Archita Kaushal

Coming to Bahrain to study at RCSI Bahrain was a major step in my life. Coming from Canada, I've never been to the Middle East before, so I didn't know what to expect. Like many international students, I was both nervous and excited about coming to RCSI Bahrain. Looking back on my whole experience, one thing I learned was that adapting to life in Bahrain was much easier than I thought it would be.

When I first came to Bahrain, one thing that stood out to me was how welcoming the country was and how genuine and kind most people were. The country felt very safe and clean around campus. English is predominantly spoken in the area, making shopping and travel very easy for international students.

Bahrain introduced me to a new culture and traditions I hadn't experienced in Canada. There was so much to learn and experience from these differences, and I loved it. I loved immersing myself in the culture, learning about a new background, meeting amazing people, and gaining a broader perspective on the world.

If I could go back to my old self in the first week coming to Bahrain, I would tell her that it's completely normal to feel homesick for the first 1-2 weeks, being away from family, friends, and a familiar area. It takes a bit of time to adjust. But once you get into a routine and make new friends, before you know it, it starts to feel like home away from home, and you actually enjoy living in Bahrain.

Outside of studying, RCSI Bahrain offers many clubs and societies and opportunities to get involved. The community engagement department also offers many volunteer opportunities, such as beach cleanups and educational experiences. My advice to anyone coming to RCSI Bahrain would be to get involved as much as possible in your first year, and the more opportunities you take, the more rewarding your experience will be. As time goes on, you start to appreciate

Bahrain and everything it offers, from its culture and traditions to its beauty. It will truly become your second home