This is my journey as an Indian student studying abroad. I want to share my story in the hope that it will inspire others who are considering the same path.
My background
I was born in West Bengal, India and completed my undergraduate degree from LPU in Punjab. After that, I moved to Bangalore to work in IT for two years.
While I was committed to my career, I also recognised the value of pursuing a Masters abroad as a way to further my academic and professional growth, while immersing myself in a new culture and expanding my perspective.
I began applying to universities across the UK and the US. Ultimately, I chose the University of York, a decision that changed my life.
Why York?
York stood out to me for several reasons. Firstly, York is one of England’s oldest cities, with rich historical significance, including its Viking heritage, so the prospect of studying there was exciting.
Moreover, York’s reputation as a centre of academic excellence appealed to me. I wanted to experience a different education system, one that focuses on independent research and application, which is quite different from what I was used to in India.
The academic experience was a much more dynamic learning experience, a departure from what I had known. At York, assignments were open-book and required in-depth research and collaboration. It pushed me to think critically and apply my knowledge creatively.
Travel, culture and socialising
Since moving to York in 2021, I’ve visited more than 60 places across 11 countries, all the while studying and working at the University.
York itself felt like a home away from home—charming, historical, and full of life. I stayed in Halifax College with about 20 postgraduate and PhD students from India, the US, Asia, and Africa. We celebrated different festivals, and even shared meals from our respective countries. Fridays were our night-outs, and weekends were typically more relaxed. We enjoyed varsity events, inter-college sports, Bollywood nights, and celebrations like Holi and Diwali.
Finding a job
I found my current role through the University’s job portal. I had experience with various AI tools, cybersecurity applications, and e-learning platforms, which made my application stand out.
Finding a job was tough, but I believed in myself. I had two years on my visa, and I was determined to find a job within that time.
What helped me stay motivated was staying consistent and calm. Instead of sending out generic applications, I tailored my CV to each role, highlighting my relevant experiences. I focused on specific projects like building secure websites and using AI tools for e-learning. This approach helped me secure interviews and eventually land my current role.
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