GIBS Launches Foreign Study Tours for PGDM Students

Located in picturesque Bengaluru, traditionally the garden city until it also became an international IT destination; Global Institute of Business Studies is truly inspiring. As a premier business school among the innumerable not so leading management schools, GIBS has succeeded remarkably well since 2001 in producing high ranking business managers who are deserving of excellent internships and lavish placements. Many are those who would wish to earn a PGDM or MBA, distinctive courses conducted here in addition to the BBA and BCOM.

Affiliations and accreditations

Locally affiliated to Bangalore University in Karnataka and also to Bharathiar University in Tamil Nadu, GIBS is AICTE and HRD Ministry recognized. Among the many salutations earned over the recent times are the status of Associated Member of XAT 2018 and Participating Institute by ATMA 2018.

The task of building quality business managers!

Managers are basically leaders of industry, though at several levels like the layers of a cake, perhaps of different shades. In the present day contemporary universe of immense business competition and a world that is getting too technological, mangers face stiff competition. Besides, the globe has opened up and workers are no longer confined to traditional roots. They need to find greener pastures abroad or accept a second rate existence in a mediocre job in India. Most business schools produce graduates and postgraduates who are not competitive enough and do not possess the skills and personality to survive in harsh work surroundings.

Employability and the finding of a good enough placement after the studies in a leading company is the ultimate test of successful business education. It is a pity that a great majority of Indian business school products are grossly inadequate. They may be smart in terms of theories and textbooks, but lack the will, the drive and motivation besides close industry knowledge to thrive successfully. Even if they did get opportunities, they would probably be unsuccessful to hit it off in international environments.

The problem of foreign exposure

Just like the difference between the traditional village-based education and travel overseas, it is strongly felt that exposure abroad would show the way to successful professional performances. Being stuck up in indigenous values just will not do in the contemporary 21^st century scenario where cosmopolitan thinking and multicultural experiences are common. Just imagine the workings of the UNO with workers from many countries putting heads together. Each school and college nowadays needs to be little UNOs to succeed. Though we realize the value of the sons of the soil in preserving native heritage, survival requires international thinking, the building of bridges of friendship and understanding to fight against world evils like racism and environmental degradation.

PGDM foreign study tours

The postgraduate diploma in management offered by GIBS is a much coveted two-year course that is studied after the graduation, which means at least 15 years of school and college study combined.  A city like Bangalore has several private universities in addition to the state universities. Such give and take between foreign universities and Indian universities has already commenced. Some colleges offer two campuses in which degrees may be pursued, partly here in India and partly abroad. Foreign faculty has become a reality and thus the meaningful learning experiences are multiplied for greater understanding of lessons and people.

Probably, that is partly the problem. Most students are busy learning theoretical lessons with an eye on examinations of course. When will they get to understand people and organizations, cultures, races and religions? Young minds do open up with the opportunity to travel abroad on study tours when they encounter a different culture, just like African students in India, for instance.

Many would hesitate in view of the expenses involved, but consider the many advantages of foreign study tours. Exposure to foreign cultures and a multiplication of knowledge and experiences are the results. Meeting the faculty, industry and students abroad that may one day become employers, partners or employees. Even as a tourist, Indians come back from foreign tours as if enlightened after an exposure to a developed lifestyle with everything systematically in place. Most foreign countries are lucky that they do not have to struggle with mighty populations like India. Coming back motivated with eyes opened to the possibilities of a good life are truly elevating, though evils are found in plenty abroad too.

Real experiences matter

Every student has watched movies and read books about countries far away. Yet, the real experience of living in Europe for instance and visiting colleges and factories, companies and offices there would be truly a valuable learning experience. If we imagine that the whole world works similarly, it is a colossal mistake. Learning things virtually as much is done nowadays has its limitations. Learning to swim will require plunging into the water in spite of all the lessons you may take. The PGDM foreign study tours at GIBS would make a world of a difference to student competency and promote international connections.