The Steps of Studying Abroad

Hey, guys! Man, I have been in India for only two weeks and the only thing I can say is that I chose the right country. I wanted a culture shock that would take me out of my comfort zone and reality in my face and that is exactly what I got with India! This country is so different than America. Actually, when compared to many of the other Asian countries it is quite different as well. When most people think of Asia they think of China, Japan and maybe Burma. Before planning to study here I honestly didn't even consider India part of Asia. I know that looking at the geography it is but geography was never my favorite subject. Not to mention that despite the geography India stands separate from many of the other countries in this continent. For example, in many Asian countries, chopsticks are used to eat. In India it is all about the hands! Buddhism originated in India but there are essentially little to no Buddhists here and I'm not just referring to the part of India I am studying. This goes for the whole of India. India just stands as its own country. Unique and different. Even though they were colonized by the British, I still feel like this colonization had only some effect on their culture and that India still held onto its own traditions. Anyway,onto the title...

So, in just two weeks of being in India I have gone from ecstatic to depressed to indifferent to ecstatic again and then back to depressed. Honestly, my emotions here are crazy. I am so excited to be here, but at the same time I miss my home, family and friends very much. I am constantly struggling between these two feelings, being tugged by all the amazing things I am seeing in front of me and all the fond memories I have of home. However, now, I believe I am finally starting to adjust to my new home for the next four months. Here are the stages I believe anyone who is traveling to another country and will be residing in  said country for an extended period of time goes through:

1)excitement

2) shock at the different culture

3) inability to adjust

4) home sickness

5)sadness or depression

6) acceptance

7) adjustment

8) happiness

I pretty much went through all these stages in just two weeks (I'm even getting use to the mosquito filled shower). I know I sound bipolar, but when India hit me it hit me hard. No holding back! However, the more time I spend here the easier it is getting for me. The school officials are also being extremely helpful in trying to make me comfortable and they are also being very understanding about my culture shock.

Since I've been in India, I've picked up some Indian books (which are always a reflection of culture) and have found an author in particular who I enjoy. Chetan Bhagad is an Indian author but writes in english. His books ahve allowed me to learn much about Indian culture without traveling too far from school. One thing I find interesting is the division ( and some would even go so far as to say racism) between North Indians and South Indians. Though they are all India there is still this line that won't be crossed, particularly when it comes to marriage (in India people don't date really). Mr. Bhagad's book "Two States" focuses on such an issue. 

Though the part of India I am in is different, in many states people still worry about castes (which there are so many different kinds). In some places it is unheard of for someone of a low caste to marry a high caste or for someone from one state to marry someone from another state. In the cast of Mr. Bhagad, his wife was a Tamilian (South India) and he was a Punjabi (North India). If you want to know how hard their struggle was I highly recommend this book though I am not trying to use my blog as some sort of promoter site.

Also, like the fool I am I thought there wouldn't be many language barriers in India since people here speak English. The issue is they also speak 27 more languages and English is usually a last resort. Therefore, many people are not well versed in english. There is a huge language barrier! However, for any country I do recommend learning at least a little of the native language. Not only is it easier to make friends but the native people will appreciate your effort.

Anyway, my laptop is on the verge of death and there aren't outlets in the room so I feel I must say goodbye for now, but I will be updating next week with more details about some of the crazy experiences I have had in India so far. Thanks!