I’m about half way through my study abroad program and as each day goes by I get a little more anxious. I don’t want my time in India to be over, these past two months have been some of the most amazing moments of my life. Aside from experiencing all the new culture and environment in Mumbai, what has really impacted me here is all the people I’ve met so far. The people I’ve met in India are some of the most warm-hearted and caring individuals I have came across. Always going above and beyond to lend a hand and always ever so patient. I think this trait of having patients for one another is embedded into their culture and a trait that many of us can learn from.
In the states people normal don’t come up to you to see if you need help with anything unless you actually ask. Here in India if you look lost or distressed, it’s quite normal for someone to just come up to you and ask if you are in need of assistance.
The guys at the hostel are one of a kind. There really is a sense of a brotherhood here. Everyone knows each other; from the first floor to the fourth, everyone is welcomed in each other’s rooms. Weather it’s breaking window glasses by playing cricket in the hallways or waking up people in the middle of the night and pulling pranks, everyone is included. That is to say, other then the person we’re pulling the prank on. There really never is a dull moment in the boys hostel.
The people from the hostel don’t really go out much being that they don’t know Mumbai so well. But I’ve made a lot of friends that attend the WE School and are from the Mumbai area. In my two-finance classes I met a close group of friends that have been together throughout their MBA program and I was lucky enough to fit right in. I’ve been going out with them on the weekends and I feel really fortunate to have met them. These guys really know all the great places to shop, eat and party in Mumbai.
I know that as each day passes my time with my new friends comes closer to an end, but I’d rather not think about that right now. For the time being, I want to cherish each memory and enjoy my remaining moments with them. One thing is for sure, I know by the end of this program I’ll leave India with some life long friends…
