In a few days I will be leaving the comfort of my routine life to study for a few months at the University of Hyderabad. I don’t have family or many acquaintances there and I can’t speak the language, but why would that stop me from going? I may only have a few opportunities to travel in my life, so I wanted to travel somewhere outside my comfort zone. That meant going to a country that doesn’t speak English or Spanish. Also, I have been interested in Indian culture since high school when I went to Gar-Field. I’m young and have relatively few responsibilities so it makes for the best time to travel.
With my studies abroad, I hope to encourage others to go abroad too. Even if you may think that it is too pricey, there are ways to get around that.
- Firstly, choose a country that is within your price range. I intended to study in France since I have studied French for 6 years, but it was too expensive. It might sound bad, but I began to look for programs in countries that had a lower standard of living. Southern India may not have all the comforts of the US, but that will add to the experience, plus I can afford it. I also want to prove to myself that I can adjust to different surroundings, so I choose India.
- Apply to scholarships and raise money. I definitely didn’t have enough money to pay for a plane ticket and the tuition/boarding costs, but that still did not deter me. I applied and was awarded a Gilman Scholarship for $5,000. That covers the rest of the tuition I had to pay and also the many fees that are involved with studying abroad. In addition to the scholarship, a friend of mine hosted a house party where I got a chance to raise money for my trip. Just by donations I was able to raise $306!
- Lastly, sacrifice. I used to spoil myself to cups of coffee, restaurant food, and TT Lounge slushies often. Once I was determined to go to India, that all stopped. I would go once in a while, and only if I had a terrible day would I spend any money.
With all of that, I was able to save and earn enough to go. I wish that one day studying abroad won’t be so pricey so that everyone can have an equal opportunity. School is only for those who can pay and are willing to pay. It shouldn’t be that way, but until then, those who don’t have money will have to make a sacrifice.
Choti Maa performing at the benefit party where I was able to raise $306.
Picture taken by Jc Villatoro.
