My Life at Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Arunkumar R. shares his experience as a student at Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Q :- You have been one of those highly respected lot of students who have been doing higher studies at Thunderbird School of Global Management. How does it feel to be at Thunderbird School of Global Management, USA?
A :- Before joining this course in Thunderbird School of Global Management I was working for 5-6 years with Indian companies so in the beginning I needed to cope up with the new study pattern, how the grading system works? As I think in Indian way and the study pattern in India however now as time went on I got used to it I am feeling very good about it. I faced difficulties in the beginning however now its fine and worth it.

Q :- Please tell us about which courses you are studying and why did you choose that course?
A :- I am doing MBA-International Business (finance). I chose this course because I am mainly interested in finance field and also due to the financial market in USA, every company has different franchise in other countries and it will be really helpful for me to understand the financial market of different countries.

Q :- Why did you choose the USA for higher education?
A :- I chose USA for higher education because out of fortune 500 companies there are almost 400 companies in USA, there are substantial number of companies in USA also due to the latest technologies, knowledge and the functionality.

Q :- How is Thunderbird School of Global Management different than any other USA University based on whatever you have heard from your friends about?
A :- Thunderbird school of Global Management is unique in terms of the international business (foreign trade) as it is the pioneers of the International Business, also students from 50 different countries studies here. It is a small school however with unique professors who worked in more than one country. It has flexible program than other universities.

Q :- Are you happy with your decision?
A :- Yes I am happy and satisfied with my decision to pursue my education at Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Q :- Where do you eat? Do you cook yourself?
A :- I live on-campus hence we have common dining and once in a week they have Indian food, I even bought a microwave just to prepare some food by my own like rice, etc.

Q :- Where do you live? On-campus or off-campus and why?
A :- I live on-campus because I get to know and to interact with different students by being with them also it is relatively safe to live in campus.

Q :- Please share some of your experiences of the USA for aspiring students
A :- The study pattern is totally different out in USA as we have to prepare ourselves and lot of group studies and activities are required. In USA the main factor is self-education and group education.

Q :- What’s your advice to students who aspire to go to the USA for higher studies?
A :- USA is not dream destination any more like it used to be. The students should think and compare the courses and universities that they are planning to pursue the education from. They should be prepared to go back to India if they don't get any job in USA. They should understand and adopt the USA culture.

Q :- Other than academics, what else did you learn from the country USA?
A :- In the beginning networking was missing, as this is the main thing which is important because we have to do networking and we have to interact with colleagues, friends, students, professors and it has tremendous importance for getting job. We have to approach people; we have to opt the etiquettes of the people in USA and also their accent. If we lack networking then there are limited chances of getting job cause in USA, a student with 3.2 GPA can overtake a student who scored 4.2 GPA by extra qualities and extracurricular activities.

Q :- How are the studies in the USA different than the studies in India?
A :- Self education is the main difference. In India professors teach each and everything however in USA sometimes the students have to study and prepare themselves before the professors do. They won't just look at the marks; they want us to understand ourselves that we study. In India we can copy a project work from net or from book however in USA it is all about Team work.

Q :- Is it worth spending so much money to get a degree from the USA as compared to similar degree in India with lower costs?
A :- It depends on the student’s decision on which course and university he is planning to go as they have to decide after comparing the same with other universities, for me it is definitely worth because it has a long term benefits.

Q :- What’s your advice to parents of aspiring students?
A :- Parents should know that it is a different country with different culture, they should understand the same also. They should learn to operate computers and webcams so that they can interact and can be in touch with the students (i.e. their children). They should first enquire about the location, the university. They should see if they have some relatives or some friends in USA so that it will be helpful for them. Also they should know about the transport in USA as the transport in every location is not that good, compared to what they have in the major locations for this they should even know the alternative.

Q :- Key things to remember for parents and students while planning for the studies in the USA
A :- Finance is the major part; they should have good back up because if there is no scholarship or the student does not get any part time course then they should have the right back up to fund the student for education. A perfect planning is required as the job market in USA is not that attractive as it was earlier as the student might have to get back to India. The student should think if he is able to cook food, if yes then he has to get the required utensils. For the transportation he needs to get a bicycle or if he drives then he need to be trained as it is a right hand drive country.

Q :- What are you future plans?
A :- After completing the course I will be here in USA for at least 2-3 years to get the investment back after that I am planning to go to Hong Kong or Singapore which is my dream destination, I am even ready to work in India for sure.

Q :- How did you fund your higher education?
A :- Credila helped me to fund my higher education.

Q :- Why did you choose Credila?
A :- Loan procedures are very easy. I even tried for loan with other nationalize banks however they have fluctuating process also it is frustrating process, with Credila in terms of funding it is very comfortable and I even had a word with one of the representative few days back for another tranche. Credila also has someone who works in USA i.e. at Wisconsin so it is comfortable.

Q :- If Credila arranges a chat session with you for prospective students sometime in the future; will you be available for the chat on Credila’s expert chat session?
A :- I am ready only for voice chats which won't take much time rather than the web chats; it is a great thing that Credila is doing which can help the students for their decision.

Q :- Any other advice to students and parents?
A :- Plan well in advance because it is a big investment speak to different students, professors and then take the decision. As I did the same before deciding, I spoke with different students in Thunderbird school of Global Management.

Q :- Any other references you can give us who can answer similar interviews?
A :- Yes, some of my friends are in India at present after confirming with them I can refer them to you. It is very good thing that Credila is doing as it will help the students and the parents to decide well on the higher education part.