More Indian students are choosing creative degrees abroad today. New York City stands out as a top choice because it offers exposure, industry access and a chance to learn from a global community. For students, the fast pace of the city and the presence of world class schools make it feel like a place where ideas can turn into real work.
But moving to a new country is not just about excitement. It is a big step into a space that feels very different. New environment. New rules. New challenges. So what is the truth behind the glossy image of studying design in a city like New York?
To understand that, we spoke to Anishka Tewari, a second year Integrated Design student at Parsons School of Design, who calls the city her classroom and her biggest teacher.
The city becomes part of every project
When Anishka was applying, the idea of a campus without walls made her nervous. But soon she understood why it matters.
“It was very intimidating when I was looking at colleges to apply to. But honestly, I think that really made sense. As designers it is very important to understand the environment you are around.”
In New York, a walk becomes research. Design problems show up in everyday life. The city pushes students to look at how people use space and products.
“Often when you walk down the streets, you are looking for a problem and you can see where you can implement designs to make changes.”
For design students, New York reveals what needs to be solved, not just what needs to be created.
Learning in labs that feel like new worlds
Parsons gives students access to fabrication labs with tools that many have never touched before. Machines look tough on day one. But curiosity builds confidence.
“You can create anything you want to create. From metal working to CNC to laser cutting. From very complicated and intimidating machinery to being able to learn and use them is the feeling I am super empowered with.”
Projects are open ended. Students are encouraged to think deeply about purpose, not only the final look.
“We are encouraged to show how our brain is working rather than just having a final piece that looks pretty. You want to know why you made something and how useful it is.”
Experiment first. Learn by doing. That is what shapes them into designers who can adapt anywhere.
A portfolio becomes the biggest proof of learning
For Anishka, the portfolio is not just a requirement. It is the record of how her thinking has changed.
“A portfolio is the biggest thing while you are in a design school. Admission officers are looking at how you arrive at an idea and the way that you think.”
Her portfolio helped her win a merit scholarship. She says the best work is personal.
“Put things that you are passionate about as they will bloom into something beautiful rather than putting things that only look pretty.”
The story behind each design matters as much as the result.
The cost is a real challenge
Behind the creativity is the constant task of budgeting in dollars. It affects every decision.
“Things can be really expensive and this has been my biggest challenge. I have to buy material which is very expensive.”
At first, she compared every amount to rupees. That made things harder.
“It is simply hard to convert dollars into rupees. I used to do this earlier but not anymore.”
She now picks wisely, shops smart and adjusts ideas without losing quality. Money management becomes part of the learning experience.
Homesick, but growing stronger
Being away from home comes with emotional cost too.
“Nothing compares to being at home but I stay connected through my phone. Always texting and calling whenever I need them.”
Friendships and the shared experience of living abroad help students find their own support system. Independence grows with every decision they take on their own.
Cultural exchange shapes identity and ideas
For her, the biggest learning is not always from textbooks or tools. It is from people.
“There is an exchange of ideas and sharing of cultures that I really appreciate and it is something that is very valuable.”
She says being an international student teaches you how people around the world think. That changes how you see yourself and your work.
“I have learnt so much as a person. It flourishes at a different perspective that you have.”
Students do not just build skills. They build a voice.
A journey that teaches more than design
Anishka believes that students who dream of New York should focus on growth.
“No system is a perfect one. There is always a flaw in something. But it is positive to extract something that helps you thrive.”
Studying design in New York is not just a career goal. It is a life experience that teaches confidence, real world thinking and personal strength.
And that makes the challenge worth it.
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