It’s been a month since I’ve been here in Birmingham and my experience has been surreal. I’ve made friends with people coming from such varied cultures, explored so many new places, and learned a lot. I already see a change in myself and I feel blessed every day of my life. It also gives me immense pleasure to share with you that I had applied for the position of an Incoming Global Ambassador and I’ve been offered the role, I shall be working with 7 more ambassadors and promoting studying abroad.

Attending a semester exchange program at DHBW University in Germany was one of my best university experiences. In 2019, I was captivated by Germany’s rich culture, strong economy, and natural beauty. As a business and management student, I attended the fall semester at the Heidenheim Campus, studying modules like International Business, Procurement, and Project Management, which provided insight into the German business environment. I also received a stipend through the Baden Württemberg scholarship program. The Office of International Affairs at Chitkara University made the application and visa process smooth and easy. I highly recommend this program to travel enthusiasts eager to explore their potential.

The journey started a bit unsure, as it seemed like a big step, but the transition was very smooth thanks to the guidance available whenever needed and the inviting Dutch community. There were people from all over the world, which helped me learn about multiple cultures as they were eager to exchange cultural knowledge. I made many wonderful friends whom I look forward to meeting again. The practical approach to studying was not just interesting but also intuitive. I visited many unique places, which gave me a greater appreciation for the beauty of the world. The experience helped me grow a lot and learn about Western culture firsthand.

Looking back at my time as an exchange student at The Hague University, Netherlands, I couldn’t be more grateful for this unique opportunity to learn and grow in such a multicultural and stimulating environment. I felt that the Dutch people in general and the campus community specifically were very welcoming and friendly. During my exchange program, I traveled to cities like Amsterdam, Paris, and, of course, The Hague. In terms of academics, I really enjoyed the variety of courses offered there, and it was wonderful to experience Western education and culture. I learned incredibly much both inside and outside the classroom and met wonderful people.

We are finally at the end of our internship, and it has been the best experience of our lives. The exposure we received was priceless, making us independent, adaptable, and forward-thinking. We learned about new technologies and gained a pool of knowledge. The caring and helpful people made us feel at home, and we fell in love with France and Hager. Our mentors guided us systematically and took great care of us. The intercultural exchange taught us about the French way of life and the importance of work-life balance. Our project was challenging but successful, and our work was well acknowledged by the machinery department. Thank you for this wonderful experience and for believing in us.

I am glad to share that I feel I have represented Chitkara University and India in the best way possible by participating in every event and spreading knowledge about India. I have successfully completed my Japanese course and become fluent. My new goal is to master Korean, and I am diligently practicing it. I will be able to speak five languages by the time I return to Chitkara University! I have achieved perfect scores on all weekly projects and assignments. My month-long trip to Japan was amazing, and I shared about India at my friend’s university. I regularly participate in orientations, competitions, club meetings, and volunteering. Thanks to Chitkara University for shaping me, I will continue to grow with every step.

I watched myself suit up for graduation and recalled my father’s words, “Nothing good comes easy. It requires tenacity, capability, and perseverance.” Those words seemed vague then, but now, after seven years, I understand their significance. Despite initial setbacks in mechanical engineering, I took my final year seriously with my professors’ guidance. My mentor, Mr. Ankit Khurana, encouraged me to intern in Germany, despite my family’s concerns. There, I embraced the new environment, learned valuable skills, and pursued my MSc in Advanced Engineering Management at the University of Birmingham. This journey, enriched by experiences at Chitkara University and Birmingham, taught me the importance of exploring and experiencing to succeed.

Firstly, I want to thank Chitkara University for selecting me for the Korean Government Scholarship (KGSP) and giving me the chance to study at Soongsil University, Korea, for one year under the “Semester Exchange Program.” This being my first experience abroad, I gained extensive knowledge from Soongsil and Korean culture.

The courses I chose during my Exchange Program expanded my knowledge in computer science and East Asian culture, with some courses including real-time projects. Soongsil also offered a language course for foreigners, and Korean professors were instrumental in helping me understand the language and culture, enhancing my communication with locals. Additionally, I met many international students, developing a global social network and learning about various cultures.

Harsh Kansal from Chitkara School of Mechanical Engineering represented Chitkara University as a Semester Exchange Program student at Chung Ang University, South Korea, from February to June 2014. During his exchange, he participated in various cultural tours organised by Chung Ang University’s International Office, deepening his understanding of Korean culture. He completed two projects and presented three research papers at the 4th International Conference on Advances in Materials and Manufacturing Technology (AMMT-2014) at Chitkara University. His work was published in the AMMT-2014 international conference and the International Journal of Research in Mechanical Engineering and Technology (IJRMET). Chitkara University congratulates Harsh Kansal on his achievements and wishes him success in his future endeavors.

As a student of Chitkara University, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in an exchange program at ESIGELEC, Rouen, France. Having learned French since school, I eagerly embraced this chance. The study environment at ESIGELEC was ideal, with knowledgeable and helpful visiting professors from diverse backgrounds. The mode of communication was English, ensuring no language barriers. I interacted with students from China, Morocco, Ivory Coast, and France, enriching my cultural experience. ESIGELEC’s education system is designed to prevent student stress, complemented by social gatherings and clubs. My time in France also allowed me to visit Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy. Grateful for this experience, I urge fellow students to pursue exchange programs for personal and professional growth. Thank you, Chitkara University, for this opportunity.

Healthcare students Mr. Puneet Goyal and Ms. Rashpinder were nominated by Chitkara University to attend the International Summer Program 2013 at China Medical University (CMU) in Taiwan. The program was free for Chitkara University students. Puneet expressed that representing Chitkara University internationally and exploring more about healthcare was a dream come true. CMU, renowned for its academic excellence in medicine, provided an exceptional opportunity to broaden healthcare knowledge and network with students from around the world. Besides studies, notable attractions at CMU included the Lifu Museum of Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture Research Centre, and China Medical University Hospital. Chitkara University congratulates Puneet and Rashpinder on this achievement.

Kanika Kanda, a B.E. ECE student at Chitkara University, is currently pursuing her 7th semester at Korea University’s Sejong Campus on a scholarship. Known as a “GEM” by the International representative, she has won prizes in every event since her arrival. During International Day, she highlighted Chitkara University’s vision of “Social and Cultural Sensitivity,” “Academic Excellence,” and “Leadership.” Kanika’s experience in South Korea has been transformative, enhancing her global network, problem-solving skills, self-confidence, and cultural appreciation. As an ambassador for Chitkara University, she successfully engaged students with the benefits of the exchange program, drawing significant interest and appreciation for the university’s values and opportunities.