Advancing Education and Opportunities: EPCAN’s Role in Shaping Nepal’s Future

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Thank you, Mr. Prajyol Basnet, for joining us on today’s episode of AWSAR on News 24 TV, organized by Jupiter Media. Your insights into the educational consultancy sector and EPCAN’s efforts in shaping Nepal’s future as an educational hub have been truly enlightening. It’s always a pleasure to hear from thought leaders like yourself who are driving change and promoting professionalism in education. We appreciate your valuable time and the knowledge you’ve shared with our viewers. We look forward to seeing how EPCAN continues to make an impact in the coming years.

The Educational Professional Consultancy Association of Nepal (EPCAN) has emerged as a guiding force in the dynamic field of educational consultancy. As Nepal continues to expand its global footprint in education, EPCAN has been pivotal in ensuring that consultancy practices align with professionalism, transparency, and the best interests of students and stakeholders. In a recent dialogue with EPCAN President Mr. Prajyol Basnet, we gained insights into the association’s mission, challenges, and the roadmap for transforming Nepal into a global education hub. Here are some highlights from the discussion:

Q&A Section

Q1: What is EPCAN’s mission, and how does it serve its members and students?

A: EPCAN is dedicated to promoting ethical and professional practices in the education consultancy sector. Our mission revolves around ensuring that students receive accurate information, tailored counseling, and access to genuine opportunities abroad. We support our members by offering professional training, tax advisory services, and collaboration opportunities with international institutions.

Q2: What challenges does the educational consultancy sector face in Nepal?

A: One of the significant challenges is maintaining the credibility of consultancy services. While there are over 5000 consultancies operating across Nepal, the lack of stringent regulations has led to discrepancies in service quality. EPCAN addresses this by:

• Advocating for standardized policies with the Ministry of Education.
• Organizing professional development programs for members.
• Ensuring that students are informed about legitimate institutions and destinations.

Another hurdle is the cumbersome process of getting colleges listed with international education providers. EPCAN is working with various embassies and educational bodies to simplify and streamline this process.

Q3: Which countries are the primary focus areas for Nepali students seeking education abroad?

A: Traditionally, destinations like Japan, the UK, Australia, Canada, and the USA have been popular among Nepali students. Recently, European nations such as Denmark, Finland, and Norway have seen increased interest. EPCAN members are actively promoting these destinations while ensuring that students receive comprehensive information about their educational and cultural landscapes.

Q4: How is EPCAN contributing to Nepal’s vision of becoming an education hub?

A: Nepal has immense potential to attract international students, thanks to its unique cultural heritage and affordable education system. EPCAN envisions:

• Collaborating with universities to create specialized courses in Buddhist studies, mountaineering, and tourism management.
• Promoting Nepal as a destination for experiential learning, especially in areas like ecology and sustainable development.
• Working with the government to develop policies that support international student enrollment.

We believe that by focusing on these areas, Nepal can position itself as a hub for international education.

Q5: What recent initiatives has EPCAN undertaken to support its members and stakeholders?

A: Some of our key initiatives include:

• Professional Training: We conduct sessions on counseling ethics, taxation, and visa documentation to enhance the skills of our members.
• Collaboration with International Institutions: EPCAN has facilitated partnerships with organizations such as IELTS and TOEFL to offer training for members.
• Networking Opportunities: Regular events and conferences allow members to connect with global education providers and policymakers.

Q6: What role does the government play in supporting EPCAN’s objectives?

A: The government is a vital partner in EPCAN’s journey. We regularly engage with the Ministry of Education and other relevant bodies to advocate for policies that benefit students and the consultancy sector. For example, recent dialogues with Australian and Japanese embassies have paved the way for better bilateral cooperation in education.

Q7: How can students and parents ensure they are dealing with a legitimate consultancy?

A: It is crucial for students and parents to:

• Verify if the consultancy is an EPCAN member.
• Ask for detailed information about the destination, courses, and institutions.
• Avoid consultancies that promise guaranteed visas or lack transparency in their process.

EPCAN members adhere to a strict code of ethics, ensuring that students receive genuine guidance and support.

Conclusion

EPCAN stands as a beacon of integrity and professionalism in Nepal’s education consultancy sector. By fostering collaboration, advocating for policy reforms, and ensuring student welfare, the association is not just shaping the future of consultancy services but also contributing to Nepal’s broader educational aspirations. With concerted efforts from stakeholders, EPCAN is poised to lead Nepal into an era where it becomes a global hub for quality education.