International students drawn to MIAD’s creativity and community

International students Eeshaan Dutt ’26 and Chelsea Mody ’25 share more than both being from India; they came to MIAD based on the creativity and welcoming community they found at the college.

“What brought me to MIAD was its vibrant atmosphere and strong sense of community,” says Mody, an Interior Architecture and Design (IAD) major. “When I first learned about the school, I was drawn to its location right by the lake, in a fun and creative neighborhood filled with inspiration.

“Walking through MIAD, I could feel the energy of so much talent in one place, with colors and ideas bursting from every corner. The connections MIAD has with the broader creative community also stood out to me. It felt like a place where I could grow, not just as an artist, but as part of something bigger.”

“What sold me to come here was just the idea of being with a group of individuals that I could relate to…,” says Dutt. “I came to visit the campus only once before I finalized my decision, and when I saw what my life could be, the doors that this opportunity would be opening was something that I could just not pass.”

“It was a big jump for me to come to a different country with a different culture than mine, and MIAD has been very accepting and made me feel included even though I felt like an outsider…,” Dutt shares. “I am grateful for having an opportunity to try to fulfil my goals and aspirations here.”

Mody says she chose IAD “because it strikes the perfect balance between architecture and interior design. I’ve always been fascinated by how spaces influence the way people feel and interact, and this major allows me to explore both the structural and aesthetic aspects of design…. It’s the perfect combination of creativity and problem-solving….”

“I always wanted to illustrate stories – my story, other people’s stories, everything…,” Dutt says of his choice of Illustration as a major.

“One of my favorite classes was ‘Intro To Comics’ with faculty David Beyer. It introduced me to the fundamentals of comics, and it was something that I always wanted to learn. Having that class helped me in my progression as an illustrator and an aspiring comic book artist. The final for that class — a 12-page comic — was my absolute favorite assignment that I have ever had; just a really fun experience and opportunity overall.”

Mody knows a bit about selecting an educational path. “I hold six degrees: an associate’s in arts, wedding planning, accounting, and interior design, along with a bachelor’s in hospitality,” she says. “In addition, I earned a certification in Feng Shui … and I am currently studying for my WELL AP certification to further my knowledge of sustainable and wellness-focused design.

“Now, as I bring together everything I have learned – from hospitality and design to business and sustainability – I am excited to carve out a meaningful path in my career. My ultimate goal is to create impactful, sustainable commercial spaces, especially in the hospitality industry. With my diverse background and passion for design, I hope to make a lasting contribution to the field and build something truly worthy in life.”

Learn more about applying to MIAD.