Bhubaneswar, 17 April 2025 — The Sushiladevi Auditorium at SAI International buzzed with anticipation and intellectual curiosity as students gathered for the first Career Talk of the academic year on Thursday, 17 April 2025. The event, centred on the theme "Understanding the Application Process in Top Study Abroad Destinations," offered in-depth insights into the diverse academic pathways and admission procedures of top-tier universities in the USA, Canada, Switzerland, and beyond.
Organised to empower senior secondary students with the knowledge required to navigate the complex landscape of international education, the session was met with enthusiastic participation—particularly from students of Grade XII. The event was followed by a mini university fair, enabling students to engage in personalised conversations with university representatives and clarify their academic aspirations.
A distinguished panel of e-mentors and international representatives brought the session to life. The speakers included Rani Dash from King’s University College, Western University (Canada); Shiv Pandey from South Dakota State University; Supriya Arora from La Salle University; Shreyam Agrawal from Pennsylvania College of Technology (a Penn State Affiliate); Apratim Mukhopadhyay from the University of Toronto; and Hardik Shah from EHL Hospitality Business School, Switzerland.
The event focused not only on eligibility requirements and admission timelines but also on unique university offerings, cultural expectations, scholarship opportunities, and what truly sets each destination apart.
"It's never just about grades. It's about the story you tell through your application—your passions, your leadership, your resilience," shared Supriya Arora, passionately addressing students eager to understand what universities truly look for.
Hardik Shah from EHL added, “The global hospitality industry thrives on innovation, adaptability, and cross-cultural competence. A school like EHL not only offers world-class education but also immerses students in real-world business scenarios, preparing them for a dynamic global career.”
For students, the event opened a window to new possibilities. “I always thought studying abroad was a complicated dream, but today’s session simplified it and gave me hope,” said Shraddha Nayak, a Grade XII Humanities student.
Arnav Mohapatra, an aspiring engineer, found the experience eye-opening: “It was inspiring to learn directly from university representatives. I now understand the importance of building a strong profile and not just relying on marks.”
Shreyam Agrawal emphasized the importance of planning early: “The earlier students start preparing, the more options they have—not just in terms of countries, but also financial aid and program fit.”
Mentors and educators echoed the significance of such initiative, a career guidance counselor at SAI International, remarked, “Career Talks like this are instrumental in helping students gain direction and confidence. It demystifies the process and brings a global outlook closer to home.”
Dr. Silpi Sahoo, Chairperson, SAI International, has long championed international exposure for students. In her words, “Education is not confined by borders. Our aim is to equip SAIoneers with the awareness and tools to shine on any global platform.”
The session concluded with students exploring various booths at the university fair, engaging in one-on-one conversations that helped further cement their understanding of potential pathways.
The first Career Talk of the year proved to be a resounding success, setting a powerful tone for the months ahead as students begin to shape their global futures.
