My Journey as an International Student: Navigating Challenges, Embracing Diversity

Hi Mavs!  I’m Amulya Yakkala and when I am not working on my master's in computer science, I work here at UTA Libraries as an editorial assistant in the Marketing and Communications department. I wanted to share how I came to the university from my home in India. 

As an international student, studying abroad has been a transformative adventure filled with sweet and sour incidents, such as cultural discoveries, new friendships and homesickness. I want to share my experiences and insights with others to give a glimpse of what studying in a foreign land is like and how I have faced these difficulties. 

First Experiences 

Before I even got off the plane, I met people from several different cultures. There were new customs and traditions around me, from bowing in Japan to cheek-kissing in France. In India, traditional greetings often involve a "Namaste," where people press their palms together and bow slightly as a sign of respect. It's a gesture that carries deep cultural and spiritual significance. 

In contrast, handshakes are a standard greeting in the United States. People extend their right hand to shake, which is a friendly and professional way to say hello. 

Adjusting to a foreign language for everyday tasks was challenging, as it is not my native language. However, I faced it with determination. Although it felt uneasy at first, with time, I began to enjoy the process of learning and expressing myself in a new language. 

I have realized that living in a foreign country and managing finances involves more than just exchanging currencies. It also meant creating a budget for daily expenses, tuition fees and unforeseen costs. Initially, being financially independent was scary. Still, I have learned valuable skills, such as the importance of money and how to manage and budget it properly. As a result, I no longer spend money on unnecessary items and have started saving. 

Experiencing diverse perspectives and interacting with people from various backgrounds is one of the most thrilling aspects of studying abroad. It has broadened my thoughts. Studying abroad has also shown me that the world is far more colorful than I had imagined. 

I often miss India's street food, and one of my favorites is eating panipuri with my friends. After coming here, I started to cook all the dishes by myself. It was hard and not tasty initially, but I have improved dramatically after several attempts and months of cooking. It's funny how I've become so adept at cooking; sometimes, I even joke with my mom that I can prepare some dishes better than her. 

It's a delightful feeling, knowing that I'm learning new skills, and I can't wait to make those dishes for my parents and feed them, just as they did for me back home. These moments help me overcome homesickness and feel closer to my family, even when we're miles apart. 

Making Friends and Staying Connected to Home 

Initially, making friends from different parts of the world seemed challenging as I didn't know whom I could easily connect with and share my struggles. Then, I got to know two amazing friends, Pavan Kumar Innamuri and Hemanth Kambham, who helped me through my tough times and brought laughter into my life. 

I realized how fortunate I was to have met them and our friendship grew stronger as we tackled challenges, studied together, and explored new cities. These friendships transcended geographical boundaries and became my dependable support system. 

During my journey, there were times when I missed home and my loved ones. You know that feeling, right? But I found a sweet way to deal with it. I call my parents every morning and night to chat about how my day went. 

Here's the cool part: my mom has become my virtual partner in crime. She's always curious to see what I'm up to, so I send her pictures of my daily adventures. It's like she's right there with me, even though she's miles away. And, of course, she tells me all about her day, too. These little moments of sharing pics and stories make me feel like home is just a phone call away. 

Studying abroad isn't just about academics; it's about personal growth. I became more resilient, open-minded, and globally connected in this journey. The challenges I have faced have transformed into opportunities for self-discovery. If you are an international student, this is the moment to embrace the adventure which will shape you in ways you have never imagined.