arrive and thrive in the u.s.
Personalized Success Coaching and Advice for International Students
You've earned your admission. Now prepare to succeed. Getting into a U.S. college or university is a major achievement. But many international students—no matter how talented—find the transition more challenging than expected. It requires understanding how to:
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LEARN in a new academic system
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COMMUNICATE with professors and peers
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NAVIGATE unfamiliar social and cultural expectations
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BUILD confidence, independence, and direction
This is where many students struggle, often silently. Most students prepare to get into U.S. universities. Very few are prepared to succeed once they arrive. Meanwhile many parents quietly worry:
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Will my child adjust academically?
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Will they feel confident speaking up?
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Will they find the right support system?
Success in the U.S. requires more than strong grades. It requires understanding how the system works.
There is more information than ever about studying in the U.S., but very little personalized guidance on how to succeed once you arrive.
I work with students and families to bridge this gap.
who this is for
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Students admitted to U.S. colleges and universities
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Students preparing to depart for the U.S.
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First-year international students navigating their initial transition and adjusting to campus life
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Families seeking structured, expert guidance
I work with students globally, with particular experience supporting students from India and understanding the expectations, pressures, and transitions they face.
For Parents:
Sending your child abroad is a significant investment—financial, emotional, and personal—and a major life transition. This program helps you protect and maximize that investment through:
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Expert guidance during a critical period
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A structured, proactive approach to your student's success and well-being
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Confidence that your child is not navigating this journey alone and is guided by someone who understands both systems.
WHY THIS MATTERS
What universities don't tell you, but expect you to know...
Many international students...
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Struggle academically despite strong backgrounds
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Feel unsure about how to participate or engage
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Feel isolated
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Miss opportunities simply because they don't know how the system works
With the right guidance early, this can change completely and students can thrive
what we work on:
your personalized success roadmap
Each student's journey is different, but coaching typically focuses on five areas:
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Amit Agarwal, Bhopal, India
Parent of student at
Northeastern University, U.S.
Rajika guided us for over a year, helping us navigate so much about the transition to studying abroad that goes beyond just admissions or which institution to select. We could not have done this without her!
Malini Kumar, New Delhi, India
Parent of students at University of Chicago & Pratt Institute
There was just so much to consider and weigh as we tried to decide between institutions and what the experience would be like. Because of Rajika's deep knowledge of American colleges, we were able to make the decision.
Nitin Mehra, New Delhi, India
Parent of student at Durham University, U.K.
Rajika helped us during a time when a lot was changing overseas because of COVID and visas. Because of her deep knowledge, we were able to weigh different destinations, and ultimately chose the U.K.
There is no shortage of information about studying in the U.S. Students today have access to: YouTube videos, blogs and online guides, and social media advice from other students. While these resources can be helpful, they often leave students with more questions than answers.
why this is different:
5 reasons
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Information is not the same as Preparation: This program provides accountability, feedback and guidance.
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From Advice to Action: You receive a personalized strategy tailored to your goals and challenges.
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A thoughtful, personalized approach: Individualized, structured, & designed for meaningful and lasting outcomes
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Grounded in Research & Expertise: Combining best practices with deep lived experience
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Focused on academic, cultural & social integration: A complete roadmap for success
about Dr. rajika bhandari: A trusted & expert guide
International higher education expert, scholar-practitioner, and former international student.
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International education expert with 25+ years of experience
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Former international student from India
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Advisor to universities and global organizations
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Speaker at leading U.S. campuses, interacting with hundreds of international students
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Author of an award-winning book of the international student journey in the U.S.
I Combine...
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Deep research on the international student experience
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First-hand understanding of the transition to the U.S.
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A practical, supportive, and culturally aware coaching approach
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A unique ability to translate insight into practical, real-world guidance
pricing & packages
Pre-Departure Package
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3 one-on-one sessions
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Personalized preparation plan
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Email follow-up support
First Semester Success Package
(Most popular)
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5-8 sessions over 3-4 months
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Ongoing support during transition
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Personalized strategies & check-ins
Comprehensive Success Program
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Pre-departure + first demester support
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Extended mentorship
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Priority access & flexible sessions
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Access to select professional network
Optional Add-ons: parent check-in sessions & briefings; career guidance intensives; emergency/urgent support sessions
