Ira Raghuvanshi shares how Huron University turned her study-abroad fears into confidence, belonging, and global career growth.
Huron University
For many students planning to study abroad, the excitement of a new beginning often comes with the fear of stepping into the unknown. Ira Raghuvanshi, a Business Intelligence student at Huron University, Canada, felt no different before she began her journey from India. What she discovered upon arrival, however, turned her apprehension into one of the most enriching experiences of her life.
"My biggest concern before arriving at Huron was that I might feel homesick or struggle to adjust. However, the biggest surprise was how seamlessly I settled in and how genuinely happy I felt from the very beginning. From the moment I arrived and met the Huron students and professors, I immediately felt a sense of belonging. Everyone was incredibly welcoming, people assisted me with my luggage, we had sessions in which we made friends, and had pizza nights. This helped feel at home. It’s easy to feel lost on your first day in a new country, but Huron ensured that no student felt that way. The warmth and effort the community puts into making every student feel included reaffirmed that I had made the right choice."
Ira’s story is a reflection of Huron’s deeply rooted community culture - one that prioritizes student wellbeing and inclusion. For her, it wasn’t just about academics; it was about finding a family away from home. The university’s small class sizes, accessible professors, and welcoming peers made the transition smooth and reassuring.
Beyond the classroom, Ira found opportunities that shaped her personal and professional growth. The financial support and career exposure she received became pivotal in building her confidence and global outlook.
"Scholarships and internships definitely played a huge role for me in Canada, not just financially, but in helping build my identity. I received the International Entrance Award before coming to Huron, which was a game changer in my university decision. I also have made the most of the internship opportunities. Through Huron’s Career & Experiences office, I interned with Tech Alliance in Canada and later with KPMG in India, which gave me exposure to different corporate cultures and industries. These experiences helped me understand what I want and don’t want to do after graduation. I think internships really give you a taste of life after university and the clarity you can’t get just by studying in classrooms."
These experiences not only enriched her learning but also gave her a broader perspective on life. Living and studying in a multicultural environment helped Ira develop an understanding of global diversity - something she considers one of her biggest takeaways from her time at Huron.
"I don't think I changed a major part of my identity to fit in. What I developed was a little more social and global awareness. Every culture has its own fundamentals, likes and dislikes, and ways of being that may or may not resonate with you. Studying abroad exposes you to people from diverse backgrounds, encouraging you to adapt, understand, and view the world through a more nuanced perspective. I’m glad I developed that awareness because it’s going to help me throughout my life. It was all a learning curve, and if you stay open to learning, even your mistakes become valuable lessons."
From adjusting to a new culture to gaining hands-on experience across continents, Ira’s journey encapsulates the essence of studying abroad - personal growth, global exposure, and lifelong connections. For her, Huron wasn’t just a university; it became a place where she found belonging, opportunity, and purpose.
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