Dear readers,
i had a very strange experience while trying to enroll in a computer course.i was interested in learning visual basic and sql.i approached aptech, niit and ssi franchisees ( not one each but three each) at different places in the town. they were all very polite and helpful in listening to my requirements, but....hear these strange USPs that all have perfected:-
(a) when is the next course starting? Oh, the course started yesterday. but the first day was only for introductions, however if you don’t join today, you will miss this bus. Come on now... it is going to be late.
(b) how many students you got in this batch? Oh two , I think.
(c) Can you tell me the fee plan? Yes.....so many INR, but for you only we have a discount ( This could be anything from 25% to 80%) I am not joking, 80% discount. I have naturally become suspicious about this whole issue of computer education.These people are no different from the hawkers of bombay.
(d) What are you going to teach me ? Well, nearly everything. but it depends upon your pick up, you know. ( I will look very intelligent to them till I pay up. After that I will be an idiot)
(e) Can you show me the syllabus brochure? Oh that brochure is with pooja, she hasn’t come in today. Oh it was here somewhere, I can’t find it now, but don’t worry our syllabus is the best.
(f)Can you send me the syllabus by e-mail. oh sure.
SO FAR I HAVEN’T RECEIVED A SINGLE E-MAIL DESPITE REMINDING ALL OF THEM AT LEAST TWICE. YOU KNOW WHY? BECAUSE AN E-MAIL THAT DESCRIBES THEIR SYLLABUS IS A BINDING CONTRACT THAT THEY MUST SUBSEQUENTLY HONOUR. THE NICE COUNSELLOR GIRLS IN THE FRONT OFFICE PROMISED E-MAILS...NO PROBLEMS SIR... BUT THE TOUGH MANAGERS IN THE BACK OFFICE VETOED THIS DOWN.
So far only one institute, KARROX has the honesty to spell out the syllabus in detail, and they are not giving any discount.
I am so confused and disappointed that I have given up the idea of going to an institute. I am now looking for an out-of-work computer geek who will teach me all that at home.