Indian diaspora is highly competitive: Scholten

Tell us something about your visit to India?

This is my first visit to the sub-continent. One of my duties is to make list of the faculty who are interested in India. Some of them happen to be NRIs and PIOs and from various other nationalities as well.

I act as a conduit for the Indian information to the interested faculty and staff. For example,we have many faculty who have professional relationship with the Indian counterparts. We have IIT graduates who have maintained such relationships.

We have three different groups,like,business group,educational college and the public health colleges being part of our trip.

So,what makes India an optimum choice for your visit among the vast developing world?

Well,specifically because we have significant faculty from India in our University of Maryland. Also,because though being culturally a very diverse country,India is changing rapidly and offers a very rich experience to our student.

And,there are a few countries in the world which can match the experience India can offer.

Tell us something about benefits of relationship building through such visits?

Our university wants relationship genuinely reciprocal and one which benefits both the sides. It is felt very important for the US students to travel outside the US and experience the different cultural milieus,to understand the different settings around the world.

What idea do you have about business studies in India?

I know,there exists an IIM system,but beyond this,I cant really comment.

What do you think of Indian students in general?

In the two weeks,we have had some contacts with the Indian students. One of the qualities I have noticed in them is that an Indian student is focused on his/her goals.

What is your understanding about India in general?

I think my understanding and respect for India has grown by leaps and bounds in terms of culture and accomplishments such as the economic growth. But,if there is something striking about this country in the modern times is the emphasis on education.

What is your perception of the Indian diaspora?

The reputation of the Indian Diaspora in US is of an extremely hardworking,highly competitive and success oriented group in terms of career and financial success. Students from the Indian diaspora are very high achievers in the United States.

If you look at the admissions to the University of Maryland,you see a disproportionate number of Indian students.