Is Amity University Noida a Good Choice for Your Child Guidance and Counseling? A Student's Perspective

As someone who recently completed an Advance Diploma in Child Guidance and Counseling at Amity University Noida, I cannot recommend this institution highly enough. Although the course syllabus was comprehensive, the academic experience was fraught with issues that significantly impacted the quality of education offered.

Course Syllabus and External Accreditation

The course syllabus at Amity University Noida is commendable, offering students a well-rounded understanding of child guidance and counseling. Upon completion, students are eligible to receive an RCI (Registered Counseling Institution) license, which is a considerable benefit. However, the practical implementation of the academic plan faced numerous challenges.

Early Struggles with Faculty and Course Logistics

The course was scheduled to begin in July 2023 but did not commence until August 22, 2023. Early communication with faculty and university administration was largely non-existent, leading to confusion and frustration among the first batch of students. Notably, the RCI official website did not update its list until March 2024, leaving students in the dark regarding their licensure status.

Varied Instructors with Varying Levels of Expertise

Faculty members teaching the course came from different backgrounds, leading to inconsistencies in the teaching quality and approach. The curriculum updates and detailed syllabus distribution were delayed, and examination dates were frequently postponed, causing chaos and confusion. Additionally, students were given incomplete preparation materials, requiring them to rely on the Internet (like Chat GPT) for learning, which undermined the expected educational experience.

Poor Internship and Practical Education

The internship component of the course was similarly disappointing. Students were expected to participate in an internship at an Amity school but received minimal guidance and support. Dates were finalized with very little notice, often leaving students struggling with planning and preparation. Furthermore, the practical education lacked sufficient structure, leaving students to navigate complex tasks without proper guidance. The university’s insistence that students intern in Delhi-NCR within a tight timeframe only added to the stress and logistical challenges.

Guardian and Academic Stress

Financially, the course fees of approximately 2.30 lakhs can be substantial. The stress of balancing academic pressures, living arrangements, and practical obligations further complicated the experience. Students faced physical and mental strain, with some even falling ill due to the adverse circumstances. The lack of guidance from university officials regarding ongoing course logistics and internship placements left many feeling unsupported and overwhelmed.

Conclusion and Recommendation

While Amity University Noida has the potential to offer a quality education in child guidance and counseling, the experiences shared here highlight significant shortcomings in faculty, administrative support, and practical implementation. Students should seriously consider alternative institutions, where they can ensure a more structured and supportive educational environment. Other universities offer comparable or even better programs, providing a safer and more effective pathway to careers in child guidance and counseling.