From India to Interlochen: Aarushi’s story
Senior singer-songwriter major Aarushi discusses Interlochen’s international student support system and shares advice for prospective international students.
How far would you go to chase your dream? For senior Aarushi, it’s about 8,300 miles—the distance between her home in India and Interlochen Arts Academy.
A budding songwriter who shares covers and original songs on her YouTube channel, Aarushi decided to attend the Academy after learning about the school’s acclaimed singer-songwriter program.
“As I researched Interlochen and discovered their strong emphasis on artistry and growth, I knew that the school would help me get better at my craft,” she said. “The opportunity that this place has to offer to me as a musician is everything and more.”
Below, Aarushi describes the challenges and opportunities of studying abroad, offers advice for prospective international students, and shares what she loves most about attending the Academy.
How did you decide that attending a school outside your home country was right for you? How did you choose Interlochen?
I had a dream to write, compose, arrange, and perform my own songs, and I believed that Interlochen would spark my passion for music even more. As I researched Interlochen and discovered their strong emphasis on artistry and growth, I knew that the school would help me get better at my craft, and I decided to apply.
What were some of the challenges you faced in adjusting to life in the United States? How did you overcome them?
Moving from the place I lived in my entire life to a new country was a huge change. The biggest challenge for me was adjusting to the culture changes—from the cuisine to the clothing, the weather (I got to see snow for the first time), and the overall lifestyle. There were a lot of new things that I experienced. I adjusted to all of these changes that came my way through understanding and experiencing the thrilling new things.
Let’s talk a bit about the international student support system at Interlochen Arts Academy. What types of resources are available? What did you find most helpful?
The international student support system at Interlochen is wonderful. I felt so comfortable from day one as a student at the Academy. The community is warm and welcoming. Teachers and students always check in, making the space feel like a home away from home.
Indian culture is an important part of my identity. I have had the chance to share my culture in different forms at Interlochen: from organizing a celebration for the festival of Diwali to performing an original fusion song at a community meeting that I wrote half in Hindi, and half in English. It was a composition that spotlighted my culture through art.
Aarushi performs her original song during the Arts Academy community meeting on March 2, 2023.
What do you like most about attending Interlochen?
I love everything about this place. The opportunity that this place has to offer to me as a musician is everything and more. I have grown so much as a singer-songwriter through consistently learning, applying, experimenting, and performing. I have acquired such amazing insight into artforms beyond my major, too. The academics have helped me think outside the box and have taught me important concepts in innovative ways. Learning from an incredible faculty and alongside so many talented artists is something I am grateful for, and it will always be a part of my life.
What advice would you give to other students considering studying abroad?
My advice would be to chase your passion and dream! Studying abroad is a big change, but it comes with a lot of learning and fun.
Want to begin your own Interlochen Arts Academy journey? Start your application today.