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Life of Indian Students in the USA

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

Total Population33.50 Crore
Number of Public Universities1,626
Number of Private Universities1,687
Number of Indian Students3.31 Lakhs
Popular Student CitiesBoston
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 InstitutesColumbia 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 AttractionsStatue of Liberty
Times Square
Empire State Building
Metropolitan Museum of Art
World Trade Centre
Famous CuisinesHot dogs
New York Style-Pizza
Black and White Cookie
Shawarma
Bagels
Popular ForFashion 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 InstitutesBoston University
Harvard University
MIT
UMass Boston
Northeastern University
Cost of Living (Per Year)INR 10 Lakh-20 Lakh

Popular AttractionsInstitute of Contemporary Arts
Old State House
Fenway Park
The Freedom Trail
Boston Public Garden

Famous CuisinesBoston baked beans
Yankee pot roast
Broiled Boston scrod
Cannolis
Steamed lobster
Popular ForHub 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 InstitutesStanford 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 AttractionsGolden Gate Bridge
Alcatraz Island
Chinatown
Golden Gate Park
Coit Tower
Famous CuisinesCiopinno
Tamal
California Rolls
Palo Alto Fries
Honey Lavender
Popular ForSilicon 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 InstitutesUniversity 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 AttractionsMillennium Park
Navy Pier
Chicago Riverwalk
Museum of Science and Industry
Grant Park
Famous CuisinesChicago Style-Deep Dish Pizza
Garrett Popcorn
Jibarito
BBQ Ribs
Tacos
Popular ForHistorical 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 InstitutesCalifornia 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 AttractionsHollywood Walk of Fame
Griffith Observatory
Los Angeles County Museum of Arts
Venice Beach
Santa Monica Pier
Famous CuisinesKorean BBQ
Tamales
In-N-Out Burgers
Baklava
Falafel
Popular ForTV 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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