Indian students continue to choose US for study despite recent fatalities: Consultants

Indians who travelled to the US for higher education increased 35 percent to an all-time high of 268,923 in academic year 2022-23, according to the Open Doors Report.

The US higher education sector has been in the news for a reason other than its colleges: the recent deaths of Indian students and Americans of Indian origin that have made the community increasingly apprehensive about the US as a study-abroad destination.

However, education consultants said the incidents were isolated and do not show a pattern of hate or crime against Indians in the US. They are in touch with aspiring students and their families to address such concerns.

Neel Acharya was found dead on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. The investigation is ongoing. Two years ago, 20-year-old Varun Manish Chheda was murdered by his mate at the same university.

Seven students from India or of Indian origin have died in the first two months of 2024. This includes those dying of other causes and not just murder.

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In December, the Union government said 403 Indian students have died abroad since 2018 due to various reasons. The US reported the fourth-highest number of 36 cases, and Canada the highest with 91 fatalities.

On the recent deaths, the external affairs ministry said while investigations are going on in several cases, "we must see that there is no interconnectedness in this, they are not related.”

Unlikely to impact enrolment

Study-abroad consultants are allaying fears among students and parents on the recent developments and don’t see any drop in interest in US colleges.

“This is not an issue about Indian students or discrimination. Let's not try to make one. Students should focus on the right university according to their profile, engage a good counsellor to help you with those who have your interest at their heart and not go to any random place which your agent suggests,” said Sumeet Jain, co-founder of Yocket.

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Indians who travelled to the US for higher education increased 35 percent to an all-time high of 268,923 in academic year 2022-23, according to the Open Doors Report. Indian students constituted more than 25 percent of the over 1 million foreign students in the US for the third year in a row.

The report revealed that India surpassed China to become the largest source of international graduate students in the US for the first time since 2009-10.

The Graduate Management Admission Council, which administers the GMAT exam, said there has not been a drop in Indian student applicants.

The numbers have been improving consistently, except during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it foresees more growth in coming years.
“India has surpassed China in terms of test takers for US colleges after the pandemic,” said Gaurav Srivastava, regional director of South Asia at GMAC.

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However, Indian students in the US said they face discrimination.

According to a 32-year-old PhD student in Applied Economics and Management in New York, “As Indian students, we face discrimination and criticism, especially in home buying and among peers, along with worries about financial stability in the US.”

She conceded that people from other countries are also similarly targeted.
“Despite these challenges, relying on guidance and support from family and platforms helping with overseas studies planning becomes essential when moving abroad, aiding in addressing concerns and finding solutions before the relocation,” she said.

Anuj Gupta, CEO of Youngrads, said for Indian students in the US and their parents, navigating the foreign study experience requires thoughtful consideration. When encountering hate, criticism or stress, he advised seeking guidance or help and mental health support.

“The perception of students coming from India that is transitioning from a developing nation to a developed one may expose them to various forms of discrimination, personal biases and criticism within the US. Additionally, the ambitions and pressure faced by Indian students from the moment they arrive in the US may drive them to take risky part-time job options, often neglecting their mental health,” Gupta said.

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Gupta highlighted it's crucial for students to reflect on the reasons and the path they want to take.

“Considering the aspirations of both parents and students and being mindful of actions, Indian students must carefully make decisions and when necessary, seek legal and mental support in foreign countries,” he said.