My Experience as an Indian Student in the US so far!
Three years ago, I stepped off a plane with nothing but a suitcase and a heart full of dreams.Today, I look back and see how far I’ve come.
Three years ago, I moved to Boston to pursue a master’s degree in finance from Boston College. Going back to school after a few years in the workforce was both exiting and daunting.
The energy of the classroom, the pressure of assignments, and the challenge of adapting to a new education system were overwhelming at times.
The US education system was a stark contrast to what I had experienced back home. There was a lot of learning—and unlearning. The three-hour classes, combined with weekly assignments that applied what we learned. It wasn’t just about theory; it was about application.
Adapting to the pace was tough—pre-class readings, post-class assignments, and the sheer volume of work were intense—but it taught me to think critically and act quickly.
The biggest challenge? The weather. Coming from Bangalore, where the climate is mild year-round, Boston’s winters were a shock to the system.
The cold was relentless, and I often found myself longing for the warmth of home. But over time, I adapted. Now, winter doesn’t seem so daunting; in fact, I’ve even come to appreciate the crisp, cold air on a sunny winter’s day.
Growing up in Bangalore, I was somewhat prepared for cultural differences, but living in the US still brought a few surprises.
From students casually sipping Coca-Cola in class to the unisex changing rooms, the cultural shifts were subtle yet significant. The warmth of strangers’ greetings, the concept of tipping were all new to me.
But as with everything else, I adapted quickly, and these differences soon became a normal part of life.
Finding a job in the US is a different ballgame. There are no campus placements—you have to network, market yourself, and make a case for why you’d be a great fit for a role. This wasn’t easy, especially coming from a culture that isn’t naturally extroverted.
I had to push myself out of my comfort zone, attend networking events, and constantly refine my pitch. It was exhausting, but it paid off.
Working in the financial services sector in NYC was always a dream. Landing a role and infact getting to work in the iconic Empire State Building has been a flex.
The thrill of working in the heart of NYC, coupled with the satisfaction of achieving a long-held goal, has made all the challenges worth it.
Life as a student had its struggles, but now with more freedom to explore new experiences, I can truly say that the journey has been rewarding.
Bottomline: If asked if this journey was worth it, I’d say yes without hesitation. Studying and living abroad has been challenging yet incredibly rewarding. For anyone considering it, I encourage you to take the plunge —it’s worth it.
If you’re an international student or worker, what’s been your biggest challenge or most rewarding experience? Let’s connect and support each other on this journey.