Indian students cool on 'American Dream' as EU opens its doors

CHENNAI, July 20: A. Shrinikheathan is breaking from his family's tradition of studying in the United States, opting instead for a master's degree in Germany.

The 22-year-old Chennai engineering graduate is learning German and taking a language proficiency test as he applies for courses, drawn by the low cost of studying in Germany and its traditionally strong industry links.

His decision reflects young Indians' growing interest in European universities as the India-EU trade deal's mobility provisions and tighter U.S. immigration rules prompt many to rethink the American Dream, a dozen students and education consultants said.

"The world is becoming more multi-polar. Earlier, the U.S. was all that everyone was talking about," Shrinikheathan said, adding he was happy to have study choices beyond the "wildly more expensive" United States and Canada. 
�" REUTERS