Crossing borders for studies

Knowledge has no limits.The desire to acquire knowledge can take an individual out of his or her place of comfort. There are thousands of students in the City who have left their respective countries to study here in the City. 

Some students have come through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) for a cultural exchange programme, while some have come through MoU between foreign universities. But most of them have come on their own with an interest to earn a degree. Whatever may be the reason, their goal is the same — higher studies.

Mustafa Jumaah Sharhan has come from Iraq with the dream of becoming an architect. He feels that the educational system in India is better and cheaper. “One of my friends briefed me about the opportunities for higher studies in India. So I came here without second thoughts. I am impressed by the lovely weather in Bangalore. However, after completing my studies, I would like to go back to my motherland and serve my country,” he adds. He finds it difficult to communicate with people and is making efforts to learn English.

Rami, a civil engineering student from Jordan, who is studying in BMS College of Engineering, is comfortable here. “I have been here for five years and have adjusted to the Indian culture and lifestyle. Initially, language was a barrier for me. Soon, I overcame this problem with the help of my Indian friends. Now, I have gained confidence to live anywhere in the world,” he says. Rami has been advising students in his country to learn English, if they want to come to India.

Edna Stephen, a Tanzanian student, is pursuing a degree in law at one of the prestigious law colleges and has dreams of being a successful advocate. “Low educational expenses forced me to study here. Initially, I could not understand anything that was taught in the class or any conversation of my classmates, but now I can,” she says. Though she has undergone some bitter experiences here, she loves India for its culture and its colourful festivals.

Rachel, another Tanzanian student, who is studying telecommunication engineering, is staying in India for three years. One of her friends helped her to get admission in BMS College of Engineering. “It took a long time for me to adjust to an alien ambience, but soon I managed. I miss my parents and home food very much. India is a fast developing country and education system is absolutely fine. I wish to continue my studies further,” she says.

Roshan Giri has come from Nepal to acquire bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management. He has come with his cousin just two months back and is eagerly waiting for vacation to go back home. He is facing language as well as food problem. “I like the environment of the City very much. I miss my family and friends a lot. Once my course is over, I will go back to my country and begin hotel business there,” he smiles.

Zang Zhugyun, a student in Computer Application at PESIT, has been here for three years. “I read about India in a newspaper and the educational opportunities here,” he says. On the other hand, Shin You Hwang from Korea is studying engineering at PESIT and has been staying in Bangalore for 14 years.

 “My family shifted to India for business purposes, since then I have developed a bond with Bangalore. As I was new to Indian lifestyle and languages, I faced so many problems in the initial stage. Now, I have overcome all the hurdles and can speak Hindi too. People here are generous, simple and happy. I have a good number of friends here,” she says.