Foreign Exchange Student Experience in India
1. What do you find the most challenging about living in India?
I think the hardest thing about living in India is everyone is focused on their reputation. They’ll do or say anything to make you look bad as long as they look good, which of course can create a lot of problems.
2. What do you find the most rewarding about your foreign exchange student trip?
Definitely learning about myself! Not only do you get to embrace a new country and culture but you also grow immensely as a person and mature much faster than others.
Read about the countries and cities you’re going to! Know what’s appropriate to wear and what’s not. The best foods of the cities and places to visit.
4. What was your favorite (or strange) tradition in India?
In my last host family we would HAVE to play cricket almost everyday. If we are taking actual traditions though, my favorite is if you accidentally kick or touch someone’s foot with yours, you would apologize by touching their feet with your hand and putting your hand to your heart (asking for their forgiveness and blessing).
5. How do you deal with culture shock?
DO NOT TALK TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY BACK HOME!!!! If you’re so stuck in your culture back home then you will never be able to embrace it in a new country. Just go with the flow and learn to respect it.
6. How do you deal with language challenges if you had any? What advice would you give to someone who has?
Use lots of hand motions! And try to be apart of all conversations.
7. How often did you speak with your friends and family back home?
Not very often, it would make me more homesick.
8. What did you like the most and what did you find the most different about India?
The roads are very different, very crowded and noisy, always people on the street. But people don’t go out past 10 pm so also very weird.
9. What are you planning to do next? Will you go abroad in college?
Not sure yet, but I’d at least like to spend one year abroad in college!
10. What are some tips or advice you would give to someone who is going to India?
Be aware of street food, know what’s okay to wear in specific cities. Do not trust any Indian.
Tell me: What is the country you would go to study abroad in?
July 20, 2018
this was so interesting to read about!!
July 20, 2018
This is beautiful. What a wonderful experience you had! Thank you for sharing <3
Mila Osman
Chasing The Muse Blog
July 20, 2018
This was such a great article to read!! I have always wanted to visit! Thank you!
July 20, 2018
hey marina! absolutely love your blog! i’m indian and love that you said there’s no place like india… because there really isn’t. such a rich and beautiful culture, i’m so glad you like it! keep up the awesome content! 🙂
July 20, 2018
My husband’s dad is from India and he always wants us to visit. I’m a little nervous about that, but it would surely be an adventure. It sounds fascinating, but somewhat unnerving at the same time. What a brave girl to do this in high school. Amazing experience.
July 20, 2018
Amazing post… being an Indian by roots, it’s always good to read about my country.. you have shared great thoughts and I liked your content..
August 1, 2018
Nice! I am thinking of doing an internship too. I would add India to the places I could go.
August 16, 2018
Hello,
Thanks for the wonderful blog tips about students. India is really divrese in culture and natural beauty. And no expensive for study . I completed my BTec from IIT india and which is more than just good . I love India . Thanks
October 25, 2018
Hi Marina!
I read your blog about you living abroad just now, and it was inspiring.
I enjoyed reading this article as well, since I have an experience of studying abroad in India too. I studied in the university there for five months. Everyday was full of surprises. There’re tons of differences between India and my country(Japan). But it’s just like as you said, this experience allowed me to be more open and accepting of how other people do things and it let me see a different side to life.
October 28, 2018
This made my day! In the end, all I want to do is to inspire people to travel abroad, experience other people’s cultures and be more open-minded! I would love to visit India and Japan sometime soon! Both of the countries have such a rich and interesting culture! And great food, too!!! I am so happy that you enjoyed reading about my story and I absolutely agree that when you leave your country and go on adventure, every day is full of surprises!