to make them industry-ready by the end of their curriculum. The training will be offered by the scientists of CSIR-IICT in association with teaching assistance from Aragen at the CSIR-IICT campus. The MOU was signed by Dr. D. Srinivasa Reddy, Director, CSIR-IICT, Manni Kantipudi, Chief Executive Officer, Aragen Life Sciences, and Sathyamurthy, Managing Director, Kewaunee Labway India in the presence of Union Minister of Science & Technology
Dr. Jitendra Singh.

India has historically been a major hub for the chemistry talent pool. It is estimated that in the past decade, there has been about 80% growth in demand for chemistry graduates and around 37% for post-graduates driven by the growth in key sectors such as pharma, biotech, and other life sciences and allied industries. With the continued focus on further boosting the life sciences and manufacturing sectors, demand for this talent pool is expected to pick momentum. This tripartite MOU will enable leveraging the power of public-private partnerships in further boosting the chemistry talent pool in the country and will benefit both students and industry.

Dr. Srinivasa Reddy, Director, CSIR-IICT expressed his happiness about the partnership with private industries in developing the skilled workforce and said “Since 2017, under the CSIR integrated skill initiative, CSIR-IICT has been conducting upskilling programs to PG students with hands-on training in the area of chemical sciences and helps enhance their chances of employability. However, the current engagement is going to nurture the students as per the course designed in consultation with the industry to provide industry-ready candidates with increased assurance of placement and thereby help meet the huge requirement of skilled HR by the industry”.

Speaking about the MOU, Manni Kantipudi, Chief Executive Officer, of Aragen Life Sciences, said, “India is well positioned to play a bigger role in the global R&D and manufacturing space which will require access to a larger pool of qualified and trained talent. We are delighted to partner with CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad, and Kewaunee in conducting a skill development program that will enhance India’s scientific talent pool. Senior scientists at Aragen have rich global experience and exposure, and we will be happy to leverage their knowledge in developing the course curriculum and providing teaching assistance.”

“There is an urgent need to bridge the skill gap in youth and aid rural talent get integrated into India’s industrial growth story. Kewaunee has been systemically investing in the promotion of basic science education and research through our numerous CSR projects. W e are excited to partner with CSIR-IICT and Aragen to train aspiring science postgraduates and help them contribute meaningfully to the sector” remarked Sathyamurthy, Managing Director, Kewaunee Labway India.

The three organizations will provide theoretical and practical training as per the agreed course curriculum, conduct screening for selecting students for the program, provide lodging and boarding facilities, conduct evaluations and issue completion certificates to eligible students.

Bangalore, March 20, 2023: Zolo Scholar, India’s largest Student Living platform by ZoloStays backed by Investcorp, Nexus Ventures Partners, IDFC Alternatives, Trifecta Capital, and Mirae Assets has partnered with Manipal Academy Higher Education (MAHE), one of India’s leading academic with a long-standing legacy of over 65+ years, to provide world-class hostel facilities with a learning experience.

With an intention to nurture the student experience, MAHE is refining the student hostel experience, to ensure students are at ease to focus on their studies while the stay is designed to be comfortable and well-equipped. The partnership between Zolo and MAHE is a significant step towards enriching the student experience.

Zolo Scholar will exclusively manage three MAHE campuses in Bengaluru, Mangaluru, & Manipal, with more than 20,000 beds. The experience is designed to create a comfortable and supportive student living environment, focusing on amenities promoting wellness, learning, and socialising.

Zolo Scholar’s proprietary “Brand 360” program leverages technology, operations & community building expertise to help students thrive and make the most of their college experience. In its student housing hubs, the company provides modern amenities such as well-appointed rooms, sports facilities, a gym, a modern kitchen, professional housekeeping, and 24×7 security.

At this event, Dr Nikhil Sikri, Co-founder & CEO, said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and elevate the student living experience.” In the field of education, the Manipal Group has been at the forefront of embracing innovation and technology. In our previous partnerships, we have consistently achieved mutually beneficial outcomes where we not only improved the financial performance but also significantly enhanced the student experience and generated positive word-of-mouth.

Lt Gen (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said,” The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is committed to providing students with a supportive and inclusive environment, and this partnership with Zolo scholar aligns with that mission. We understand that a holistic campus experience is essential to a student’s success, and this partnership will help us meet that need,”

Zolo Scholar is India’s biggest Student Living platform. It serves 50,000+ students across 20+ campuses in 10 cities.