Study Abroad is the new mantra for undergrads fresh out of colleges, especially evident in metro cities of India. For me it was a transition from work to study as I had completed 2.5 years as a software developer at IBM. I was raring to go, challenge myself to the new rigors of graduate studies, start a new student life again. It was University of Texas at Dallas, that gave me this wonderful opportunity to study Management Information Systems, that is a unique blend of technical and management skills.

The course curriculum and opportunities to exhibit my talent, drew me closer to studying in US. The University system offers unique courses in Consulting and Business Intelligence coupled with Industry related programs that allow students to apply these skills.

People here are very polite and cordial. I was awestruck when complete strangers on roads, hallways would greet me with warm smiles. Cultures are widely respected here and its doesn't bother which part of world you come from, it's the attitude that differentiates people here.

Texas as a state is very huge with Dallas especially known for its cowboy culture. The American Football is a very popular sport and we often hangout at Dallas cowboys stadium and are huge cowboy fans. Texas being the largest state in US stands true to its nature with huge and widely spaced buildings.

The thing I miss the most is the good Asian/Indian meal on campus. Though Dallas is known to have lots of Indian food joints, but sadly our campus doesn't have one. So nearest ones being the Bombay Chopsticks and Masala Wok are often frequented by Indian students. But plus point is the Mexican food which offers some respite to veggie students like me!!.

There is no age limit to studying in US. Classes are uniquely diverse both in age and race with having classmates and project mates of 55 years to as young as 21 years. This is highly enriching as most of the senior classmates are highly experienced in their industries and share their work experiences with other students. Classrooms serve as a perfect networking platform for many students. Many Classes have live projects where you directly work with the industry professionals and apply concepts and create value to their work. International student population which is almost 1/4th of the total student population is formed  mainly by countries like Mexico, India, China, Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, U.K and Russia.

Lots of on campus job opportunities exists for students and they make a very good living out of it. I work as a teaching assistant, helping out professors with grading and course material.

The most impressive aspect fostered by my Business School is analytical thinking and focus on problem solving and creativity. Not just educating about business, we are also taught to implement strategies .We also learn a lot from case studies and guest speaker sessions. Leadership is encouraged through student organizations. I was deeply influenced by one of my Business Economics Professor who belongs to Austrian School of Economics and his thoughts on the subject and how Austrian economics could solve world economy problems deeply nurtured rational thinking in me.

I wrote GRE and TOEFL and applied to the UT Dallas School of Management. I got admits from other universities like University of South Florida and Northeastern University at Boston as well. But a scholarship from UTD, allowed to go ahead with my study plans with ease on tuition fees and living.

My learning curve so far has taught me  that ability to think different and potential to implement your ideas are key to success in modern world especially in US.