‘A dream shaped by curiosity, not urgency’ | Life in a Foreign University

My interest in studying abroad did not emerge from pressure or trends; it evolved gradually. Growing up in Mumbai, I was surrounded by ambition, opportunity, and constant movement. While the city offered exposure and energy, I began to feel that my learning needed a wider, more global dimension. I wanted to understand how education functioned beyond textbooks and examinations, and how global work environments shaped thinking and decision-making.

The idea of studying abroad represented more than a foreign degree – it symbolised independence, cultural exposure, and personal growth.

As I explored this possibility, I realised I was not looking for distance from home, but perspective. I wanted to experience diversity firsthand, learn how people from different backgrounds approached problems, and develop adaptability – a skill that increasingly defines professional success. Studying abroad, for me, was a way to step outside routine and comfort, to test myself in an unfamiliar setting. Over time, that curiosity matured into intent, and I began actively researching universities and countries that aligned with both my academic goals and my personality.

I completed my Class 10 and 12 education at Kanakia RBK School and College in Mumbai and later earned my Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Mumbai. Although my ancestral roots are in Kerala, Mumbai is the city that raised me. Growing up in a fast-paced metropolitan environment taught me resilience, adaptability, and independence early on. It also exposed me to people from different backgrounds, preparing me subconsciously for a global life ahead.

My family played a crucial role in shaping my outlook. My father works in a bank, and my mother was employed with a public sector undertaking. Education, discipline, and stability were central values in our household. There was always an emphasis on consistency and responsibility rather than shortcuts. That environment gave me the confidence to explore opportunities beyond India while staying grounded in my values. At 28, I see how my upbringing quietly prepared me for life abroad – from managing finances to respecting different cultures and maintaining focus despite uncertainty.

When I began applying abroad, I considered popular destinations such as the UK, Australia, Canada, and the US, even applying to institutions like Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), New York. However, as I evaluated my options, I realised that rankings and popularity alone were not enough. I was looking for a course that prioritised real-world exposure and practical learning rather than purely theoretical instruction.

Symbiosis Dubai stood out because its programme aligned closely with what I wanted academically and professionally. Dubai also felt like the right city – international yet structured, diverse yet accessible. It offered global exposure without the overwhelming cultural disconnect I feared elsewhere. The city’s safety, modern infrastructure, and multicultural environment made it an ideal transition space between India and the global workforce.

Another deciding factor was the institution’s legacy. Symbiosis’s reputation for being student-centric and its strong alumni network reassured me that I would receive both academic and personal support. It felt like a place where I could grow without losing my sense of belonging.

My first few days in Dubai were overwhelming. Stepping into a foreign country alone brought a mix of excitement and anxiety. Everything – from transport systems to daily routines – felt unfamiliar. The first week was about understanding how life worked here. One of the biggest shocks was food. Back home, meals are easily accessible; here, cooking became a necessity rather than a choice.

Another adjustment was financial awareness. Constantly converting AED to INR made every expense feel alarmingly high. Groceries, accommodation, and daily essentials required careful planning. Finding affordable housing took time, and understanding student work regulations was a learning curve.

Culturally, Dubai is welcoming, but adapting to a city where people from dozens of nationalities coexist required openness and sensitivity.

Looking back, these challenges were essential. They forced me to become independent, organised, and adaptable. The initial discomfort laid the foundation for confidence and self-reliance – skills that no classroom could have taught me.

Academically, studying in Dubai has been a transformative experience. In India, my education largely revolved around exams and theory. Here, learning is interactive and application-driven. Classes involve case studies, projects, group discussions, and presentations that mirror real industry scenarios. This approach has sharpened my critical thinking and teamwork skills.

The faculty plays a significant role in this transformation. Professors are approachable and encourage dialogue rather than one-way instruction. They share real-world experiences, guide us through problem-solving, and offer constructive feedback that motivates improvement. This mentorship model has boosted my confidence and changed how I approach learning.

Beyond academics, campus life is vibrant. The cultural committee organises frequent events, making the university feel like a community rather than just an institution. These experiences balance academic pressure with creativity and social bonding, making my university journey memorable and enriching.

My current routine is demanding but fulfilling. I start my day early and work as an HR Intern at Sobha Realty from 9 am to 6.30 pm. After work, I head straight to university for classes. By the time I return home, it is late, and the cycle repeats the next day. Managing both work and studies has taught me discipline and time management.

Financially, my internship stipend of AED 3,000 covers essentials such as travel, food, and phone expenses, with room for savings. In my limited free time, I play chess, read, listen to music, and have recently started learning new languages to better connect in a multicultural environment.

Socially, malls, beaches, and parks are our go-to hangout spaces. On campus, shawarmas, fries, and iced coffee fuel conversations between lectures. These small routines make life abroad feel balanced and human.

Studying in Dubai has broadened my outlook on life. Living in a fast-paced, global city has made me more adaptable, ambitious, and open-minded. My family and friends have noticed the change – increased confidence, independence, and clarity in my professional direction.

For the future, I plan to continue building my career in Dubai. The city offers immense professional exposure and serves as a gateway to opportunities across the world. While I do not have every step mapped out, I am comfortable with uncertainty. My focus is on learning continuously, building a strong foundation, and staying open to new opportunities as they arise.

Studying abroad didn’t just change where I live – it changed how I think, learn, and envision my future.

(This letter is part of a series by The Indian Express where we bring to you the experiences of students at different foreign universities. From scholarships and loans to food and cultural experiences — students tell us how life is different in those countries and things they are learning other than academics)