Tether College is a unique graduate school program that rejects traditional classroom learning, exams, and grades for students. Instead, it sends students around the globe to start businesses in seven different countries. Founded by Pratham, who believes that education is outdated, Tether College offers a scholarship to students who enroll by May 15th for a fully paid for four-year, university experience.
A global business incubator
Tether College isn't just a school — it's a global business incubator. In this program, students earn a business degree en route to building a real, profitable company. The university's mission is to prove the value of hands-on experience over classroom lectures. By sending students to seven countries — Dubai, India, Singapore, Ghana, US, Argentina, and Europe — Tether College forces students to adapt to new environments and cultures. The founding principle is, "real education doesn't happen at a desk. It happens out here in the real world." Academic partner institutions include IIT India and Cornell in the US. Students develop various businesses, such as e-commerce ventures in Dubai, consumer brands in India, and enterprises in the US. Crucially, Tether College provides venture capital, investing directly in the students' businesses. This means that, rather than learning about business from textbooks or lectures, students are actually trying to start their own companies — and facing the realities of success and failure.
Why it matters / The start of a trend
Tether College's approach to education is radical and exciting. It signals a potential shift in how we think about higher education, especially in the realm of business studies. Instead of relying on theory, textbooks, and memorization, this program prioritizes real-world experience and practical application. The program fits into a broader trend of immersive, experiential learning. As more educators and institutions recognize the value of hands-on experience, programs like Tether College could become more common. The question is whether this approach can scale and whether other universities will adopt similar models. Tether College's radical approach might appeal to students who prefer experience to books, but the schools did not clarify that students can visit the venues exactly as part of the curriculum.
The countries and the courses
Partner schools: Places to learn
Student enrolled in Tether College spend time studying at notable institutions like IIT India and Cornell in the US. These partnerships provide a foundation of knowledge that students can then apply in the real world. The academic rigor of these institutions ensures that students are well-prepared for the challenges of entrepreneurship.
The business ventures
Students pursue different kinds of business ventures in each country. For example, in Dubai they might develop an e-commerce business, while in India, they could build a consumer brand. This variety of experiences exposes students to different markets, cultures, and business environments. It also ensures that students graduate with a diverse skill set and a deep understanding of global business dynamics.
The Business Venture Fund
The venture fund as motivation
Tether College's venture fund is a unique feature. By investing directly in students' businesses, the university provides a strong incentive for students to succeed. This investment also serves as a form of mentorship, as students receive guidance and support from the university on how to run a successful business. It is motivational for students to prove to their investors that they can deliver results.
How to apply
Future students seeking a unique, hands-on educational experience with a focus on global entrepreneurship should look into applying to Tether College. The application window is open until May 15th, with the promise of two full scholarships available. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their entrepreneurial spirit and readiness to embrace a non-traditional educational journey.
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Questions readers ask
What does the curriculum at Tether College look like?
Tether College doesn't have a traditional curriculum. Instead, students learn by doing, launching businesses in seven different countries. They spend time at partner institutions like IIT India and Cornell in the US, but the focus is on real-world application rather than classroom lectures.
How does Tether College select its students?
The article mentions a scholarship deadline of May 15th, but it doesn't specify the selection criteria. However, given the program's focus on entrepreneurship and real-world experience, it's likely that they look for students with strong business acumen and a willingness to learn through hands-on experience.
What kind of support do students receive while starting their businesses?
Tether College provides venture capital to invest in students' businesses. This means students have financial support and the opportunity to learn from real-world successes and failures. They also have the backing of academic partner institutions, which provide a solid foundation of knowledge. Students are expected to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, but they are not alone in their ventures.
How does Tether College ensure that students learn about business dynamics in different countries?
By sending students to seven different countries, Tether College exposes them to a variety of markets, cultures, and business environments. Students develop different kinds of businesses in each location, from e-commerce in Dubai to consumer brands in India, giving them a diverse skill set and a deep understanding of global business dynamics.
What happens if a student's business fails?
The article mentions that students face the realities of success and failure. While it doesn't specify what happens if a business fails, it's likely that students learn from the experience and apply those lessons to future ventures. The focus is on gaining real-world experience, so setbacks are seen as opportunities for growth and learning.
Can students choose which countries they visit or are the destinations predetermined?
The article does not specify whether students can choose their destinations or if the countries are predetermined. However, given the program's structure, it's likely that the destinations are part of the curriculum and students visit each of the seven countries as part of their degree.
How does Tether College's approach compare to traditional business education?
Unlike traditional business schools, Tether College rejects exams, grades, and classroom lectures. Instead, it focuses on hands-on experience, sending students around the globe to start businesses. This approach prioritizes real-world application over theory, making it a radical departure from conventional business education.
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