5 days ago
Foreign UG students worried over language provision in Calicut varsity
A section of foreign undergraduate students in colleges affiliated with the University of Calicut (CU) are worried over a mandatory provision on earning stipulated credit scores in additional languages in the four-year programme.
At present, all the UG students are required to learn one among the additional languages, such as Malayalam, Hindi, Arabic, Sanskrit, and Urdu, apart from the English language, to get 39 credit points. Nine of the 39 credit points must be earned from the additional language itself. Some of the students belonging to foreign countries, who don't have a background in these subjects, but have got admitted to colleges here, are seeking a relaxation in the provision.
The issue came to light recently when two students from Kenya, who have enrolled for (Computer Science) at Sullamussalam Science College at Areekode in Malappuram district, urged Vice-Chancellor (V-C) P. Raveendran to permit them to opt for English as their second language (Ability Enhancement Course/ Foundation Course). The students have completed their university admissions sitting and the registration is going on. Their Centralised Admission Process ID is yet to be allotted.
Adrian Kipleting Kirwa and Chemiat Lukas Kiprutto, the students, say that Malayalam, Hindi, and Arabic are the second languages available in their college. 'Being international students from Africa, these languages are unfamiliar to us academically. Other languages such as French, German, and Russian are also beyond our experience,' they point out. Mr. Kirwa and Mr. Kiprutto say that English is a globally accepted language and the medium of their previous instruction, making it the 'most suitable and practical option' to succeed in their academic pursuits. The college principal has also requested the V-C to consider their representation and make the necessary provision to allow English as their second language.
Abida Farooqui, Senate member of the university, says that the stipulation on additional languages may hamper the attempts to attract more foreign students. She claims that the courses on Indian culture and Kerala culture that are now prescribed under the multi-disciplinary course on Indian Knowledge Systems will suffice to give them a perspective on Indian culture and ethos. She suggests that the international students should be allowed to substitute the credit requirement for additional languages with either the same number of credit points in English language or any other language they are interested in.
As per the data available with the office of the Dean of Students' Welfare, 47 foreign students were pursuing various courses in the university in the 2024-25 academic year. The admissions process for the current year is in process now.
