Swapping hot temperatures for bitterly cold winters and snow showers, one freshman flew across the world to study accounting at IU’s Kelley School of Business.
Freshman Pavni Garg, an Indian student from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, decided to attend IU after a representative visited her international school. Although she applied to several universities in the U.S., it was ultimately IU’s Kelley School of Business that helped her to make a decision. She also often spoke to IU graduates.
“I heard so much about IU back home,” Garg said.
She is also taking advantage of the student clubs IU has to offer. She is involved in IU’s Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization and is hoping to join Global Brigades.
Garg is not alone in pursuing a degree in the U.S. Her brother attends Purdue University and her father received his master’s degree from the University of Houston.
Her parents visited campus during the New International Student Orientation and enjoyed their experience. Garg also met other students through the orientation.
“The best thing is everyone comes with an open mind,” she said. “Everyone’s so nice.”
Garg and her friends will often go to the Student Recreational Sports Center and attend movie screenings at the Indiana Memorial Union.
One night as she was walking back to her residence hall, Garg’s mother called her. After she asked where her daughter was headed, Garg replied, “I’m going home.”
“It’s so natural to say that,” she said.
Although she will be flying back to Abu Dhabi during winter break, Garg is planning to buy a Christmas tree to put in her room and is excited to see Bloomington enveloped in Christmas lights and snow.
“I want to see all the American traditions,” she said.