Featured Person: Akhilesh Bhambri

Name: Akhilesh Bhambri

Age: 24

Disability: Congenital disability

Program Country: United States

Program Length: 3 years

Program Type: Study Abroad (Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, USA; Master of Science program in Electrical and Computer Engineering Department)

Was your international exchange experience arranged through an exchange organization? If so, what was the application process like?

I applied directly to Western Michigan University and was later admitted. I also applied for a student visa through the U.S. consulate in New Delhi, India. 

If you received any scholarships, stipends, or other funding for your exchange, who provided them?

I did not receive any scholarships, although I am currently looking for funding.

What were your concerns as you prepared to travel? What kinds of resources did you use to address these concerns (website, advisor, book, etc)?

My concerns were facing the stress and exhaustion related to travel, and not knowing how airline employees, immigration officers and other passengers would behave around me.  

What was your experience living in the host country? Please share your impressions of housing, transportation, activities, cultural attitudes towards disability, and your strategies for navigating abroad.

My impression of people in the U.S. is that they are friendly and know how to interact with persons with disabilities. They do not pity, but they help whenever needed, which is cool. They also do not discuss anything related to my disability or exaggerate their encouragement, which makes me feel uncomfortable.

When using public transportation, it’s easy to get a seat, so I do not have to hold on to anything for support. However, there are some activities that are just as challenging in the United States as they are in my native country. Yet, when it comes to any new activity, I will never say “I can’t do it.” Instead, I think that trying is what’s most important. Instead of asking myself whether I can participate or not, I ask myself how to start, although certain activities took more time to complete as a person with a disability.

What would have been helpful to have known before you began your journey?

It would have been helpful to know what the facilities were like before arriving, as well as what accommodations were available. Now that I know what benefits and accommodations I can use, my stay here is much more comfortable.

However, just as everything has pros and cons, visiting places also has merits and drawbacks. Every new place offers a new environment, a new perspective, and change. But sometimes, it lowers my confidence and mentally disturbs me. Nevertheless, I recommend traveling the world as much as possible. Going to new places and meeting new people will broaden thinking and give an opportunity to adapt to change.

My overall experience has taught me several lessons that would have been helpful to have known at the start of the exchange. Be confident in yourself and focus on the activity at hand. Do not caught in particular mindset, and be ready to adjust to the unexpected. If necessary, ask questions and ask for help professionally or with general needs. Ignore negative comments about you, and be prepared to answer lots of questions!

What were the benefits of the experience, and how has your international experience informed your future plans?

My time in the United States has helped me improve my communication with other people. For example, if someone frustrated me, I would ask myself, “Why should I disturb my mental balance if somebody is being judgmental?" Snapping back at someone will only make them become more stubborn in their thinking, but if I show people how well I can adapt to negative attitudes, perhaps they will be more responsive and change their mindset.

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