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
My headband and I
Name: Selena Campos
Hometown: Redwood Valley, California
What is your favorite book?: I don’t have a personal favorite book right now.
Give one random fact about you?: I can be shy when I first meet people but I like meeting new people.
In class what kind of character are you?: I’m quiet and work better independently.
If you were a fruit, what would you be?: I would be a pineapple because I like pineapples.
What do you think will be surprising about India?: The difference between how we live in the US and how they live in India.
What has been difficult about preparing for India?: The most difficult part is getting the passport!
How do you hope to be different after this trip to India?: I hope to be less shy when I get back.
Name: Kemi Babalola
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
What is your favorite book?: I can’t choose one book, but I have two book series that I love. One of my favorite book series is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins because I love reading books about strong female characters. I love female characters that are the leaders and create change, not damsels in distress needing to be saved. My other favorite book series is the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowlings. I love the ideas of friendship, leadership and a hint of comedy.
Give one random fact about you?: I am a big fan of the latin genre; Bachata especially Romeo Santos.
In class what kind character are you? In class, I participate a lot and ask a lot of questions.
If you were a fruit, what would it be?: I would be a branch of grapes because I am very outgoing and I constantly have ideas.
What do you think will be surprising about India?: I think the geographical diversity of India will be surprising because it has such historical buildings that have lasted decades and seeing them in reality will amazing.
What has been difficult about preparing for India?: The idea that I will thousands of miles from New York City has been a bit difficult because although I am excited to go on the trip, I have a familiarity with my city. I know where everything is, but I’ve always wanted to travel outside my city and experience something new. I have the opportunity now so I will take it.
How do you hope to be different after this trip to India?: I hope my perspective of the world will change because although I think I have a very open mind, it wouldn’t hurt to see life outside of my country. I also hope I share what I’ve learned with others.