Leaving on a jet plane

Updated on: Tuesday, July 19, 2011

In the fall of every year, Indian students wing their way in all directions, seeking educational opportunities. The cross-cultural experience can be fraught with landmines. Students who wish to study in foreign countries need to understand and appreciate the differences in culture and academic systems, so that their educational and living experience is pleasant and enjoyable.

> ACADEMIC

PLAGIARISM: Intellectual honesty is imperative. The case of Kaavya Vishwanathan, the teenage author of How Opal Mehta got kissed, got wild, and got a life comes to mind. With allegations about plagiarism soon after publication of the book, the unfortunate Indian-American at Harvard University became famous for 'How Kaavya Viswanathan got rich, got caught, and got ruined.'

CLASS PARTICIPATION: Questions and a curious mind are the hallmarks of an intelligent person, so shed your inhibitions and do not be afraid to ask 'stupid questions.'

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:
Foreign institutions believe in a wellrounded educational experience, and campuses abroad offer opportunities for personal enrichment and enhancement, so students should make the time to explore and benefit from the opportunities outside of the classroom.

FRIENDLY AND INFORMAL FACULTY: Faculty members and officials at most educational institutions tend to be relatively more informal and relaxed than in India — in fact, several of them ask students to address them by name. Students should not construe this as licence to be familiar with faculty.

> LEGAL

STAY IN LEGAL STATUS: Students are admitted to foreign countries on specified student visas. Students should be careful with their legal status and make sure there is no violation of their status.

WORK ONLY AS PERMITTED BY YOUR VISA STATUS: Apply for CPT/OPT well in advance. Students should attend orientation programmes for foreign students and familiarise themselves with the procedures for employment.

HIGH ALERT: Most foreign campuses are safe and are equipped to deal with eventualities. However, whenever students step outside their campuses, they should take all precautions to ensure their safety and well-being.

YOUR RIGHTS: Students in foreign lands should not feel reticent about lodging complaints in cases of harassment, molestation or discrimination. However, they should be able to differentiate between harmless fun and serious offences. The Indian government has consular offices in most of the countries where students go for higher education. It is worth the effort to register with the foreign mission office and keep the phone numbers of the local Indian consular office handy. This website provides country-wise information: http://india.gov.in/overseas/indian_ missions.php

> SOCIAL ETIQUETTE

INTERACTION WITH PEERS AND SOCIAL GATHERINGS:
Students should learn to respect the private space of their peers and classmates -for example, while it is acceptable in India to ask a new acquaintance about exam scores, scholarship amounts, such questions are considered inappropriate abroad. Speaking and laughing loudly or poking fun at other people is incorrect.

EATING, DRESSING, DRINKING, GAMING: Most Indians eat with their fingers -nothing wrong with that -but they have to adapt and be adept at using cutlery. Making negative comments about the local food and eating habits is inappropriate. Students should try and blend in with the rest of the community, including in appearance. Ethnic clothes and jewellery should be reserved for special occasions. Students should be wary of trying alcohol. Drugs and online-gaming are to be strictly avoided.

RELATIONSHIPS: Students should stay focused on their mission and should not get derailed by romantic involvements. Remember that young people in many foreign countries don't marry the first person they get romantically attracted to -even if they are 'going steady.'
(The writer is the author of 'Study
in America: The Definitive Guide
for Aspiring Students')

CHECKLIST

Carry all transcripts and certificates, medical records, electronic confirmation of enrolment (eCOE) /letter of acceptance from university.

Avoid arriving on a weekend as university and student offices are closed and there will be no assistance
Be mentally prepared to do all your work by yourself.

Carry a traveller's cheque and avoid carrying too much cash.

Attend your college orientation session and remember there is nothing like a 'stupid question'.

Times of India

Leaving on a jet plane

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