The views and opinions expressed in the Graduate and International Ambassador Blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Arkansas.
By guest contributor Neel Chanchad
My name is Neel Chanchad and I am an international doctoral student from India currently studying at the University of Arkansas in the Department of Industrial Engineering. My long term goal is to work with some Fortune 500 companies to help them optimize their processes, for example, the optimization of the J.B.Hunt logistic system or maybe optimizing Amazon Prime delivery services by optimally designing the transportation network of trucks. My research area lies in the field of deterministic and stochastic optimization. If you want to know what it’s like to study Industrial Engineering at the U of A, keep reading!
Why Choose the University of Arkansas?
I started my Master’s Degree at Clemson University but I realized that a research-orientated University would help me achieve my goals better and that’s how I decided to pursue my Ph.D. at the University of Arkansas. The Department of Industrial Engineering has a great team of professors and their research work spans various areas such as reliability, network optimization, stochastic optimization, etc. “Engineering Statistics” taught by Dr. Haitao Liao and “Linear Optimization” taught by Dr. Sarah Nurre have been some of the best courses I’ve taken so far. The teaching methodology and helpful nature of both professors made these courses seem easier than they are. The Industrial Engineering department at the University of Arkansas provides one of the best doctoral programs in the country with an excellent team of professors and a variety of research opportunities. 
Getting Adjusted
When I first arrived in the U.S., I was worried about getting settled. I was nervous about getting the furniture to my new apartment, but Furniture Friends helped me a lot. Also, it was very important to get adapted to the American culture and Christ on Campus made that transition smooth. Every Sunday I used to go to the Rock House church and I would be introduced to new people. I could also engage in the group Bible study activities which helped me connect with others. I think adapting to a different culture is the most challenging part for any international student, but there are so many Registered Student Organizations at the University of Arkansas that help make it easier. The United States offers great flexibility and opportunities for students, especially in the research sector. Also, the kind of diversity that you see in the United States is not found in many countries. Diversity over here has allowed me to develop skills in understanding people who come from different countries and also people who pursue different majors and career paths. It’s awesome to learn about different countries and their cultures!
Staying Connected with Your Culture
My most memorable experience in the U.S. so far has been celebrating an Indian festival–Diwali. Being able to celebrate your culture even when you are far away from your country is awesome! I enjoyed the Diwali event organized by the Friends of India Registered Student Organization in the fall semester because it made me feel like I was closer to home. The Friends of India RSO is one of the largest and most active student organizations on campus. The goal pf this RSO is to introduce the students and campus community of the U of A to Indian culture while also helping international students stay connected. I hope you enjoyed learning more about my experience at the U of A!
