Before becoming an international higher education expert and author, Dr. Rajika Bhandari left India at 21 to study in the U.S. Here are her top five tips for students moving abroad.
What does it take to succeed as an international student?
I wish someone had answered this for me when I first left India for the U.S. years ago.
At 21, I was naive—full of dreams about America but clueless about the challenges ahead. I didn’t realize how tough it would be to adapt to a new country and culture, nor did I foresee the incredible opportunities waiting for me.
Most international students are smart about academic prep, but other factors are just as crucial for success and happiness abroad.
Here are five things you might not have considered before starting your journey.
My advice isn’t just from my own experience. Over the past 20 years, I’ve researched, observed, taught, and mentored countless international students worldwide.
1. Be ready for a different classroom vibe
In many parts of the world—like where I’m from—the classroom feels more formal compared to Western countries like the U.S. or U.K.
How many of you cringe at the idea of calling professors by their first names? Or raising your hand? Or even asking questions?
I was too shy to speak up, terrified of sounding stupid.
But as an international student, your perspective is valuable. Push yourself to turn those thoughts in your head into real conversations with professors and classmates. Engage with the material, find your own study rhythm, and ask every question you’re dying to ask.
2. Be open to experimenting with your learning
In places like the U.S., education systems encourage flexibility, exploration, and mixing different subjects. Take full advantage—this freedom lets you stretch your interests in unexpected ways.
I came to the U.S. to study psychology, but my path shifted as I discovered new ideas. Don’t miss the chance to test boundaries, switch tracks, and explore throughout your degree.
3. Scholarships exist—but you’ll have to hunt for them
Let’s be real: Money is a struggle for international students. Visa restrictions often limit how much you can work, making finances even tighter.
But if you dig deep, you’ll find scholarships—even after arriving. Beyond big, competitive awards, many schools offer smaller grants and funding options. Research thoroughly, and don’t hesitate to email departments or outside organizations about financial help.
4. It’s not just about academics
Studying abroad isn’t just a degree—it’s a chance to dive into a whole new society.
Our ideas about other countries often come from media, which can be misleading. How much do you really know about the place you’re moving to? Its history? Its social struggles?
Leaving home forces you to question your own biases and see your country differently. My time in the U.S. stretched my thinking in ways I never expected.
5. You’re becoming a global citizen
As you start this journey, think of yourself as an unofficial ambassador—bringing your culture into classrooms and campuses.
What you learn might shape your future, whether back home or elsewhere. Use this time to grow into the global citizen you’re meant to be.
