Pariksha Ghimire’s decision to move to the UK was a leap into the unknown. Leaving Nepal to study computer science wasn’t part of her original plan, but it became a path toward new opportunities and self-discovery. “I never thought I would leave my country,” she admits. Initially, she planned to join her sisters in Australia, but after researching her options, the UK emerged as the right place to pursue her academic dreams. Now, as an international student, Ghimire navigates the delicate balance of excitement and uncertainty that comes with starting over in a foreign land.
Staying connected to her family in Nepal is both a comfort and a challenge. Ghimire’s days are packed with university classes, coursework, and a part-time job, leaving little room for much else. “I try to connect with them once a day or at least every few days,” she explains. Video calls are important in offering a sense of closeness despite the miles between them.
Unexpectedly, Ghimire has found maintaining her cultural identity in the UK easier than she imagined. Nepalese and Asian societies at her university provide a sense of community and belonging. Celebrating festivals with friends has become a new tradition. “Friends become family when you’re not home,” Ghimire says. These moments of togetherness have helped her carve out a home away from home.
Adapting to British culture has been a more complex journey. Coming from a close-knit South Asian family, Ghimire was unprepared for the independence young people in the UK gain so early in life. “After 18, people move out. It was a big culture shock for me,” she reflects. Yet, she has come to recognise that struggles and growth are universal, no matter where someone is from.
Ghimire feels fortunate that her experience as an immigrant has been largely free from discrimination, but she understands how perceptions of immigrants can vary. For her, the key to overcoming these divides lies in fostering mutual respect and understanding. She believes cultural exchange is a powerful tool for growth, where people can learn from one another’s unique experiences and histories. “Cooperating and understanding a bit about your culture and the other person’s culture, it makes more sense,” she says. Trust and shared stories, she adds, are what truly help people grow. “That’s how people learn about life as well,” she reflects, viewing diversity as a strength rather than a barrier.
Looking ahead, Ghimire dreams of completing her studies, forging a career in the tech industry, and continuing to build meaningful connections. For others navigating life far from home, her advice is grounded in empathy and patience. “Keep an open mind and heart,” she says. “You don’t need to adopt someone else’s beliefs completely, but understanding their perspective and being patient can take you a long way.”
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