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January 2, 2025e-Paper
Published – January 02, 2025 09:33 pm IST
In a dynamic stride towards promoting global educational standards, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (RCSS) and Rajagiri Business School (RBS) have firmly established themselves as premier institutions offering extensive study abroad opportunities.
Rajagiri continues to set benchmarks in higher education with the launch of its centre of excellence known as Rajagiri Accelerated Study Abroad Program (RASAP). Designed to provide students with critical learning opportunities and practical training, this programme aims to build a strong foundation for successful academic endeavours and flourishing careers worldwide.
Rajagiri has garnered significant recognition for its academic and research excellence. Ranked 20th in the College Category in NIRF ranking under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and the best college in the State, Rajagiri has consistently demonstrated its commitment to quality education. It has secured the second position in the country for the Fourth year in a row in the India Today Best Social Work College Survey (2024).
Rooted in the visionary educational ethos of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) congregation, Rajagiri has consistently set benchmarks in academia. Rajagiri’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its diverse international partnerships, designed to provide students with unparalleled global exposure and academic enrichment.
Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, the flagship institution of Rajagiri Vidyapeedam, embodies the educational vision of St Kuriakose Elias Chavara, the 19th-century reformer who founded the CMI congregation. With a network of over 800 educational institutions globally, the CMI’s legacy is deeply embedded in the fabric of Rajagiri’s educational philosophy. The college, spread across the picturesque Hill Campus in Kalamassery and the Valley Campus by the banks of Chitrapuzha river in Kakkanad, Kerala, offers a serene environment conducive to academic pursuits.
Last year marked a significant milestone as Rajagiri celebrated 25 years of internationalisation. The college has built strong ties with over 60 top-ranked universities and institutions worldwide, enhancing its educational programmes through joint research, summer schools, student exchanges, faculty exchanges, joint arrangement of research seminars and conferences, internships and global networking. The Rajagiri Accelerated Study Abroad Program (RASAP) stands at the forefront of these efforts, offering students a seamless pathway to earn international degrees from prestigious institutions. The mission is to empower students for academic success while promoting global career skills for impactful national and international learning and community engagement. The vision is to lead globally in creating transformative study abroad opportunities that empower students to excel academically, cultivate essential leadership qualities, and make positive contributions to a diverse and interconnected world.
Our campus welcomes 350 inbound students from around the world, enhancing our diversity, while facilitating global learning opportunities for 210 outbound students through study abroad programs. We maintain 60 active Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with international institutions and offer an AICTE-approved Twinning PGDM program. Our research collaborations with esteemed organisations, including the U.K.-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI), DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), the Australia Council, Melbourne University, International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) and All-India Educational Testing Services (AIETS), drive global research initiatives. Rajagiri is the only Indian member of the Educational Consortium in International Summer University in Social Work (ISUSW).
RASAP provides opportunities for students to earn Master degrees from International Universities while pursuing undergraduate courses at Rajagiri . The International University includes Virginia Commonwealth University (U.S.), The University of New Orleans (U.S.), Trent University (Canada), James Cook University (Australia), University of Waikato (New Zealand), Assumption University (Thailand), WFI – Ingolstadt School of Management (Germany) and Western Michigan University (U.S.). These partnerships are designed to provide students with a diverse array of academic programmes and cultural experiences.
One of the standout features of Rajagiri’s study abroad initiatives is the financial incentives offered to students. For instance, Virginia Commonwealth University offers tuition fee waivers up to 30 per cent with no IELTS requirement, enabling students to pursue an MS in one year. Similarly, James Cook University provides up to a 25 per cent tuition fee waiver for students with a minimum of 65 per cent marks in their undergraduate studies. University of Waikato has provided Tuition Fee waiver of 2,000 NZD for Masters in Applied Psychology. The WFI School of Management in Germany exempts IELTS requirements, making it accessible for a broader range of students.
RASAP innovative programme structures, such as the 3+1, 3+2 and 1+1 programs, allow students to spend three years, two years and one year at Rajagiri followed by one or two years at a partner university respectively. This approach not only accelerates the completion of degrees but also offers substantial financial benefits. Students can earn both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in a reduced timeframe, enhancing their career prospects significantly.
The diverse range of programs available in RASAP include Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA), B.Sc. Computer Science, B.Sc. Psychology, and Postgraduate Diploma in Management. These programmes are designed to cater to the evolving needs of the global job market and are tailored to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge.
RCSS is committed to providing extensive support to students aspiring to study abroad. International faculty-led sessions, both offline and online, are integral to the curriculum. The Centre of Excellence in Happiness and Well-being (LIFE) offers counseling to ensure the well-being and happiness of students. Expert guidance is provided to help students choose programs that align with their interests and career goals. The college also boasts modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, libraries and recreational spaces, to support both academic and extracurricular activities.
Language support services, including courses in French, Mandarin, Italian, Korean and German are available to prepare students for their international sojourn. On-campus support services assist with emigration requirements, visa queries, student events, and medical and travel insurance. Pre-departure orientation sessions cover cultural adjustment, academic expectations, safety, and travel logistics, ensuring a smooth transition for students.
Year 1: Foundation and Soft Skill Development
The first year is dedicated to foundational learning and the development of soft skills. This includes orientation programmes, communication skills training (group discussions, public speaking, debates and writing skills) and basic computer skills such as Python, R programming, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word proficiency and AI tools. Students also receive training in dining etiquette, and financial and medical literacy.
Year 2: Focus on Core Subject and Profile Development
The second year emphasises core subject learning and profile development. This includes advanced communication skills, personal branding through LinkedIn and resume building, and grooming standards. Students engage in internships, projects and assignments to gain practical experience. Financial and medical literacy sessions continue, along with IELTS training to prepare for international education opportunities.
Year 3: Self-Development and Professional Preparation
The final year focusses on self-development and professional preparation. This includes advanced profile development, internships and major project documentation. Students receive academic counselling, and alumnae interactions to guide them through their career paths. The training culminates with the documentation of major projects and assignments, ensuring students are well-prepared for global professional environments.
The application process for studying abroad through Rajagiri is straightforward and student-friendly. Prospective students are required to fill out an application form on the Rajagiri website, email scanned copies of their mark lists and certificates, participate in an interview with the partner university, and, upon successful review, receive a provisional offer letter along with the necessary forms.
Rajagiri, recognised as the best college in Kerala and the 20th in India as per the latest NIRF report, continues to empower its students to achieve global excellence. With robust international linkages, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and comprehensive support services, Rajagiri stands as a premier choice for students aspiring to pursue education abroad. The institution’s dedication to academic excellence and holistic development ensures that its graduates are well-equipped to meet the challenges of a globalised world.
For more information on study abroad opportunities at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, visit the website www.rajagiri.edu or contact the international office at studyabroad@rajagiri.edu or 0484-2911588 / +91 7593 841 412.
Published – January 02, 2025 09:33 pm IST
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