SPAN Edition 2 2022

Edition 2 2022

V O LU M E L X I I I N U M B E R 2

https://spanmag.com

Courtesy U.S. Consulate General Mumbai

2

*

Opening Doors to Success

27

*

8

*

Building Your Application Avatar

30

*

10

*

Finding the Right Fit

14

*

Electing Your Major

32

Getting Ready to Go

*

17

*

Building Global Careers

34

Maintaining Legal Status

*

20

36

*

Studying During the Pandemic

*

38

*

A Bearcat for Life

40

*

*

Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate and More

Getting a Student Visa to Study in the U.S.

Vibrant Campus Life of U.S. Universities

Courtesy Barnard College

22

Keys to Success: Planning and Research

Acing Your Interview

22

40 Editor in Chief Michael L. Cavey Editor Deepanjali Kakati Hindi Associate Editor Giriraj Agarwal Urdu Associate Editor Syed Sulaiman Akhtar English Copy Editor Krittika Sharma

Art Director/ Production Chief Hemant Bhatnagar Deputy Art Directors / Production Assistants Qasim Raza, Shah Faisal Khan

Front cover: Photograph courtesy U.S. Consulate General Mumbai

* Articles with a star may be reprinted with permission. Those without a star are copyrighted and may not be reprinted. Contact SPAN at 011-23472135 or editorspan@state.gov

Printed and published by Gloria F. Berbena on behalf of the Government of the United States of America and printed at Infinity Advertising Services (P) Ltd., Plot No.-171 & 172, Sector58, Faridabad 121004 and published at the Public Affairs Section, American Embassy, American Center, 24 K.G. Marg, New Delhi 110001.

Opinions expressed in this 44-page magazine do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Government.

Jo McCulty/The Ohio State University

2

30

Courtesy Foothill and De Anza Colleges

Courtesy San Diego State University

CONTENTS

Right: Students at the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Chemistry Building at The Ohio State University. The graduate program in molecular, cellular and developmental biology prepares students for careers as research scientists and educators in an academic or industrial environment.

Opening Doors to

By STEVE FOX

The high quality of education, flexibility in curriculum and networking opportunities make U.S. higher education a unique value proposition.

E

very year, thousands of Indian students seeking a high-quality education choose to attend a college or university in the United States. In fact, for the 2020-2021 academic year, almost one in every five international students in the United States was from India, according to the Open Doors Report produced annually by the Institute of International Education.

A high-quality education has many components, including a flexible curriculum that enables and encourages students to select majors and classes that meet their individual needs, top-notch research facilities, dedicated mentors, co-op programs that provide realworld experience, accessible financial aid and scholarships, an emphasis on critical thinking,

and research opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. On the personal side, international students benefit from specific services that facilitate cultural assimilation, provide volunteering opportunities, look after their physical and mental health, and help students build professional networks before they even graduate. It’s a tall order, but one that U.S. universities and colleges fulfill every year.

Photographs by Jo McCulty/The Ohio State University

Courtesy Foothill College

A world of options

4 EDITION 2 2022

Part of the reason students choose to study in the United States is the large number of schools available to international students— there were 3,982 degree-granting postsecondary institutions in the United States as of the 2019-2020 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

“Students have vast options from which they can choose,” says Aditi Lele, an EducationUSA adviser in Mumbai with the United States-India Educational Foundation who received her Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas.

“There are small, medium and large universities, some in cities and some in more rural settings,” she says. “There are public and private universities. There are community colleges, where you study for two years, get an associate’s degree and then go on to a fouryear university. You can also choose universities that offer more financial aid to international students. It all depends on what your academic requirements and personal preferences are.”

Arsh Thaker, who began his higher Above right: Students planning to pursue higher studies at U.S. universities have many options to choose from, including smaller institutions like Foothill College and large public land-grant research institutions like The Ohio State University (right).

Above left, far left and left: The high-quality education at U.S. universities has many components, including top-notch research facilities, dedicated mentors and an emphasis on critical thinking.

Courtesy Foothill College

Go Online Foothill College

https://foothill.edu

The Ohio State University

www.osu.edu

San Diego State University University of South Florida University of Notre Dame

www.nd.edu

www.usf.edu

EducationUSA

educationusa.state.gov VasenkaPhotography/Courtesy Flickr

www.sdsu.edu

To share articles go to https://spanmag.com EDITION 2 2022 5

Andrew Galang/San Diego State University Courtesy San Diego State University

Top: With more than one million books, serials, media titles, ebooks and databases, the Love Library at San Diego State University supports the needs of students for research, activities and collaborations.

Above: At San Diego State University, students get hands-on experience, which helps apply classroom knowledge in realworld settings.

education at Foothill College, a community college in the Silicon Valley town of Los Altos Hills in California, found that starting small made adjusting to life in the United States easier.

“Studying at Foothill College made me independent and taught me to adapt,” says Thaker, who later transferred to San Diego State University, a four-year school. “I experienced high-quality teaching and support

even though I was at a community college, and this made my transition to the United States easier. Access to counselors and the STEM center enhanced my educational experience. The small class size allowed me to work closer with my professors, which was helpful.”

For Vaibhav Arora, who is studying computer science engineering at the University of Notre Dame, located in South Bend, Indiana, meeting professionals in his field was an extra bonus.

“I not only had resources to apply what I learnt in the classrooms to the real world but there were also a lot of opportunities to meet people in the industry and bounce ideas off a lot of senior, knowledgeable professionals, allowing me to explore multiple perspectives and learn a lot more about problem solving in the industry,” Arora says.

Ananya Potlapalli, a business major on the pre-law track at The Ohio State University, found opportunities from a variety of sources.

“Studying in the United States can be a great opportunity to broaden your horizons and get a very unique college experience,” says Potlapalli. “You have opportunities to

When you arrive on campus you have the freedom and flexibility to get involved in the things you are interested in and create incredible communities and experiences.

6 EDITION 2 2022

gbozik photography/Courtesy Flickr

learn so much in and out of the classroom through classes, student organizations, internship opportunities and more. When you arrive on campus you have the freedom and flexibility to get involved in the things you are interested in and create incredible communities and experiences.”

Nirmita Roy, who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in electrical engineering at the University of South Florida (USF), hopes to be an example for other women.

“Always believing that more women are needed as engineers, I took up the opportunity to engage in research and graduated with a (master’s) thesis under the guidance of my supervisor,” says Roy. “Since graduation, I worked with Renesas Electronics America for two-and-a-half years and decided to come back to USF to enhance my research and skills with a Ph.D. I want to inspire more girls and women to become engineers to break the stereotype.”

Bottom: The University of Notre Dame offers a variety of programs for undergraduate, professional and graduate students.

Matt Cashore/University of Notre Dame

Below: Students at the University of Notre Dame. U.S. universities are a great place to meet people from many parts of the world.

Support networks Lele stresses that U.S. universities help international students look ahead to their careers after graduation while also working to ensure that they are comfortable during their time on campus.

“U.S. universities put a lot of resources into helping students prepare for success,” she says.

“They have state-of-the-art career management centers, alumni networks and additional resources like mental and physical health support services. They care about their students’ emotional well-being.”

International students will find a tolerant and welcoming environment at U.S. universities, Lele says, with many opportunities to broaden their horizons. “U.S. universities promote diversity, both in the student body and in the faculty,” she says. “They are a great place to meet people from other parts of the world.”

Steve Fox is a freelance writer, former newspaper publisher and reporter based in Ventura, California.

EDITION 2 2022 7

DGLimages/iStock/Getty Images

Shantanu Nayak/Unsplash

Arian Zwegers/Courtesy Wikipedia

Wavebreakmedia Ltd/Wavebreak Media/Getty Images Gabin Vallet/Unsplash

Building Your

Application Avatar

By UNNATI SINGHANIA

Stand out by creating a strong application that builds on your interests, showcases your abilities and brings out your personality.

8 EDITION 2 2022

I

nternational high school students often apply for undergraduate programs in the United States due to its holistic admissions policy.

The application process provides them with a platform to express themselves not only through academic components like mark sheets and test scores, but also through their personality and interests captured in the famous activities list.

The application allows students to showcase achievements in up to 10 extracurricular activities from their time in high school.

Participation in extracurricular activities weighs into the university’s determination of the applicant’s fit in their student community.

Often merit and talent-based scholarships are issued using this information. Students may also use the essay portion of the application to

illustrate their values by elaborating on these activities.

So how do you write an application that stands out? In the highly globalized and hybrid post-pandemic world, the answer is a little different than in normal times. Often, students need to enhance their academic and extracurricular avatars to display their strongest self in applications. As an EducationUSA adviser, I work with hundreds of students on this process. Here are some tips to get you started.

Build on your interests The first step is for you to identify your interests. The biggest mistake is to try to fit the mold you feel will be most attractive to universities. In fact, the strongest applications simply highlight your interests and natural inclinations.

Unlike normal times, you need to be proactive in identifying opportunities that may not be readily available, through conversations with peers or the guidance of a teacher. This is an opportunity to explore and expand the type of activities you participate in. You may identify activities and clubs that are already available in your high school.

Teachers and school advisers can help you match your interests with what is available. Many schools have clubs for different activities, like nature clubs, cultural clubs, trekking groups, scouts, school magazines, editorial boards, sports teams and debating circles, to name a few. Try to be more than a member by initiating projects and actively participating in festivals and programs. Ultimately, try to get a leadership position. If you don’t find a club that you want to join, you can consider founding a club by gathering a group of interested peers, finding a teacher to be your club adviser and petitioning it to your school coordinator.

Demonstrating leadership and taking initiative are qualities that are appreciated by admissions committees.

Moreso, if your school hasn’t completely transitioned to in-person programs yet, you may innovate in the virtual sphere by organizing online festivals with international participation or digitizing the school magazine.

Don’t be disheartened if your school doesn’t offer many co-curricular opportunities. School counselors are required to submit a school profile to admissions officials during your application, which they use to gauge context while judging applications. So, you will not be penalized.

Use your athletic talent If you are an athlete, you can identify coaches and sports that are under the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCCA), the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) or the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), for community colleges, using their official websites.

Here you will find universities that will define different levels of athletic commitment, which will be expected of you alongside academics. You may qualify for an athletic scholarship or a mixture of merit and talent-based scholarships at other universities.

However, you need to start early, and often, as early as eighth grade. Once you communicate with university coaches, they will usually work with admissions on your recruitment, depending on the university. Coaches may follow your performance through the high school sports seasons to determine if you are a good fit for their teams, and may need an additional application for scholarship in addition to a performance tape.

Depending on your university’s application requirements for letters of recommendation, you may also ask external coaches to write one on your behalf.

Connect with your community Beyond high school, consider taking part in activities in your community and neighborhood. Join sport clubs, performing arts or language classes where you live. There are many initiatives where you may tutor others, take part in clean-up drives, volunteer

EducationUSA educationusa.state.gov

National Collegiate Athletic Association www.ncaa.org

Go Online

Left: Students can showcase achievements in up to 10 extracurricular activities from their time in high school, in their college applications.

These can include participation in nature clubs, cultural clubs, trekking groups, sports teams and debating circles, to name a few.

National Junior College Athletic Association www.njcaa.org

with the elderly, or help a local organization. These engagements show commitment to your immediate environment and are often offered at the school levels through interactive or nature clubs.

Upgrade your skills Your summer breaks and weekends are a great time to develop your application avatar. Many U.S. and Indian liberal arts universities and high schools offer rigorous summer programs for two to three weeks where you may develop a particular skill. Many U.S. universities also offer pre-college courses for 11th and 12th grade students. Online and advanced placement courses may be added to the courses list in your application to showcase superior academic abilities. If you have a hobby, try to document it in a way that can be linked to your application. Art students should develop a visual portfolio.

Overall, there are many opportunities to build your avatar by being true to your interests within your school, athletic and community spheres. For more tips on how to ensure your achievements are reflected in your application and essay, contact your nearest EducationUSA center.

Unnati Singhania is an EducationUSA adviser based out of Kolkata and an alumna of The College of Wooster, Ohio.

To share articles go to https://spanmag.com EDITION 2 2022 9

L

ocation, funding, class size, faculty, campus activities, placements—there are a host of actors international students need to take into consideration while planning to pursue higher studies at U.S. universities. However, many students focus heavily on the rankings or brand value of an institution when deciding where to apply. While ranking can be a way of assessing the overall academic environment of an institution, it should not be the primary consideration.

So, what is the most important factor students should keep in mind while choosing schools? “In my experience, there is only one answer to this question: the college fit, or in other words—the measure of how much a college or university meets your needs and wants,” says Cameron Sadafi, interim senior

assistant director, international team manager at the University of California (UC), Berkeley. “Often, I see students get excited about UC Berkeley’s rankings, which tend to be outstanding. However in comparison to how the individual ‘fit factors’ of the university meet the needs of you and your family, rankings lose a lot of relevance regardless of the institution.”

Sadafi advises it is important to ask questions related to these fit factors: academic, social, environmental, financial and professional. “The fit of these factors to your individual needs will be crucial to your success at any college or university— significantly more than any ranking,” he continues. “Therefore, when choosing a college or university, it is important to identify

Courtesy Deepali Shah/Foothill and De Anza Colleges

Finding the 10 EDITION 2 2022

which of these fit factors are most important to your individual success. Ask yourself what you need and want. Ask your family what they need and expect from you. Ask each university what it offers and can provide in relation to each of these fit factors and the ones most important to you and your family.”

The United States Department of Education lists nearly 4,000 degree-granting academic institutions and the search for a university that fits the prospective student’s needs can be overwhelming. Tyler Oxley, senior assistant director for international admissions at Virginia Tech, says it’s important to understand that the United States has different types of universities in different parts of the country. “There are large research universities or small public schools that can be situated in

Finding Finding the the bestbestfit fit university university can can be be challenging. challenging.

Read Read these these tips tips from from U.S. U.S. university university officials officials and Indian alumni alumni and Indian on on how how prospective prospective students students can can find find the right the right university university to to meet meet their their needs needs and and help them succeed. succeed. help them

Right Fit

By PAROMITA PAIN

To share articles go to https://spanmag.com EDITION 2 2022 11

Courtesy Virginia Tech

big cities and small towns,” he says. “So, I ask students to identify or try to figure out exactly what they’re looking for in a university. What do they want? This makes it easier to figure out the schools that have programs that fit in with their criteria.”

Courtesy Gauri Talwar

Different routes of exploration Students can take different approaches to figure out their needs from the school or the degree. Naimish Upadhyay, who received his master’s degree in environmental science and policy from the University of Florida in 2009, says the process of drafting the statement of purpose made him think deeply about what he wanted to study and what he wanted to do with the knowledge he would gain from his higher studies. “That was also the question I was asked in my visa interview and having some clarity of thought certainly does help,” says Upadhyay.

Gauri Talwar, who double majored in applied mathematics and economics, had multiple interests and wanted to pursue all of them. She was admitted into Barnard College but her majors were primarily at Columbia University in New York City. The reason she chose these institutions was because “they had really strong academic programs and also the on-campus life was really lively,” she says. “I basically wanted to study math and dance and there were very few colleges that were really good at both.” Talwar, who grew up in Mumbai, was also clear that she wanted to go to college in a city. “I was very used to being around people, being around crowds. I don’t think a rural campus would’ve worked as well for me,” she says.

Cities can also offer professional advantages. Atita Shetty, a practicing architect from Mumbai who received her Master of Architecture degree from The Ohio State University says her selection of university was based on a combination of her own research as well as institutes that her advisers either recommended or had graduated from. “Living in or near big cities can often mean better job prospects,” she says.

Above left: The United States has different types of universities in different parts of the country, including public land-grant research universities like Virginia Tech and private research universities like the University of Southern California (right).

Left: Gauri Talwar was clear that she wanted to go to college in a city. She was admitted into Barnard College but her majors were primarily at Columbia University in New York City.

12 EDITION 2 2022

Courtesy Naimish Upadhyay

Below: Naimish Upadhyay (right) received his master’s degree in environmental science and policy from the University of Florida in 2009.

may be entirely business-focused elsewhere.”

Seshadri’s research included factors ranging from classroom experience and financial aid to geographic location and alumni outcomes.

“Once admission decisions were made and I had a set of schools I could choose from, I repeated this process again,” he says.

“Doing the research is time-consuming but it is well worth the time,” says Sudha Kumar, director of the University of Southern California Viterbi India Office. Questions students can ask about the university during the research process can include: Does it offer the kind of course that they are interested in and will it help them reach their goals? Is the coursework as practical or theoretical as they want it to be? Are the faculty leaders in their chosen subject area? Does the university have the kind of partnerships with industry that they would like? How is the ambience at the university? “For each student, the factor that is most important to them can vary and they should apply to universities that best meet their preferences,” she says.

As complicated and long as the application process may seem, countless international students have successfully identified and been accepted at universities which have helped launch successful careers. As Oxley says, “The U.S. education system is so diverse, that there are going to be opportunities for students, no matter what types of universities they’re looking for, and there’s going to be a right fit.”

University of California, Berkeley www.berkeley.edu

University of Florida www.ufl.edu

Barnard College https://barnard.edu/

Columbia University www.columbia.edu

The Ohio State University www.osu.edu

University of Maryland www.umd.edu

Paromita Pain is an assistant professor of Global Media Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Courtesy University of Southern California

Many students put in intensive research to explore the universities they want to apply to.

“The first step was to clearly understand what I wanted out of the graduate program. Since I had started exploring early, I had a bit of clarity about what I liked and what I didn’t,” says Ishwaar Seshadri who received a master’s degree in business analytics from the University of Maryland in 2019. “The second step was to understand how a program at a given university fit into this framework. For example, an analytics program at a certain university may tilt more toward technical exposure while a program with the same name

Go Online

Do your research

The U.S. education system is so diverse, that there are going to be opportunities for students, no matter what types of universities they’re looking for, and there’s going to be a right fit.

EDITION 2 2022 13

Major

C

Adi Kurniawan/iStock/Getty Images

Electing Your

By NATASA MILAS

As students get ready to embark on the journey of higher education, choosing a major is a great opportunity to explore, selfreflect and, ultimately, to enjoy the start of a pivotal process.

14 EDITION 2 2022

hoosing a major is an overwhelming process. Often, students find themselves asking and answering questions like what interests them, what would they like to learn in the course of four years and what are their career options in a specific major. If you have a penchant for drawing or theater, you will most likely be interested in declaring art or drama as your major. If you know you want to study law or medicine, you will choose a major that will help you get into a law school or medical school.

While most colleges will ask you to declare a major in their application, you may also have the option to have your major “undeclared.” It is completely natural to explore different subjects and take general courses in your first and even second year of studies. This helps students gain basic introduction in a variety of subjects and may shed a light on the choice of the major. No matter how sure or unsure you are in your decision, remember that you are not bound to your decision right away. Once you are at your college or university, you can speak to an adviser about changing your major.

As you begin your search, talk to advisers at the EducationUSA centers before coming to the United States to study, as well as to academic advisers at universities before declaring your major. Whatever you ultimately pick, the general advice is to “love your major.”

Excerpts from an interview with EducationUSA adviser, Aastha Virk Singh, on electing a major: What should students look for when choosing a major? What are some of the factors to consider in the process?

Let’s start with understanding what is a major. Your college major is a subject that you

will take the majority of your courses in and develop a sound understanding in. It is the area that you will graduate in after you have completed your required courses. Most students will also take general education requirements in the first or second year of a four-year education as this allows for a holistic approach to education and students gain a better understanding of the world.

Some students might also choose a minor in addition to their major. A minor is coursework in which you explore another field, but not as deeply and widely as your major. A minor can complement your major. For example, a major in public relations with a minor in business administration or a minor in a language. Some schools allow you to take a double major where you complete two majors but it does add to your workload and might not be for everyone.

Questions to ask yourself as you choose a major: 1. What kind of a life do you envision?

2. Where do you see yourself working?

3. What are your values, what motivates you, what is important to you, what are your priorities and what matters to you?

4. What are your academic strengths and where do you get your best grades? Which subjects do you love to learn and which are your favorite classes?

5. What activities do you enjoy at school or outside of school?

Assessing your aptitude (what you can do well), your interests (what you like to do) and your personality (who you are and what is important to you) will help you understand the kinds of subjects and careers you might be interested in pursuing.

Is it okay to not have a major right away

Photographs courtesy EducationUSA

and explore your interests for the first year or two?

It is absolutely fine to not know what you want to study or where you are headed in terms of your career! What is not fine is that students sometimes miss out on researching and gathering crucial information that will eventually help them make this important decision. Many students feel immense pressure in choosing a subject as they graduate from high school, and sometimes end up making a hasty decision. Invest in your future by asking questions; you may still not have narrowed down that one major but you will be equipped with information that will help you select the right subjects. Many students also apply as “undecided” to U.S. universities and then decide on their final major after a year. U.S. higher education, with all its uses and advantages, is designed to aid exploration and introspection.

What are the most popular majors for Indian students?

According to the 2021 Open Doors Report published by Institute of International Education, the following fields of study were among the most popular for international students*.  Engineering  Math and computer science  Business and management  Social sciences  Physical and life sciences  Fine and applied arts  Health professions  Communications and journalism  Education * This data is for international students.

Indian students constitute 18 percent of the international student population in the United States.

What should students avoid when choosing a major?

Choosing a major is inevitably an important and often challenging decision.

Following are a few potential obstacles to avoid when beginning your selection process:  Not thinking long term and only considering salary or income  Succumbing to peer pressure or following the crowd  Letting somebody else influence you or choose for you

 Choosing without experience or research  Thinking only about the outcome and not the journey  Romanticizing the major Whom should students consult about choosing their major, before entering a U.S. university and once they are in the United States?

You can begin the process of choosing a major with self-reflection or with the help of your mentors, school counselors, teachers and parents. Additionally, you can seek a professional who guides students on career choices by administering psychometric tests, which measure your aptitude, interests and personality. It is very important to note that taking the test online or in-person is not

Top: Students can consult with EducationUSA advisers to navigate the process of electing a major.

Above: Discussion and research with professionals can also help students know more about their interests and aptitude before taking a final call on their major.

To share articles go to https://spanmag.com EDITION 2 2022 15

Go Online

Career information, job and market trends www.bls.gov/ooh www.onetonline.org www.mynextmove.org

EducationUSA

educationusa.state.gov 16 EDITION 2 2022

Photograph courtesy U.S. Consulate General Mumbai

sufficient. You must complete the process by getting guidance from a professional on the analysis and interpretation of the test results.

Many students and families erroneously expect that a professional will simply list the top three career choices. Instead, it is realistic to expect that a professional might discuss your top career clusters and within those you will need to take the final call after further discussion and research.

Some other ways to know more about your interests and aptitude is to gain valuable experience by volunteering or pursuing internships. These give you a teaser into the real world of work and allow you to hone your skills and get an understanding of the operations of any business or service.

Making informed career decisions requires reliable information about opportunities in the future. It is also important to understand trends in careers and job markets. Many subjects have applicability in other areas. For example, if you look at the field of health sciences, one could become a doctor, a hospital manager, a health writer or journalist, data analyst, technology expert, health legal expert and so on. It is important to read about jobs and market trends to understand the future of work and jobs.

Here are some places to begin collecting information on majors, careers and job opportunities:  EducationUSA is the official source on U.S. higher education. EducationUSA advisers provide students information on the admissions and application process and can advise on majors and programs at U.S. universities.  Support services at U.S. universities like career services and international student offices.  School counselors, placement officers, career counselors who specialize in career counseling and guiding students in making college and career decisions.  Libraries and career guidance centers that house beneficial resources to aid college and job search.  University websites to understand course requirements and the classes you will have to take at college.  Networking with personal contacts and connecting with someone who can answer your questions about specific careers and companies.

What advice do you have for students

beginning the process of selecting a major?

Choosing a major can be a harrowing experience since there are so many subjects to choose from. Naturally, students may be interested in several subjects and it may be difficult to commit to only one subject. It is important to keep in mind that students can always complement their major by choosing a minor field and taking a variety of electives on the topics of their interests to broaden their chosen field.

There are many resources that are available to students in the pre-departure stage and during their studies at a college or university.

Students should take advantage of the various resources and advisers to help them navigate the process of electing a major.

Choosing a major can be a complex process for students but it shouldn’t be a stressful one.

It is a great opportunity to explore, self-reflect and ultimately, to enjoy!

Natasa Milas is a freelance writer based in New York City.

Building Global Careers

By CANDICE YACONO

he benefits of attending a university in the United States go beyond obtaining an international degree. There are nearly 4,000 accredited colleges and universities to choose from, and each institution offers a distinctive experience to its students.

Along with a cutting-edge and globally competitive academic environment, there is one other important reason to study at a higher education institution in the United States. “The most valuable experience that a U.S. education offers is the opportunity to study with American students and international students from across the globe,” says Aparna Chandrashekaran, EducationUSA adviser at the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF). “This cross-cultural exposure and networking opportunity is invaluable and sets the stage for a global career.”

These unique advantages were among the factors that inspired Aravind Natarajan and Sudha M. Raghavan from Chennai to pursue higher studies in the United States. Natarajan received his doctoral degree from Cornell University in New York in 2019. He is now a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University in California. Raghavan lives in California’s Bay Area and graduated with a master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania in 2019.

Excerpts from an interview with Natarajan and Raghavan about the application process and their educational experiences.

Why did you choose to attend a U.S. university?

Natarajan: For my doctoral program, I prioritized seeking out opportunities that aligned with my interest in bacterial genetics.

Of the programs I applied to, the microbiology program at Cornell University offered three fantastic research groups that were pursuing projects of interest to me. Additionally, the faculty leading these groups engaged in thoughtful conversations with me by email and video chat regarding my interest and discussed potential projects I could work on.

For my postdoctoral training, I exclusively applied to programs in the United States since I felt comfortable in the American academic system.

Raghavan: Since my childhood, I wanted to pursue a career that combines art and technology. After exploring a lot of avenues, I decided to focus on augmented and virtual reality technologies and computer graphics studies. Several top universities that excel in graphics research and futuristic visual computing technologies are located in the United States. Moreover, as a hub for the entertainment industry, there were a lot of industry-standard collaborations with wellknown organizations and companies, which would offer me hands-on experience while connecting with experts in the field.

What was the application process like?

Natarajan: For my doctoral program, the application process was very involved and tedious. But being thorough helped me make informed decisions. First, I worked on my statement of purpose for a couple of months.

My essay went through several rounds of edits, with inputs from my parents, friends and mentors. Next, I worked on creating

Photographs courtesy Aravind Natarajan

T

Cutting-edge programs, cross-cultural exposure and networking opportunities at U.S. universities help students set the stage for a global career.

Above right and right: Aravind Natarajan received his doctoral degree from Cornell University in New York in 2019. He is now a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University in California.

To share articles go to https://spanmag.com EDITION 2 2022 17

Preparing the assignment or portfolio piece gave a first-hand experience of what to expect if I took a particular route. This helped me pick my university after the admits were received.

What was it like to move to a new country and begin your classes?

Natarajan: I was overwhelmed by the many unknown elements of searching for housing options in Ithaca, New York. I wasn’t sure about what amenities to look for in an apartment, how to identify safe and convenient

postdoctoral training. I enjoyed reaching out to multiple faculty and discussing science that we were both passionate about. However, the process was also nerve-racking because I had to secure a position before graduating, while also working on experiments and writing my dissertation.

Raghavan: I had my scores and transcripts ready as soon as I could, and having scanned and verified copies with me sped up my application process. I started off with a spreadsheet as keeping track of deadlines and program requirements for each university was hard.

Since my interests were in visual arts, most of the courses I selected had an additional requirement to submit an online portfolio or assignment as part of the application. I carefully started orienting my college projects and internships to contribute to my portfolio.

locations or how to carefully vet a lease agreement. Therefore, I took the relatively safer option of living on campus. While a little more expensive than some options in the city, this turned out to be a wonderful choice. Not only was my transition seamless, but I also had the opportunity to build a community with peers across the university.

The start of classes brought a lot of excitement and nervous anxiety from the drive to perform well. I found the incredible freedom offered in the American academic system challenging to navigate. Here, faculty in the microbiology program and peer mentors were incredibly valuable. Once I learned how the system worked, its flexibility became my favorite part. I took classes in biology and my primary area of research, along with classes on Argentine tango, for instance.

Raghavan: A lot of resources showed up

Photographs courtesy Sudha M Raghavan

application packages that were personalized for each program of interest. This took some research because I had to understand the core interests of the faculty and the programs, and evaluate how I could be a contributing member. Then I worked on triaging letters of recommendation to each of the programs.

Finally, I maintained a record of each program’s deadlines and requirements to stay on top of my application deadlines.

I felt better prepared while applying for my

Above: Sudha M. Raghavan was part of an augmented reality project called TheatAR, which was a collaboration between Carnegie Mellon University’s school of drama and the entertainment technology center.

Above right: Testing in progress for one of Raghavan’s team virtual reality projects.

18 EDITION 2 2022

worked in this part of the world, ranging from how to secure a cell phone plan to filing my income taxes and a variety of social norms, led to regular anxieties.

Raghavan: The challenging coursework definitely matched my expectations. I was surprised by how different the teaching and testing methodology is in the United States compared to what we had experienced in India.

I learned concepts from different supplemental resources, attended study groups with teaching assistants and formed peer connections. My coursework was also heavily project-based. It was a refreshing experience to be working on something hands-on from the first week.

While I was aware of the curriculum, I was surprised by how different it is to work on teams with people from all over the world. We learned the importance and struggles of teamwork and how diversity can make a big difference to the end result of a project. I would have never had a chance to meet students from so many nationalities in any other place, and graduate school is one of the very few places that can provide such an opportunity.

What would you tell people who are thinking of pursuing higher studies in the United States?

Natarajan: I would highly encourage them to pursue their higher education in the United States. I recommend making the most of the variety of experiences as an opportunity to expand your worldview and being aware of the resources required to have a successful experience. Finally, be yourself. After all, isn’t that why the program recruited you in the first place?

Raghavan: My first piece of advice would be to start researching early. Planning when to give standardized tests and when to start the application process is very important. Once the planning is out of the way, you will have enough time to focus on making sure every application is crafted to match the university you are applying to. The admission committee will only know you by the set of materials you present to them, so make your application as clear and compelling as possible. This requires that the applicant understand what the university is looking for. Most universities display information about their alumni, which gives a good idea of the school’s expectations on backgrounds and requirements.

Cornell University www.cornell.edu

Stanford University www.stanford.edu

Carnegie Mellon University www.cmu.edu

We learned the importance and struggles of teamwork and how diversity can make a big difference to the end result of a project.

Candice Yacono is a magazine and newspaper writer based in southern California.

EDITION 2 2022 19

Go Online

once I started talking to other accepted students.

I found my roommates through a Facebook group that was created for incoming students at Carnegie Mellon. We also planned travel dates to arrive at Pittsburgh around the same time.

Our classes started soon after the orientation programs. It started getting challenging from Day 1, but we enjoyed every moment of it because there was no time to be bored!

Did you develop friendships in the United States? Were there clubs or other organizations that you participated in?

Natarajan: During my time in graduate school, I made friends from various walks of life who still influence me in so many ways.

The first crop of friends I made were fellow students who traveled from India. Next, I met my cohort in the microbiology program, who took me grocery shopping because I didn’t have a car, and with whom I would spend a lot of time learning about American culture. I also befriended fellow residents in the housing community, members of student activity groups and clubs I participated in, and people not affiliated with Cornell whom I met at social events around town.

Raghavan: Quite a lot of my close friends are from my graduate school. My roommates were studying in different programs and we always invited our friends over for group study sessions or a movie night. This gave us all a chance to meet a lot of new people. Most departments also organized social events and career networking events that allowed students to invite others. This helped us expand both our social and professional circles. Making professional connections was a very important part of our school experience.

Did your expectations match reality? In what ways were you surprised?

Natarajan: My experience in graduate school far exceeded my expectations in every way. In academics, I learned not only the latest advancements in microbiology, but also about many different fields like global politics and behavioral economics by attending talks across campus. I experienced intense winters in upstate New York, and a slice of global culture in the tiny town of Ithaca. I learned forms of dance, ate Ethiopian food for the first time, and watched some of the best artists from around the world perform at Bailey Hall.

The challenges were also beyond my expectations. I barely got to visit home every other year and dearly missed family and friends. My ignorance about how things

Keys to Success: Planning and

A

By PAROMITA PAIN

Courtesy Adithiya Sreenivasan

With the right planning and research, the journey to a U.S. degree can be a rewarding experience.

pplying to a U.S. university, securing funding, navigating the visa process and settling into a new life far from home is a daunting process for many. But with the right planning and research it can be an exciting journey. In addition, strong alumni networks and community support can help students get the most out of the U.S. university experience.

“The first factor which I looked for in shortlisting my destination was to look at the universities which offered the specialization I was looking for,” says Adithiya Sreenivasan, who has a master’s degree in electrical engineering with specialization in power and energy systems from Arizona State University Tempe campus. “I looked at the research areas the professors were currently working on and the courses that were being offered for the power and energy domain.” He shortlisted public universities over private ones due to the cost factor. “I also looked at how alums from the university fared post their graduation,” he adds. Adithiya Sreenivasan currently works with Accenture in Chennai.

Adithya Raam Sankar, who earned a master’s degree in artificial intelligence from University of Georgia, Athens, based his initial search on courses offered and research facilities. “After that, I graded all of them in multiple categories like career opportunities, tuition and fees, cost of living, weather, along with qualitative measures like personal liking and living conditions,” he says. “Considering all factors, I was able to understand what would be a better choice overall.” Sankar currently works Adithiya Sreenivasan has a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Arizona State University Tempe campus.

20 EDITION 2 2022

with Oracle in Virginia.

Financial aid and student visas Once all the applications are submitted, a prospective student’s primary task is to secure funding. Both Sankar and Adithiya Sreenivasan strongly recommend that applicants start consolidating their funding options, like loans, well in advance. “Arranging for educational loans is an important piece of work for a student who wants financial assistance,” says Adithiya Sreenivasan. “I approached various banks to compare the interest rates and kept my paperwork ready. The loan approval process may be lengthy, and hence, it is important to factor this in the timeline,” he says.

Sankar started researching loans and scholarship options even before the acceptance letters came in. “Since my primary source was an educational loan, I started shopping around for best offers,” he says. “Alongside, I was also looking at scholarship options within the universities I applied to, as well as outside sources. While this process was going on, the results started coming in.”

When Sankar’s acceptance letters came in, it was time to also start thinking about applying for a visa. The visa process and paperwork might look lengthy and difficult, “but if we break them down into smaller chunks of modules, we can slowly but steadily complete the process,” says Adithiya Sreenivasan. He scheduled his appointment well in advance to ensure there were no last-minute hassles.

Along with funding and the student visa process, Adithiya Sreenivasan started brushing up on the fundamentals in his field of study after submitting his

applications. “I created a primer document, in which I listed the various books and prerequisites suggested by professors, current students and alums,” he says. “I slowly ticked them off as I completed them. This is a vital step to acclimatize quickly for the master’s program.”

Learning experiences Many new experiences await international students when they arrive at a U.S. university campus. “The biggest difference, I realized, was the style of education,” says Sankar. “Here, it was predominantly based on application of knowledge as opposed to the emphasis on theory in India.”

Adithiya Sreenivasan adds the U.S. education system evaluates students on a continuous basis, unlike his experience in the Indian system which was “more heavily loaded during the end semesters or finals.”

He liked how they were given homework and projects regularly, which went in tandem with the lectures by professors. “This helped to build the knowledge steadily over a period of time. A lot of emphasis was given to specialization within a particular field,” he says. “In India, we were given more exposure to a wider range of fields, especially in my undergraduate days.”

The concept of office hours with professors is another novel dimension of U.S. higher education. Students can meet professors during this time and get their questions clarified.

“You can also share your ideas on the concepts being taught in the class,” says Adithiya Sreenivasan. “Students get good hands-on experience and mentorship during the course of study.”

Campus life The vibrant university campus can offer a welcome break from immersive study hours, as it did for Adithiya Sreenivasan. “The sports facilities were amazing, and we used to spend the later half of the evening on the grounds playing various sports like tennis and cricket,” he says. To meet living expenses, he worked part-time at the International Students and Scholar Center, where he made a lot of friends from different countries. “I am still in touch with many of them,” he says.

“Being a college town, Athens was filled with students and had a very encouraging environment,” says Sankar.

When homesick, Sankar relied on the Indian association at the university to feel closer to his roots. “I missed Indian culture and traditions, especially during festival seasons, although the Indian student association at UGA made every effort to make us feel at home.”

Internships and OPT While Adithiya Sreenivasan decided to stay on campus for his internship, Sankar made good use of the university career center to navigate internship and job applications. For students who find industry internship out of reach, the campus fills that gap and offers ample opportunities for experience enrichment, says Sankar, who also prepared for career fairs days in advance to shortlist companies he wanted to talk to and the openings available.

“An internship does open a plethora of opportunities for a full-time job, but the research experience adds a lot of value to your profile,” says Adithiya Sreenivasan.

He urges students to thoroughly read about terms like Optional Practical Training

Courtesy Adithya Raam Sankar

Research Adithya Raam Sankar earned his master’s degree in artificial intelligence from University of Georgia, Athens.

(OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and the rules associated with them.

“Please use authenticated sources such as the U.S. immigration website or university immigration pages,” he adds.

Sankar advises working with the university career center closely from the first semester. “Understand and embrace the education structure as well as the job search process,” he says.

Invaluable skills These and many other remarkable features of U.S. higher education have empowered graduates to build meaningful lives and careers. “It has significantly helped in navigating my career in a much better way. There are a lot of similarities between how I interacted with professors and co-students at the university and how I work with co-workers today,” says Sankar. “It has also helped me as an individual to take more informed decisions and manage time better.”

Even though Adithiya Sreenivasan graduated almost a decade ago, he says the concepts taught by his professors are still fresh in his mind as he uses them in his daily work. “U.S. education has brought in more depth and structured thinking for my professional life. It has helped me go to the root cause of any issue for the clients that I serve in the corporate world,” he says. “I owe a lot to the U.S. education and corporate experience that I got as it has given me an identity in my current life.”

Paromita Pain is an assistant professor of Global Media Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno.

To share articles go to https://spanmag.com EDITION 2 2022 21

The right type of American degree can unlock amazing opportunities for Indian students. Here’s how to choose which level of study is best for you.

22 EDITION 2 2022

Courtesy Barnard College

Doctorate, Bachelor’s, Master’s and More

By MICHAEL GALLANT

Left: Students at Barnard College in New York City.

To share articles go to https://spanmag.com EDITION 2 2022 23

Undergraduate degrees

Courtesy New York University

Many students know from an early age what career path they wish to pursue—but many do not. If you’re looking for undergraduate education in the United States, Barnard College’s Director of Recruitment and Selection Ruby Bhattacharya says that being undecided is not an issue for many institutions.

“While there are U.S. universities that do ask for applicants to identify which program they intend to pursue, among the most selective universities in the U.S., it is actually more likely that applicants are not admitted under a specific major,” she says. “Students are admitted to the college or university itself and then finalize their academic plans within the first year or two of enrollment. This is one of the many ways undergraduate university admissions differs from graduate admissions.”

Majors like computer science, engineering, business, economics and psychology are extremely popular with students from India, says University of San Francisco’s Director of International Admission Pranav Pradhan. “I strongly advise students to keep an open mind when choosing a major,” he says. “Factors like their skill set, academic interest and career goals should be primary factors when selecting a program.”

24 EDITION 2 2022

If you’re enrolling to earn an undergraduate degree, remember that it’s okay to explore— and to make mistakes. “One of the biggest strengths of the U.S. education system is the flexibility that it offers,” says Pradhan. If a course of study is not working out, students can meet with their academic advisers and professors as a first step; if needed, they often have the flexibility to change majors or even transfer to another institution.

Graduate degrees Once Indian students have bachelor’s degrees, Pradhan says that many choose to pursue master’s programs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

“Programs like computer science and data science tend to be the top choice,” he says.

“Also, interdisciplinary and techno-managerial programs are becoming increasingly popular.”

Abhyuday Pai, admissions ambassador at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering, says that specialized master’s degrees are a key step in building thriving careers.

“Even if you are the smartest amongst the lot, at some point you will need to have your knowledge base backed by a solid degree,” he says. “I sincerely advise that students have a higher degree after their bachelor’s. Not only is it a great way to expand your knowledge base, but it is an amazing opportunity to network and explore other fields of interest.”

Choosing a master’s degree gives students the unique opportunity to pursue topics far Courtesy Arizona State University

S

cientist, economist, architect, programmer, engineer, artist, anthropologist—with a degree from an American university, Indian students can pursue a huge variety of fascinating careers and professions. But how do you choose the right degree path to help you achieve your dreams?

Picking between a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration or Doctor of Fine Arts may seem daunting, but there are plenty of people and resources to help select the right path.

Invest your time and effort in finding the one thing that you could keep learning about throughout your career.

Courtesy New York University

Courtesy Arizona State University

more focused than undergraduate study allows. Increasingly popular areas like artificial intelligence, data science, cyber security, computational biology, and robotics and mechatronics are all stand-alone master’s programs at many universities, Pai says.

Many students find inspiration in nonSTEM fields, and master’s degrees offer similar opportunities to go deep into a variety of specialties. Architecture and design are particularly popular master’s programs amongst Indian students, says Niky Chokshi, recruitment adviser–India, graduate admissions, Arizona State University.

Courtesy New York University

Above: A lecture at the law school in Arizona State University, which offers a variety of degree opportunities in a diverse range of subjects.

Left: Arizona State University welcomes students from 136 countries who can choose from the more than 800 degree programs offered at the university.

Right and below left: The NYU Tandon School of Engineering regularly welcomes students from India.

Below far left: Students work at the NYU Tandon MakerSpace, which fosters interdisciplinary teamwork and uses cuttingedge tools for prototyping and production.

Arizona State alone offers over 450 master’s and other graduate certificate opportunities, she describes. These programs cover subjects as diverse as business administration, global health, human resources management, social work, education, fine arts, music and many more.

For some students, a master’s will not be enough, and a doctoral degree is the way to go. While earning a doctorate can require several years more study and the completion of a rigorous thesis project, the rewards can be significant. According to a 2021 article published by the University of Louisiana at

EDITION 2 2022 25

Courtesy University of San Francisco

Many Indian students choose to pursue master’s programs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields at the University of San Francisco.

Lafayette Graduate School, students who earn doctoral degrees can make new discoveries through research, become world experts in their fields, broaden career opportunities to include both academic and professional possibilities, and increase salaries. Doctoral programs require a high level of commitment, though, and should not be pursued unless students have focused passions they wish to devote years to pursuing.

Go Online

Learning and choosing

Barnard College https://barnard.edu/

University of San Francisco www.usfca.edu

NYU Tandon School of Engineering engineering.nyu.edu

Arizona State University www.asu.edu 26 EDITION 2 2022

When it comes to choosing the program in which to earn your degree, the options can feel endless and confusing, Pai says. So students should focus on what fascinates them and go from there. “Invest your time and effort in finding the one thing that you could keep learning about throughout your career,” says Pai. “That is your passion. Passion is simply the ability to never stop learning about a topic that interests you.”

Once you’ve identified what fascinates you most, he continues, choose a degree and university that fits your dedication for the subject.

The experts all caution against choosing a program or degree just because of its ranking, reputation or prestige—or letting your parents pressure you to do so. “Those factors do not ensure that a college or university will offer the kind of opportunities or experiences you as an individual need to succeed,” says

Bhattacharya. “All rankings published in the United States are done so by for-profit entities, not the government. They cannot speak to whether or not the university will be a good fit for you and your needs as you seek to grow and learn in the United States.”

“Reflect on what you need to succeed and ensure you are the one doing research,” she continues. “If you have questions, you should be the one reaching out to the university admissions office directly. We are here to help you as the official sources of information for admission. Remember that we are considering you for admission, not your parents.”

If students need guidance when deciding which level of degree program to apply for, Chokshi affirms that students should reach out directly to university admissions representatives, whose job it is to offer advice and guidance.

“Often students turn to online forums where they tend to internalize information that may not be the most accurate, nor the most up-to-date,” she says. Contacting your local EducationUSA office can also be a great source of help.

Regardless of the pressures students face when making higher education choices, maintaining perspective is key. “Take many deep breaths,” says Bhattacharya, “and take the time to be excited about the adventure this next chapter of your life has in store for you.”

Michael Gallant is the founder and chief executive officer of Gallant Music. He lives in New York City.

Acing Your

Interview

T

Applying for your student visa to study in the United States can seem overwhelming. In this article, U.S. consular officers provide straightforward guidance on the process.

ALFSnaiper/iStock/Getty Images

Screenshot courtesy youtube.com/USEmbassyNewDelhi

By TIMOTHY BRAUHN, YVETTE SALEH and KATHERINE VON OFENHEIM

his year, tens of thousands of Indians will attend student visa interviews at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi and the U.S. Consulates General in Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad. Most will go on to pursue their education in the United States. Many will complete internships at top multinational corporations, and some will undoubtedly pursue careers as specialized workers under the H-1B program.

To set off on a journey of academic success in the United States, you first need to secure admission to a U.S. university. Not sure where you want to study? Luckily, there are many resources to help you. For instance, we work closely with the U.S.-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) to help interested

students. USIEF offers videos, no-cost advising sessions and more. Some USIEF counselors have even studied in the United States. Please reach out to them!

Once you have found your school, you will need a visa to enter the United States to begin your studies. You have probably heard stories about what visa officers want to see in applicants and the questions asked during the interview.

Here’s the truth: the qualifications that we use to approve student visas are straightforward and come directly from the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act. The most important of those criteria are: 1. You must prove you have been accepted at a university. Bring your

To share articles go to https://spanmag.com EDITION 2 2022 27

Collage by Qasim Raza , photographs from Getty Images and U.S. Embassy New Delhi

approved Form I-20 and ensure that you have paid your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee.

2. You must demonstrate that the only reason you want to go to the United States is to complete your course of study.

If your actual purpose of travel is to work in the United States, you should consider the H-1B temporary worker program—not a student visa.

3. You must prove that you’ll return to your home country when you finish your

including living costs, while you’re studying and how you will be able to afford all years you are in the United States.

5. You must prove you are a “bona fide student,” who is prepared to pursue the degree you have selected. If you are applying for a graduate program in accounting, but don’t know the difference between a credit and a debit, you probably are not prepared for that degree program.

You also need to have sufficient English ability to speak comfortably about the

education. Note: approved Optional Practical Training (OPT) completed after you graduate is allowed.

4. You must prove that you can afford the education. We know that many families save money for decades to send students to study in the United States. We don’t need a huge stack of bank documents, but you should understand how you will pay for the program. If your family members are contributing to educational expenses, those funds should be mentioned as well. Be sure you know how much the program costs,

subject you are pursuing.

You might be asking, “what makes for a standout interview?” First, make sure you’re answering the question that was asked! If an officer asks you what is one class that you’re particularly excited about taking and you respond, “This school is ranked 13th in New Jersey by U.S. News,” that’s going to raise some questions. If you didn’t hear or understand the question, it’s okay to ask for it to be repeated! Second, show us that you’re passionate about what you’re studying, and that you can clearly connect the dots between

From April 2021 to January 2022, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India saw over 120,000 student visa applicants, and the vast majority are now studying in the United States. It was a record-breaking year.

28 EDITION 2 2022

coach about the school ranking and flexible curriculum isn’t going to tell us that; only your honest answers will demonstrate it.

Many students might think they need a consultant to help them prepare for their visa interview. In reality, you don’t. It’s easy for consular officers to tell when a student has been to a coach or consultant because these students have usually memorized the same prepared answers. Consular officers interview hundreds of students a week (sometimes a day!), and if their answers all sound the same, it makes it harder to believe their

explanations. By focusing on your own interests and reasons for studying in the United States you’ll be better prepared to get through the visa interview and excel in your future studies!

Here are a few closing observations, from those of us who have interviewed thousands of Indian students, to help you get ready for the interview:  Prepare, but don’t over-prepare: Many applicants approach the interview window and recite a highly scripted speech. But we’re not evaluating your memory. We also understand that not everyone who studies in the United States is a perfect student with perfect test scores or perfect grades. We want to hear the passion in your voice when you explain why you chose this university and degree.  Stay confident: You will be nervous. The waiting room will be busy. Visa officers often won’t make small talk. Your interview could be over in as little as 60 seconds.

Come to the window and take a deep breath. You have worked hard in your decision to pursue higher education and it is okay to show that. We love to hear about the determination, preparation and grit that got you to this point. Try to speak loudly and clearly. You CAN do this!

To stay calm for your interview it might help to remember that U.S. visa officers were once students, too. Although most of us never interviewed for U.S. visas, many of us did have to interview for university acceptance, as well as for our jobs. We know what it feels like to not succeed in such interviews.

Needless to say, our hardest rejections are the hopeful, bright-eyed students. We root for them, but we must apply the law. By reviewing the qualifications and preparing yourself through study or work, you can absolutely find yourself walking across campus in the United States, ready for the next chapter of your life.

Here is the best news: We are approving more student visas than ever before. From April 2021 to January 2022, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India saw over 120,000 student visa applicants, and the vast majority are now studying in the United States. It was a record-breaking year. There is no better time to study in the United States. With thoughtful preparation and a clear plan to study, you will have no trouble acing your student visa interview.

U.S.-India Educational Foundation www.usief.org.in

What is SEVIS? bit.ly/3KxpWhn

Go Online

your current experience and the program you’ve chosen. If you used to be an engineer but now want to study management, be ready to explain exactly how you came to that decision and why your background prepares you for the field.

Remember to be yourself and to be genuine.

We need to know that you intend to be a student and are prepared to complete the degree you’ve chosen. Rather than recite facts about the school, tell us what influenced your decision to attend. A memorized answer from a

Paying the I-901 SEVIS fee bit.ly/3M0206C

Remember to be yourself and to be genuine.

We need to know that you intend to be a student and are prepared to complete the degree you’ve chosen.

EDITION 2 2022 29

What forms do I need?

How soon in advance can I apply for my visa? Are there any steps I need to take once I am in the United States? Refer to this frequently asked questions guide as you are getting ready to apply for your student visa.

Stockfoo/ iStock/ Getty Images

N

avigating the student visa process can be a challenging and stressful process for international students. Below are frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide students the information they need to start their journey to the United States on time.

How do I start the process to obtain a student visa?

Your first step is to apply to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school in the United States. Use the school search tool to find SEVP-certified schools and programs that are eligible to enroll F-1 and M1 students. For more information about the types of programs that are available to you, please visit the EducationUSA website.

What is an I-220?

Once you are accepted into an SEVPcertified school, your school’s designated school official will send you a document called the Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.” The Form I-20 is a paper record of your information in our Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database. Each school that accepts you will mail you a Form I-20.

What is SEVIS? SEVIS is a web-based system for maintaining information on nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors during their course of study in the United States.

How do I pay my I-9901 SEVIS Fee? How much is the fee?

After receiving your Form I-20, you must pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee. SEVIS fees vary by program but most students will need to pay $350 for an F-1 and $220 for a J-1.

Federal regulations require all F, M and J

30 EDITION 2 2022

Getting a Student Visa to Study in the U.S. Text courtesy the Consular Team, U.S. Embassy New Delhi

students pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee before applying for their U.S. student visa. You can pay your I-901 SEVIS Fee online at FMJfee.com or by using Western Union Quick Pay. You must present the receipt as proof of payment when you apply for a visa. It’s important that the SEVIS ID number on your I-901 SEVIS Fee receipt matches your SEVIS ID number on your Form I-20. If it does not, or you encounter other issues paying your fee, please contact SEVP. How far in advance of my program start date can I apply for my student visa?

A student visa may be issued up to 120 days prior to the program start date listed on your I-20 form.

When will more student visa appointments be opened?

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India interviewed a record number of students during the 2021-2022 winter student season and we are continuing to interview smaller numbers of students through the spring. The majority of student visa appointments for fall 2022 admissions will be opened later in the spring and summer as students begin to receive their I-20s. Please plan to schedule your appointment after you have received your I-20.

How can I request an expedited appointment in order to travel in time for my program start date?

You'll first need to book an in-person appointment. Once you have a confirmed inperson appointment you can request an expedited appointment through our online appointment system at www.ustraveldocs. com/in/en/expedited-appointment.

If your expedited appointment request is

approved, you will be notified with instructions via email. You should not cancel your existing appointment unless you receive a confirmation that your request for an expedited appointment has been approved. If you have not yet received an approval or denial, your request is still under consideration.

What should I bring to my student visa interview appointment?

It is important that you bring the following forms with you during your interview appointment:  DS-1160: the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application barcode page.  Form 1-220:  Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students (Form I-20), or  Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students (Form I-20).

Your school will send you a Form I-20 once they have entered your information in the SEVIS database. You and your school official must sign the Form I-20. All students must be registered in the SEVIS. Your spouse and/or minor children will each receive an individual Form I-20 if they intend to live in the United States with you.

Photo: You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.

Passport: You must bring a passport valid for travel to the United States. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements).

complete your program by the end date listed on your Form I-20, talk with your DSO about requesting a possible program extension.  You must take a full course of study each term; if you cannot study full-time, contact your DSO immediately.  You should not drop a class without first speaking with your DSO. What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

OPT is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT. How do I work as a student on OPT? Students who apply for OPT authorization must have a Form I-20 endorsed for OPT, and apply to USCIS for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). To learn more about OPT, please visit the USCIS website and the ICE International Students webpage.

Is there a way to extend OPT? Yes. If you have earned a degree in certain science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, you may apply for a 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT employment authorization if you:  Are an F-1 student who received a STEM degree included on the STEM Designated Degree Program List;  Are employed by an employer who is enrolled in and is using E-Verify; and  Received an initial grant of post-completion OPT employment authorization based on your STEM degree.

If you are interested in applying for a STEM OPT extension, please see our Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT) page for more information.

What does it mean if I am denied under INA section 214(b)?

This law applies only to nonimmigrant visa categories. If you are refused a visa under section 214(b), it means that you:  Did not sufficiently demonstrate that you qualify for the nonimmigrant visa category you applied for; and/or  Did not overcome

the presumption of immigrant intent, required by law, by sufficiently demonstrating that you have strong ties to your home country that will compel you to leave the United States at the end of your temporary stay. (H-1B and L visa applicants, along with their spouse and any minor children, are excluded from this requirement.)

If you are denied under section 214(b) your application is closed. You may choose to apply again in the future.

SEVIS www.ice.gov/sevis

USCIS www.uscis.gov

EducationUSA FAQs

Go Online

Receipt of application fee payment: You are required to bring proof of receipt if you are required to pay the application fee before your interview.

You may also be asked to show proof of your academic preparation, such as:  Transcripts, diplomas, degrees or certificates from schools you attended;  Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school;  Your intent to depart the United States upon completion of the course of study; and  How you will pay all educational, living and travel costs.

Can I enter the United States more than 30 days in advance?

Students on F or M visas are not permitted to enter the United States earlier than 30 days before the start date of their program. If you wish to enter earlier than 30 days before your start date, you must separately apply and qualify for a visitor (B) visa.

After you are admitted to the United States by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in visitor (B) visa status, you must separately apply to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of status to student (For M) status prior to the start of your program.

You may not begin your course of study until the change of status is approved, and you may encounter lengthy processing times. You may also depart the United States and re-enter on your student (F or M) visa.

Once I have received my student visa, what do I need to do to maintain my SEVIS status?

When planning to travel to the United States, both F and M students must:  Enter the United States no more than 30 days before your program of study begins.  Immediately contact your Designated School Official (DSO) when you enter the United States.  When you arrive at school, you need to contact your DSO again. You must do so no later than the program start date listed on your Form I-20, the “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”

While studying in the United States, both F and M students must comply with the following requirements:  You must attend and pass all your classes. If school is too difficult, speak with your DSO immediately.  If you believe that you will be unable to

bit.ly/3uzOtgf

To share articles go to https://spanmag.com EDITION 2 2022 31

Getting

Y

By MICHAEL GALLANT

our enrollment is confirmed, you’ve chosen your classes and your visa is in hand. But what happens after you get off the plane and prepare to formally enter the United States?

For safety and security, the American government has established a set of port of entry procedures that visitors must go through upon arrival in the United States. The process is nearly always simple and speedy—and the right preparation can help make sure you pass through the airport with minimal delay.

This article provides information from port of entry experts at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Attaché Office in the U.S. Embassy in India on how to make your

Donna Burton/ Courtesy CBP

Smart preparation can help Indian students smoothly navigate the port of entry procedures on arrival at U.S. airports.

32 EDITION 2 2022

entry into the United States as smooth as possible.

Prepare, gather and backup your documents For Indian students entering the United States, important documents include a valid passport, the F-1 student visa and an approved Form I-20 A-B. It’s always a good idea to have both paper and digital copies of these documents as backup, in case something gets lost or stolen. But make sure to have the originals easily on hand when you arrive.

Supporting documents can also be helpful.

These can include the school admissions

Be mindful of what you pack

Relax and follow instructions The idea of navigating port of entry procedures may seem intimidating, especially for first-time travelers. If you’re anxious, try to focus on taking some deep breaths, staying relaxed and following instructions.

Avoid being over-friendly, talking too much, sharing documentation not requested, or doing anything else that may distract the CBP officer. Any such behaviors can slow down your admission into the United States.

Tell the truth Anyone who works with port of entry procedures will tell you that lying to CBP officers, about any matter and for any reason,

Be ready for quick passage, but stay flexible Under normal circumstances, port of entry procedures take only a few minutes from approaching the CBP officer to exiting the airport with your bags in hand. But always be prepared, in case things take longer.

If multiple international flights arrive at the same time, immigration and customs lines could run long. Similarly, if there’s a problem with the documentation or items you’re bringing into the country, you may also run into delays.

Regardless of what happens, cooperate and stay flexible. CBP officials are always working to get you on your way as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Michael Gallant is the founder and chief executive officer of Gallant Music. He lives in New York City.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection www.cbp.gov/travel

Know Before You Visit bit.ly/CBP_BeforeYouVisit

You’ve Arrived bit.ly/CBP_Arrival

Bringing Food into the United States bit.ly/CBP_BringingFood

To share articles go to https://spanmag.com EDITION 2 2022 33

Go Online

Certain types of food products and medications may be prohibited from entry in the United States. Getting caught with any such items can result in confiscation, delays and other problems. So make sure to do your homework before packing your bags.

The experts encourage all Indian students to visit the CBP website’s Bringing Food Into the United States and Know Before You Visit sections to learn about what items to bring and what to leave at home.

is a bad idea.

This includes Customs Declaration forms that all travelers, students included, are required to complete prior to arrival. These documents ask visitors to declare any items they are bringing into the country. Make sure to fill out the forms truthfully, as any items you misrepresent or fail to mention can result in penalties, delays and other issues.

Remember that the vast majority of conversations with CBP officers are very short, simple and straightforward. Stay calm and answer all questions truthfully and you’ll be done in no time.

Ozzy Trevino/Courtesy CBP

Ozzy Trevino/Courtesy CBP

James Tourtellotte/ Courtesy CBP

letter, point of contact information for your school and financial documentation that shows you’re able to support yourself while in the United States.

Make sure all documents are organized and stored somewhere safe while you’re in transit.

Once you land and it’s your turn to approach a CBP officer, have your documents either in your hand or quickly accessible.

Above: A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer works with a passenger entering the United States.

Above right and right: Certain food and agricultural products are restricted from entering the United States. Students should check CBP regulations before they pack.

Maintaining

Legal Status

By NATASA MILAS

Designated School Official (DSO)— Every year, the within 10 days of arrival. From then on, United States opens it is fairly simple to maintain legal status during the course of their studies. It is its doors to important, however, to ensure all the international students requirements necessary to maintain legal from around the world. status are kept in good standing.

For students, it’s Avoiding violations important to be “The programs of study in the United States are an opportunity intended to mindful of the provide the student with a rich and requirements to rewarding experience, along with a maintain legal status degree issued by a U.S. university that a superior achievement. The while studying in the reflects program is designed to facilitate, with United States. the greatest ease, the learning, cultural

S

tudying in the United States is a great opportunity for international students to interact with a different culture and gain invaluable learning experiences. During the 2020-2021 academic year, more than 900,000 international students were enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities, representing 4.6 percent of the total student population at these institutions, according to the 2021 Open Doors Report. Indian students comprised 18 percent of this number, with 167,582 students.

Students accepted to study at a U.S. higher education institution are typically issued an F-1 visa, or less frequently a J1 or M-1 visa, which enables them to be legally present in the United States for the purpose of studying at a university, college or vocational school.

Once in the United States, with their passports and visas in hand, international students need to report to their school’s international student advisers—the

34 EDITION 2 2022

and social offerings of study in the United States for all who abide by the intent and rules of the program,” says an official at the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Attaché Office in the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi. “The student needs to be vigilant in following the program guidelines and rules. The risk of operating outside of the program remains a constant temptation, regardless of the motivation. The student is strongly advised to maintain adherence to the programs and the conditions of the visa issued to them as the penalties of violating those terms may jeopardize future visas and opportunities to visit the United States.”

One of the key elements of maintaining legal status is to be enrolled in a full course of study and to make progress toward completion of the degree. Failure to do so can jeopardize the student’s status. According to Kristen Hagen, associate director at the Center for Global Engagement at Florida State University, students fail to maintain their

legal status when they do not enroll in a full course of study without obtaining advance authorization from their international student adviser. Students must be enrolled in classes, or have prior authorization to not enroll in classes, to maintain status. This is true except during an annual vacation.

The CBP Attaché Office says it understands that the “life of an international student can be difficult with challenges posed by living conditions, American culture, language (even though it still may be English), being far away from family and home, etc.” If students encounter difficulty in their studies, they can apply for a reduced course load with authorization from their international student adviser. “The international student adviser can authorize a reduced course load when a student has a documented medical condition or when a student has initial difficulties with English language or reading requirements, is unfamiliar with U.S. teaching methods, or encounters improper course level placement,” says Hagen.

She also advises to keep grades from falling too low, as this can jeopardize a student’s legal status. “If a student’s grades are too low, they can be dismissed from the program and not allowed to continue, leading to a loss of legal status,” she says.

Students on F-1 visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on campus and more during the holidays and vacations. If a student works for more than 20 hours on campus, or engages in work off campus without prior authorization from their international student adviser, they

Photographs courtesy Florida State University

Above and top far right: International students are offered a variety of educational and cultural programs, including discussions on immigration regulations, at Florida State University (above right)

seriously violate their legal status.

According to the CBP Attaché Office, “Penalties may include cancellation of the visa and even removal from the United States. In cases of violations, a student who is penalized may not be able to re-enter the United States at a later date. In all cases, and certainly if the student has any question or doubt about working in the United States, the student is strongly encouraged to consult the Designated School Official.”

Extending your stay

advisers inform international students about the important regulations that are integral to their F-1 nonimmigrant status, and they advise students on how to take advantage of the benefits of their F-1 status,” says Hagen.

Using the opportunities made available within the community of international students can also provide much-needed support. “Our Center for Global Engagement provides a variety of educational, social and cultural programs for all students throughout the year,” says Hagen.

Such a support network can come in handy when navigating complexities.

“Our international student advisers work hard to make sure that international students understand the F-1 student immigration regulations, so students maintain legal status while in the United States,” she explains. “We offer an online immigration module, we discuss immigration regulations during orientation, and we regularly communicate with students through email, newsletter and automatic alerts.”

With this level of support and range of opportunities, studying abroad can be an exciting adventure.

Natasa Milas is a freelance writer based in New York City.

Support system The key element in maintaining your legal status at a U.S. higher education institution is working closely with your international student adviser. “These advisers—the designated school officials—can issue I-20s and are responsible for maintaining a student’s immigration record in the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database. These

U.S. Customs and Border Protection www.cbp.gov

Center for Global Engagement https://cge.fsu.edu/

To share articles go to https://spanmag.com EDITION 2 2022 35

Go Online

After completion of their studies, students on F-1 visa can remain legally in the United States for 60 days, and students on J-1 and M-1 for 30 days. It is, however, possible to extend one’s stay in the United States after graduation in several ways.

Students on F-1 visa can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation. “Students who complete their studies can apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for up to 12 months of employment authorization to work in their field of study through OPT,” says Hagen.

When applying for OPT, students should submit their applications on time.

“USCIS must receive the application before the end of the 60-day grace period,” says Hagen. Students should also avoid “submitting the application for OPT without the recommendation from the student’s international student

adviser, engaging in work that is not related to the student’s program of study, exceeding the allowed days of unemployment, working before or after the dates on the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued

by USCIS,” she adds.

Besides the OPT, or even after OPT, students may be able to maintain their legal status in the United States by enrolling for another degree or applying for employment. “Some circumstances do allow for a student to extend his/her stay in the United States and these circumstances typically involve the transfer to another school, change in the education level—like pursuing a higher degree—or applying to change from the F-1 or M-1 status to another visa classification status. For example, H-1B (temporary worker), O (extraordinary ability in science, art or business), or P (athlete),” the CBP Attaché Office explains. “A student who wishes to extend his/her stay in the United States is strongly recommended to consult with the Designated School Official to learn more about possible opportunities and required actions for maintaining legal status in the United States after completing the initial program of study.”

During the Studying

By HILLARY HOPPOCK

nternational students pursuing higher education abroad faced a myriad of challenges at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020. Many universities shifted from in-person learning and interaction with teachers and students to virtual learning environments. As the pandemic evolved, so did changes to university enrollment systems and international travel requirements.

However, universities and students worked in tandem to make the best of the circumstances and ensure consistent admission cycles, uphold curriculum requirements and support students’ search for postgraduate employment. To illuminate the experience of studying during the pandemic, four Indian students studying in the United States shared their personal stories of adaptability and resilience with SPAN. Adjusting to virtual learning Kusuma Nagaraja spent several years working in India as a family law attorney, and had initially postponed her higher education plans due to the pandemic. She joined the University of California, Davis, for her Master of Laws in 2021, and had the opportunity to spend part of her time home in Bengaluru, while attending her classes virtually. “I began at home as there were

36 EDITION 2 2022

travel and visa restrictions in transitioning to the United States from India. Even though I missed some classes initially, they all were recorded so I could catch up,” she says.

Pratham Jadav studied at Ryan International School and St. Andrew’s College in Mumbai before beginning his undergraduate degree in business analytics at Iowa State University in 2020. His classes were both in-person and virtual, depending on the need.

“Labs and some other classes were inperson and maintained a strict policy of social distancing and wearing masks,” he explains. While the university enforced a 50 percent capacity rule in classrooms to ensure a safe environment, for Jadav, like many others, it was challenging to adapt to a new virtual study environment. “It took me a while to make friends with students studying the same course,” he says. However, “interaction with the professor or teaching assistants was not as much of a challenge as I was able to approach them after class or during their meeting hours,” he explains. Jadav found study groups exceptionally helpful in adapting to studying online during the pandemic.

“We would collaborate online or meet in the library study rooms,” he shares.

Throughout the pandemic, schools and universities recognized the importance of flexibility during these exceptional circumstances. Like Jadav, Shivna Saxena initially found it challenging to adapt to virtual classes. She began her graduate program in public health at Central Washington University in 2021.

“The virtual classroom experience was new, but with all the technological advancements and amazing platforms like Zoom, it was easy to learn,” she

Courtesy Sonal Sussane

I

Pandem c says. “My professors delivered lectures using breakout rooms for discussions and PowerPoint presentations, which proved very useful to me. Whenever I had doubts about my coursework, I contacted my professors on email and received a timely response. It was also helpful when they divided us into groups for writing assignments, which strengthened my involvement with my batchmates and learning from each other.”

Resilience under evolving circumstances Sonal Sussane was halfway through her bachelor’s degree in cell and molecular biology from the University of South Florida, in 2020, when pandemic lockdowns were imposed in the United States. “Fortunately, professors and teaching assistants were more lenient with coursework and deadlines in response to the challenges we faced,” she says.

Besides the disruption to enrollment of students, the universities also had to think on their feet to ensure classes continued on schedule and were engaging enough for students adapting to

Universities and students adapt to difficult circumstances as safety measures, social distancing and travel restrictions affect traditional university enrollment systems.

Courtesy Erin Low/UC Davis School of Law

Courtesy Shivna Saxena

From below far left: Sonal Sussane, Kusuma Nagaraja and Shivna Saxena.

and the masters of public health faculty, my overall educational experience has been very positive,” she says. Sussane was also proactive in joining on-campus activities, officiating at intramural games, tutoring students in the athletics department and serving as president of the Students of India Association at the University of South Florida.

Beyond campus life, students like Sussane established a food bank in response to the dire situation faced by many international students and their families. “Many had lost their jobs and were unable to pay rent or buy groceries.

We coordinated with the Indian families of Tampa Bay to collect food, groceries and toiletries,” she says. “We also distributed $5,000 in gift cards and connected students with the representatives of nonprofit organizations who helped them with rent payments. Through our efforts, we were able to serve more than 200 students.” While many students experienced challenges during the pandemic, university resources, understanding faculty and supportive peers continued to make studying in the United States an invaluable opportunity.

Iowa State University www.iastate.edu

University of South Florida www.usf.edu

University of California, Davis www.ucdavis.edu

Central Washington University www.cwu.edu

Hillary Hoppock is a freelance writer, former newspaper publisher and reporter based in Orinda, California.

To share articles go to https://spanmag.com EDITION 2 2022 37

Go Online

a new virtual learning environment. “They came up with innovative ways to make our learning experience interactive,” says Sussane.

“For example, in the genetics lab we did online simulations and in our organic chemistry class we played a game on an app where we were able to create and break bonds to make different molecules.”

Students had to manage the duality of personal safety and adapting to an unpredictable time in a foreign country, and did all they could to keep themselves engaged.

Nagaraja was proactive in reacting to the new pandemic restrictions. “To focus and be productive at home, I involved myself in physical activity like yoga, cooking and baking. I was able to connect with my fellow students because our program offered virtual events for students where we played games, sang karaoke and attended meet and greets.

Later when I was able to come to the United States, we scheduled our own socially distant in-person peer events.”

Understanding how the social, mental, physical, environmental aspects of health influence the quality of life, Saxena made an extra effort to engage in clubs and academic events at her university. “Thanks to the amazing team of international program advisers

A Bear at for Life!

A

Graduate-level study at a U.S. university is not just about coursework and research, it's also about new experiences and discovering yourself.

n American academic degree is often linked to better career prospects and job security, but we tend to forget the invaluable experience of learning—not just our course material, but about ourselves as well. I have always believed that leaving family and friends behind to travel, on my first-ever flight, thousands of miles to a new place to live among people from all over the world must be about more than just academic pursuits. I had applied to six universities, got into five of them, and ultimately decided to pursue a master’s in chemical engineering from the University of Cincinnati (UC) in the fall of 2012.

I had a vague idea about “GradLife” but upon getting to Cincinnati and speaking to fellow graduate students, some said it was all about coursework and research while others said that it’s reading literature and writing your thesis that gave you nightmares. A different set of folks said it’s student employment that will need a lot of getting used to.

Responses seemed to be based on personal experiences and all of them were different.

That made me feel that my experiences might just be very different from all of theirs. I had often asked myself, “What am I going to take away in addition to my degree when I leave this place?” This question was my guiding principle during grad life, in the pursuit of learning about myself. I also keenly observed Photographs by Bearcat2011/ Courtesy Wikipedia

Below and below right: Sid Thatham pursued his master’s in chemical engineering at the University of Cincinnati.

By SID THATHAM

38 EDITION 2 2022

the college life that students had which was so different from my undergrad experience back home. As a grad student, I often asked myself how it would be possible to experience some of those aspects of college life.

The easiest way to find answers to these questions was to get involved on campus. I was the president of the Indian Student Association, a two-time vice president of the graduate student body, part of the search committee for UC president, the business lead for Hyperloop UC and an international ambassador for UC. I have also participated in TEDxUCincinnati and TEDxCincinnati.

My time on campus, the variety of professional and academic opportunities, and cultural diversity I experienced have helped me grow as a person. On-campus involvement has played a major role in my learning about equity along with diversity and inclusion. For international students who’ve only lived in a racially homogenous country, the value of racial diversity and inclusion was an alien concept as a kid.

The cultural diversity in the United States is like nowhere else. My involvement with the UC’s Racial Awareness Program (RAPP) was such an eye-opening experience and contributed a great deal toward my understanding of life in the United States and people in general. I learned that “diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.”

Through friends from RAPP, I got a chance to be a volunteer for TEDxCincinnati for three years. As a kid growing up in India, I’d always wanted to watch a TEDx event live since they weren’t big in my city back then. During this time, I was also a part of the first-ever Hyperloop team on campus and had a chance to do a TEDx talk about the student team. It was nerve-racking to speak in front of more than 800 people, but I got to overcome my

Sid Thatham is an energy engineer and associate professor (adjunct) at University of Cincinnati.

Photographs courtesy Sid Thatham

stage fright that petrified me for 12 years.

Leading a TEDx talk was once a distant dream, but to date I have done four.

I have also made several memories along the way—from my first cosplay for Halloween and eating the famous Girl Scout cookies that I had only heard of in the movies to visiting places where some of my favorite movies were filmed and eating food that astronauts eat on the International Space Station. Things that I did not even dream of have happened as well— from speaking at the World Bank to walking alongside Howard Schultz and Elon Musk.

However, this journey was not always easy.

Sleeping under the table on campus to save time was a daily routine. Cooked food was a luxury. I had to often live off coffee, peanut butter and apples. I was not always able to make time for friends and family and I have not been able to make a trip back home for almost eight years.

Five years of graduate school and two graduate degrees later—I ended up staying back to get a Master of Business Administration (MBA)—I realized what my friends had told me was true, but in parts. I also realized there is so much more to the life of an international student in the United States.

It really comes down to what you want from it.

The more you give, the more you can take.

I started as a student in 2012 and graduated in 2017. I have been working at the university since then. My primary role is that of an energy engineer at the university’s power plant and I teach on-and-off. It has almost been a decade since I moved to Cincinnati. During this time, I have spent more time on campus than off campus, first as a student and now as an employee. This university has been a major part of my life and has been a home away from home. This place and the people here have taught me a lot and helped me rediscover myself. The past 10 years have been the toughest times of my life so far but also the most rewarding.

So, when you move to the United States, explore! Take that chance. Make the most of it.

My student life in the United States took me places I did not think I would ever go, let me do things that I never thought I could do. There have been a lot of heartaches but no regrets.

I started off as an international student at the University of Cincinnati. I’m now a Cincinnati Bearcat for life.

Top: Sid Thatham (center, back row) learned about cultural diversity and life in the United States by participating in the University of Cincinnati’s Racial

Awareness Program.

Above: Thatham also got the opportunity to participate in several TEDx talks.

To share articles go to https://spanmag.com EDITION 2 2022 39

VibrantCampusLife of U.S. Universities

A

By CANDICE YACONO

merican universities routinely rank among the world’s best and are well known for their combination of academic excellence and a strong focus on extracurricular activities. In the United States, a dynamic campus life is crucial to getting the most out of the university experience. Universities spend a large amount of manpower, planning and resources to ensure its international students are wellsettled, supported and welladjusted to start their next phase of life. Student life organizations at universities maintain and develop a culturally diverse campus. From clubs to performing arts groups and volunteering opportunities to spaces for informal hangouts, student life departments and organizations cater to students with varying interests.

For example, the Indian Students Association (ISA) at universities across the United States brings together both Indian and American students and alumni.

ISA is usually an umbrella body

bringing together smaller clubs and associations that students can participate in.

The ISA at University of Texas at Austin, which was established in 1954, is currently one of the largest student organizations on campus with over 150 paid members. The ISA at California State University, Fullerton, also boasts of 200 members and is one of the largest cultural organizations on campus. Purdue University and the University of Michigan also have ISAs geared toward connecting students and building community.

These associations typically hold events like Diwali and New Year’s dance shows that welcome the larger college community. Each spring, the ISA at Purdue University hosts the Crossroads of Bhangra competition—one of its most popular bhangra competitions—which welcomes student bhangra teams from universities across the United States like Yale, Princeton and Columbia. The University of Texas at Austin takes pride in its nationally competing dance group Texas Bhangra, which

Above, left and far left: Participants at TAAL 2019, a campus-wide South Asian talent competition hosted by the Indian Students Association at University of Texas at Austin.

40 EDITION 2 2022

To share articles go to https://spanmag.com EDITION 2 2022 41

Photographs courtesy facebook.com/texasisa

Student organizations create a diverse campus and help build life-long memories and relationships. Indian Student Associations are one way both Indian and American students merge culture and student life on campus.

Courtesy facebook.com/isaumich

42 EDITION 2 2022

Southern California. It also works to familiarize the larger campus community with Indian culture.

Universities in the United States also provide student support services with the sole objective of assisting new students and their families adjust to the new life on campus. From health and academics to financial assistance and safety, these official university support systems are the primary providers of all student care.

ISAs in universities are one example of student organizations that support this goal by providing supplemental student resources to students when they need it the most. The ISA at University of Texas at Austin holds a special drive, called Food For Thought, under which students

Courtesy facebook.com/groups/807205119323915/

Courtesy University of Notre Dame Courtesy facebook.com/CSUF-Indian-Student-Association

was formed in 2003 with the distinctive vision of promoting Punjabi culture and multiculturalism.

On large campuses, the ISA functions as a support network and social group for students looking for cultural connections, like-minded peers and familiarity. The ISA at the University of Michigan helps Indian international students as well as American students of Indian descent to get to know each other. The ISA provides students assistance in finding accommodation, hosting welcome events, matching them with peers and advisers who can help them with campus life, and answering any questions they may have. At California State University, Fullerton, the ISA strives to link students with the larger Indian community in

are served free food during their finals week. Similarly, the Purdue Indian Undergraduate Welfare Association helps incoming freshmen adjust to life in the United States in the summer prior to their arrival.

Needless to say, students in the United States embrace the vibrance and discomfort of a new university lifestyle.

Where students ultimately go to college will undoubtedly affect their experience.

Those who choose to attend school in a large urban university will have a very different experience than those who move to a small town. Students who thrive on a fast-paced lifestyle and who are accustomed to city life may find a large institution to be the best choice for them, while those who are intimidated

Courtesy facebook.com/texasisa

www.texasisa.org

Purdue Indian Student Association bit.ly/3E6IPpn

Go Online

ISA at University of Texas at Austin

ISA at California State University, Fullerton bit.ly/3vleMpY

ISA at University of Michigan bit.ly/37FL3jc

STATEMENT FORM IV

The following is a statement of ownership and other particulars about SPAN magazine as required under Section 19D(b) of the Press & Registration of Books Act, 1867, and under Rule 8 of the Registration of Newspaper (Central) Rules, 1956.

1. Place of Publication:

Indian Student Associations function as support networks and social groups for students looking for cultural connections, like-minded peers and familiarity. They celebrate festivals, organize trips and cultural events, connect students, help build community and assist new students adjust to life on campus.

by the thought of navigating a subway system and a university filled with tens of thousands of students may prefer the slower way of life in small college towns.

Whatever schools a student may be considering, there are sure to be extracurricular opportunities for all students.

If an in-person tour isn’t possible, students should check university websites to learn whether there’s a club of interest, connect with others on Facebook and ask about their experiences. And most importantly, whatever school a student attends, they should be willing to step out of their comfort zone and attend events, because opportunities won’t fall into their dorm room.

Candice Yacono is a magazine and newspaper writer based in southern California.

Public Affairs Section American Embassy American Center 24, Kasturba Gandhi Marg New Delhi 110001

2. Periodicity of Publication:

Bi-monthly

3. Printer’s Name: Nationality: Address:

C.J. Jassawala Indian Thomson Press India Ltd. 18/35, Delhi Mathura Road Faridabad 121007 Vijay Adlakha Indian Infinity Advertising Services (p) Ltd. Plot No.-171 & 172, Sector-58, Faridabad 121004

Printer’s Name: Nationality: Address:

4. Publisher’s Name: Nationality: Address:

Gloria F. Berbena American 24, Kasturba Gandhi Marg New Delhi 110001

5. Editor’s Name: Nationality: Address:

Deepanjali Kakati Indian 24, Kasturba Gandhi Marg New Delhi 110001

6. Name and address of The Government of the individuals who own United States of America the newspaper and partners or shareholders holding more than one percent of the total capital: I, Gloria F. Berbena, hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Date: April 5, 2022

Gloria F. Berbena Signature of Publisher

EDITION 2 2022 43