A social media post by Dubai-based CEO Shreya Pattar has ignited a fervent online debate regarding Indian students’ choices in selecting universities abroad.
In her post, the CEO and founder of Shreya Pattar Ventures, has argued that Indian students should avoid prioritising universities with a high number of Indian students.
According to her, a larger Indian student population correlates with what she described as “toxic Indian patterns”.
“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,” she wrote on X.
According to Pattar, a big Indian community of students “comes with toxic Indian patterns,” which includes too much drama, “lack of professionalism, no good role models, no leadership or responsibility towards juniors, self-centred behaviour, “group-ism”, back bitching, no seriousness towards the future.”
She went on to claim that if one is planning to move out of the country, they should make sure they are also staying away from that mindset, attitude, and nature of people. She urged students not to seek out familiar faces or surroundings that mimic their homeland, suggesting that reliance on such familiarity could hinder personal growth and integration into a new cultural environment.
The post quickly gained traction, garnering over eight lakh views, with a myriad of reactions flooding in. While some echoed Pattar’s sentiments, agreeing that cultural homogeneity might hinder broader experiences, others vehemently criticised her stance.
“I can not 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 reach there and till the time I left Australia I could not come to terms with it,” shared one user.
Meanwhile, another user, in sharp contrast, said: “On point. What’s the point of going abroad if you only hang out with your own people.”
A third person commented, “I spent about a decade studying and working abroad. There’s all sorts. Generalising and avoiding South Asians is not helpful. Neither is only sticking to them outside of work. Take each one as an individual, regardless of origin, accent, appearance, income. That way I found friends.”
Another used shared, “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.”
“8 years in USA and have 8 Indian friends here. Two in the same city I live in. Rest are everywhere else. And just to add Indian Americans who are born and raised here are also equally toxic,” a another person shared.
Pattar’s post has sparked a crucial conversation about cultural adaptation, integration, and the role of familiarity in the pursuit of education abroad.
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