Why did you decide to study in the USA?

The education system in USA is at different level compared to my country. Being an experienced electrical graduate, I was looking for an opportunity to learn latest technologies involved in my field of education and USA was the best option to meet my needs.

Why did you choose Michigan Technological University (MTU)?

For my master’s, my specialization is power systems and MTU offers a good course structure in power systems. Apart from that, MTU has the English Language Institute (ELI) which offers courses to excel in language skills to support your technical studies.

What do you like best?

I do like the way they have designed the curriculum and the highly educated faculty. I was weak at my writing skills. ELI provided me professional coaching and one-to-one mentoring to sharpen my writing skills. Now, I have authored many research papers and project reports.

What do you miss most?

I miss my family and Indian food which is difficult to get here.

What was your biggest surprise?

U.S. life is so different in many aspects. People, culture, food, society, education, all these things are at a very good level compared to rest of the world. Specifically discussing education, I feel very lucky for having my master degree from the United States as it has been recognized as one of the best options in my field of interest.

... your biggest disappointment?

Initially I had my biggest disappointment with the amount of snow in this area. But later I started enjoying this snow through outdoor sports such as snowboarding, skiing and ice skating.

How have you handled:

... language differences?

English as a second language always makes a difference for every international student. I enrolled myself in the English language Institute at MTU to improve my second language and to meet the requirements of my major.

... finances?

I have got education loan from a bank to pay for my tuition fees. Also, MTU has several on-campus student employee opportunities which would help you to lower your expenditure.

... adjusting to a different educational system?

Education system in USA is different than my country. In the beginning, it was difficult to adjust in the new education system. Plagiarism and credibility in research writing was difficult to understand. ELI at MTU helped us learn how to write very effectively, how not to plagiarize and to give credibility to respective authors, etc.

What are your activities?

ELI offers tea time, student talent show, potluck parties, field trips, short tours and picnics. It’s always fun to mingle around the international community.

How easy or difficult was making friends?

It is easy to make friends here in USA as people are very kind and polite in nature. There is much freedom to everyone and having American people around makes me happy.

How relevant is your U.S. education to your personal goals and to the needs of your country? 

I have two years’ experience in a very good company and I would like to join same organization in USA. My country needs more development in the power sector with latest technologies. After my education and couple of years of experience I would go back to my country to contribute in the growth of my nation.

What is your advice to other students who are considering a U.S. education?

I would strongly recommend to consider USA for their education and to enroll in the English Language Institute to excel their language skills and for success in their technical studies.