New Delhi, India July 31: As an increasing number of students look beyond traditional pathways to pursue international education, flexible and accessible admissions processes are becoming more important than ever. The journey of content creator Aanchal Agrawal reflects that shift. Choosing to pursue a second master’s degree abroad at the age of 30, Aanchal navigated the admissions process with the ease and flexibility of the Duolingo English Test (DET), a leading digital-first English proficiency test trusted by over 6,500 institutions worldwide.
Aanchal’s experience reflects a broader shift among India learners, many of whom are pursuing international education at different stages in life. As these students seek flexible ways to study abroad, accessible English proficiency testing is playing an important role in reducing logistical barriers during the admissions process. The Duolingo English Test allows students to take the test online from anywhere, with results available in under 48 hours, helping them focus on preparing for the opportunities ahead rather than navigating unnecessary complexity.
Recognizing the power of authentic stories, the Duolingo English Test invited Aachal Chawal to the DETCON that brings together students, educators, and higher education leaders from across the globe. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to international education and celebrating the diverse journeys that shape today’s global learner community.
Aanchal captures her journey of choosing to study abroad, her experience with the Duolingo English Test, and highlights from her time at DETCON in this reel. Watch it here.
Commenting on her experience, Aanchal Agrawal said, “Choosing to study abroad has been one of the best decisions I’ve made, and it has been a truly enriching experience. It opened up my world in so many ways, and I genuinely encourage more people, especially women, to consider this journey and explore the opportunities that international education can offer. When I began my applications during the peak of COVID, taking an English proficiency test was one of my biggest challenges. The Duolingo English Test made that process much more accessible and convenient, allowing me to focus on the rest of my application. It was also a full circle moment for me to attend DETCON in Pittsburgh and share my journey with aspiring students.”
Aanchal’s journey showcases how accessible, student centric innovations can expand opportunities for learners to access ages and backgrounds. With such stories, DET aims to inspire more students to see education abroad as an achievable goal regardless of where to begin and when to choose to take the first step.