Studying abroad can be a dream come true, but for one African student, the reality of attending India’s prestigious IIT Bombay was far tougher than he ever imagined. ‘I almost dropped out,’ he admits, revealing a side of the international student experience that’s rarely discussed. Wizah S Sichilind, an Instagram user, recently shared a candid reel documenting his journey at IIT Bombay, calling it ‘paradoxical.’ From the overwhelming chaos of his first semester to the unexpected moments of serenity, his story is a raw look at adapting to a new culture and academic system. But here’s where it gets controversial—while many see IIT Bombay as purely academic, Sichilind discovered a vibrant community where students passionately pursue art, music, sports, and more. Is the stereotype of the ‘all-work-no-play’ IIT student truly accurate?
In his post, Sichilind opens up about the initial shock of his first semester, admitting, ‘I underestimated what I was walking into.’ Yet, he found resilience in the face of adversity, inspired by the curiosity and determination of his peers. ‘Almost everyone carries a deep curiosity,’ he notes, whether in classroom debates, casual conversations, or late-night group discussions. And this is the part most people miss—IIT Bombay isn’t just about textbooks and exams; it’s a melting pot of passions and cultures. Sichilind also offers a powerful reminder: ‘One experience with one person should never define an entire culture.’
The post resonated deeply online, with international students flooding the comments to share their own struggles. ‘Keep going... You are living the dream of thousands,’ one user wrote, while another admitted, ‘I just survived my first semester exams.’ But the conversation doesn’t end here. Do you think the challenges of studying abroad are adequately discussed? Or do institutions like IIT Bombay need to do more to support international students? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the dialogue going!
