America Calling: A Foreign Student in a Country of Possibility

International students and immigrants have been the secret ingredient in America’s recipe for global success. America Calling shares one immigrant’s story—a tale that reflects millions more, and shows us why preventing the world’s best and brightest from seeking the American Dream will put this country’s future in jeopardy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 298 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2021
Publisher: She Writes Press

Rajika Bhandari, raised in middle-class India, has witnessed her family's generations aspire to the West, where obtaining an American education is synonymous with prestige and achievement. However, she remains steadfast in her resistance to the allure of America, as those who have ventured abroad never return—they become entangled in the honey of opportunity, unable to escape. Despite her young age, Bhandari finds herself pursuing higher education in the United States, driven by her heart and a romantic relationship.

However, when that relationship ends, and her attempts to return to India as a foreign-educated woman fail, she finds herself back in the United States, where she lands a job that intertwines her personal and professional life. She becomes deeply immersed in the lives of international students who flock to America from over 200 countries, the universities that attract them, and the complex web of immigration regulations that these students must navigate.

America Calling is a powerful and insightful narrative that delves into the global appeal of an American education, serving as a bridge to America's rich history and promising future. It is a deeply personal story of Bhandari's journey to find her place and voice, as well as an incisive analysis of America's relationship with the rest of the world through the powerful tool of diplomacy—education. In a time of rising nationalism, a tendency towards inwardness, and fear of the "other," America Calling serves as a call to action to maintain America's open borders and inclusive minds.

Through her experiences and observations, Bhandari sheds light on the complexities of cultural exchange, the power of education to bridge gaps, and the importance of maintaining open dialogue and understanding across borders. She challenges the notion that America is a land of opportunity solely for its citizens and highlights the contributions of immigrants and international students to the country's economic, cultural, and intellectual growth.

America Calling is a testament to the resilience and adaptability
and adaptability of the human spirit, as well as the enduring power of education to shape our world. It is a reminder that despite the challenges and complexities that we face as a global community, we can build a more inclusive and prosperous future by embracing diversity, promoting mutual understanding, and fostering a sense of shared responsibility.

Weight: 390g
Dimension: 140 x 216 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647421830