XLRI grooms global managers

Jamshedpur, Aug 31 (The Telegraph): Global work exposure as main course and Belgian chocolates for dessert? Trust XLRI students to get the best of both worlds.

Under the international students’ exchange programme, 44 B-school students — a sharp spike compared to 13 students last year and nine the year before — will visit 18 European universities and institutes in United Kingdom, Germany, France and Belgium for a three-month term. In fact, partner universities and institutes have also increased this year — last year, it was five and the year before, three.

“The objective behind the stint is to adapt to cultural differences while forming a cordial working relationship with people across cultures,” said Siddhesh Ajgaonkar, a student bound for the University of Muenster, Germany.

Added Anjali Birla, raring to go to the University of Antwerp Management School in Belgium: “Apart from the excellent education, I am looking forward to explore scenic destinations and gorge on Belgian waffles and chocolates.”

The increase in student volume is explained by the fact that the personnel management and industrial relations batch doubled from 60 to 120. The international students’ exchange programme also managed to successfully rope in more partner universities and institutes this time.

XLRI also started an online seat allocation process to make the application process easier for students. Instead of filling up a form and submitting it manually, students can go online, apply directly and look for details on partner institutions and feedback from former students. “We have beefed up the technology for application to foreign exchange programmes. Students can apply online directly for faster and easier results,” said Hartashika Kaur, a member of the B-school’s external linkages cell.

Although the offshore tuition fee would be inclusive of what students pay XLRI, living expenses would come to Rs 3 lakh to be borne by students. But no one is complaining, as the stint would mean an opportunity to explore a new country, work culture and lifestyle. “We left no stone unturned for students. Some partner institutions are new, so students were apprehensive as they did not have seniors to get feedback from, but I believe we have tried to address all concerns,” said Priti Mittal, the exchange programme secretary.