My name is Aparna Patel and I'm leaving for Grinnell College in the United States. I grew up in Bombay for the first 18 years of my life before moving to Dubai two years ago.

Grinnell is located in the state of Iowa, which has a small population and is known for farming. I've only been to the US once, and that too, New York City. So this change will be enormous -- going to a farming state after living in Bombay and Dubai!

I've decided on the US for two main reasons.

Number one, I want to see a new part of the world and meet people with backgrounds different from mine. Grinnell is known for its diverse student population, so I know that I will meet all types of people.

Number two, I want to study politics and political economy. In India and the UAE, the career options and university options for this field are very limited. Everyone looks at me like I have two heads when I mention my plans.

Right now, I'm mostly concerned with getting packed and trying to meet people at my university through the internet. Thankfully, Grinnell has a programme where alumni, faculty and students can network socially in cyberspace. I've signed up for an account and I've sent a few e-mails, though I have gotten many responses.

From talking to other people, I've learned how necessary it is to do this type of work before leaving. I want to know the head of my department, my advisor and my roommate before even landing.

If I had to describe my current status, I'd say that I'm nervous but excited.

I'm nervous because I know how my life will change forever from this experience. I've been rather sheltered and spoiled during my youth. I'm an only child and my father treats me like a true princess. Now, there will be no domestic help, no hot food on the table and I'll have to keep my accounts in order.

Also, I'm not a shy person, but I'm not sure how I will react to my American classmates. Iowa is a 'George W Bush', so even if my classmates accept me, I'm fearful that people from outside the college will insult me for being from the 'Middle East'.

I don't know my roommate yet, only her name. She's from California and her surname is 'Hernadez', so she will probably be Latin-American. I hope she likes chilly food! I just hope that I can understand her, because I've never met anyone with that ethnic background.

I chose a non-international roommate because I believe the best way to experience the US is to meet and live with the people. If I wanted to be with a Naira or a Simran [Images], I could have gone back to Bombay.

Still, I hope to meet all the international students, particularly any from Bombay, because it would be nice to reminisce with someone if I get lonely. I left India two years ago, so I've dealt with homesickness. This time, I'll be more excited than homesickness, which wasn't the case when my family shifted to Dubai.

Food is a concern, because my family basically eats Jain preparations. Sometimes, with friends, I eat non-Jain food, but at home we rarely do this. Now, I'm going to a country known for hamburgers and potato chips. I don't enjoy Western food, only the occasional risotto or soup. Will I survive?

I'm excited because I'm about to do something that doesn't even seem possible to me! As I said, I've been pampered for twenty years. Now, I'm off to fend for myself and try to make it in a new country.

Also, Grinnell is a great university and it is known for the amount of students who receive PhD degrees. One day, I hope to earn a PhD and work for the United Nations or for the government of India. Grinnell seems like the best way to make my dream a reality.

My flight is on August 21, so I'll be leaving in one month. Saying good-bye to my family and my home is going to be difficult, but I'm ready for this challenge.

I keep saying this to my father, who seems to be very upset as the date approaches. I say, 'Dad, you wanted this for me! Everything you've ever taught me has made me who I am today. I'll make you proud.' Then, we both start crying, but in a happy way.

I do not have many friends in Dubai, so I won't miss them. I try to go back to India every few months, but living in Iowa will make it impossible. Therefore, I might not see my Bombay friends again for a few years. But, life is bittersweet. I'm going to pursue my PhD, and that's the greatest gift I could ever imagine.

I believe my experience in the US will give me a new perspective on Americans and on the world in general. I hope to use this knowledge to improve India.

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~ Are you a student who is studying/ has studied abroad? What advice would you have for other students who may soon be pursuing studies in a foreign country? What are your experience as an international student? What were the things you wished you knew before you left home? Write to us at getahead@rediff.co.in and we will feature your experiences right here.