In recent years, the dream of pursuing higher education abroad has become increasingly prevalent among Indian students and their quest for knowledge and skill enhancement has led many to consider various destinations. One destination, however, shines brighter than the rest on the radar of Indian study-abroad aspirants: the United States. However, when students reach the US to fulfil their dreams, it becomes a different story altogether. From navigating cultural differences to grappling with visa regulations, Indian students pursuing education in the United States often encounter significant challenges and hurdles along their academic journey.
High tuition fees and US dollar conversion rate
Yash Halani, a student at Purdue University, USA, said, “In the US, high tuition fees, especially in private universities, place immense pressure on students to secure jobs post-graduation to justify their investment. Many resort to working extra hours during studies, sacrificing mental health and sharing living spaces with multiple roommates due to high living expenses. This dynamic often leads to tensions and misunderstandings. Ironically, while students await favourable exchange rates to send money to their families in India, parents wait for rates to drop to send money to the US."
Nikhil Balwani, another expat in the US said, "Tuition fees vary based on your school, programme, and scholarships. PhD programmes are typically fully funded with a monthly stipend, but scholarships for master's programs are rare. Living expenses are high in cities like NYC and LA, while suburban areas may offer cheaper options. Managing expenses is crucial for international students, and the decision to study in the US should be carefully considered given currency conversion costs and potential benefits."
Shivangee studies at the City University of Settle. Sharing her experience, she said, “Financial challenges have greatly impacted me, especially as I come from a single-parent household with only my mother supporting us in Ranchi. Last year, our university unexpectedly raised tuition fees without prior notice, adding to our financial burden. This increase, along with additional expenses like insurance, has made it even more difficult for my mother to send money for my education. Unfortunately, this fee hike affected several colleges in Washington state, including ours.”
Mental health and well being among Indian students
Himanshu Kriplani from the University of Southern California, said, "In recent times, mental health issues have become increasingly prevalent, affecting many profoundly. Adapting to new environments can be challenging, but recognizing that others share similar struggles is key. Engaging in open conversations and seeking support from university services and NGOs can be transformative."
“Depression is unfortunately common here. My university offers counselling sessions at a very affordable rate, which has been helpful for many students, including myself. Despite my initial reluctance, I was diagnosed with depression and ADHD and being alone in a new environment has been challenging, but I strive to be independent. Many students leave their families to study abroad and support them, but they often face unsupportive attitudes. This lack of support is disheartening, especially when students are struggling with housing and part-time work,” said Shivangee.
Experiences of discrimination and job opportunities
Yash Halani emphasised her discrimination experiences, "Indian students often experience subtle forms of discrimination, such as being excluded from social groups based on nationality. While overt discrimination is rare, there's a sense of disinterest and distance from locals, especially in areas with lower education levels. Tragically, recent events have highlighted safety concerns, with four Indian students murdered within two weeks. Despite the willingness to socialize, cultural differences often hinder meaningful connections with locals."
Talking about the positive side of job opportunities in the US, Himanshu said, "Success often means leaving your comfort zone, especially when moving to a new country. It's a challenging journey marked by unfamiliar faces and unexpected hardships. Despite the obstacles, building a career abroad is rewarding. Job hunting during Covid-19 was tough, but connecting with others helped me navigate challenges and find opportunities."
“When applying for jobs, the very first question asked by companies like Amazon often revolves around citizenship status. As someone in healthcare, I had a professor who recommend me for a NASA internship. However, my application was rejected as I am not a US citizen. While I understand the laws, it can be disheartening when qualifications are overlooked solely based on citizenship. Some individuals resort to contract marriages to obtain citizenship, highlighting the challenges faced by non-citizens in accessing certain opportunities,” said Shivangee about the negative side of job hunting in the US.
