Hello to everyone reading this. I'm Aryan Panjiar, an alum of SP Jain School of Global Management, class of 2022. I'm excited to share my experiences as someone who attended the Mumbai, Singapore, Dubai, and Sydney campuses as a part of the multi-city Bachelor of Business Administration program.
New countries, new challenges, new adventures
As a student in a new country, it was challenging to adjust culturally, having to face language barriers, homesickness, and understanding different academic expectations. Navigating new social norms, building a support network, and managing financial concerns was also a bit overwhelming sometimes. SP Jain Global helped me by offering orientation programs that introduced me to the local culture and academic expectations, establishing mentorship programs pairing new students with seniors or alumni, organising social events to build community and support networks, and also importantly offering financial guidance and maintaining a significant scholarship.
Embrace the differences, and see the change
Adapting to a new country as a student can be challenging. So, trying local dishes and exploring different cuisines helped me not only in adapting but it also enriched the cultural experience. I visited local markets and restaurants to get accustomed to the local food scene. I was open to different living arrangements, whether it’s sharing a room or adjusting to different amenities. I created and followed a monthly budget that included rent, food, transportation, and other essentials. I utilised the student discounts available for transportation, entertainment, and shopping. Many places offer special rates for students, which can significantly reduce expenses. I learnt to be observant and respectful of cultural differences, including social norms, customs, and behaviours. I built relationships with both local and fellow international students. This provided a support system, offering insights into the local culture, and eased feelings of isolation.
Prepping for a global workforce began right at school: The SP Jain Global advantage
Living in diverse cultures helped me develop key skills such as cultural sensitivity, adaptability, communication, and problem-solving. These skills enhanced my ability to work effectively in multicultural environments, leading to greater collaboration and innovation. Insights gained from diverse cultural experiences have fostered open-mindedness and global awareness, which are highly valued in international business roles in global organisations and cross-cultural projects.
Exposures to different economic systems & business practices: A recipe for success!
Participating in a multi-city BBA program like ours allowed me to experience various cultural and business settings, honing my adaptability and cross-cultural communication skills. Exposure to different economic systems and business practices broadened my global understanding. This program also fostered a global network, providing valuable career connections. Such experiences equipped me to succeed in dynamic international markets and multicultural teams.
Future BBA students, this is for you!
Embrace cultural diversity and learn languages. Build a global network - connect with peers, mentors, and professionals internationally. Stay adaptable, and open to change. Seek internships abroad to gain real-world experience. Understand global market trends and be curious about different business practices. Your flexibility and cultural awareness will be your strongest assets in a global career.
The business world is global, this can be your ideal training ground
I leave you today with a few final thoughts for prospective students of the BBA program - You should immerse yourselves in the local culture, learn local customs, and build relationships. Actively participate in internships and local projects to gain practical experience. Embrace learning languages, stay open-minded, and adapt to different business practices to thrive globally. Wishing you all good luck! It was my pleasure today to connect with you all and hope to see you all again soon.
About the Author
Aryan Panjiar is a Marketing major of the BBA program at SP Jain Global, a member of the prestigious Dean’s List and also a winner for the ‘Marketable Brand of the Batch’ and "Most Likely to be a Millionaire by 30" award. He now works as a Sponsorships and Client Relations Manager at Terrapinn Events.