What inspired you to go abroad?
I was always very drawn to American media production. I grew up watching American TV shows and movies, and I was fascinated by how they were created. As a child, I often researched behind-the-scenes processes, which exposed me to American culture and values. Over time, I developed a deep appreciation for their creativity, diversity, and innovation. I love the culture, I admire the people, and I wanted to experience life in a completely different environment. Going abroad was my way of stepping out of my comfort zone, facing new challenges, and growing as a person. I wanted to meet people from different backgrounds, improve my communication skills, and gain experiences that would shape me both personally and professionally.
Why did you choose your ArtBound Initiative?
After facing many disappointments and setbacks trying to connect with film production companies in New York, I realized I needed proper guidance and support. Most opportunities I found were focused on corporate jobs, which didn’t align with my passion for creative work. One day, while doing research in English, I discovered ABI, the first agency I found that truly focuses on the creative field, including filmmaking, production, fashion photography, user experience, and much more. This immediately resonated with me because it aligned perfectly with my goals and interests. Choosing this program felt like the right step toward building a future in the creative industry while surrounding myself with like-minded individuals.
free SOMBR concert
What was your favorite part of your host country?
My favorite part about my host country was the openness and warmth of the people. Everyone was so understanding and willing to help, which made it easy to grow personally and professionally. I loved the supportive work culture and the sense of independence it gave me, it pushed me to take more initiative than ever before. Another thing I truly appreciated was the number of events and opportunities to connect with others in the film industry. The openness of the community and their willingness to share knowledge, teach technical and professional skills, and support each other were incredibly inspiring. This experience not only helped me grow but also motivated me to help and support others I met along my journey.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made my experience abroad extraordinary was the culture and the people. I arrived knowing no one, yet I left with a community and what feels like a second family that I built from scratch. Being on real production sets, watching other shoots happening on the streets, and striking up spontaneous conversations that turned into lifelong connections was unforgettable. Meeting passionate, creative people who were working hard to grow while staying so full of life inspired me to push myself even further. New York offered endless places to explore, each one sparking new ideas and motivation for my own work. Every moment felt magical because it was in New York that I truly discovered who I am and the direction I want my life to take.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff were incredibly supportive throughout my program. They made sure we understood how to navigate the city safely, taught us the do’s and don’ts, and helped us feel comfortable in a new environment. They also organized monthly meet-ups, which were a great way to connect with others, build friendships, and share experiences. Their guidance and encouragement made me feel supported and confident during my entire stay.
What's one thing you wish you had done differently during your time abroad?
To be honest, I am grateful for everything I experienced abroad, but if I could do one thing differently, I would have spoken up and asked for more tasks earlier. I truly loved the company I worked for, but in the beginning, I had to push myself to take initiative and seek out opportunities. At first, it felt challenging, but looking back, it was actually a good thing — it encouraged me to approach other coworkers, start conversations, and eventually collaborate with them on their campaigns. That experience taught me the importance of being proactive and turned into one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
US Open
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day in my life abroad started early. I liked arriving at the office before most of the team so I could prepare for the day. I would grab a matcha or coffee, go through my notes, and begin working on my current projects, often reviewing footage or adjusting edits I had started.
On Tuesdays, we usually had our team meeting followed by bagels, which was a great time to connect with everyone. Afterward, I would either continue working on my own projects or spend time shadowing one of the editors. I loved asking questions, brainstorming ideas, and learning new skills that made the editing process quicker and more efficient.
By around 5:30 p.m., it was time to head home, but being in New York meant the day was far from over. Some evenings I would catch a Broadway show, go out to dinner, or sit at one of my favorite spots overlooking the city to take it all in. If friends were free, we would meet up and explore the city together. Each day was a perfect mix of professional growth and personal adventure.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
During my free time abroad, I loved going to different meet-up events — whether they were related to film, the South Asian community, or other creative gatherings. I spent a lot of time exploring the city, visiting museums, discovering unique art cafés, and soaking in the culture. Some days, I would simply sit at my favorite café with a book or work on my personal projects, enjoying the peaceful moment in the middle of a busy city. These experiences not only helped me unwind but also inspired me creatively and allowed me to connect with incredible people.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I stayed in a co-living space with four other people. Overall, it was a good experience, and what I loved most was how spacious my room was — it gave me a comfortable and private space to relax after a busy day. Another thing I really appreciated was the support from the agency. Anytime I had an issue or concern, I could reach out to them, and they would respond quickly and help me resolve it. Knowing that support was always available made me feel safe and taken care of throughout my stay.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
One thing every future participant should know is to take in every moment and not be afraid. Take the leap of faith, if you feel something is calling you, listen to it and go for it. Be proactive and take initiative, because especially in New York City, you never know who you might meet or what opportunities might appear. A simple conversation could turn into the open door you’ve been waiting for. This journey has the power to open doors you can’t even imagine, so embrace it fully and don’t let fear hold you back.
Just thriving and enjoying the city
Would you recommend your program/provider to others? Why?
Yes, I would absolutely recommend my program to others. If you have the desire to go abroad but feel unsure or need support throughout the entire process — and even during your internship — ABI is the perfect choice. They are there every step of the way, always ready to listen, guide, and make sure your goals and preferences are heard and respected. Their continuous support made my experience smooth, enjoyable, and truly meaningful.
What do you feel is the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is how much you learn about yourself. You grow in ways you never expected, becoming more independent, confident, and open-minded. Your knowledge and perspective expand exponentially, and suddenly life feels brighter, more colorful, and full of possibility. For me, this experience helped me discover so much about who I am, what I want, and how I want to live my life.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Coming home has been more difficult than I expected because I feel like the person who left no longer exists. My time abroad changed me so much that adjusting back to my old life feels like starting over and figuring out who I am here all over again. It almost feels like a heartbreak. I miss the city, the life I had there, and the version of myself that thrived so much in that environment.
What impacted me most was how comfortable and accepted I felt while I was abroad. Being in a place where I could be fully myself, surrounded by people who supported me, was one of the biggest blessings of my life. That experience shaped me in ways I will carry forever, and I will always be grateful for it.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel, to me, is when a place stops feeling like just a destination and starts feeling like home. It’s when leaving feels almost wrong because you’ve built such a strong connection, not just with the location, but with the people you met there. Meaningful travel is about creating moments and relationships that leave a lasting impact on you, and maybe even on the lives of the people you cross paths with. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you forever and becomes a part of who you are.
