STUDYING ABROAD
Khushi’s journey as an international student in the UK
About Khushi:
Khushi is a penultimate year student at University College London, majoring in Economics. She is a Laidlaw Scholar and is interested in creating large scale impact through her work.
Walk us through your decision-making process of choosing the UK for your undergrad. Why did you choose the UK over other countries? Did you apply elsewhere?
I never really looked at the country. I was always fascinated by UCL as it is #1 for research strength in the UK and #10 in the world according to QS world rankings. Academic excellence and disruptive thinking have been the status quo since 1826.
Fun fact: Mahatma Gandhi, John Stuart Mill, and Alexander Graham Bell are UCL alumni.
UK visa has recently updated to allow undergraduates finishing their course in 2021 onwards to stay for 2 years and work. Unlike most international universities, the UK has 3 years long undergraduate degrees like India.
I also got into Hong Kong University with a full tuition fee scholarship.
How did you prepare for the application cycle alongside your high-school (ISC) exams?
Not intensive.
Preparation for the application cycle was not intensive at all. Students can send only one application to a maximum of 5 universities in the UK through a portal called UCAS. I gave the IELTS academic test and wrote my SOP comprising of 4000 characters.
I help high school students get into top universities in the UK in my free time. Email me at khushikakrania@gmail.com if you’re interested.
What are the key differences you’ve observed in the Indian v/s the UK Education eco-system?
I had a very steep learning curve as I transitioned from the Indian School Certificate curriculum to the UK Education eco-system. I was introduced to the concept of plagiarism and academic writing which was absent from high school projects.
In school, I felt that the classes were too focused on teaching us how to get good marks in board exams. ISC curriculum did not incorporate the practical study of real-world issues. Whereas, at UCL I was taught how to think and not what to think. My degree keeps up well with the changing world. For example, we had a lecture on the economics of a pandemic in early March itself.
The exams that I gave in high school tested my ability to learn concepts by heart. For example, in commerce exams, we were asked to write definitions, characteristics, and distinctions without any mention of case studies. In my degree, I am given problems to solve that test my understanding of economics. The tests measure critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Group assignments and tests are also encouraged at UCL.
In school students are often spoonfed whereas UK education encourages independent study. For example, in high school, I was taught how to do differentiation sums and in university, I am taught what differentiation really means and what its application is.
ISC prescribes textbooks and students strictly adhere to them as exam questions are solely based on them. In UCL, textbooks are recommended and every lecture has additional readings. There is a wide scope to learn. Exams questions are based on the topics taught and can come from any book.
UCL always had an online option so learning was not much affected. Studies and a few exams are paperless. My university uses Moodle, Turnitin, etc to complement offline teaching. Our lectures are always delivered using slides and made interactive using online polls and quizzes. This is not the case in most educational institutions in India mostly due to digital inequality.
With the pandemic, a lot of high-school/undergrads are reconsidering their plans for moving abroad. What’s your take on this?
Classes by universities based in the UK and India are not going to look very different. If you’re a good candidate for the top few universities in the world, I’d recommend that you apply. You still graduate with a great degree and job prospects. Paying international students’ fees for mediocre colleges might not be the best idea in these circumstances as you won’t really get the experience of an international student. I’d end by saying that making this choice depends on your goals and privileges.
What have been your takeaways from being a VP at Enactus? Should students opt for clubs in college?
Leading a club of 150+ active members is so rewarding. I thoroughly enjoy working for Enactus UCL as I am able to enhance my business acumen while contributing towards a better world. My top leadership insights would be-
- Demonstrate that the cause matters by doing the work yourself, instead of using words of encouragement and strict deadlines.
- Reflect on your performance and behavior, and consciously ask for feedback.
- Denying perfection means allowing yourself to grow. Nobody is a leader by birth.
Students who are moving abroad to study should opt for clubs in college as they provide a community of like-minded individuals. Being a part of a committee helps you network with professionals, grow your personal brand, and make new friends. However, students must manage their time wisely and prioritize academics. A popular myth is that active participation in clubs is the best way to land your dream internship/job. Do this for yourself and make sure you enjoy the club’s culture.
As a student yourself, how has the Covid-19 pandemic affected you? What would be your message to students out there?
I hope students view themselves as survivors of the pandemic rather than victims and make the most of this situation while taking care of their mental health. Write to your dream companies that you’re willing to work for free as trainees or probationers. Prioritize learning and discovering yourself. Do everything you always wanted to do. Build a beautiful and loving relationship with yourself.
Don’t be hard on yourself; you are in the midst of the biggest pandemic the world has ever seen. While you don’t let anybody else’s productivity affect you, give your best. Remind yourself and others that you’re not alone.
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