As studying abroad becomes an area of ​​opportunity as well as challenge for Nepali youth, a collaboration has been initiated between the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) and the Educational Consultants Association of Nepal (ECAN) as an initiative to make it safe, systematic, and result-oriented.

In an introductory meeting held on Sunday, the leadership of both organizations laid the foundation for long-term collaboration by focusing on student welfare. The meeting was attended by NRNA President Dr. Hemraj Sharma and ICAN President Laxman Poudel (Andrew) and other officials.

The discussion focused on making Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) for students going abroad more effective, ensuring a safe and supportive environment, and improving the quality of counseling services. The two sides discussed the issue of jointly developing a ‘Nepali Career Portal’ to create an integrated information system on post-study employment and career opportunities.

Similarly, there has been agreement to conduct targeted training for capacity building of counselors, test the student support system through a pilot project, and conduct skills mapping across countries and regions. Preparations are also underway to conduct special programs prioritizing mental health and psychosocial awareness.

The meeting agreed to jointly advocate with the relevant bodies for policy reforms on health insurance, information flow related to scholarships, and student tax management. In addition, preparations have been made to sign a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) soon.

The meeting concluded that institutional collaboration is indispensable to make this sector more systematic and reliable, given that studying abroad has become a ‘normal process’.

Meanwhile, (ECAN) has committed to retain NRNA President Dr. Sharma as an honorary advisor to ECAN from April 9. ECAN has reiterated its commitment to adopt a ‘zero tolerance’ policy against unethical practices in the educational consultancy sector. The meeting also agreed to collaborate on regular virtual orientations, airport assistance and administrative facilitation.