From India to Indiana: Observations as an international Hoosier

‘Indian spicy please’

Every time I order food from Taste of India and they ask me what level of spice I want, I tell them, almost too happily, ‘Indian spicy.’ Going to the 10th Street Market and speaking in Hindi to the guy in the shop for a few seconds is precious in its own way.

College is an experience and it’s different and difficult for all of us. But when you move from one continent to another, it’s on a whole new level.

When I packed my bags to come to Bloomington, I didn’t really know what I was getting into. Whether it was the much talked about party situation, the temperamental weather or the insane college spirit.

From India to Indiana, a lot of things changed.

SO. MUCH. PAPERWORK

From the Visa procedure in India to the immigration authorities in the US, I officially grew up. I even considered carrying a fanny pack with all my documents. Every time I travel outside of the US, I need to get a new I20 without which I can’t come back.

At the Indianapolis airport, I was given a reality check by the immigration authorities when they asked me what I could possibly do with a sociology degree. When I told them I wasn’t sure, I was taken in for further questioning. After, soul bearing and that harsh slap of reality, I’d like to take this time to thank immigration for my 4.0 this semester. I also missed two flights because of these nosey authorities.

Having a home that’s thousands of miles away means more severe homesickness

Everyone gets homesick. I missed home a lot during my first semester here, but it’s just not possible to pack your bags and leave. I meet my family twice a year. My roommate got homesick and left for the weekend once but for me it takes an entire weekend to get back home. Lets not forget the jet-lag and the cost of flying to India.

Real sickness

I got sick once. I’m talking high temperature, nausea, migraine and everything. It was the fucking worst. Not having your mom take care of you sucks especially when she’s miles away panicking and worried sick. I made soup for myself and still went to class and did my laundry. Growing up is the worst, especially when you can’t even cheat during sickness. Also 15-19 hours of flying wouldn’t really help.

It is so expensive and that is kind of a lot of pressure

College is so expensive. My family actually thinks of it as an investment and they want returns. There is so much pressure because of the time, effort and money involved that doing well is the only option. Lets not forget that sometimes our college tuition just randomly increases.

So many misconceptions

I got asked by my Uber driver multiple times, “But how are you speaking English so fluently? Aren’t you from India?”

My favorite question to date is “Do you speak Hindu or Indian?”

The thing is, one is a religion and the other is my nationality — so neither.  And to answer your question. I speak Hindi.

Who knew adding just two more alphabets to where I lived and studied would change almost everything.

It’s been quite a journey but an overall pleasant one at that.