The new global university model, based on distance learning, may well expand access to quality education and research across caste/ class/ race barriers. On the other hand, why must individual students be compelled to stay in their home countries even when they may prefer to come to (and remain in) the Global North? Why is the burden of nationalism on students, rather than the Global North recognizing its complicity in inequality? Situating our conversation with Prof. Rahul Rao in these contexts, this session will seek to understand why Global South students might come to Global North institutions to research and study, what happens when they get there, and why this needs to be talked about more.