Blogs

By GIA Center

For International Education Week 2023, we are sharing conversations with students who engage in global and intercultural learning in different ways. We chatted with Abhijeet Gupta, a PhD student in Computer Science, who is originally from India, about his experiences at UD and beyond. 

What has influenced or shaped your passion for international education/exchange?

My passion for international education and exchange was influenced by my desire to experience a different culture and to learn from people from all over the world. I also wanted to gain a global perspective and to develop my language and technical skills.

In addition, I was drawn to the University of Dayton because of its strong reputation in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning. I am passionate about these fields, and I wanted to learn from the best professors in the world. I am fortunate to be working with some of the finest professors in these fields at UD.

Can you share an intercultural experience or moment that inspired you?

One intercultural experience that inspired me was when I worked at Walmart. I had the opportunity to work with people from all over the world, including the UK, Japan, Canada, and Mexico. I learned a lot about different cultures and traditions from my coworkers. I also learned how to communicate and work effectively with people from different backgrounds.

Another intercultural experience that inspired me was when I worked in India and had to talk with several clients in different time zones and countries. I was impressed by the different approaches that my clients had; to solving problems. It taught me to be more open-minded and to be willing to consider different perspectives.

These experiences helped me to realize that there is no one right way to do things. Different cultures have different values and different ways of doing business. It is important to be respectful of different cultures and to be willing to learn from others. I am grateful for the opportunity to have had these intercultural experiences.

In your opinion, what are some benefits to international education or exchange?

For individuals, international education and exchange can do many things. It can expand their horizons and expose them to new cultures and perspectives. It develops their language skills and global communication abilities. It helps to enhance their problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and increases their adaptability and resilience. Also, you get to build relationships with people from all over the world! I believe that expanded intercultural experiences are essential for building a better future for all. By learning about different cultures and perspectives, we can develop the skills and knowledge needed to solve global challenges and to create a more peaceful and just world.

As a student, how do you promote international education/exchange or expanded intercultural experiences whether through campus, community, or around the world? 

As a UD Ambassador [with UDayton Global], I mentored international students on adjusting to life in the United States and on campus. I also helped them to connect with other students and to get involved in campus activities.

I am an active member of the International Friendship Initiative (IFI), a student organization that promotes international friendship and understanding. I have volunteered with IFI to organize and participate in events that bring together students from all over the world.

In addition to these specific activities, I also promote international education/exchange and expanded intercultural experiences in my everyday interactions with people. I am always eager to learn about different cultures and to share my own culture with others. I believe that it is important to build bridges between cultures, and I am committed to doing my part to promote international understanding and cooperation.

Where are some places you have traveled that have expanded your perspective of yourself and the world?

I have traveled to a number of countries, including the United States, India, and France. Each country has expanded my perspective of myself and the world in different ways.

Experiencing French culture firsthand helped me to appreciate the importance of preserving and celebrating different cultures. I was particularly impressed by the French people's passion for food, art, and history. Visiting Paris gave me a sense of the interconnectedness of the world. I saw people from all over the globe living and working together in one city. This experience made me realize that we are all more alike than we are different.

Traveling around India helped me to connect with my heritage and to learn more about my own culture. I was fascinated by the country's rich history, diverse traditions, and stunning scenery. Witnessing the challenges that many people in India face helped me to develop compassion and understanding. I learned that we should not take our own good fortune for granted and that we should always be willing to help others.

Living in the United States has given me an appreciation for the country's diversity. I have met people from all walks of life, and I have learned to respect and appreciate different perspectives. Experiencing the American dream first hand has helped me to understand what it means to work hard and to achieve your goals. I have also learned that the American dream is not just about financial success, but also about personal growth and fulfillment.

What is one aspect or memory of home that you still embrace today?

One aspect of home that I still embrace today is the importance of family and community. In India, family and community ties are very strong. People are always willing to help each other out, and there is a sense of shared responsibility for one another. I am grateful for the strong family and community support that I have received throughout my life.

If you had to pick a life motto or quote, what would it be? Why?

I've always been a big believer in living in the present moment and taking action on my goals and dreams. That's why my life motto is "Just Do it Abhi." This motto came from Kabir Das's quote:"Kaal Kare So Aaj Kar, Aaj Kare So Ub Pal Mein Pralaya Hoyegi, Bahuri Karoge Kub," which means: "Do tomorrow's work today, today's work now. If the moment is lost, how will the work be done?"

This quote is a reminder that we should not procrastinate and that we should make the most of every moment. In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get overwhelmed and to put things off until later. However, it's important to remember that procrastination can lead to missed opportunities and regret. When we take action on our goals and dreams today, we're one step closer to achieving them.

I've seen the power of taking action firsthand. I was afraid of leaving my comfort zone, When I was in India. However, I decided to "just do it," and I ended up having the most amazing experience of my life. I learned a new language, made new friends, and saw the world from a different perspective.

I've also learned that it's important to be flexible and to adapt to change. When I first moved to the United States, I had a lot of expectations. However, I quickly realized that I needed to be open to new experiences and to be willing to change my plans. I'm grateful for the opportunities that I've been given, and I'm excited to see what the future holds.