2008 Woodie Awards
From Mumbai to Boise
One international student speaks about his home country and his time in the U.S.
TABITHA KEILY
News/BizTech Coordinator
Issue date: 10/13/08 Section: News
|
This is what finance and marketing major Nikhil Mohan did when he came to Boise State University in fall 2005 from Mumbai, India.
Boise State has more than 30 international students from India, which is currently the largest country represented.
Not only is Mohan from the most populous city in the world, but India is also the second most populated country in the world after China. For this reason, coming to Boise was a huge change for him.
“It took me six months to adjust,” Mohan said, explaining how difficult it was to leave his family and friends in Mumbai.
“Even at 12:00 in the night you find bumper to bumper traffic in Mumbai,” he said. “Boise is a really quiet place.”
Mohan said he adapted by getting involved with students and student activities.
“It takes time to adjust, you have to be patient,” he advises other international students.
Language was never a problem for Mohan since he started learning English when he was 3 years old. However, his accent made it difficult for some Americans to understand him.
“[It] was sometimes very frustrating, repeating the same thing three or four times,” he said. “My accent has not changed but I make a point to speak more slowly, more calmly, so people can understand me.”
Despite being a Hindu, Mohan doesn’t find it difficult to stick to his religious beliefs in Boise. He visits a temple located close to campus and eats most foods, except beef.
“I think religion depends on people’s own personal perception,” he said.
One of the biggest differences between India and the U.S. according to Mohan is the level to which people interact.
“India is much more like a family environment, people live together, do things together,” he said. “Here it is more individualistic.”
Mohan also explained how the U.S. significantly affects India, especially in areas like the economy.
“American stocks went down and it has an impact on the Indian markets,” he said.
Mohan is the vice president and one of the founders of the Indian Student Association at Boise State. The club currently has between 30-35 members and looks to expand.
Information can be found on the Cultural Center or Boise State Club Websites.
Mohan has also worked for seven different organizations at Boise State including Parking Services, the Associated Students of Boise State University, Tablerock Cafe, the Bookstore, the Cultural Center and University Housing. He currently works for Aramark at Fresh Express.
“I believe variety is the spice of life,” he joked.
On top of work and 19 credits, Mohan takes time to enjoy some of Idaho’s benefits. He has tried skiing, hiking and camping, and has traveled the West.
One of his favorite activities is playing cricket, a popular sport in India that he learned to play as a small child.
“I just can’t live without cricket, it’s like the life soul, it’s in our blood,” Mohan said. “Everyday I have to read like 45 minutes of cricket news.”
Mohan plans to graduate from Boise State in December 2009 and wants to continue to study for a master’s in finance after working for a few years.
Be the first to comment on this story