Rahul Bansal
Augustana Class of 2006

Hometown: New Delhi, India
Majors: Professional Accountancy & Business Administration
Minors: Computer Information Systems & Philosophy

Graduate Program: Master of Science in Business Economics at South Dakota State University.

Out of all the institutions in the United States, why did you decide to attend Augustana?
It was apparent to me during the application process and campus tour of Augustana that people here wanted to have me as a student. All my admission related questions were promptly and completely answered by the staff. Additionally, I was awarded generous scholarships to attend Augustana.

Before arriving in the U.S.A. what did you expect? Did Augustana meet your expectations?
Before arriving in the U.S.A. to start college, I expected that after completing college I would be prepared to enter the professional world. Additionally, I expected my college education to help me grow as an intelligent and responsible adult. After four years of Augustana education, I feel Augustana has successfully facilitated both of my goals. At Augustana I was intellectually and academically challenged in almost every class; moreover, I was provided a safe and caring environment to grow as an individual. The professors at Augustana not only challenged me to think deeply but also mentored me to think clearly.

Was adjusting to American culture difficult? To college life? Was there support for you?
Adjusting to American culture was challenging for me at first, but with time, observation, and the help of caring people, I feel America is my second home. Although I spoke English before I came to the U.S.A., it took me some time before I trained my ears to understand the American accent. I particularly had difficulty trying to understand the American sense of humor. Additionally, American cuisine was an adjustment at first. However, the staff and students at Augustana were helpful. On several occasions people went out of their way to adjust their plans to accommodate my preferences. Some professors invited me to meet their families. Moreover, the Sioux Falls area is generally friendly: even a stranger on the street will greet you like an old friend.

Why did you study accounting at Augustana? Did you know what you wanted to study before you left India?
I decided to study Professional Accountancy at Augustana because my course of study at my Indian high school was commerce; therefore, a Professional Accounting degree was the logical next step. Yes, I knew my intended course of study before I left India, however, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that at Augustana I could study courses other than my initially declared major. Taking advantage of this opportunity, I graduated with two majors, Business Administration and Professional Accountancy, and two minors, Philosophy and Computer Information Systems.

You touch on a key issue - through Augustana's liberal arts philosophy, students have the opportunity to explore subjects outside their major area. What does a "liberal arts education" mean to you?
To me, the liberal arts means learning to appreciate and effectively practice the art of learning. By being exposed to different bodies of knowledge, I keep discovering the joy of learning. I think liberal arts education has prepared me to succeed in the professional world. In addition, my broader background has helped me become an efficient and effective communicator - I better understand people with different backgrounds and customize my communication accordingly.

Did you have a favorite class or professor at Augustana?
Philosophy 110: Dimensions of the Self, taught by Dr. LaMoyne Pederson. Through his classes, Dr. Pederson taught me to think critically and clearly.

Who or what was your biggest influence on campus?
My greatest influence on campus were my professors in the philosophy and literature departments. These professors through their knowledge and humility taught me to appreciate the depth and the beauty that exists in this world which can be witnessed through the prism of literature or philosophy. Now I have pledged to cultivate both these disciplines in my own life.

What kinds of extracurricular activities did you get involved with at Augustana?
At Augustana I was involved in theater both as a stage actor and as a stage manager. I was involved with Business Club and the International Student Club. I also participated in various sporting events like the Augustana triathlon.

Describe the "atmosphere" at Augustana. Was it easy to make friends with American students? To get to know faculty and staff?
The best word to describe the atmosphere at Augustana is friendly. Everyone is courteous and cordial here. People work hard to make the students' experience pleasant. I first noticed the friendly air of Augustana on my campus tour. It was not hard to make friends at Augustana. American students, just like students from any other country, are shy about talking to strangers, so I had to take the initiative of introducing myself in order to make friends. However, once introduced, I found that Augustana students were genuinely interested in knowing me and my background. The faculty is one of the best parts about Augustana. Professors were excited to have me in their class; many invited me for dinner or lunch so I felt at home. The professors took time to know me and help me.

Did you see advantages in a smaller school like Augustana as an international student?
There are a number of advantages for an international student attending a small school. At a small school students get personalized attention from the staff and the faculty. Such attention is visibly lacking at larger universities. The faculty at a small school, generally speaking, is excited to know their students and is willing to help students. At a small school it is easier to become involved in extracurricular activities. Moreover, the alumni network of a small school is generally stronger which gives students networking opportunities to help them secure good internships or jobs during or after their study.

What about Sioux Falls? Did you like living here?
Sioux Falls is a thriving community with several advantages for students. Because the business community in Sioux Falls is constantly expanding, students have greater prospects of securing internships. The Sioux Falls area is safe and student-friendly. I like the shopping options available in Sioux Falls. From the Empire Mall, offering higher-end merchandise, to mass-retailer Wal-Mart, offering merchandise for budget customers, shoppers can find anything they are looking for at a desired price. Sioux Falls is also close to Minneapolis which offers quality cultural life and additional shopping options.

What advice would you give international students who are considering Augustana?
I would encourage students to bring their positive attitude with them wherever they go. Additionally, Augustana offers academic and extracurricular challenges. It is an integral part of the college experience to be involved with extracurricular activities. Such participation helps students make friends and be comfortable with their environment. To make more friends students should display appreciation for the work done for them by others. Students should step outside their comfort zone to experience new things, make new friends, or ask difficult questions in class.

Did your experience here change your perceptions about the United States? About India? About anything else?
Yes, Yes, and Yes! After studying in the U.S.A., I have a sense of this country's soul which is much more humane and genuine than the materialistic image portrayed in the outside world. I have come to appreciate the people here for their generosity, kindness and friendship. After being here for six years, the U.S.A. is practically a second home to me.

While studying in the U.S.A., I had the vantage point of observing my own country, India, from an outsider's view. Additionally, being in the U.S.A. I was exposed to an environment free of the biases I would have experienced in India. During these observations I was pleasantly surprised to realize that there is so much more to know about India that I did not know. Now I consciously make an effort to learn more about the history and culture of my country. I doubt that I would have realized so much curiosity about my own country had I not been out of India. Being a student in a foreign country has also changed my perception about self. I feel confident in my abilities to succeed. Now I am not as afraid of change.

A group of Augustana students (who won a travel stipend in the Distinguished Scholars Competition) will be traveling to India this spring with you and Dr. Sandra Looney. Are you excited to have Augustana students explore your homeland? What will the best part of this experience be?
I am excited for Augustana students to have the opportunity to explore India. There are many reasons why I am excited for the students; despite the media attention about the recent economic boom in India, India is still a mystery for Americans. During this trip Augustana students experience firsthand the diverse landscape of India. Moreover, students will be awed by witnessing the ancient historic monuments and different cultural/religious customs of Indian people. I believe that there needs to be a growing understanding between American and Indian people. Trips such as this one will foster cultural understanding between the people of our unique nations. I look forward to joining Dr. Looney and other Augustana students on this trip.

What have you been doing since graduation?
I have been studying for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) tests since I graduated from Augustana in December 2006. In early August of 2007 I passed all five parts of the CPA exam. In September 2007, I began a graduate program in Business Economics at South Dakota State University.

Do you have future plans as far as a career path?
After I complete graduate school, I plan on working either at a bank or with the government in the economic development area.

What was the best part of your experience at Augustana?
The best parts of my experience at Augustana were developing deep friendships with professors, staff and students, and acquiring a body of knowledge that will help me succeed in the professional world.

Do you have a favorite American food?
I love apple pie!