In a rapidly evolving global education landscape, Indian students are demonstrating greater foresight, pragmatism, and purpose in their study abroad aspirations. Ritika Gupta, CEO of Aaera Consultants, offers sharp insights into the current trends, challenges, and strategic pathways shaping the journeys of thousands of aspiring learners. In this interview, she shares her expertise on how Aaera provides ethical, tailored guidance and why informed flexibility is key to navigating a post-pandemic, policy-shifting academic world.
Q. What are the key study abroad trends you’re observing among Indian students in 2025?
In 2025, Indian students are far more strategic in their decision-making. There is a visible shift from merely aiming for “any foreign degree” to choosing programmes with high employability, interdisciplinary relevance, and global mobility. Students are exploring non-traditional destinations in Europe and Asia and are increasingly interested in AI, sustainability, fintech, and global health. There’s also a growing demand for institutions offering hybrid learning with robust post-study work options.
Q. Have you noticed a shift in preferred destinations due to geopolitical changes or visa restrictions?
Yes. Geopolitical developments have influenced destination preferences. Canada’s tightened visa regulations and the UK’s more rigorous screening post-PSW reforms have prompted students to consider Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands. Students now prioritise visa reliability, immigration policies, and job prospects, showcasing a future-oriented approach.
Q. The rising cost of education abroad remains a top concern. How do you advise students and families to plan for this?
At Aaera, we advocate early budgeting—ideally 12–18 months ahead. We help families compare on-campus and off-campus living, choose value-for-money universities, research education loans, and evaluate forex options. Our aim is to build financial confidence at every stage.
Q. Are you seeing a growing interest in scholarships, work-study options, or alternative funding mechanisms?
Absolutely. Awareness of scholarships and assistantships is growing. Students are exploring merit-based, diversity-targeted, and need-based aid, as well as co-ops, part-time jobs, and income-share agreements. We guide each student to suitable funding sources and assist them with compelling applications.
Q. How do frequent immigration policy changes in countries like Canada or the UK affect students’ confidence?
Such changes often cause anxiety, especially for first-time travellers. We provide clear guidance, interpret complex policies, and help students focus on controllable factors like flexible intake options. Our transparent counselling helps mitigate panic.
Q. What strategies do you use to help students adapt to these shifting immigration landscapes?
We apply a Plan A, B, and C strategy. We identify a primary goal but prepare secondary and tertiary options. We educate students about immigration cycles, elections, and policy shifts. Resilience and readiness are part of our approach.
Q. Once abroad, what are the top academic and cultural struggles students face?
Academically, students often struggle with independent research, critical thinking, and class participation. Culturally, they face challenges with communication, food habits, time zones, and occasional isolation. Our pre-departure sessions address all these areas.
Q. Do you believe Indian students are fully prepared for the pedagogical differences in Western classrooms?
Not entirely. Many are brilliant but unfamiliar with peer-reviewed work, plagiarism rules, or debate-driven classes. Our academic orientation modules simulate these expectations and help develop independent, assertive learners.
Q. What sets Aaera Consultants apart when it comes to ethical and personalised student counselling?
Our foundation rests on transparency, integrity, and compassion. We do not push institutions for commissions. Every student receives mentorship tailored to their academic goals, emotional readiness, and financial capacity, making our counselling deeply personal.
Q. Can you share a case where your tailored advice drastically changed a student’s study abroad outcome?
One student aimed for Canada for a business degree but faced visa delays. We guided her toward Ireland, where she secured admission, funding, and a job within six months of graduation. That decision, made in time, transformed her future.
Q. What are the key mistakes students make in applications?
Common issues include incomplete documentation, vague SOPs, and unaddressed academic gaps. We conduct exhaustive document checks, mock interviews, and strategic planning to avoid costly errors.
Q. Are visa rejections on the rise due to stricter scrutiny? How do you handle these setbacks?
Yes. Particularly in Canada and the UK, intent and financial gaps lead to rejections. We assess whether to appeal or switch paths and provide emotional and tactical support to rebuild confidence and improve outcomes.
Q. How should students prepare for post-study work opportunities amid changing stay-back rules?
Career planning must begin at the university selection stage. We advise on countries with skills shortages, assist with networking and career services, and ensure students stay informed about sponsorship and visa categories.
Q. Do you advise students to factor in permanent residency potential when choosing a country?
Yes—if long-term settlement is a goal, it must influence early decisions. Countries like Canada, Australia, and Germany offer favourable PR routes. We assess employment demand and immigration criteria but remind students that PR is a privilege, not a guarantee.
Q. What’s your vision for Aaera Consultants in helping students navigate the uncertain, competitive global education environment?
My vision is to make global education ethical, accessible, and empowering for all meritorious students. Aaera will always be a voice of empathy, clarity, and credibility. We aspire to be holistic mentors—guiding students intellectually, emotionally, and globally.
