Komal B.’s Post

🌱 Recollecting the past (two) month(s) feel(s) nothing short of a miracle. 🌱 This journey—moving to a new country for my master's, leaving my comfort zone, and pursuing my studies at a Russell Group university as an international student—has been the hardest transition to come to terms with. Choosing to study abroad for my course was a no-brainer. Getting offers from top universities was a challenge, but I worked hard for it. Winning a scholarship was a hopeful probability that became my reality. But now, as I live this dream, breathing freedom as I pen down this post—it’s not as flashy or fancy as it seems. Every day brings its own set of challenges—balancing research-intensive assignments, maintaining a social life, managing household chores, and applying for jobs (part-time and full-time) is draining. There’s discomfort. Some restlessness. A lot overwhelming. But what I’ve found is this - There’s calm in ambition, some kind of peace I’ve never felt before. A sense of reassurance. Liberation. And it’s beautiful. I’m accountable to myself, and in this journey, I’m learning to simply be me—for myself. To anyone struggling with settling in, feeling lost, or just finding everything challenging: reach out for help. It might not mean something “big,” but you deserve to be cared for. You deserve to be loved. Here’s to finding peace in the chaos, drinking tea at odd hours, and making every little moment count! #InternationalStudentLife #Ambition #SmallWins

When I first landed in Adelaide, Australia, it was like stepping into a world full of possibilities—and challenges. As an international student, I quickly realized that life here is a mix of balancing studies, work, and adapting to a new culture. I’ve worked in various roles—sometimes jobs I never imagined myself doing—to support my education and build a future. Early mornings, late nights, juggling assignments, and shifts—it’s not easy, but it teaches you something priceless: resilience. What amazes me is the determination of so many international students out there. We leave our homes, families, and comfort zones behind to chase dreams in a foreign land. We’re not just studying; we’re learning how to build lives, face challenges head-on, and thrive despite the odds. So, here’s to every international student who’s grinding away, working hard, and building a better tomorrow. You’re not just shaping your future—you’re inspiring others with your courage and grit. If you’re an international student reading this: keep going. Every late-night assignment, every challenging shift, every moment of self-doubt is a step closer to your dreams. Let’s celebrate the spirit of hard work and resilience! If you’ve got a story to share about your journey as an international student, I’d love to hear it. Cheers ! #InternationalStudents #Resilience #ChasingDreams

Things I’ve Learned After Moving to Dublin 🌍 The other day, I was walking around the UCD campus when it hit me—it’s been over two months since I started this new chapter. Starting a new life abroad isn’t as simple as it seems. Moving to Dublin has been a journey filled with challenges, growth, and valuable lessons. Here are a few key takeaways I’ve gathered along the way: 1. Adaptability – Leaving behind a comfortable life, friends, and family wasn’t easy. The first few weeks were tough, but learning to adapt to the new culture and pace of life has been worth every challenge. Embracing change truly does make the journey fulfilling! 2. Time Management – In a master’s program, nothing is more critical or challenging than managing your time well. Once you get this right, half your problems seem to work themselves out. 3. Communication & Being Outspoken – Starting fresh means improving communication skills, not just for business, but in everyday life. Talking to strangers and making new friends has been essential to settling in and building a network. 4. Patience – Things take time, and that’s okay. Learning to be patient and allowing everything to fall into place has helped me enjoy the journey without unnecessary stress. 5. Teamwork – Working with people from diverse backgrounds requires patience and understanding. It’s not always easy, but collaborating across cultures has been an invaluable experience, offering new perspectives and insights. Each of these lessons is shaping my experience here in Dublin. To anyone else moving abroad, embrace the journey – it’s a rewarding one! ✈️🌍 #LifeInDublin #LivingAbroad #PersonalGrowth #NewBeginnings #MastersJourney #UCDLife

In my latest story for YR Media,I decided to reflect on my semester abroad and offer tips for students who may be considering similar opportunities. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gR-nSmAE

A broadened perspective on global and self-awareness These past four weeks at CIMBA have been eye-opening and presented me with many lifelong opportunities and memories. I can’t believe how fast these four weeks have gone, from first stepping on campus and not knowing what this study-abroad experience would hold. In Molly Rapert's Global Consumer course, I learned about many events occurring in China, a topic I knew little about beforehand. I have broadened my global awareness of issues and business practices outside the U.S. Studying abroad has allowed me to gain a perspective on Italy’s culture and, in the classroom, learn about China’s growing influence on the world. Travel weekends have allowed me to immerse myself in Italian culture and see the differences and similarities first-hand compared to my daily life in the U.S. In America, it is common for people to have a “live to work” mindset, compared to Italy’s “work to live” perspective. I quickly learned about the relaxed atmosphere of businesses in Italy. It is common for companies to take breaks, typically from 12-3 pm each afternoon, for rest. Many manufacturing companies we visited on class field trips had a significant focus on the quality of products to satisfy all customers’ needs and wants. Studying the difference in business practices has been notable to my knowledge of consumer markets and business practices, which I will carry into my professional career. Specifically, the Uyghur population and Belt Road Initiative topics opened my eyes to the events happening in China. From a world I thought I knew more about, Molly’s Global Consumer course has encouraged me to look deeper into topics outside the United States. It’s easy to stay focused on topics directly affecting you, but bringing awareness to the things affecting others has been a notable takeaway I’ve gained. The opportunity to study abroad has enabled me to widen my outlook on current issues and bring home knowledge that I didn’t know existed before. On Monday of week four, I sat in one of the most impactful college lectures by far. Molly shared a quote that will stick with me forever: "Think of this time as just one of many dominoes that might be pushing you in a new direction… or reinforcing the direction you are in.” Students in our global consumer course were given a domino reflecting the direction we are working towards and the growth each day brings. Studying abroad has been the experience I’ve been looking for that has allowed me to further define my goals and purpose in my personal and professional life. I will forever be grateful for the experience of being a student of Molly’s and an alumni of the CIMBA program.

As someone who’s always loved finding the harmony between analytical & creative worlds, today I’m rewinding to a milestone that marked a turning point in my creative journey: the day I launched my YouTube channel in September 2022. Growing up, YouTube was a constant source of inspiration for me. I loved being part of its audience—laughing, learning, and losing myself in the stories of creators from all walks of life. Starting my own channel was something I’d wanted to do for years, and finally taking that leap was both exciting and nerve-wracking. It became a space to share my creative ideas and bring them to life through visual storytelling. It was also a way to document my adventures & memories—something that took on even more meaning when I received the life-changing news that I’d been accepted into the study abroad programme at The University of Melbourne . I had a feeling my time there would be filled with moments I’d want to capture and share, and boy, was I right!🌟 None of this might have happened without the encouragement of my dear friend Oliver Bennett, who I met during our time at King’s Maths School. Being a highly STEM-focused environment, it was a space that celebrated intellectual curiosity and analytical thinking—but Oliver was a shining example of how we can honour both our "serious" pursuits and our creative passions. Oliver has always inspired me to carve out room for creativity alongside professional or academic endeavours, valuing both equally and recognising how they enrich each other. We share a similar appreciation for this balance, and Oliver’s belief in me gave me the courage to finally embrace this dream that has changed my life for the better. As a nice little coincidence, I’m currently reading a new novel Oliver’s written, and it’s so wonderful to reflect on how we’re both continuing to balance our professional & creative pursuits. Looking back, launching my YouTube channel wasn’t just about creating videos—it was about embracing courage and letting myself dream out loud. It taught me so much about myself and opened doors to new passions I didn’t even know I had. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this experience, it’s that there’s a unique magic in chasing that dream you can’t stop thinking about. If I could go back and meet my younger self who’s been holding onto a “what if” or a little spark of an idea, I would say: absolutely go for it. You never know where it might lead, and the journey itself is one of the greatest rewards. Thank you YouTube , for being my creative playground, and thank you Oliver Bennett , for helping me believe in myself enough to start. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next—and I hope this post inspires someone else to start their own pursuit of that thing you can’t stop thinking about. Linked here is one of the videos I created capturing my time abroad—a little glimpse into my channel😋 Enjoy! https://lnkd.in/ejRnxhB4

Before you read, be mindful that this is coming from an international student with high stakes, who hasn't really "made" it yet. 🌍 When I first set foot in the UK as an international student in 2021, I was confident with a history of academic and extracurricular achievement. But the reality of student life abroad quickly reshaped my expectations and experiences. Moving away from a familiar support system, my life became a balancing act of academics, part-time work, and personal responsibilities. This shift meant less time for extracurriculars and sometimes, even academics — a tough and maybe even silly trade-off. Fast forward to graduation—fortune smiled, and I landed a job three months before finishing my degree. The transition was exhilarating yet daunting. Despite working tirelessly to excel in my role (which achieved me many accolades and extremely significant skills), a constant cloud of anxiety hovered over me. Diagnosed with GAD and grappling with imposter syndrome, I doubted my worth and capabilities. 🔍 Recently, I've seen troubling trends where some advocate for international students to work on bank holidays, work six days a week without pay, or meet unrealistically high targets—just to prove their value. This needs to stop. Our journey, resilience, and potential already speak volumes about our worth. Here's what we, as international students, bring to the table: 1. Adaptability —We've made new countries our homes. 2. Hard work —We've balanced jobs, studies, and life, often under tough circumstances. 3. Innovation —We've tackled daily tasks with creativity and efficiency. 4. Loyalty —We value and strive to grow with great opportunities. 🚀 To my fellow international students and graduates: You are worth more than free labor and impossible standards. Don't undervalue your immense contributions or settle for less than you deserve. Don't romanticize and offer working in below par standards. We have adapted, we have persevered, and we continue to thrive. Let's push back against these unreasonable expectations and advocate for fair treatment and recognition of our true value. #InternationalStudents #FairWork #Empowerment #CareerJourney #ProfessionalGrowth

Being fresh out of university & searching for your first role in the big bad job market is challenging. Now, add in the complexity of having limited right to work and a passport without mobility? You have a recipe for disaster. We've been having this conversation with our migreats cohorts for the last few weeks. You do not need a LinkedIn post selling your soul to convince a company to sponsor you. You need to make yourself investable, not desperate. If you want to use LinkedIn to get attention, do it for the right reasons. Get people to listen, rather than react to your story. Big shout out to Mahpara Qadri - the epitome of what employers should look for in not only a great candidate, but a determined individual looking to redefine what it means to be an international student. In my opinion, you've already made it.

If you are considering studying abroad but have doubts about living in an unfamiliar environment, I strongly advise you to push these fears aside and go for it. In my latest opinion piece, I talk about my personal experience living in Milan for four months. Being the only student at my school participating, I was completely alone in a new environment. I discuss the emotional highs and lows I went through in navigating different phases of cultural adaptation, and how I ultimately made the most of an initially uncomfortable situation. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/erk-4Npy

Surviving Life as an International Student: A Journey of Challenges and Growth 🌍✈️   The experience of being an international student is not just studying abroad; it means living in a whole new world. 🌈🔍   Everything was new, starting from the moment I arrived. The accent, the culture, the academic system- it all felt so overwhelming. The bureaucratic processes, such as visas, bank accounts, and housing, were incredibly stressful. Some days, I felt completely alienated, missing the comfort of my home, struggling to understand the local way of life, and battling homesickness. 🏠💔   The academic pressure was intense. Different teaching styles and academic expectations, coupled with performance pressure while fitting into a new educational system, tested my resilience day in and day out. Learning to balance coursework, part-time work, and personal life felt like a constant uphill battle. At one point, I am pretty sure I had zero social life. And mental health? It was a constant struggle to keep it in check.   But through these challenges, I discovered my strength. I became a master at juggling roles- from student to chef, from researcher to cleaner, and a savvy financial manager navigating budgets and expenses in a foreign country. Turns out, I can handle anything life throws my way! 💪   To my family, living thousands of miles away- Varshini Sathyamurthy and Dr. Sathyamurthy Balasubramanian- your love and support kept me going. The late-night calls, words of encouragement, and your unwavering belief in me were my lifeline. ❤️   To my friends back home and the wonderful ones I've found here- Mahesh Adhikari, Bipin Sahu, Anunaya Narayan, Saketa Yasasvi Varada, Hanu Avula, Nisitaa Karen Clement Pradeep, Toshna Rane, Xinye Wang, Nusaba Kazi, Rithu Maria Jose, Shantanu Hedaoo, Nikhil David, Rachel David, Milan Tharaka, Amrutha, Abdul Basith - Thank you for being my support system, my laughter, and my anchor when the waters were rough. 🤝   It has not just been an educational journey but a huge transformation. 🚀   #InternationalStudent #StudentLife #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #UniversityOfSouthampton #StudyAbroad