Nagma Pokharel from Nepal is studying for an MBA at the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio.
Why did you decide to study in the USA?
The first thing would be exposure, the second would be opportunity and the third would be diversity where there are people from different countries coming together and sharing their cultures and values.
Why did you choose the University of Findlay?
I like how the University of Findlay (UF) gives attention to each one of the students in the university. The courses are taught by professors rather than teaching assistants which is one of the best things about our school. Another good thing is Findlay, Ohio is a great place to live; although Findlay is a small city, big cities are very near within 4-6 hours of driving.
What do you like best?
The best part is class size and the good environment that the University of Findlay provides to its students. There are a limited number of students in each class which allows students to receive individual attention from the professor to discuss problems and ask questions.
What do you miss most?
I miss my family, especially when there is some kind of festival going on.
What was your biggest surprise?
The biggest surprise is that I get to learn something new every day. I never feel disappointment. The learning does not just happen in the classroom but with friends and teachers. I have made so many friends for life in no time. Furthermore, the education system here is more enjoyable and learning is fun.
... your biggest disappointment?
I would not call it as a disappointment but rather a challenge in that we have to be on our own and learn to be more independent every day in every way.
How have you handled:
... language differences?
I have always traveled all around since I was a child. I spent a couple of years in Europe where I had to learn how to speak French and communicate with some Spanish-speaking people. In the case of the U.S., English has not been an issue at all because it is something I have spoken my entire life.
... finances?
I worked as a research assistant in my first two semesters in The University of Findlay. Currently, I’m working as a graduate assistant in international admissions for the next two semesters. This has helped me financially as well as the support of my parents.
... adjusting to a different educational system?
It was very challenging at first. I was very confused with Blackboard and Canvas, the systems that UF uses. But it was good for me to learn. The education system gets more challenging with the introduction of new technology.
What are your activities?
I have been to various professional conferences with The University of Findlay. I also had a paper published last year in MMA conference, Palmer House Chicago. Along with that, I attended various symposiums and presented with my professor in the Symposium for Scholarship and Creativity here at the University of Findlay.
How easy or difficult was making friends?
The USA has a lot of diversity and my university specifically has students from 40 different countries. I have gained some friends for a lifetime thanks to the University of Findlay.
How relevant is your U.S. education to your personal goals and to the needs of your country?
I would like to further my education with a PhD in International Business. I love to teach and now I want to be a professor someday. Teaching is relevant to any country I might choose to live in.
What is your advice to other students who are considering a U.S. education?
I would tell them that this is one of the best decisions I have made so far. This decision has made me grow out of my comfort zone and face challenges. This makes you grow faster and pursue learning through different dimensions. I’m loving it so far.
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