what nobody tells you about studying engineering at georgia tech

by iris madeira, team madhavi desai, counselling students since 1986 and helping families navigate international university admissions for nearly four decades.

when students begin researching engineering universities abroad, they usually compare rankings, courses, internships, and career outcomes. those matter, but they don't always answer the question students ask us most often:

what is it actually like to study there?

to help answer that, we spoke with team madhavi desai alumnus karan v. kotak, who studied engineering at georgia tech. here's what he had to say.

georgia tech's tech tower on campus, a symbol of engineering tradition

expectation vs. reality

"i imagined university life would be relaxed and focused mainly on studying and enjoying a new country. the reality was much more than studying, i joined clubs, made new friends, and learned to balance studies with daily responsibilities. one of the most crucial skills i developed was time management, something i couldn't have learned without stepping out of my home."

at team madhavi desai, we've spent over 37 years guiding 29,000+ students to universities across 35+ countries, and we hear a version of this from many of our alumni. adjusting to a new country and becoming more independent often matters just as much as succeeding academically.

the academics

"the ib curriculum prepared me well for studying engineering, as it built a strong foundation in problem-solving, analytical thinking, and time management. while the structure of university academics was similar to the ib in terms of continuous coursework and assessments, the depth of content and the pace of learning at university were significantly more intense and specialized."

many of our engineering students describe a similar transition. a strong academic foundation helps, but programs at universities like georgia tech demand a deeper understanding of concepts, faster learning, and consistent effort throughout the semester.

life beyond the classroom

"i served in the peer mentoring program and on the transfer student panel, helping new students transition to university life. i explored different cuisines, celebrated diwali on campus, watched football games, played racquetball, and made close friends through campus life. these experiences helped me grow socially and feel truly part of the campus community."

getting involved in student organizations, campus traditions, and friendships with people from different backgrounds all contribute to a richer university experience. these experiences build confidence, leadership, and a sense of belonging that stay with students long after graduation.

the biggest takeaway

"i learned to be independent and adaptable, balancing studies and daily responsibilities on my own. i went to university as a boy and came out as a man, growing emotionally, socially, and intellectually through every challenge and experience. the challenges, experiences, and relationships i encountered shaped me into a more mature and responsible person."

a university degree opens doors academically and professionally, but living independently teaches lessons that extend well beyond the classroom. for many students, those lessons become one of the most meaningful outcomes of studying abroad.

if you're considering engineering abroad

karan's experience reinforces several lessons we share with students preparing to study overseas:

1. expect a genuinely demanding academic environment. a strong foundation helps, but university-level engineering is a significant step up in pace and depth.

2. build strong time-management habits before you leave, not after you arrive.

3. get involved beyond the classroom. clubs, mentoring programs, and student organizations often become some of the most rewarding parts of university life.

4. stay open to new cultures, friendships, and experiences—they shape your growth as much as your academics.

   
   

frequently asked questions

1. does the ib curriculum prepare students well for engineering programs like georgia tech's?
   

   based on alumni experiences like karan's, yes. the ib develops analytical thinking, problem-solving, and time-management skills that provide a strong foundation. however, students should still expect university-level engineering programs to be significantly more intensive and specialized.

   
   

2. what's the biggest adjustment for engineering students moving abroad?
   

   independence is often the biggest transition. managing academics, daily responsibilities, and life away from home requires students to become more organized, adaptable, and self-reliant. many alumni describe this as one of the most rewarding parts of their journey.
   

3. thinking about studying engineering abroad?
   

   choosing the right university is about much more than rankings and course structures. understanding the student experience can make all the difference when deciding where and what you want to study. at team madhavi desai, conversations with alumni help future students gain realistic insights into university life, preparing them not only for admission but also for success once they arrive on campus.