Unique Observations from My Trips to India: What Sets It Apart

According to recent Open Doors reports India is now the largest exporter of students to the United States for higher education. Many of these students are looking for graduate programs but there are also a large number who want to pursue their undergraduate careers in the United States. For any college or university that wants to enroll students outside of their own backyard, India should be at the top of your list.

Recruiting in India presents both opportunities and challenges to even the most veteran of admissions counselors. Whether you're new to India or have been there several times, here are some tips for having a successful trip.

1. Be Prepared for a Sensory Experience

If you've never traveled to India, you should be ready to have all of your senses experience new sights, smells, tastes, and sounds. Vibrant colors are everywhere – in saris, in the food, in the flowers. The smells of curries are memorable and their tastes are even better. You'll see cows and the occasional monkey, and you'll hear plenty of car horns honking. Your senses will be awakened in ways that are simultaneously exciting and occasionally overwhelming.

2. Travel with a Group

I've been to India on three recruiting trips and all of them have been with groups: two as part of an organized tour and one with four other small liberal arts colleges on a do-it- yourself trip. Traveling in a group ensures that you will see more students when you visit high schools. You'll speak with students who might have never heard of your college, simply because they're there to learn about another school – and they might discover that you're a better fit for them. You can split some costs and you'll have people to hang out with in the evenings, instead of spending your free time alone in a hotel room.

3. Mentally Prepare Yourself for Traffic

The metropolitan areas of Delhi and Mumbai are each home to more than 20 million people so it's natural that there is significant traffic. But until you're on a four-lane highway with five lanes of vehicles that are all trying to merge into two lanes, you just don't realize how much traffic there is. Trips that are short in terms of distance can be maddeningly long. So be sure to plan plenty of time between your visits. And make sure to be patient.

4. Get Ready to Talk about Business, Finance, and Economics

On my recent 10-day trip, I was asked about at least one of these three subjects at every school visit. A good admissions counselor will come prepared to discuss these majors in a general way. A great admissions counselor will come prepared with examples of international students (preferably Indian students) and their work in these areas, both in college and afterwards. These areas of study are more and more common at United States colleges/universities so you'll want to be sure you're very knowledgeable on them – these are subjects that Indian students prioritize.

5. Be Adventurous

There is so much amazing food in India. Food that you get in most Indian restaurants in the United States is north Indian food – curries, butter chicken, tikka masala, tandoori chicken, etc. When you venture south, you'll find different food: idli, dosa, and sambar. And then there are things like chaat and nimbu pani that you simply must try at least once. If you always look for the same meal, you're going to go hungry. Try new things and you'll be surprised at how great they are. And then you'll want to explore more.

Every one of my trips to India has led me to experiences that I will treasure forever. I've met great students and counselors, had wonderful conversations with parents, and helped families see why studying in the United States is worth considering. I hope that the tips above will help you with your trips to India, making the experience more rewarding and a little less stressful.