Future bright: Advantages of studying abroad

(Edited version of an article published in the Dhanam business magazine)

Thirty years ago, a bright-eyed graduate in Zoology from SD College, Alappuzha, dared to dream to study in America.

For a young graduate in 1990s, the dream of studying in America was a different ball game. The internet was just a concept. Fax machines and in-house telephones were luxuries few possessed. Learning about US universities was not as easy as it is today. 

Dr Raj had to make a number of visits to the US consulate office in Chennai. He became a member of the local US library, attending presentations by the US university representatives. Finally, he secured a scholarship for MBA at the University of South Dakota. In 1995, he landed in the US to pursue his dream.

Dr Raj's educational journey did not stop there. He did another master's degree while working in Canada. Then he came back to India with a new vision -- empower Kerala's youth.

Mission Kerala

Dr Raj knew exactly what he wanted to do. Even while he was abroad, he had chosen the name for his future venture: Fair Future. The aim was to serve as a helping hand and guide Kerala's youngsters towards a brighter future through international education.

"A better future is the goal of anyone who goes abroad. My only wish was to support it. That is why I named it as Fair Future. That is what we did then and still do today," said Dr Raj, sitting at the corporate office in Ravipuram, in the heart of Ernakulam city.

"My experiences of studying and working in the US and Canada inspired me to launch an overseas education consultancy in Kerala. We were among the first to guide Malayali students on their journey to Canada for higher education. We started in a rented space in 2010, and by 2016, we moved into our own building,” he said.

Over time, Fair Future has broadened its reach, guiding students to universities and colleges across the globe. This includes prestigious institutions in the US, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Switzerland, besides Canada.

Focus on government colleges

Fair Future’s commitment to quality education is evident in their focus on government universities and colleges. With over one lakh students successfully placed abroad, it has established itself as a trusted resource for international education.

Fair Future has partnered with Mathrubhumi, Kerala’s leading daily, on a comprehensive project to provide guidance to students aspiring to study abroad. "Our aim is to send 5 lakh students for higher education in Canada in the next ten years. The possibilities are endless for the next 15 years in Canada,” Raj said.

Apart from its corporate office in Kochi, Fair Future also has an office in Dubai. His son Vignesh S Raj, who followed him into the field, has been serving Fair Future for 12 years. Lydia V Benney, the company's chief operating officer, is now leading its expansion. 

Fair Future's commitment to helping students abroad extends beyond their Kochi headquarters. It has established a presence in Dubai to better serve students in the region. The ambitious plans include opening an office in New York within two years.

“At Fair Future, we go beyond just profit. We believe in building trust with our students. That is why we make two key promises. We only advise what is achievable, setting realistic expectations from the start. We do not just talk – we collaborate with you to turn your educational goals into a concrete plan,” Dr Raj concluded.