Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to study abroad, far from home, and succeed in a new academic environment?

Sourabh Kulkarni, an international graduate student from Pune, India, was in the same position when he first arrived at California State University, Chico. More than 8,100 miles from home, he was uncertain about whether he would fit in or thrive in a project-based graduate program. But today, Kulkarni’s experience at Chico State has shaped his future, and he is now looking back at a journey filled with academic success, personal growth, and community.

Starting the Journey: Overcoming Doubts

When Kulkarni first set foot on the Chico State campus, he had some serious concerns. The shift from India’s educational system to the practical-based American system seemed daunting, and he wasn’t sure what to expect from the cultural differences.

“I was worried about what the culture would be like,” he said. “The educational system is also quite different in the US than in India. Here, it’s more practical-based. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to keep up.”

Despite these worries, Kulkarni decided to take a chance on Chico State—and it turned out to be a decision that changed his life.

A Journey of Growth and Discovery

Kulkarni’s fascination with computers started at a young age, inspired by playing video games. He pursued computer science in high school and later earned a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from Savitribai Phule Pune University in India. However, it was at Chico State that he truly began to dive into the practical aspects of the field, particularly live coding and machine learning.

“I read a research paper in this area and developed an interest because I saw some of the professors at Chico State using this live coding approach and it was really helpful for me,” Kulkarni said. “I know that it must have been helpful for other students as well, which is why I decided to pursue my research in this area.”

Kulkarni’s academic journey was marked by personal and professional development, from excelling in his project-based courses to working as a research assistant on projects involving AI’s impact on children. His research has the potential to influence AI development and policy decisions, ensuring children’s safety in an AI-driven world.

Mentorship and Community: Keys to Success

One of the most valuable aspects of Kulkarni’s time at Chico State was the mentorship he received from faculty members like Professor Abbas Attarwala and Dr. Tyson Henry. Professor Attarwala, in particular, played a key role in guiding Kulkarni’s academic and professional development.

“I have observed Sourabh’s outstanding performance in various roles, including as a student, tutor, research assistant, and grader,” Attarwala said. “He has excelled in all these capacities. Currently, Sourabh is collaborating with me on a research paper, and we aim to submit it this summer at a computer science conference.”

Kulkarni also found a sense of community through the Indian Student Association and received support from the Career Center, which helped him refine his resume and practice for interviews.

“I have grown quite a lot in my professional and personal life because of Chico State,” Kulkarni said.

Achievements and Future Plans

Kulkarni’s hard work and dedication at Chico State led to numerous achievements, including second place in an Association for Computing Machinery coding competition. He also continues to collaborate with his mentors on research projects that could impact the future of education and AI.

While he’s interested in pursuing a PhD one day, for now, Kulkarni is focused on continuing his research and pursuing a career as a software developer.

Why CSU, Chico?

Kulkarni’s story highlights the immense value of studying at California State University, Chico. The project-based curriculum, supportive faculty, and diverse community make it an ideal environment for international students to thrive both academically and personally. Kulkarni’s advice to prospective students is simple:

“Chico State has been a transformative experience for me,” he said. “I’m glad I took the chance to come here.”

If you’re considering studying abroad, take that leap—CSU, Chico has everything you need to succeed and grow.