“In the U.S. there is an upward mobility within the social classes that isn’t necessarily possible in all cultures,” said David Tyler, Public Affairs Director at the U.S. Consulate in Mumbai. Drawing on personal anecdotes and pop-cultural references to Star Trek, Tyler focused on the idea of possibility. Education, a better job in India, adventure or even love, all could be attained in the new world, according to Tyler.

“I don’t want to compromise a quality education,” explained Jalashrek, 17, who will be studying electrical engineering at the University of Kansas. In a pink tee-shirt and jeans, she feels that studying abroad will give her incomparable experiences, both academic and personal. And she was far from alone in her high appraisal of American educational standards.

Jalashrek is one of the lucky ones who has a free ride thanks to scholarships offered by her university. Nehal, 23, does not share her good fortune. The future MBA student headed for Massachusetts, says that his biggest concern is finances. “But the good thing is that I’ll be able to work on campus and earn money that way”, he said. Second concern on his list: winter.

Despite the recent attacks on Indian students studying in Australia, safety in the US is not an issue. “There are so many Indians at American institutions that Americans are used to seeing them ¿ and they also realize that India is the biggest democracy in the world,” said Tyler.

And friendly Americans are definitely a selling point. “I like them a lot, they are really open-minded,” chirped Akshate, a master’s student in bio-medical engineering. Currently, 94,000 Indians are enrolled at American universities across the undergraduate and graduate levels. The figure is up by over 10,000 from the year before.

Most of the students are going abroad to pursue engineering or mathematics degrees. The information technology revolution in India has meant that practical know-how learned in the US can be applied here at home. It is not the only expanding sector. “I’m doing sports and technology management in America because there is excellent infrastructure and technology there that we don’t have here,” said Jignesh, 22. He is hoping that his passion for sport will evolve into a long-term career.

The home of the Big Mac and the New York Yankees is enticing for some in the short term, while others are in it for the long haul. Jignesh is looking forward to the 2-day weekend, but concedes that he could not live without his family and friends. Whatever the duration, these excited young minds are getting ready to go. And luckily in the U.S. you can have your dhal and eat it too.