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
We went to go stay with different families which was a interesting experience. The food was not so different from what I eat at home it was actually very good, in the morning we woke up and ate chappti, vegetable, bread and got fetched by our trip leaders. It turned into a interesting and spiritual day because we visited the hometown of Dalai Lama, we entered the temple and I gave thanks to Buddha. After that journey within me, we went in our separate groups to go do some shopping, it was a great experience because I bargained and bought a few gifts for my family .
Day kicked off with the speech of Ms.Rajni the mayor of Dharamshala. She is a amazing and hardworking women who fights for the rights of women and tries her best to get them justice. She has done tremendous work in this field. She has faced all the odds and made her way into politics. She has inspired many people.
Then we headed towards the gyuto tantric monastery. We had a lot fun there.
We were excited for the home and when we got there we did household chores,cooked and the food we had was delicious.
Our hosts were very welcoming and happy to have us. We had a great time with them. It felt like we were at home.
The day started with a walk.We were only few who went for a walk.We saw a number of children going to school in the way.
In the afternoon we met the mayor of Dharamshala(Rajni).She was very inspirational and motivational. She taught me how to stand up for myself and for others.
And after lunch we went to monastery. We saw a number of Tibetan kids there.
In the evening we went to our respective homestays. The people there were kind , friendly and very welcoming. We learnt how they cut grass and feed them to cows. Then we saw them praying and we also join them. I felt as if I am at home. The food was very good.