Yet another friend of mine has recently left for a foreign land. The reason cited was to pursue “higher studies” like hordes of Nepali students who are (going) abroad these days. But deep down, I knew, she left because everyone else around her was doing just that: consult one of the many education consultancies that have mushroomed, manage some money and leave for a “dreamland”.

Personally, I never thought she would give in to her herd instinct. The reason being she seemed to be doing quite well here. A fresh graduate in Business Administration with distinction, she held a decent job in a reputed business organization.

Pity that kind of success didn’t

stop her from going abroad. But

then, exposure could be another

factor, I pondered.

There’s been a sharp rise in the trend in recent years. At times, ‘Going Abroad’ sounds like fashion, or

something that’s cool.

Thousands of students flock to foreign lands every year, soon after they complete their intermediate level. Kids of both haves and have-nots try to join the bandwagon.

But hey, is there a dearth of colleges and universities in Nepal? The

answer will be met with resounding NO. In fact, there are aplenty in almost every town of Nepal.

Of course there’s trouble with

state-run institutions, but that’s

not unmanageable. A few private colleges do look world class. Yet there’s no stopping the youngsters.

And cashing in on the bandwagon are the educational consultancies, who are raking in moolah like

never before. They are everywhere;

in every street and galli of our towns. Jetset to a “dreamland”.

It’s expensive, often outrageously. Most under-grad students have no choice but to battle it out for a blue-collar job. Nowhere is life the bed of roses. I ponder: why most of us are following the herd, joining the bandwagon? Does that make sense?

I am confused. For the scene is such that almost all my close coterie of friends have already headed for western, or eastern, or Down Under places.

How I wish they had contemplated on their decision twice before packing up their belongings and flying abroad. A lot of them, I bet, have followed the herd. Nonetheless, I wish them all a wonderful future ahead!