Far from home, but not alone: the educational experience of students from India in Uzhhorod
Every year, Uzhhorod National University becomes home to hundreds of foreign students, most of whom are traditionally young men and women from India. For them, moving to Ukraine is not just a change of country or climate, it is a great educational journey involving adaptation, new people, and a new language. Studying in another country is always a difficult challenge, but it is this experience that opens up a wealth of opportunities for students. You make new friends, develop an understanding of another culture, learn a new language, and discover the traditions of another people.
For us, studying in Ukraine is a normal part of life. But it is always interesting to find out what attracts foreign students so much that they come here from other continents. And why exactly does Ukraine become their educational choice?
“I have always dreamed of studying abroad, and after considering different countries, Ukraine seemed to me to be the best option — high-quality education, affordable cost, and generally comfortable living conditions. When choosing a university, I heard that it can sometimes be dangerous in the east, so I decided that the western part of Ukraine would be safer. At first, I thought about Lviv, but then I found out that our relatives’ son was already studying in Uzhhorod. Since this was going to be my first experience living away from home for such a long period, my parents were worried, but having someone I knew nearby made the choice easier. So I decided to enroll at Uzhhorod National University,” says Dipanshu Bangar, a fifth-year student at Medical Faculty No. 2.
His story is just one of many, but it clearly shows the thoughts and expectations that foreign students bring with them when they come to Uzhhorod. It is important for them not only to receive a quality education, but also to find a place where they feel safe and comfortable. That is why western Ukraine, particularly Uzhhorod, often becomes the most attractive option for future doctors from India. The support of Ukrainian teachers, the friendliness of local residents, and the presence of fellow countrymen make this path much easier. Over time, Uzhhorod becomes not only a place of study for them, but also a second home, where they find friends, like-minded people, and support in difficult moments. A special community is formed here, where everyone can develop, adapt to a new country, and discover Ukrainian culture and traditions. For many foreign students, Uzhhorod becomes the place where their dreams are born, their desire for development deepens, and they feel that there are always people nearby whom they can count on.
“For me, the biggest challenge in the first month was learning to cope with everything on my own for the first time. I had just finished school, and suddenly medical training seemed much more difficult and demanding, so at first it was a bit overwhelming. Another difficulty was the language barrier. It was difficult at first because I had to translate almost everything, and that added an extra burden to my studies. However, over time, it became part of my daily life. Now, as I try to learn Ukrainian, I can understand basic conversations and even answer simple questions, which makes life much easier. Over time, everything started to fall into place. I took everything step by step, made friends — some wonderful, some not so wonderful — and gradually got used to the new routine. I felt like life was teaching me. Now that I am 18, I have to figure things out on my own because my parents are no longer around to help me with everything,” Dipanshu shares.
For foreign students, an important aspect of adaptation is not only studying, but also the attitude of the local residents. The friendliness and hospitality of those around them help them get used to the new city faster and feel comfortable even far from home.
“Uzhhorod is very beautiful and welcoming. Strangers often give me something when I buy goods in their shops, and once a woman even ordered me ice cream just to say, ‘Welcome to our country’. I really like the atmosphere and European culture here,” says student Khushi Sharma.
Such stories show that for foreigners, Ukraine is becoming not just a place to study, but a space where they are welcomed and supported. The warm welcome, sincere smiles, and willingness to help make staying in Uzhhorod more pleasant and easier, and the cultural exchange is truly mutual: Ukrainians learn about the traditions of other countries, and students from different parts of the world discover Ukrainian culture for themselves.
When arriving in a new city, many students look for part-time jobs, as this is a chance to earn extra money and gain new experience. However, not all foreign students are actively looking for work. They say that they rarely take on part-time jobs because their schedules are already very busy and they focus most of their efforts on their studies. The additional workload of a job can distract them from lectures, practical classes, and independent study. Therefore, their priority remains acquiring knowledge and professional skills, and the search for a part-time job often takes a back seat.
However, there are those who manage to combine study with work. The most common options are food delivery, working in restaurants, and remote online work. This format is usually more convenient for foreigners, as it does not require a high level of knowledge of the Ukrainian language, allows for flexible time planning, and enables tasks to be performed from anywhere. Foreign students also share their wishes regarding the educational process. They note that they would like to have more clinical practice, as working with patients helps them to better absorb the material and acquire important professional skills. In addition, they believe that the schedule could sometimes be made more convenient, as a lot of time is spent traveling to the educational buildings. Overall, foreign students are satisfied with their studies, but emphasize that additional practical classes would significantly improve their educational experience and prepare them more effectively for professional activity.
The experience of foreign students in Ukraine shows that the combination of quality education, a friendly environment, and support from teachers creates conditions for comprehensive development and adaptation in a new country, as well as opens up new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
