When Maahir Gupta arrived in the United States to study at the Georgia Institute of Technology, the transition was less about navigating a new city and more about adapting to a completely different way of learning and living. Coming from India’s intensely competitive academic environment, where grades often determined self-worth, he found himself in a space where “everyone minds their own business… encourages each other to grow… and prioritises health and happiness just as much as work.” This collaborative ethos, he says, allows people to “grow faster, stronger and better together exponentially in the long run.”
Adjusting culturally was easier than he had imagined. “Though it feels a bit alien at times, I think differently now, and I say — I don’t think I lost the Indian in me, but going past the lead, I gained the world,” he reflects. Whether in the US or during a semester at the University of Oxford in Europe, he felt an ease in connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. “Deep down we are all the same. We think the same, laugh at the same jokes, ache in the same sorrows, look up and wonder in the same sky and pray to the same God,” he says. But even with these connections, one thing remained constant — the longing for family. “One thing no one can prepare you for is how much you are going to miss your family. You must do what you must to make them proud.”
From 6 a.m. wake-up calls to a place he could truly call home
In his first year, Maahir lived on campus and says he “enjoyed that classic college experience” despite the minor inconveniences of sharing rooms and friends barging in at 6 a.m. before an 8 a.m. midterm. He recommends that students try on-campus housing at least once for the sense of community it brings.
Later, he encourages exploring off-campus options, noting that they often come with gyms, saunas, study areas, swimming pools, and dining spaces. “You can live alone with complete freedom or with friends and have just as much fun without the pains of move-ins and move-outs,” he says, adding that such an apartment can truly feel like home during one’s university years.
Selecting the best fit
Maahir approached his college applications with meticulous precision, employing an elimination strategy. “I utilized the elimination method by asking myself what I least hate doing. I made a list of all the majors in the world and eliminated all that I did not exactly feel like joining,” he explains. Once the list was refined, he assessed universities based on the quality of support for his chosen major, institutional reputation, opportunities for internships and research, and overall return on investment. “There were 50 other factors that I considered but looking at the global rankings ensured that I couldn't go wrong,” he adds.
This approach reflects a broader 2025 trend among international students, where the decision to study abroad is increasingly informed by career outcomes, practical exposure, and holistic development rather than prestige alone.
India vs. US: The lessons they teach differently
One of the most striking elements of Maahir’s journey has been the divergence in pedagogical approaches between India and the United States. He observes that American universities emphasize research, innovation, internships, and start-up opportunities for undergraduates, often providing experiences that rival or surpass those of top Indian institutions. While Indian education prioritizes meticulous professional preparation and theoretical mastery, the US system foregrounds experiential learning, leadership development, and exposure to diverse perspectives.
Counting the cost before crossing the ocean
Studying abroad entails a significant financial investment. Maahir notes that attending a top public university such as Georgia Tech may cost between $50,000 and $60,000 annually for four years. While Ivy League institutions can cost you up to $120,000 per year. “It is important to factor in these higher expenses when planning your education abroad,” he says.
A perspective for future international students
Maahir Gupta’s journey highlights the multifaceted benefits of studying abroad. It is a decision that intertwines career strategy, personal development, cultural exposure, and financial planning. For prospective students, his experience provides practical guidance: define a clear purpose, evaluate universities rigorously, embrace campus life, prepare for cultural adaptation, and plan finances judiciously. Above all, he emphasizes that studying abroad is as much about self-discovery as it is about academic achievement.
TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us
here.Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Start a Conversation
Post comment