4 minsThe world is becoming increasingly connected, and the prospect of studying abroad is fast becoming a reality for many. According to UNESCO, the number of students studying abroad from their home countries has tripled since 2000, reaching 6.9 million. India remains a top source country for international students worldwide, with the number of Indian students studying abroad reaching 1.8 million as of 2025. This is a significant increase from 1.3 million in 2023, according to data released by the Ministry of External Affairs. Canada and the UK remain the most preferred destinations.
To recognise the contributions of international students, 17 November is celebrated as International Students’ Day every year. Over the years, this day has evolved into a global occasion to honour diversity, inclusion and the amazing impact students have in shaping a better, more connected world.
Here at IDP, we stand by every student’s educational dream and are committed to supporting their aspirations.
Common challenges faced by international students
The journey to a foreign country is an exciting opportunity indeed, but it comes with its own share of challenges. Right from deciding to study abroad to settling into a completely new environment, you face hurdles at every phase of the journey.
Before you leave to study abroad
Before leaving India, you must find the right course and university that matches your qualifications, expectations and preferences. Completing university applications, arranging finances and securing visas can all feel overwhelming without the right guidance and support.
That’s where IDP’s services and study-abroad experts step in, offering comprehensive guidance on all aspects of the study abroad process, including:
- how to find a university
- complete an application
- prepare your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- clear IELTS, or
- finally pack your bags.
They also double as visa advisors to help you with your visa applications and interviews. The IDP Hotcourses – India website offers an extensive database of over 2,500 institutions and 250,000 courses, along with thousands of scholarship listings for you to explore.
The IDP Student Community
Preparing to study abroad comes with many questions and uncertainties. The IDP Student Community was created to help you interact with current international students even before you leave your home country. It is a space where aspiring international students like you can ask questions and get practical tips directly from those already studying overseas. The community can give you answers and real insights that you won’t easily find online.
Here's how you can get started in just 3 easy steps:
- Sign up: Download the IDP Live app or sign up at IDP.com or IDP Hotcourses - India
- Create your profile: Head to the Community section and add your bio and interests.
- Connect and explore: Connect through group chats, student feeds, and 1:1 conversations to meet new friends and share experiences.
Feel inspired, connected and supported as you begin your study journey with IDP.
After you arrive abroad
Once abroad, adjusting to a different culture, overcoming language barriers, dealing with homesickness, managing finances and planning for life after studies are all challenges that await you.
IDP Student Essentials Services
IDP’s ever-evolving IDP Student Essentials team steps in at this stage, helping you settle in, right from getting a SIM card to finding suitable accommodation abroad. Read more about IDP Student Essentials.
The IELTS test
IDP is one of the co-owners of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), which is accepted by more than 12,500 organisations globally for study, work and migration applications.
The IELTS Academic test is designed especially for those who wish to study at an undergraduate or postgraduate level in an English-speaking environment. But it’s more than just a way to meet admission or student visa requirements — it’s your first step towards thriving in an English-speaking university environment.
Preparing for IELTS helps you build confidence in real-world academic tasks like discussions, essays and lectures. You will sharpen your speaking, writing, listening, and reading skills while expanding your academic vocabulary and critical thinking. Most importantly, you will learn how to express ideas clearly and support them with evidence—skills that will set you up for success in tutorials, seminars and beyond.
Opportunities awaiting international students
Despite the challenges, studying abroad is a cherished dream for many. With dedication and the right support, you can build your dream life and a fulfilling career. Here are some opportunities awaiting international students:
- A global perspective: Your interactions with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures and values help you develop a cosmopolitan worldview.
- Access to world-class education: Modern curricula, state-of-the-art research facilities, and globally renowned professors ensure that you receive high-quality education that makes you future-ready.
- Networking opportunities: Interactions with peers from different countries, along with internships and industry connections, help you build valuable global networks, which can open doors to exciting careers.
- Enhanced employability: An international degree can boost your chances of employability. A survey by the AIFS Foundation AYA revealed that over 90% of alumni said their exchange programme helped improve key skills needed for higher education and global employment. According to a SIT alumni study, 72% of participants said their study abroad experience had a significant impact on their career choices.
International student success stories
Every international student’s journey tells a story of determination, courage and resilience. Some have broken barriers and glass ceilings to reach platforms from which they can share their own stories. These stories reflect the spirit of International Students’ Day – a celebration of those who have stepped beyond borders to make their dreams a reality. Here’s one such story, that of Haya Fayaz, a Fintech graduate from the University of Liverpool.
Head to IDP Hotcourses - India's Instagram page to hear more from Haya Fayaz.
How International Students’ Day is celebrated across the globe
Universities and student groups mark International Students’ Day with cultural activities, educational programmes and conferences. At the University of Exeter, students celebrated the 2024 International Students’ Day by creating bunting and badges that represent their languages, cultures and hobbies. They also hosted an Intercultural Recipe Share, a creative way to explore how flavours connect communities.
Here’s a video by the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, the University of Edinburgh, celebrating their diverse student community on International Students’ Day:
International Students’ Day is a reminder that every student studying abroad brings the world a little closer together. They are the bridges that connect cultures and communities, shaping the future, one decision at a time.
Join the IDP Student Community to make informed choices and study abroad with confidence!
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