The workshops, held through summer with more planned for fall 2021, provide information and resource sharing on topics such as immigration, visa matters, Optional Practical Training and Curricular Practical Training. 

“The Indian community and diaspora has shown incredible resilience and strength in dealing with the Covid-19 crisis”

Over areas explored by the workshops are internships and jobs, personal healthcare management in the US, and vaccinations.

NAAIS is visiting 40 states and over 150 universities over the course of the tour, including cities such as New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Houston, Dallas, Austin, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Phoenix, and Washington DC. 

“We’re very excited with this strategic and philanthropic partnership with ZEE5. It gives NAAIS the resources to take the next steps in ensuring a support group and community for Indian origin students,” said Sudhanshu Kaushik, executive director of NAAIS. 

The partnership also focuses on philanthropic efforts such as Covid-19 relief for India – something that NAAIS has been working on. 

“The Indian community and diaspora has shown incredible resilience and strength in dealing with the Covid-19 crisis, and ZEE5’s partnership comes at a critical point in time when the community needs, more than ever, a shared sense of belonging. 

“We are excited to expand our footprint and impact through the workshop tour,” said Jyotika Chandhoke, board member at NAAIS. 

Archana Anand, chief business officer, ZEE5 Global said that the ZEE5xNAAIS Summer Tour across Texas, Arizona and the Bay Area was well received and had a large turn out at each location. 

“What we’ve really set out to do through this initiative is jointly create impact through building out a support system for these students and young professionals that equips them with information and resources and drives a strong feeling of community. 

“It’s very early days yet, but we’re thrilled with the initial response and we’re now putting a lot in place for the upcoming fall tour where we take this initiative much larger across the US that sees it really grow out to its potential,” Anand added.