As a group of friends embarked on our journey to college abroad, we jokingly predicted that we would return with accents from our respective countries. We assumed that our Indian heritage would fade away in favor of a more Westernized identity, influenced by our upbringing in an international school and exposure to Western media.
Coming from a background that defied Indian stereotypes perpetuated by Western media, we initially felt disconnected from our culture. We never anticipated longing for it once we were away. Yet, a few months into college, devoid of familiar cultural cues, I found myself missing aspects of my Indian identity.
Reflecting on this shift, I realized that my cultural identity, taken for granted at home, required active effort to maintain as an international student. In this foreign environment, I had to consciously seek out connections to my roots, filling a void in my life that only I could address.
Engaging in Indian cultural events, Bollywood-themed parties, and celebrating festivals abroad became integral to my college experience. Surprisingly, friends who were once disconnected from their heritage also embraced their Indian identity in this new setting.
Embracing our culture didn’t mean rejecting Western influences. It was a delicate balance, where appreciation for both worlds coexisted. Unlike before, I now actively seek out my culture, recognizing its value in shaping my identity.
This journey isn’t without challenges. Language barriers and moments of cultural dissonance are frequent. Yet, there are also moments of joy, like cooking a meal that tastes like home or adorning traditional jewelry.
Finding this balance has been a gradual process, but it has enriched my college experience in ways I hadn’t imagined. And to those expecting me to return with an American accent, I apologize—I’m holding onto my roots a little tighter than expected.
Edhita Singhal, a sophomore from India, shares her experiences as an international student in her column, “Foreign Footprints,” appearing every other Tuesday.
