After I completed my schooling, I got admission into B. Tech (electronics and instrumentation) at GITAM University, Hyderabad. My core interests were in transducers and control systems. In order to pursue my M.S. in the U.S, I short-listed five top colleges. Finally, I selected Cleveland State University, Ohio, to pursue an M.S. in Electrical Engineering as the university offered my core subject of control systems.
Life at CSU
CSU is a prestigious and an old university in the state of Ohio. Though CSU is a bit expensive, the college has a good reputation and ranking. It has a vast campus located in the heart of the city. The faculty and staff are friendly. There are students from many countries. Indian students are large in number. The U.S. colleges offer flexibility in learning.
Students must study, attend classes to discuss and clarify doubts. There are lot of assignments to be done and presentations to be given. Project work is given at the end of the semester. I was a member of the International Friendships Inc. which organises events for international students where we share information about our country, culture and values. The Indian student association at CSU is good. They celebrate all Indian festivals. Other clubs like Campus Activities Board (CAB) conducts regular events such as interaction with famous personalities, mock interviews, preparatory tips for jobs and so on.
Since I had made contacts with my college seniors before arrival in the U.S., it was not difficult getting accommodation. I stayed in an apartment with four students. Our apartment is a stone’s throw away from the university, an added advantage during the cold winter days, when the temperature can go down to eight degrees. Indian foods are easily available. There are Indian restaurants but are expensive. Indian festivals are celebrated by the Indian community. There is a Hindu temple at PARMA, which is 13 miles from downtown with regular bus service from the government. The college offers many part-time jobs to students. What impressed me was how Americans respect each other, irrespective of the nature of their jobs.
The U.S. is a good country for higher studies. The flexibility in learning coupled with meeting people from different cultures was a great experience. I completed my master’s in December 2017. Studying in the U.S. is an experience which I will never forget.
K. Aditya Kumar graduated with a master’s degree from Cleveland State University, Ohio, U.S.
