Studying in India

For engineering students, one semester often means reading six or more books, each with more than three hundred pages. These are not light reading materials. These are dense technical textbooks covering complex topics that you must understand, not just memorize.

You will have multiple assignments every week. You must fill laboratory manuals with detailed observations, submit reports on time, attend every class, and follow university rules without exception.

Exams are long, comprehensive, and mentally exhausting. The exam period can last almost one full month. You will write theory exams covering everything taught during the semester, and practical exams testing your hands-on skills.

At Gujarat Technological University, we had two minor exams and one major exam periods per semester. Each exam covered multiple subjects, requiring simultaneous preparation across different technical domains.

Indian cities are busy, crowded, and loud. There is constant traffic, visible pollution, and noise that never seems to stop. Sometimes you will feel overwhelmed. Sometimes you will feel lonely despite being surrounded by millions of people.

But there are also moments of unexpected beauty. Historic architecture that takes your breath away. Modern infrastructure that rivals any developed nation. Cultural festivals that fill streets with color, music, and life.

India's transportation system is extensive, efficient, and surprisingly affordable. Public transport includes buses, metro trains, and auto-rickshaws. For longer distances, trains connect every major city. Uber and similar apps make local travel convenient.

Perhaps most surprising: domestic flights within India are remarkably affordable. Student passes make regular commuting very cheap.

Indian food is very different from Malagasy cuisine; spicier, more diverse in flavors, and heavily vegetarian in many regions. However, food is incredibly affordable. A complete meal can cost less than 100 rupees.