Hyderabad, 8th August 2024: Studying abroad can be a confusing and scary journey, often lonely and daunting for the student who dreams of an education abroad. Keeping this in mind, The Duolingo English Test (DET), the world’s leading English proficiency test for international students, organized the inaugural Study Abroad Fest with DET in Hyderabad. The event brought together over 800 students under the roof of the Le Meridien hotel in the city, where they got deep insights into the entire journey of studying abroad, right from identifying courses to preparing applications to planning finances for living abroad. It was the first-of-its-kind study abroad festival in India, which was curated specially for the students, addressing their biggest pain points along with India’s leading key opinion leaders in the field and doyens from the region, who inspired the students through their personal experiences as students abroad in their time.
Recounting his time as a student at the San Francisco State University from when to when, Telugu film industry superstar, Adivi Sesh had the audience in rapt attention when he shared (anecdote). Sesh, as he is popularly known, also said, “If I had to go to the US now I would prefer taking the Duolingo English Test as I would be able to give it from the comfort of my home.” Seconding him was celebrated director Sailesh Kolanu, who studied at the University of New South Wales, Australia, when he said, “I operate much better from my couch so I was sold when I heard that the DET can be given from home!” Sailesh also shared that he was interested in research and chose Australia for his higher education as the government was ready to sponsor his potential.
Earlier in the day, the aspiring students gave a rousing welcome to an inspirational hero, Srikanth Bolla, who challenged the Indian educational system in the 90s to become the first visually impaired student to study science in an Indian university, thus paving the way for generations of similar students to follow their dreams. Srikanth is now a successful industrialist as the founder of Bollant Industries and a motivational speaker and was also the first visually impaired student in Management Science at the Sloan School of Management at MIT. Sharing his journey of determination and the value of global education, Srikanth declared, “I might lack eyesight, but I don’t lack vision”, and recommended that more students should seek to study abroad as it widens their world view and horizon. Rajkummar Rao’s recent film ‘Srikanth’ is based on Bolla’s inspiring story.
The Study Abroad Fest offered students a comprehensive platform to explore international career opportunities and academic pursuits. Other engaging activities included panel discussions and workshops led by renowned finance and social impact influencers Shashank, Murrad, Dhairya, and Sudhakaran. They provided practical advice on the study abroad journey including the application process, managing finances, course selection, accommodation tips and the overall student experience. While Murrad advised students to prepare early and said, “If you’re looking for scholarships, it is recommended to apply at least one year in advance.”, Dhairya highlighted the importance of building a professional social profile, “Build a 360-degree profile, your LinkedIn banner should stand out. Get active and activate your network and get your skills endorsed.”
Launched in 2019, the Duolingo English Test was the first fully online English proficiency test in the world and saw quick adoption in India. Test takers have found great value in the test’s flexibility and convenience, thus enabling them more time to focus on other aspects related to their study abroad journey. The DET is available at a fraction of the cost of other alternatives in the market (INR 5000) and allows test takers to take unlimited practice tests and apply to unlimited international universities from the vast list of over 5000 institutions across the US, UK, Canada, Germany and other markets. “The panel discussions provided clarity on the application process and what to expect as an international student. It was great to hear from others who have been through the process and learn from their experiences,” Nidamaluri Sandeep, a student who attended the fest.
Tara Kapur, Marketing Head for India at Duolingo English Test said, “India stands as the largest market for the Duolingo English Test, with Hyderabad leading as the top city for DET test-takers, reflecting strong demand for international education, especially for the US. Recognising this, the Study Abroad Fest was a significant initiative in DET’s commitment to breaking down barriers to global education access. We believe in the power of the English language as a key to unlocking international opportunities. This event was designed to inspire and guide students, showing them that no dream is too big. We are thrilled to see such an enthusiastic response, reinforcing our mission to support every student in achieving their global education aspirations, regardless of their background. Our goal is to empower students to confidently step onto the international stage and realise their dreams.”
About The Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a convenient, fast, and affordable English proficiency test, designed with the test taker in mind. By integrating the latest assessment science and AI, the test empowers anyone to certify their English when and where they’re at their best. A combination of rigorous security protocols, AI, and remote proctoring ensures the integrity of the test. DET test scores are accepted by over 5000+ programs around the world, including Columbia, University of Toronto, University of Warwick, and Yale.
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