For Nigerian national Joel Oruese, a third year student of Bachelor of Science (MECS) in St Mary's College, it is Hyderabad’s comprehensive education system and multiplicity of language and culture that made him fall in love with the city. Joel was scouting for an up-to-date education system, when India crossed his mind. “I knew someone who was attending school here and he told me about the education system in India.
I researched a lot before coming here and frankly, I have found it pretty impressive. The Indian syllabus is up to date and pretty advanced in comparison to my country.”
In two-and-a-half years, Joel has embraced the Hyderabadi culture and says Hyderabad has embraced him. Initially, the language barrier posed a challenge, but he quickly overcame that, thanks to his classmates, friends, lecturers and the principal of the college. “They are really nice; they are the best people I have ever met! They were more than happy to help me with translations. They explained the meaning of words and simplified things for me,” he says. Today, Joel speaks Telugu and Hindi and can also croon a few songs in both languages.
Speaking about Hyderabadis, Joel says that the people of the city are very accepting of his cultural roots. “From what I have experienced in the city, I can say people here are very open-minded about accepting those from other countries and cultures,” he says.
Joel is also pretty impressed with his lecturers in college. “Teachers here prepare students for the future, not just to score good marks. I believe, with the kind of education I am getting and things that I have learnt, I am already job-ready,” he says.
When asked about his plans after college, Joel says he would like to set up a computer firm after graduating from St Mary’s. “I would like to make a career as a data scientist or a lecturer. I am also thinking of pursuing my masters here. After that, probably I will set up my own computer firm or an institute here,” he says, signing off.