Soon after my U.S visa confirmation, I packed my bags and was ready to leave for the U.S, the land of opportunity, to pursue my MBA at the University of Toledo (UT), Ohio. The UT is a student-centred, public, metropolitan research university, with 23,000 students and a picturesque campus and a diverse student population and strong presence of international students. The campus has state-of-the-art classrooms, modern residence halls, well-equipped libraries, a recreation centre and a 24/7 hospital.
The university’s vibrant international student body called the Office of International Student Services (OISS), takes the responsibility of making international students feel safe and at home in the campus. We get to celebrate all international cultural festivals and this provides a chance for cultural understanding among international students.
Never did I feel lonely as I was completely involved in the activities of the OISS during the weekends and vacation time. I visited a local zoo, dined at popular restaurants, enjoyed the football and ice hockey matches with fellow students, and also went to Detroit for the art gallery and automobile show. OISS organised a trip to Orlando for the winter break and I joined them.
The academic culture at UT is such that students are expected to interact with professors. This is more important than lecturing. Since I was in the business school, I was exposed to case studies and presentations relating to current business environments interconnecting with my major, that is, Human Resource Management.
TransportationTalking about transportation, the university buses take students to Wal-Mart and other local attractions at Toledo every evening from Monday to Thursday. Students using the university’s library late into the evening have access to cabs provided by the university, to reach their apartments. There are many part-time campus jobs available for students. Then of course there is the Indian student associations with the help of which we celebrate Independence day, Republic day and Diwali. There are Indian grocery stores and restaurants as well.
In terms of employment opportunities, the business school hosts job fairs and career development programmes. Companies try to contact the deserving candidates for interviews. There are also career services to assist students in obtaining internships and full-time jobs. At present I work as a college administrative intern at Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota.
The writer completed her MBA from the University of Toledo, Ohio, recently.
Email: dharanisenguttuvan@gmail.com
