Expand your educational horizons. Hear why you should study abroad in the U.S. from learners who did

Taking the leap to study abroad in the U.S. is a major decision for any international learner, but that investment into your education can be life-changing. Immerse yourself into a brand new culture and into a supportive on-campus community that includes other learners from across the globe. With the right programme in your field of choice, including in-demand STEM disciplines, you can make the most of your undergraduate experience and set yourself up for professional success.

Do you want to expand your horizons and build valuable skills? Hear about the educational journeys of learners from India who completed study abroad programmes delivered in collaboration with Shorelight.

Receive dedicated support during transitions

"[The programme] helped me transfer smoothly into American culture. It helped me excel in my academics and professional career.”

– Shilpkamur, Civil engineering major, University of South Carolina

Shilpkumar left his home in India to pursue a degree in civil engineering at the University of South Carolina in Columbia (UofSC). Adjusting to a different culture came with challenges, but the diverse group of global learners that he met when he arrived on campus helped him feel welcome and find his place.

He credits the Career Accelerator Program (CAP) for providing him with the academic and professional training and support he needed to thrive in the cultural environment of South Carolina. Through CAP, he completed an internship in India, allowing him to build valuable professional experience.

For Shilpkumar, studying abroad in the U.S. was an opportunity to explore the world, pursue his childhood passion for building and construction, and develop a deeper knowledge of the subjects he would need to begin his career. He says that with dedication and a positive attitude, learners can achieve great things even when far from home.

“Keep going,” Shilpkamur said. “You may feel it’s a lot to digest, but trust [that] it’s worth doing.”

He also recommends that international learners seek out help when transitioning to a new place and take advantage of the resources available, including programmes like CAP. The structure and support offered by that programme ultimately enabled him to apply the theories and skills he learned in real world settings and transition into the workforce after graduation as a structural engineer in North Carolina.

Immerse yourself in an on-campus community

"It was a great programme [and] perfect for what I wanted at the time. I got to do a lot with it — I got to study abroad, I got to pursue a language, I got to participate in a lot of extracurriculars while working on the degree.”

– Deeksha, Virtual design and construction engineering major, Auburn University

When Deeksha, who was born in India and raised in Dubai, first arrived at Auburn University in Alabama, she was greeted by the Auburn Global student ambassadors. Tasked with helping international students adjust to campus life, the student ambassadors kept Deeksha updated on orientation events, shared information about campus facilities, housing, and academic options, and provided emotional support for those who needed it. Inspired by how welcoming the group had been, she later decided to become a student ambassador herself.

Participating in extracurricular activities, like a student ambassador programme, can help students adjust to campus life abroad and feel more connected to the university and to their peers. From Deeksha’s perspective, it’s important for international students to be flexible, open to new experiences, and fearless about communicating their interests. Signing up for clubs and joining extracurriculars can be a great way to meet new people, build long-lasting friendships, and learn how to communicate confidently. Those communication skills were also put to use at the many career-focused activities on campus that allowed Deeksha to connect with recruiters and companies that were interested in hiring international students.

“I would meet anyone, talk to everyone,” she said. “One, it’ll help you build connections; two, it’ll help you [feel] more [comfortable] in your own skin.”

Ultimately, life at Auburn had such an impact on Deeksha that she decided to pursue graduate studies at the university. With the support of her professors, she was able to start taking master's degree classes while completing her undergraduate degree, which propelled her into a career as a virtual design and construction engineer.

Pursue high-quality education for ambitious learners

“It is advisable to research early … Preferably, make a four-year plan for your courses by the first year. Stay accountable …”

– Gokul, Triple major in psychology, biological sciences, and math/computer science, University of Illinois Chicago

As a high school student in South Delhi, Gokul knew he wanted to pursue studies in biological sciences. When he arrived at University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), he decided to engage in an exploratory phase of learning, studying a variety of other subjects. Discovering his affinity for mathematics and psychology, he opted to expand his educational pursuits and declared a triple major.

Majoring in multiple disciplines is an ambitious commitment. Although studying so many different subjects can open up a wide range of career possibilities, keeping track of multiple programmes was hectic and at times confusing for Gokul.

However, being able to study three of his areas of interest was also a unique opportunity for an international undergraduate student. He looked at this opportunity as an important investment in his future. “The end goal has to be an aspiration to do something in an integrative field which utilizes the concepts of the subjects you are majoring in,” he said.

For Gokul, it wasn't just about earning high marks. UIC offered a space where he could focus on applying the concepts he learned in one subject to real-life applications in another subject.

Build professional experience and grow your network

"Whenever I [needed] advice about professional opportunities, [my CAP advisor] would always share valuable insights and help me along the way.”

– Adit, Finance major, University of Illinois Chicago

When Adit traveled 12,000 miles from India to the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) to study finance, his goal was to build a career in investment banking. Thanks to the Career Accelerator Program (CAP), his decision to study abroad is paying off with professional opportunities he had never imagined.

A dedicated CAP advisor mentoring him during his studies has helped Adit update his résumé and complete applications that secured him two high-profile internships as an analyst at Ernst & Young and at American Express in its Global Commercial Services department. Through these internships, Adit has built professional experience related to his interests in portfolio management, transaction advisory, and investment banking, and was recognised by the companies’ leadership for his strong work.

But professional opportunities aren’t limited to off-campus internships. Adit invests time into building relationships with alumni and finance faculty, who have helped him explore different opportunities.

“It is imperative that you reach out to people who have experience in the industry you want [to] pursue a career in,” he says. “Nothing is impossible.”

Earn your degree in person in the U.S.

If you are interested in following in the footsteps of these learners and earning an undergraduate degree abroad, edX has joined forces with Shorelight to help you pursue a bachelor’s degree in collaboration with 16 recognised universities across the United States. Access hundreds of areas of study, including STEM disciplines, and get additional visa, academic, and other support services at no extra cost. Pursue your passion and embark on an educational journey that can lay the foundation for a fulfilling career. Start learning today.