Hyderabad: A recent video by former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, advising Indian students studying overseas to prioritise safety and avoid trouble, has resonated with hundreds of those either working or pursuing an education in a foreign country. Her video was released amid a spate of instances where Indian students were assaulted — some leading to deaths — or caught on wrong side of law. Since the beginning of this year alone, more than eight Indian students have reportedly died in the US, with an equally high number of them having been attacked or mugged.TOI spoke to some students and working professionals currently staying in the US, UK, Canada etc, who agreed how moving to a foreign country is not always a smooth sail and comes with a lot of struggles. Sharing their experiences, they listed out some dos and don’ts that students must bear in mind.Understand rules“The first priority should be to thoroughly understand the rules and laws, including traffic regulations. If they own a vehicle, it’s crucial to carry a licence and insurance at all times. Ignorance of these rules can result in dire consequences. If one is caught violating laws it could result in imprisonment or, in severe cases, deportation to their home country,” shared Amitav Sanjay, a resident of Uppal who is currently in Chicago. He added: “Ensuring that all documents are in place like college ID, visa, passport, proof of admission, is also important. These are documents usually asked for while applying for part-time jobs.”Stick to permitted hoursSanjay also emphasised the prevalence of students illegally working extra hours and accepting cash payments. “It’s important to understand the risks involved; one could not only face deportation if authorities discover such activities, but also be banned from entering that country again,” he cautioned and advised students to adhere to permitted working hours which is typically 20 hours or consider on-campus employment opportunities.Stay close to collegeSome also highlighted the significance of having accommodation close to college. “While university housing is both economical and secure, students often opt for co-living spaces, shared apartments, or studio apartments to experience the city better,” said Saurabh Arora, founder of University Living, a provider of accommodation services for international students. However, he stressed that such accommodations should be within a 20-minute walking distance from the college, and if it’s late, students should rely on public transportation rather than walking alone in the dark.Steer clear of strangersSome also cautioned against befriending strangers, highlighting the potential dangers as students are vulnerable targets for petty criminals. “Speaking from personal experience, our inclination to assist others can be risky, especially if we don’t know the person,” said Ayesha Charaniya, from Yavatmal, Maharashtra who has been living in Texas for 11 years. She advised against helping strangers, citing common occurrences of individuals faking the need for assistance to later extort money or threaten students.Know your cityShe recommended that students should get an idea about the city from their teachers or college friends or simply search online to avoid certain locations. “Every city has a few pockets which are filled with goons, criminals, thieves and burglars. It is always advisable to avoid venturing around such locations,” added Charaniya.Don’t overshare on social mediaAnother important issue highlighted by many was the excessive use of social media. Indians residing abroad often share excessive updates about their location, college, or accommodation on social platforms. “It’s wise to avoid adding strangers on social media and to refrain from sharing day-to-day details, especially on open accounts,” said Avinash Lanjewar, a master’s student in computer science in Melbourne, Australia.Discussing health insurance, Nitashi Yerola from Abids, a nursing student in Vancouver, emphasised the high cost of healthcare in Canada. “Upon completing my two-year course, obtaining a work permit is necessary to claim insurance. Unfortunately, before I could secure insurance, I fractured my hand in a road accident,” Yerola recounted. “I had to personally cover expenses exceeding six lakhs for treatment, nearly wiping out my savings. Thus, the transition period from college to work is critical, requiring individuals to prioritise self-care like avoiding sports and adventurous activities and students should opt for public transport during this period to avoid injuries etc to avoid unexpected medical expenses.”
