Growing up in Mbabane, the capital of Eswatini (previously known as Swaziland), Lungelo Nxumalo was used to a slow-paced life, surrounded by mountains and close-knit communities. His hometown, and Bengaluru, with its traffic, huge population, and fast life, are worlds apart, says the undergraduate student at Gitam (Deemed to be University). What transformed this bustling city of possibilities into a second home for Lungelo was the friendships he found among fellow students. For many of the nearly 8,000 foreign students studying in Karnataka, the community has become the bridge between unfamiliar surroundings and a sense of belonging. With Bengaluru as its hub, the state’s campuses have become a meeting ground for young people from across Asia, Africa, Europe and beyond. They connect through university events, cultural celebrations, social media groups, and informal gatherings that often evolve into lasting friendships.
VIBRANT MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY: Bengaluru is becoming a lively hub of international students across its campuses
Jayesh Rajbhandari, 23, a Newar from Nepal’s Kathmandu valley and a student at Christ (Deemed to be University), understands that feeling well. Growing up amid the festivals and traditions of the Newar community, the move to Bengaluru initially felt isolating for Rajbhandari. That changed when he connected with other international students and joined university activities designed to encourage interaction. Recently, he participated in an outbound training programme that included rappelling. “Going down a steep slope while holding onto a rope gives you an adrenaline rush, and I made a lot of friends,” he says. “Connecting with students from different backgrounds helps you grow personally and academically,” says Sunday Innocent Oluwadamilare, a third-year BCA student, specialising in cybersecurity at Jain (Deemed to be University). For Shravan Bagavadeeswar, who grew up in Dubai, settling in Bengaluru took time. More than a year later, he still instinctively converts prices while grocery shopping and misses Dubai’s convenience and clean public spaces. Yet Bengaluru gradually won him over. He credits social media groups for international students with helping him discover the city beyond the classroom. Through student meetups, he has met peers from diverse nations such as France, the United Kingdom, Papua New Guinea and Australia. Those connections have introduced him to Bengaluru’s thriving arts scene, pottery workshops, jazz bars, and cultural events. Bonding Beyond Classrooms For many international students, community-building extends well beyond campus.Founded with support from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the Federation of International Students’ Associations’ local chapter serves as an umbrella body connecting international student associations across Bengaluru. The student-led federation also organises competitions, excursions, and community-service activities.Among its flagship events is International Students’ Cultural Day, which features performances, fashion showcases and food festivals. The organisation also marks Mahatma Gandhi Day with discussions centred on peace and non-violence, says FISA-B president Malinga Aaron, from Uganda, who is pursuing civil engineering at Gitam. “Our vision is to create a strong and inclusive community where international students feel supported, connected and encouraged to grow both personally and professionally,” says vice-president Mahdi Aladin, from Ethiopia. Campuses As Cultural Melting Pots Bangalore University hosts students from countries including Iran, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal,” says Hanumanthappa M, director of the university’s international students’ cell. At Christ, more than 500 international students enrich campus life by bringing together diverse perspectives, and helping students to become global citizens, says Joe-Ann C Serrano, student counsellor at the office of international affairs. For Maria Janet, a BBA student at Christ from Saudi Arabia, the university is a melting pot of culture, especially during winter when everyone joins hands for an event called Bake Sale. “We help each other settle in, celebrate different festivals together and learn about each other’s cultures,” she says. “It feels like a small family away from home.” Cultural clashes and visa hurdle Salim Al-Hinai from Oman, a foreign student pursuing a diploma course in English in Bengaluru has begun enjoying Indian dishes, though he found them to be too spicy for his liking initially. Biryani is now his favourite. Another foreign student says that people in the city are sometimes curious about his language, appearance and culture, adding quickly as an after-thought that most Indians are kind. Many international students wish to gain work experience in India after graduating, but the existing visa framework poses a barrier to their employment aspirations. A Shared Sense Of BelongingAway from home, friendships often become family. Whether through organised cultural festivals, football matches or coffee outings, international students are creating support systems that help them navigate life in an unfamiliar country. For Aakriti KC, a student from Nepal, those relationships have reshaped her understanding of home. “Home is not where you are from,” she says. “It’s the people who stand by your side.”………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Some of my best memories have been made outside of official events.
Razakamahefa Andriniaina Mirantsoa
Whether it’s visiting museums, cycling around the city, grabbing coffee or simply talking for hours about our dreams and families back home, these moments create friendships that last.Razakamahefa Andriniaina Mirantsoa FROM MADAGASCAR, PURSUING HER PG IN ECONOMICS IN JAIN UNIVERSITYHostel movie nights provide a welcome and much-needed break from studies. We watch Malayalam and Tamil movies. Indian friends help explain cultural references and dialogues, when subtitles do not fully capture the meaning. Jayesh Rajbhandari FROM KATHMANDU, STUDIES BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN CHRIST UNIVERSITYBeing an international student can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you’re far from home.
Lungelo Nxumalo
Through student groups, we organise gatherings that help students connect across different cultures. Informally, we often meet for meals, game nights, city outings, b’day celebrations, football matches, and weekend hangouts. Lungelo Nxumalo FROM ESWATINI, SOUTHERN AFRICA, STUDIES AI & MACHINE LEARNING IN GITAM UNIVERSITYI miss my family, Kenyan food and our strong community spirit.
Hadassah
Social media groups have helped me make friends and take part in memorable multicultural celebrations. Hadassah FROM KENYA, LAW STUDENT
