How to get in touch with Indian students abroad

You are embarking on a journey like never before. Connecting with fellow Indian students abroad will give you their perspective on the international student experience in a foreign country. It will create a sense of home as you bond with other Indians. Also:

• They understand the cultural sensibilities of the place and can help you adjust to any culture shock.
• You can count on them to lead you to all things Indian—from a grocery store that stocks Indian spices to a restaurant that serves good Indian food.
• They are likely to speak your language and help you understand the university culture better.
• They could be your friends and support system in a foreign land.
• They could connect you with Indian cultural and recreational groups, such as a cricket fan club or even an Indian dance recital.
• They can help build your confidence and communication skills.
• They can also assist you in gathering important information about your field or industry.

How to connect with Indian students abroad

To connect with Indian students abroad, you can leverage online platforms like social media groups on Facebook or LinkedIn, dedicated student forums, university alumni networks, study abroad communities, and even reach out directly through email or messaging apps. You can find these groups or forums at universities or regions with a large Indian student population.

Building your network before travelling to your study destination

Connecting with fellow Indian students before you travel will give you a sense of control and help reduce anxiety. You will be stepping into a foreign land alone, so it is best to be prepared.

Find Indian students on Facebook: While Facebook may be seen as outdated by Gen Z, it is still a great place to make meaningful connections.  Read ahead to learn more about connecting with other Indians through social media channels.

Telegram and WhatsApp: Universities and study-abroad consultants often maintain Telegram or WhatsApp groups to keep students informed about the developments in their study destination or the university. These apps are also useful for connecting with people that you may know through friends or family.

Instagram/X (formerly Twitter): It’s not hard to find Indian student influencers from your study destination. Follow them to stay informed. You can also use relevant hashtags to discover updates and community pages.

You can use these platforms to ask specific questions such as:

‘How is the on-campus accommodation?’

‘Is it easy to get access to Indian food?’

‘How will the weather be in September?’.

Join events conducted by consultants: Most study abroad consultants offer orientation sessions and access to student communities in your destination country. An example is IDP’s Thrive community, which connects Indian students in Australia.

Social media platforms are effective, powerful tools for networking. Join forums and pages dedicated to Indian and international students at your university or in your city. You can find and connect with students who share similar interests on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. These online communities serve as hubs for networking and various event updates.

For example, you can join Facebook groups like Indian Student Abroad and Indians Studying Abroad to connect with fellow Indian students and receive valuable guidance on settling in and navigating life abroad as a new international student. Additionally, follow the Indian Student Community page on LinkedIn, specifically designed for global student networking.

You can also find Indian student associations linked to specific universities - follow these for help and guidance. For example, the Indian Student Association, University of Twente, is meant specifically for students of that university and promotes Indian culture.

Similarly, browse relevant hashtags on X (formerly Twitter)and Instagram to find discussions related to Indian students overseas. Look for subreddits on Reddit that are dedicated to Indian students studying abroad.

Messaging platforms like WhatsApp, WeChat, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, Threads, etc., are also very versatile and useful tools for establishing connections worldwide. You can use these to contact Indian students directly, whom you may know through friends or online groups.

These approaches work whether you are still planning your studies abroad or are a new international student who has recently arrived in a foreign country.

Connecting through online communities and internet forums

Many universities abroad have dedicated international student support systems in place to cater to a variety of student needs. Typically, they organise networking events, cultural activities, workshops, and other social gatherings for international students. These are great ways to connect with like-minded people and get to know more about the place and the university, and help you settle in. 

So, check with your university admissions office for details about international student support and other services you can make use of.

Welcome/Orientation events

When you join a university abroad, it typically hosts a welcome party or an orientation event for new students. These events are excellent opportunities to get to know your peers, teachers, and classmates. You will have the chance to meet other students and start building connections even before your classes begin. So, don’t miss these gatherings and try to make the most of them.

Networking events

Your university or student clubs may organise several lectures, workshops, career fairs, and other networking events. Take advantage of these opportunities to meet people from diverse backgrounds and connect with fellow students to establish strong connections for the future. Networking at such events can provide a wealth of knowledge—you are likely to meet people with similar interests and can choose who you want to stay in touch with.

Universities abroad host many student clubs and organisations, some of them exclusively for Indian or international students. These groups are dedicated to supporting international students, helping them settle into university life, and offering guidance on banking, budgeting, career, and other counselling services.

Student unions at universities also provide various kinds of support to international students like you, so don’t hesitate to approach them.

Apart from the above, many other nationwide or city-wide Indian student organisations cater to the needs of Indian students abroad. For instance, the Indian National Students Association (INSA) in the UK, the North American Association of Indian Students (NAAIS) in the USA, Indian Student Associations (ISA) in Singapore and Australia, and Indian Students in Germany, to name a few, are global Indian student organisations in their respective countries.

Additionally, look for professional organisations or groups relevant to your field and join them. These may be membership-based, but they are an excellent way to connect with like-minded people. This can potentially benefit both your personal and professional life.

Attending Indian cultural events abroad

Attending cultural gatherings, festivals, and celebrations is a fantastic way to meet new people and share your heritage.

Universities abroad typically have a variety of clubs, societies, special interest groups and sports teams to cater to the varied interests of students. These may include clubs for music, dance, languages, football, cricket, and many more. These clubs organise special cultural events like Diwali and Holi celebrations and conduct food festivals or sports matches, creating networking opportunities for students.

Explore these clubs and join the ones that align with your interests. Celebrate with others and take the chance to learn more about different cultures through these events.

Connecting via study abroad consultants

Study-abroad consultants can lend a helping hand to prospective international students by connecting with fellow students abroad. You become part of their student social network. They can also direct you to forums or platforms where you can get answers from real international students and read student stories.

The IDP Thrive Community in Australia offers you an instant gateway to connect with fellow Indian students living and studying there.

Additionally, with IDP Live, you can reach out directly to students at your dream university through the new Student Chat feature. Ask any questions you have, from campus life to academic programmes, and get immediate, firsthand insights to help you make the right choice for your future.

Ready to connect?

Networking is everything in today’s era of globalisation—so stay connected and stay ahead, with your international education experience. Being resourceful and using your contacts will help you build strong connections with Indians abroad. Valuable input from them can make it easier for you to settle into your study destination, university, and course.