Manipal: The 23rd batch of 150 students for International Centre for Applied Sciences, one of the most prestigious courses in Manipal University, had a formal orientation program at Chaitya Hall in Fortune Inn Valley View here on Wednesday. The initiation to ICAS, as the international engineering twinning program is called, continues on Thursday with a one-on-one interaction with representatives of the 17 partner universities who are present for the two-day function.

The universities present are: Andrews University, US; Australian National University, Australia; Birmingham University, UK; City University, UK; Deakin University, Australia; Esigelec, France; Lancaster University, UK; Leicester University, UK; Queen Mary University of London, UK; Queensland University, Australia; Queensland University of Technology, Australia; RMIT University, Australia; Strathclyde University, UK; University of Dayton, US; University of Nottingham, UK; university of New South Wales, Australia and Manipal International University, Malaysia.

“ICAS prepares Indian students towards holistic higher education which facilitates their study in universities abroad. The program is designed to be a perfect launch pad for those students who aspire to study and graduate from one of the top global universities we have a tie up with,” said Dr Radhakrishna S Aithal, Director ICAS in his welcome address. “The uniqueness of the program is that students study two years in ICAS and then move on to one of the partner universities of their choice to complete their graduation and get their engineering degrees from the partner university. The program which started in 1994 has seen over 1500 students graduating. ICAS has signed MoU with 39 overseas universities and have an understanding with about 70 others for the twinning program.

Chief Guest of the function, Dr Lyn Bartlett, Associated Dean (off campus programs), Andrews University, USA while addressing students and parents said that ICAS and the partner universities have been working closely and will continue to do so to ensure a successful career of the students. He said he was extremely proud of Manipal University’s graduates. “One of the names that come immediately to me is in the United States, he is the CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella,” Dr Lyn said.

Talking of globalization, he said, “Although European education, particularly research and higher education, is impacted by the financial crisis, we still see amazing developments taking place there and Europe still leads and inspires many students and innovators in higher education in so many fields. I think the impact of international higher education in the United States of America is such that the overseas students alone contribute $30 billion to the US economy. Fifty percent of the students coming to the United States are from just three countries. China has about 31 per cent, India about 12 per cent and rising and South Korea eight per cent”.

Dr Ramjee B, Director International Relations who presided over the function spoke about students being successful in the college atmosphere and their journey to international universities after they have completed two years in ICAS. To the eager young faces, ready to transition from teenage to adulthood he said, “We are a bunch of dedicated educators who want to change your life so that you become a better citizen of the world and responsible members of the society.” He spoke of the opportunities and challenges in their journey and told them success is theirs and they alone can make that happen. Dr Ganesha A, Associate Director ICAS gave the vote of thanks.