Living in the United States for an extended period of time while
pursuing once educational goals makes a lot of difference than visiting as
a tourist. One has to consider life in a new environment and a new culture
and how it changes once perspective. Loneliness and isolation is
a reality for many new Indian students, till they build a supportive
community of friends around them.
Indian graduate students feel a sense of freedom
and more self-dependent after leaving India, but
at the same time they face the burden of living life in
a new country, no close one to depend on for emotional
support. This is where the Indian Student Associations
(ISAs) play a pivotal rle in helping students share their
views and experiences with one another and help them through
the toughest times. Students particularly the once who
are vegetarians also find it difficult ordering food outside
as they don't get much choice. Students are also contributing
to the growing Indian-American ready
to eat food market where desi brands like of
Amul, MRT, Everest and Haldiram have taken off.
Most ISAs provide instructions on their websites
giving detailed checklist on various issues which are very handy for
students. Some ISAs also arrange for airport pick-ups, few weeks of
temporary accommodation for new students. This is especially helpful for
new students, for whom settling in is a dreaded chore
Indian students and ISAs also get involved in culture shows like Diwali and
other events like Screening of Cricket Matches, Republic Day
celebrations, Dance & Creativity Competitions, Social
get-together which makes them feel more connected to India while being in
US and pursuing their education and achieving their goal.
The various ISAs and graduate education in the Universities in America
provide many Indian students an educational experience that they remember
throughout their lives. Check out
GaramChai's extensive list
of Indian Students Association |
