From Conversation to Action: Reflections from Our First USA Admissions & Student Support Panel

Jul 27
4 min read

"Some conversations don't end with an event, they become the beginning of something bigger."

Last Wednesday marked an exciting milestone for SchoolEd!

When I first began planning this event, my objective was simple: to create a space where students, parents, counsellors, educators and higher education professionals could have honest conversations about studying in the United States, not just about admissions and visas, but about everything that comes after.

Together with AlignEd and Riverside College Coaching, we hosted our very first expert panel discussion, Navigating the Shift: USA Admissions & Student Support.

International education is evolving rapidly. Students and families are navigating changing visa policies, shifting university expectations, questions around employability, wellbeing, and an increasingly dynamic global landscape. We wanted this discussion to move beyond headlines and provide practical, experience-driven insights from professionals who have worked across different areas of higher education.

We were privileged to be joined by an exceptional panel of experts:

Dr. Karen Flood: After spending 30-years at Harvard University--serving as a Lecturer and Associate Dean, she launched Riverside College Coaching to support undergraduate students through Academic Coaching.
Dr. Huicong Zhang: A Harvard University Alumna (Ph.D) and a former international student from China, she has an extensive experience working with Fulbright Scholars at the US Embassy.
Ms. Simran Bhatia: Associate Director (Collective Impact) at Emory University. With a background in Organisational Psychology as an international student, she now leads initiatives to promote Campus Well-being.
Mr. Sandeep Bhalla: Regional Manager – South Asia for Xavier University, USA. With experience across multiple global destinations, he is now deeply involved in student recruitment initiatives across South Asia representing Xavier University.

and my cohost,

Aparna Patel: Founder of AlignEd. A Columbia University alumna; she is a Creative Strategist & Learning Experience Designer, and has led initiatives at Rishihood University, including facilitator training with Kasopilot Denmark.

Although each panellist represented a different part of the international education ecosystem, the conversation repeatedly returned to one powerful idea:

Getting admitted is only the beginning.

Key Takeaways

1. Admissions are only the first milestone.

Students invest months preparing applications, personal statements and visa documents, yet comparatively little attention is given to what happens after arrival. Throughout the discussion, our panellists emphasised that academic adjustment, cultural integration, building confidence, developing independence and preparing for long-term career success are just as important as receiving the offer letter itself.

2. Authenticity matters more than "ticking boxes".

One of the most refreshing conversations centred around profile building. Students often feel pressured to collect certificates, short courses and extracurricular activities in the hope of creating the "perfect" application. However, universities are increasingly looking beyond quantity.

Authenticity, genuine curiosity and meaningful engagement with your interests speak far louder than a long list of disconnected achievements.

3. Learning abroad requires a different mindset.

Moving into an American classroom often means adapting to a completely different approach to learning. Classroom discussions, office hours, writing centres, career services and student support offices are all part of the educational experience, yet many international students hesitate to use them.

Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, it's a sign that you're learning.

4. Visa interviews need clarity, not rehearsed responses.

Students often spend weeks memorising responses, but our panel reminded us that visa officers aren't looking for rehearsed scripts. They want to understand your academic intent, your future plans and whether you can communicate your story clearly and confidently. Authenticity will always outperform memorisation.

5. Career readiness begins on day one.

Networking, mentorship, internships, student organisations, conversations with professors and early engagement with career services all contribute to building the skills employers value.

Graduation isn't the starting point for career development, it's the result of everything you build throughout your university journey.

The Conversation Didn't End There

This webinar wasn't about any one aspect such as admissions or visas, but about preparing students to succeed abroad. Thriving requires confidence, community, mentorship, adaptability and continuous learning.

One of the most meaningful outcomes of this collaboration actually began before the webinar itself. Through conversations with Dr. Karen Flood, we kept returning to the same question:

How can we better support international students after they arrive in the United States?

Earlier this year, I introduced Thrive, our mentoring initiative designed to support international students beyond admissions. Since then, through my work in higher education, global mobility and conversations with students, parents, counsellors and fellow higher education professionals, one thing has become increasingly clear:

Students need more than pre-departure guidance.

They need structured support once classes begin. That belief has only grown stronger through my work in Global Mobility with NetExpat, where I have the privilege of supporting expatriate professionals and their families relocating to India.

Organisations understand that relocation doesn't end when someone lands in a new country. They invest in ongoing support because adapting to a new culture, workplace and community takes time.

So I often find myself asking:

If we recognise the importance of post-arrival support for experienced professionals, shouldn't we be offering something similar to international students, many of whom are navigating these transitions at just 17 or 18 years old?

That's exactly where this collaboration has taken us.

Together, Karen, Aparna and I are now working on Thrive, an enhanced Academic & Career Success Program designed to support international students during their university journey in the United States.

Our vision is to bring together academic mentoring, career development, cultural adjustment and practical guidance into one structured support ecosystem that helps students transition with confidence, maximise the opportunities available to them and build meaningful global careers.