— Jeet Totla

I was always fascinated with technology and business and wanted to pursue an education that combined both. My search took me from The Emerald Heights International School, Indore (Madhya Pradesh) to Tetr College of Business. This institute redefined my perspective on education, culture, and personal growth.

Choosing an undergraduate course in management and technology was not just an academic decision; it was a reflection of my lifelong passion for innovation and impact. Since childhood, I have been deeply engaged in problem-solving — whether it was designing a sustainability model, developing an app for the disabled, or founding my school’s tech-entrepreneurship club.

However, I also realised that technical expertise alone was not enough. Real impact requires a strategic vision, an understanding of business dynamics, and the ability to manage teams and resources effectively. Through my exposure to global business hubs like New York and London, I saw firsthand how technology and management intertwine to solve complex challenges. I wanted to learn how to bridge the gap between innovation and execution and therefore decided to study abroad.

Determined to find the right fit, I applied to several universities across the world that offered similar programnes. My efforts paid off as I was accepted into around 30 universities across 11 countries, four continents, and 27 cities, including 10 in the US alone. In total, I received scholarships worth over Rs 13 crore (excluding Tetr College of Business). Among the top universities that extended offers were the University of Hong Kong, where I received a full scholarship, and Utrecht University, which offered me a partial scholarship.

Ultimately, I chose Tetr College of Business because of its dynamic business ecosystem, unparalleled networking opportunities, and a university that aligned with my aspirations. At Tetr College of Business, we have the opportunity to learn business by building businesses every year, across seven countries – Dubai, India, Singapore and Malaysia, Ghana, USA, Argentina, and Europe. My first semester classes are held in Dubai, while the rest will be conducted across the other six countries.

The moment I landed in Dubai, I felt an exhilarating sense of adventure. Unlike many, I did not experience significant culture shock, thanks to my prior international exposure. In high school, I represented India in a month-long programme in Egypt, funded by British Petroleum and conducted by AFS with the University of Pennsylvania. Working alongside 30 international students had already prepared me for diverse global environments.

The first few days in Dubai were a whirlwind of experiences. I split my time between two work locations, attending events and networking with a vibrant mix of investors, founders, students, and professionals from various industries. I quickly found myself attending some of the biggest expos and conferences, ArabLab, and GulfFood. I even had the opportunity to represent a company at GITEX (computer expo held annually in Dubai) and take on small gigs in my free time.

Despite the new environment, Dubai felt safe and welcoming. The sense of security was unlike anywhere else — I could leave my belongings unattended without worry or travel at 4 am to catch the sunrise at Kite Beach without feeling unsafe. This city’s unique blend of ambition and comfort quickly made it feel like home.

My experience at Tetr College of Business was unlike anything I had experienced in India. Having previously attended a traditional Indian engineering college as its first international full-ride scholarship recipient, I immediately noticed the stark contrast. Here, the university administration was highly receptive to student feedback and acted upon it swiftly. For instance, when a professor wasn’t the right fit for our learning style, he was replaced within three weeks with someone who better understood our needs.

Beyond the classroom, learning was deeply immersive and practical. When we studied business negotiation, we didn’t just learn theories —we went to the Gold Souk to negotiate gold prices firsthand. Instead of relying solely on professors, we learned from industry professionals with real-world experience, making education more relevant and dynamic.

The university also offered an incredible degree of flexibility. If I wanted a particular guest speaker, the administration made it happen. If I wanted to attend an important conference, they figured out a way. This adaptability and student-centric approach were refreshing compared to the rigid educational structures I was accustomed to.

A typical day was a blend of classes, workshops, networking, and self-driven projects. I would start my day at 7:30 am with a ride to campus, attend lectures, and participate in workshops led by industry pioneers. Afternoons were often dedicated to personal business ventures, conferences, or exploring the city. Each day ended with a sense of accomplishment, reinforcing my belief that learning isn’t confined to textbooks but extends to real-world experiences.

Thanks to my scholarship and the generous support from the Tetr team, most of my living expenses were covered. To manage additional costs, I took on a role as a student experience intern with the university. In this position, I worked closely with the head of department and senior team members to strategise student engagement initiatives, implement feedback-driven improvements, and launch new immersive programs. This role allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the university community while ensuring financial stability.

Studying abroad has been a transformative experience. Being exposed to different cultures, business practices, and perspectives has taught me adaptability, resilience, and the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone. I have developed a global mindset, an ability to navigate diverse environments, and a hands-on approach to tackling challenges.

Beyond academics, I’ve also observed a shift in how people around me perceive me. Friends, family, and mentors back home are more intrigued by my journey. They see me evolving in ways that inspire curiosity and encouragement. This support fuels my drive to maximize my experiences and share my learnings with others.

While my journey in Dubai is just a beginning at Tetr College, I ultimately see myself returning to India after my degree is over. My experiences here have equipped me with invaluable skills — adaptability, strategic thinking, and a global business perspective — that I believe can contribute to India’s rapidly evolving economy. The hands-on problem-solving, negotiation tactics, and leadership experiences I have gained will be invaluable in navigating India’s diverse and dynamic landscape.

I envision using my global exposure to drive innovation, foster entrepreneurship, and create scalable solutions that address real-world problems. With the skills and insights I’ve gained, I hope to make a lasting impact in my home country.

(This letter is part of a series by The Indian Express where we bring to you the experiences of students at different foreign universities. From scholarships and loans to food and cultural experiences — students tell us how life is different in those countries and things they are learning other than academics)

Mridusmita Deka covers education and has worked with the Careers360 previously. She is an alumnus of Gauhati University and Dibrugarh University. ... Read More