After preparing for a couple days before all the students arrived, the South Asian students presented on their cultures for the international students. You can read more here, and see a few student interviews here, beginning with Olga!
Monica
Mohammad
Rohini
Kultwisiso
Shilpi
Today was my second day at the homestays. Last night was extremely challenging for me. The living situation wasn’t something I was accustomed to. It prompted me to dive out of my comfort zone and try something new with an optimistic outlook. And that made my experience the best it could have ever been.
We watched the mother (Auntie Asha) and her husband make chapati for dinner together. After, we ate dinner with the family and conversed via our translator and friend, Dimpy. The language barrier could have been challenging, if not for great body language.
The next day, we embarked on a shopping trip in Mcleod Ganj. It was there where I learned the art of bargaining. However I was conflicted. Yes, bargaining was fun and all, and it saved me money, but was it worth it? A few cents that I would save could mean a lot more for the shop keepers I bargained with. This was one of many moments on this trip where I questioned my actions and how it affected the people that live here.
In Dharamshala, I’ve experience something I’ll never forget. The experience of staying with a host family. When my group arrived to the family, we were nervous. I am quite ashamed of my complaining, but spending the night with the family made me realize I am grateful for the opportunity to be with a family. They were always on task and woke up early. I wished to have stayed longer. The last night of the homestay was something I’ll never forget. We talked with the family and before the night ended, the mother said she was happy to have laughed and talked since she keeps busy and stressed from the death of her husband. I love the family and thankful for them letting me be part of the family.
We all went to different home stays and it was a great experience for all of us…we learnt how to appreciate all the little things we have because some families don’t even have much, but they still soldier on. Our hosts name was mama Asha….the food she cooked for us was very very good. And they have such a strong bond as a family, they help each other at the kitchen and with the yard also. They also eat together which is something we don’t do much in my family.