Takeaways From My Recent Visit to the United States

An Exhilarating Journey

I recently returned from an exhilarating trip to the US, where I had the fantastic opportunity to meet with admissions teams from some of the leading colleges in the United States. Joining me on this adventure were my dynamic colleagues: Revathi Shivakumar, the rapidly rising star of South Mumbai's IEC scene, and Neeraj Mandhana, the visionary founder of the Next Genius Scholarship Program, NM Squad, AIIEC, and Aiyyo Newsletter (the one you're reading right now!). Together, we embarked on a memorable journey, covering 800 miles by car and taking 8 flights over 15 days, visiting 12 of the top colleges in the US.

Texas Christian University

Our adventure kicked off in the heart of Texas at Texas Christian University (TCU). We were warmly welcomed with true Texan hospitality, a Texas-sized greeting! At TCU, we were captivated by the inspiring Professor Kelly Slaughter, who leads the Business Information System program at the Neeley School of Business. Professor Weis from the Electrical Engineering Department left a lasting impression with his heartfelt admiration for his Indian students. His dedication to their success was palpable, and his personal stories about the achievements of Next Genius scholars were incredibly touching. Speaking to Harmann, a Next Genius Scholar at TCU and a student of Professor Weis, I heard firsthand how impactful Professor Weis had been: "Prof. Weis is my everything. All that I am is because of him."

Tech and Liberal Arts in Boston

From the warmth of Texas, we traveled to the academic hubs of Boston, visiting Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and College of the Holy Cross. WPI is a paradise for tech enthusiasts and aspiring engineers, a place where learning through projects is the norm. If building robots and automating systems excites you, WPI might be your dream school. Holy Cross, on the other hand, excels in liberal arts, offering fantastic programs in Psychology, Economics, and beyond.

Exploring Bates, Dartmouth, and Bowdoin

Our road trip continued north through the picturesque landscapes of New Hampshire and Vermont to Maine. At Bates College, we encountered two of their fun traditions: the mock shaadi, a playful event where seniors "marry off," and the Polar Bear Plunge, where brave students dive into a freezing lake every winter. En route to Bates, we also visited Dartmouth and Bowdoin, both institutions with extraordinary academic programs and vibrant student bodies.

Syracuse University Innovations

Next, I flew to Syracuse University, where I witnessed the ingenuity of students engineering a racing car and innovating new products under the Invent @ SU program. This prestigious program awards cash prizes to the top three teams presenting the best and most investable products. I also explored the Newhouse School, renowned for its media and journalism programs that lead to high-paying jobs and internships at top-tier companies. Other highlights included their popular Sports Management program and the rigorous but highly esteemed Architecture program, humorously dubbed "archi-torture."

Grinnell and Cornell Colleges

From Syracuse, I flew to Chicago and then drove 500 kilometers west to visit Grinnell College. There, Jon Edwards gave me a tour of the campus, his personal music studio, and the largest tractors I've ever seen! Grinnell is celebrated for its Economics program, among others. I also visited Cornell College, where Professor Tabak shared insights into their unique block plan, allowing students to immerse themselves in one subject for three weeks before moving on to the next.

Augustana College

After Cornell, I visited Augustana College, where I had the pleasure of meeting the fantastic Indian professor Mamata, who teaches a unique major called Business Intelligence. Their Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dr. Gauri Pitale, is doing exceptional work in growing the diversity at Augustana. This was evident by the vibrant Indian and Nepali community on campus.

Knox and Beloit Colleges

Driving back east towards Chicago, I visited two more exceptional Next Genius colleges: Knox and Beloit. Meeting the thriving Next Genius scholars on these campuses was a joy. Saumyaa, a recent graduate from Beloit, is heading to Yale for fully-funded research in politics. At Knox, scholars enthusiastically shared their experiences and how the college is preparing them for success.

Why the US Attracts Indian Students

The US remains a top destination for Indian students due to its world-class education, abundant research opportunities, and rich multicultural environment. Indian students contribute immensely to American campuses, gaining invaluable skills and experiences that prepare them for global leadership roles. My visit reaffirmed that the US offers a safe, diverse, and supportive environment, enriched by unique college traditions and a vibrant sports culture. This fosters both academic and personal growth, helping students thrive.

As our world becomes more interconnected, the education and experiences of Indian students in the US will shape a bright, collaborative future for both nations. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for educators guiding students in their educational and career choices. The robust US-India relationship, strengthened by educational exchanges, promises a bright future for students seeking to expand their horizons and achieve their academic and professional goals.