Indian Students Impress Us with Their Quality: Prof. Hilditch
Pune: Quality of students, command over English, big market size and long cultural association makes India a focus area for Richmond University, said Prof. Ray Hilditch, the Professor of Business and Economics at the Richmond University, London.
Prof. Hilditch was in the city representing the Richmond University which is an American University in London, to identify students from Pune city who could join the varsity in near future.
He was invited by Mrs. Ritu Chhabria, Managing Trustee of Mukul Madhav Foundation, ex alumina of Richmond University, London.”
In Pune, Prof. Hilditch visited Bishop’s School, St. Mary’s on Tuesday and Vishwakarma Institute of Technology and held discussions with the officials of these institutions.
“The Indian students are hard working and we see that they come from a good educational background. India is a vibrant country. We want to reach out to potential Indian students. Since we have a long history of association with India, we feel more in tune with Indian culture. Also, the language factor is there,” he said.
Informing about the University’s approach towards selecting the students, Prof. Hilditch said, “We have a team for selecting students and I am part of that team. I am visiting India, Middle East, Thailand and Vietnam in this regard.”
Prof. Hilditch said that he wants to develop relations with good schools and colleges across India who are interested in sending students to Richmond University. “We are going to offer scholarships to the students. After having primary talks, we would like to talk to students and their parents directly during my next visit,” the noted academician said.
Explaining the advantage of studying at Richmond, he said that the University is offering American system degree in 2+2 pattern whereby the students can cut short time to obtain their MBA.
In addition, the University offers course in International Business and students get an understanding of the international business and culture. Both UK and US Governments have accredited the Richmond University.
The campus in London has a residential facility and they are also willing to offer scholarships to deserving students, averaging 30% of tuition fees.
“We are going to offer scholarships to the students. The criteria for these scholarships will be two-fold– need and the academic ability. While the academic ability of students can be evaluated through academic credentials, the need of the students could only be known with the help of principals, school counselors and teachers. We will offer internships too, which can help the students get job offers,” he added.
Commenting on the life journey of Mrs. Ritu Chhabria Managing Trustee Mukul Madhav Foundation, who was his student in Richmond University back in late 1980s, said, “I know Ritu for the past 25 years. I have seen her grow from a student to a successful Philanthropist.”