A Dubai-based CEO has sparked an online debate with her post suggesting that students should apply to international universities with fewer Indian students.
Shreya Pattar, founder of Shreya Pattar Ventures, shared her views on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, "Any Indian student planning to move abroad for higher education should check how many Indian students that university has.
The more the number of Indian students, the lower that university should be on your list of places to join. A big Indian community of students doesn’t come with a “homely” feeling."
Pattar explained that large groups of Indian students often bring what she described as "toxic Indian patterns," including excessive drama, unprofessionalism, lack of positive role models, no leadership or mentorship for juniors, self-centred behaviour, cliques, gossiping, and a lack of seriousness about the future.
She further emphasised, "If you plan to move out of the country, make sure you are also staying away from that mindset, attitude, and nature of people.
You shouldn’t need such people around you to 'feel at home'. And if you DO, then might as well just not move abroad."
Her post, which has garnered several lakh views, received mixed reactions.
Some agreed with her, stressing the importance of stepping out of comfort zones and avoiding familiar communities to broaden one's horizons.
Others argued that success abroad depends more on individual efforts than the ethnic background of fellow students.
One user commented, "I respectfully disagree. Having a community of Indian students can provide a sense of familiarity and support, especially in a new country.
It's about finding the right balance between comfort and exposure to diverse perspectives." Another user added, "Every nation must have its own toxic patterns.
You have studied abroad; what are some toxic patterns that you noticed in other nations’ students?"
Another user shared a personal experience, "I cannot agree more with you.
In 2011 I went to Australia to work in a hospital and there the most toxic people and most envious towards Indians were Indians only.
It was a shock for me once I reached there and until the time I left Australia I could not come to terms with it.
Supporting Pattar's view, another user shared, "1000% true.
I got to study abroad for high school and bachelor's and it was in quite unconventional places.
There were very few Indians and at first it was difficult but so worth it now. It makes the biggest difference in learning."
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/latest-updates/dubai-ceo-sparks-debate-by-advising-students-to-choose-universities-with-fewer-indians/articleshow/110163527.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
