My name is Dongkyu Lee. I am from South Korea.

Six years ago, I came to India for the first time. I was fascinated by the cultural diversity of the country and its welcoming people. I became aware of Hindu College, its rich history and reputable facilities. I wanted to be a part of its legacy. So, when the time came for me to decide what I wanted to pursue for higher studies, I chose Philosophy at Hindu College.

I arrived in Delhi in June. But as an international student, I faced some difficulties. Due to compulsory military service in my country, I had to miss my first semester of College. When I contacted the FSRO about the same, I did not get a response.

Joining late in the academic year came with its own set of difficulties. When I came here, I realized that I had missed my Semester-I examination. I felt unsure of what I was supposed to do and my future in the College.

On my first day on the campus, I found out that the Office of International Programs of the College was hosting an Interactive Session for International Students. At the event, I was able interact with other international students and share my problems with the OIP Team. The members were extremely friendly and helpful.

Soon, the University of Delhi released a notification saying that students who weren't able to pursue their regular studies or appear for exams in Semester I will be allowed to pursue their regular classes in Semester II. The OIP Team immediately contacted me with this new development. The next day, the Team members accompanied me to discuss the same with the College administration. On speaking to them, we realized that my credentials were misrepresented in the College records. With wrong credentials, the college authorities refused to recognize me as a student of the College. I was asked to take re-admission I felt extremely helpless.

Moving to a new country is not easy. It took me some time to adjust to the new environment. I faced a language barrier when interacting with the locals. Finding accommodation around the campus was not easy.

There were issues with the admission paperwork.

Around this time, I was approached by the newly-established Office of International Programs (OIP) of Hindu College. The OIP guided me through the admission procedure and related paperwork. They helped me connect with other international students on campus, who helped me feel like I was a part of a community. I built good relations with the OIP team as well. I was also provided with study material and video lectures for my semester exams, since I had to miss lectures to compile documentation for my admission. The OIP acted as a helping hand for me during this time.

Now my aim is to do well in academics, adjust to my new college life and meet new people. I wish to give it my all, and with the OIP's aid, I may be able to achieve my goals sooner than I think!

I'd like to express my sincere gratitude to the college management, Vice Principal Dr. Reena Jain, the team of OIP, and my roommate Bangshing Panja (Hindu'24, Philosophy (Hons.)) for their support and guidance during this new phase.

Regards,

Donkyu Lee, B.A. Philosophy (Hons), Hindu'24

My name is Abdul Rabbi Howlader. I am from Bangladesh. I am currently studying as an international student at Hindu College, University of Delhi. For the longest time, I've wanted to study abroad. My dream came true last year when was admitted to Hindu.

I chose to study in India for its rich heritage and cultural diversity. My family and I often discussed its reputable and advanced education system, and my prospects of studying there. When I got admission to Hindu College, my parents were elated, as Hindu happens to be one of the most premium institutions of India.

I vividly remember my first day in Delhi. Looking at the College campus from the window of my cab, I felt so excited thinking about my future here!

However, there were some challenges that I faced as an international student. There was a cyclone in my town and I couldn't leave my family alone. Due to these unfortunate circumstances, I had to miss the initial few months of the academic year. As a result of this delay, I could not appear for my Semester-I classes and examination.

When I came to Delhi, I was told by the Foreign Students' Registry Office to submit a bonafide certificate from the College. When I contacted the College authorities to enquire about the same, I was told that since I missed Semester-I my admission couldn't be considered valid. I was asked to take re-admission and pursue my studies with the next batch of students. I thought about my family's dire financial situation. The funds I had brought from home were already drying up. Taking re-admission wouldn't have been feasible, financially or otherwise. I also faced problems with finding stable accommodation. I felt really helpless in a city this big as Delhi.

At this point, I was approached by the OIP Team who offered to help me. The Team members accompanied me to the FSRO to discuss the way forward with regard to my admission. Around the same time, the University released a notification saying that students who weren't able to attend regular classes or appear for examinations in Semester-I, were eligible for attending regular Semester-II classes. With this, we approached the college authorities again. My admission was validated. And I became a Hinduite!

Once I was a student of the College, the OIP helped me get accommodation. When funds from home were scarce, the OIP helped me finance my examination fee. The OIP Team helped me adjust to my new life in Delhi and for that I am grateful.

Now, I wish to focus on my academics, get good grades and pursue a career as a professor of philosophy. I want to be able to support my family. With that, all the effort put into making me a Hinduite would be worth it!

Regards,

Abdul Rabbi Howladar, B.A. Philosophy (Hons), Hindu'24