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Life of Indian Students in the USA
The USA is the leading country in offering world-class education and attractive career opportunities to Indian students. According to a report of Open Doors, the number of Indian students enrolled in the academic year 2023-24 is around 3.31 Lakh, accounting for 29% of the total international student population.
This has demonstrated the growing popularity of the USA among Indian students. In this blog, we have discussed the daily lives of Indian students in the USA, along with popular cities and their features.
- Study in the USA: Key Highlights
- Academic Life in the USA
- Cultural Life of Indian Students in the USA
- Social Life in the USA
- Popular Cities in the USA for Indian Students by AdmitX
- New York City (NYC), New York
- Boston, Massachusetts
- San Francisco, California
- Chicago, Illinois
- Los Angeles, California
- Key Takeaways by AdmitX
- FAQs
Study in the USA: Key Highlights
Total Population | 33.50 Crore |
---|---|
Number of Public Universities | 1,626 |
Number of Private Universities | 1,687 |
Number of Indian Students | 3.31 Lakhs |
Popular Student Cities | Boston New York City Chicago Los Angeles San Diego Austin Seattle Atlanta Houston San Francisco |
Academic Life in the USA
The story narrating the life of Indian students in the USA begins with a glimpse into the country’s dynamic academic environment, which is very different from India.
If you are going to study in the USA for the first time, then you will be amazed to find the differences between the two countries, academically, socially, and culturally.
- The US education system offers flexibility to international students.
- They can freely choose a combination of different subjects to study that is aligned with their career aspirations and personal interests.
- For example, students pursuing a neuroscience major can explore other subjects, such as computer science and mathematics, through their coursework.
- USA universities emphasised promoting creativity, deep thinking, and problem-solving abilities in the students.
- Students are encouraged to ask insightful questions, participate in class debates, and challenge the viewpoints of professors respectfully.
- Most socialisation takes place on campus through classes, events, part-time work, and other extracurricular activities.
Classroom Attendance
- Missing classes at US universities or colleges can have serious consequences for Indian students.
- Repeated absences may lead to temporary suspension or even permanent expulsion.
- To avoid this, most universities require students to maintain a minimum attendance of 70-75%, as attendance often constitutes a portion of their academic grades.
Interaction with Professors
- Professors often encourage students to interact with them for any kind of help required in studies or solving doubts.
- US professors are easily approachable as they see themselves as mentors or guides rather than teachers.
- Students can seek their assistance on campus or by email.
Cultural Life of Indian Students in the USA
To study in the USA, students must have a basic understanding of local norms, culture, and traditions for an easy transition to a new life.
- Similar to India, US culture is a vibrant mix of different ethnicities, lifestyles, and traditions.
- US universities and industries value the diversity that international students bring to the country.
- This includes various languages, cuisines, cultural practices, festivals, etc.
- Such exposure brings personal growth and makes them feel how this world and people are interconnected.
- Indian students get lifelong friendships and meaningful connections that do not make them feel alone on their journey.
Social Life in the USA
- US society values self-reliance and individualism because the people in the country are encouraged to express their opinions and make their own decisions, even if they are different from others.
- This helps Indian students foster their own beliefs and values while studying in the USA.
- In the USA, direct dialogue is often promoted to rule out the possibility of impartiality or miscommunication. They may expect the same from Indian students.
- Unlike India, family values and collectivist culture in the USA are discouraged to maintain the individuality of thoughts, opinions, and ideas.
- Being on time for classes, work, appointments, and social events is very important for Indian students residing in the USA because it shows respect for others’ time.
Popular Cities in the USA for Indian Students by AdmitX
The top 5 popular cities in the USA for Indian students are listed below.
- New York City (NYC), New York
- Boston, Massachusetts
- San Francisco, California
- Chicago, Illinois
- Los Angeles, California
These cities are widely popular among Indian students, which offer them a unique experience based on their academic focus, career prospects, presence of global attractions, cultural hubs, etc. Let’s discuss them one by one.
New York City (NYC), New York
New York City houses the largest number of Indian students in the USA, around 32,000. NYC is the financial capital of the USA, providing exposure to incredible cultural diversity and enriching academic life. The city dominates education, innovation, arts, entertainment, banking, and architecture.
Popular Institutes | Columbia University New York University Yeshiva University The City University of New York Pace University |
Cost of Living (Per Year) | INR 16 Lakh-30 Lakh |
Popular Attractions | Statue of Liberty Times Square Empire State Building Metropolitan Museum of Art World Trade Centre |
Famous Cuisines | Hot dogs New York Style-Pizza Black and White Cookie Shawarma Bagels |
Popular For | Fashion and Shopping Skyscrapers and Architecture Music and Nightlife |
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is one of the USA’s most innovative and diverse cities and is world-renowned for its rich art, history, and culture. It provides several entertainment options, from art galleries, theatres, and museums to vibrant festivals, delicious food options, and exciting nightlife.
Popular Institutes | Boston University Harvard University MIT UMass Boston Northeastern University |
Cost of Living (Per Year) | INR 10 Lakh-20 Lakh |
Popular Attractions | Institute of Contemporary Arts Old State House Fenway Park The Freedom Trail Boston Public Garden |
Famous Cuisines | Boston baked beans Yankee pot roast Broiled Boston scrod Cannolis Steamed lobster |
Popular For | Hub for Biotech and Innovation Research Sports Culture Seafood |
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is home to the world-renowned Silicon Valley, where technological companies such as Facebook, Google, Apple, and many other medium—to large-sized start-ups are located.
Popular Institutes | Stanford University San Francisco State University University of California at Berkeley California College of Arts University of San Francisco |
Cost of Living (Per Year) | INR 30 Lakh-55 Lakh |
Popular Attractions | Golden Gate Bridge Alcatraz Island Chinatown Golden Gate Park Coit Tower |
Famous Cuisines | Ciopinno Tamal California Rolls Palo Alto Fries Honey Lavender |
Popular For | Silicon Valley Tech Hub and Innovation Cable Cars |
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is the third-largest city in the USA and is often regarded as the birthplace of modern architecture. The city is also known for its rich history, cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and hub for finance, education, and technology.
Popular Institutes | University of Chicago University of Illinois at Chicago Illinois Institute of Technology North Park University Roosevelt University |
Cost of Living (Per Year) | INR 16 Lakh-25 Lakh |
Popular Attractions | Millennium Park Navy Pier Chicago Riverwalk Museum of Science and Industry Grant Park |
Famous Cuisines | Chicago Style-Deep Dish Pizza Garrett Popcorn Jibarito BBQ Ribs Tacos |
Popular For | Historical Significance Food and Culinary Scene World Class Museums |
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is situated in California. It is one of the most vibrant cities and houses the Hollywood industry, including globally popular television and film studios and iconic theatres.
Popular Institutes | California Institute of Technology University of California University of Southern California Occidental College Pepperdine University |
Cost of Living (Per Year) | INR 30 Lakh-45 Lakh |
Popular Attractions | Hollywood Walk of Fame Griffith Observatory Los Angeles County Museum of Arts Venice Beach Santa Monica Pier |
Famous Cuisines | Korean BBQ Tamales In-N-Out Burgers Baklava Falafel |
Popular For | TV and film production Companies like Warner Bros, Disney and Marvel Studios Beaches Tech and Innovation |
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
Pursuing higher studies in the USA means more than just engaging in academic activities. It provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the country’s vibrant culture and diversity.
From interacting with students from different backgrounds to exploring various cultural events, studying in the USA allows you to broaden your horizons both academically and personally.
FAQs
What is the cost of living in the USA
The average cost of living in the USA is around USD 15,000-30,000 or INR 12 Lakh-25 Lakh per year, depending on the city and lifestyle preferences of the students.
What are the difficulties faced by Indian students in the USA?
The most common difficulties faced by Indian students in the USA are homesickness, cultural shock, miscommunication due to language barrier, difficulty in interacting with locals, financial constraints, etc.
What are some popular USA cities for Indian students?
Some of the popular cities in the USA for Indian students are New York City, Boston, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Diego, Austin, Seattle, Houston, and Atlanta.
What are the cheapest cities in the USA for Indian students?
For Indian students looking to study in the USA on a low budget, some of the cheapest USA cities are Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Tucson, Louisville, Raleigh, Columbus, etc.
Is the USA safe for Indian students?
The USA is often considered the safest country in the world for providing academic and professional experience to people from around the globe.
Universities, industries, and local communities work together to create an environment where international students can thrive.