Dr. Poonam Sharma sheds light on the initiatives of International Relations Office of Jaipuria Institute of Management

“The freedom to express and risk taking ability amongst students is high in foreign universities. We are trying to take things to that level with our collaborative initiatives,” says Dr. Poonam Sharma, Chairperson, International Relations, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida. As an adjunct faculty of Eastern Mennonite University, Virginia, she has the experience firsthand. The Branding and Retail professor reveals how her office fosters international partnerships for transformative global opportunities and programmes for the benefit of the students.

International Relations at the institute include student exchange programmes, international summer programmes or international internships, international faculty exchange programmes and international research programmes. “The overseas experience is an investment in your future. It offers students an opportunity to get exposed to the best of international community, cultures and practices beyond their boundaries. At Jaipuria Institute of Management we believe that all students and faculty members should have a chance to be a part of these programmes,” she says.

The institute already has 14 international relationships including those in countries like New Zealand, UK, China, USA, Canada and Taiwan. Dr. Sharma talks about some of the highlights of the programs as she says, “Four students from Jaipuria Institute of Management recently visited Ara Institute of Canterbury, our most active partner, for a 3 week exchange program in New Zealand. We will also work jointly on some research papers. We are also focusing on building relationships in neighboring countries like Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.”

The institute is gearing up to host an International Conference and has received participation from five foreign universities already. It is also inviting around a dozen UK universities to celebrate the institute’s first International Day. According to Dr. Sharma, “It will facilitate things for students and alumni who want to study abroad. We are also trying to get international recruiters in the area of banking and finance for our students specializing in the field. Delegations from various countries have already visited our Noida campus.”

Be it Jonkoping Business School – Sweden, Eastern Mennonite University – US, Satakunta University – Finland or Regenesys Business School – South Africa; Dr. Sharma believes the experience is vital for students. The institute remains flexible in its approach and has started short-term programs because they are faster and easier to fit into the curriculum. “It offers them multi-faceted approaches to learning, helps them take informed decisions besides the cultural understanding and builds long lasting relationships. Students have a sense of accomplishment when they come back from these programmes, and that gives us immense joy,” she ends.