I am asked to write my experiences of the exchange programme that I would like to share, but how does one choose? How does one explain the feeling of seeing, for the first time, all the things that you have read about since childhood?

Secretly I had always harbored the desire to visit Scotland. Truth be told, I was/am obsessed more than anyone I have ever encountered. The word "Scotland" coming out of the lips of anyone is enough to make me want to drool, but the idea of students going for three weeks was something that was out of the question, or so I thought. Amazingly enough, the pieces started to come together and I was able to go and I have not regretted a second of it. In the process, I discovered so much about myself and the hodgepodge group that I traveled with.

Going to Scotland this summer was my first time abroad, and my experience could not have been more positive. The Scottish students were warm and welcoming. It was as if we known each other for years.

I remember my first morning in Krikcaldy. Imagine: 6 o'clock in the morning you awake to greet a dark and brisk morning. You get dressed in your hotel room. You're moving slower this morning because your body is heavy with jet lag. Today is your first morning in Scotland. This was on September 13,2010. That morning I braved the cold (it actually wasn't that cold) to meet the teachers, students and start with some projects. On our first class with Belinda we were introduced to the students and the projects to be done. Further, on our first weekend there we were taken to Edinburgh. It gave us the opportunity to see the country in all of its majestic beauty. We had the opportunity to hike through, experience the fantastic architecture and meet some of the locals. Time and time again we met friendly welcoming strangers. Even now I struggle to put into words how breathtaking Scotland is and how amazing the people are.

Just a few things I learned while in Scotland.

We are more alike than we are different. A big portion of my interest in studying abroad was to find differences between India and Scotland. As it turns out, I found many more similarities than differences. For example, while visiting different social service agencies around Glasgow and Edinburgh, we examined how systems differ. The most striking thing I took out of those experiences were how every system, no matter how perfect it seems on paper, is not without its own flaws.

The Scottish are the most helpful people I have come to find thus far. Several times we would get lost and just stop and question where we were and how we get to where we were going. Oftentimes these questions were not directed at anyone but more of question put out there to the world. More times than not a Scot would answer, as if we had directly asked them the question.

We, the four musketeers, were in Scotland for three weeks filled with dynamic museums, vibrant markets, tasty food(not to miss-Haggis\ Fish and chips), lively performances and LOTS of public transportation. I became a part of another culture. For three weeks I never stopped learning, never stopped experiencing things I had not experienced before.The trip offered me a structured way to soak up Scotland and acclimate myself to some aspects of Scottish culture. Throughout this semester in India I will be observing and reflecting upon my experiences in Scotland.

"That early morning was just the start of an incredible learning opportunity for all those involved."

Cheers to Scotland!

Thanks to everyone who gave me an opportunity to be a part of this amazingly planned project which has not only changed my perspective towards design but also towards the preconcieved notions regarding Scottish culture. It has given me lifelong memories to cherish. While I was on a plane to Scotland my mind kept pondering over various things. I was anxious, excited, curious, confident, happy, scared and so many more things all at the same time. I was overwhelmed to have recieved such a warm welcome not only by the faculty of Adam Smith College but also by the students. They made us feel at home from the very first day.The teachers not only accepted us as their students but also taught us wholeheartedly. They were by our side at every step of this expedition and made sure we were safe and secure. The classes we attended were really interesting and gave us an opportunity to understand their outlook on design. It provided us with useful insights into their minds and taught us new skills to explore this field more. Besides classrom lectures I also got a chance to attend some beautifully displayed exhibitions which inspired me a lot. I still remember looking at those paintings made by Dali and Picasso in the gallery at Edinburgh and admiring the expertise and precision with which they were made. I wish I could achieve that one day and this is the inspiration with which I returned from Scotland. The installations at DCA in Dundee left a great impression since they highlighted the importance of appropriate arrangement of elements.
I was also amazed to see the presentation of work at The Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow. It helped us rekindle the basics of design through interactive installations. The city tours, shopping sprees, parties, dinning out,movies,ice skating,interactive sessions(the radio show) also contributed in a considerable way towards this learning experience. They taught me about Scottish culture and the perspective of people there. The monuments in Edinburgh made me fall in love with their architectural style.The Edinburgh castle is a symbol of history of Scotland. The Edinburgh Dungeon was a spectacular experience where we got to know about the past of Scotland in a very dramatic manner. All these aspects represented some form of design in their style. All in all the experience was a memorable one and its memories will stay with me forever. I got to know some amazing people and made some wonderful friends. Saying goodbye to them made me nostalgic and a part of me wanted to stay there. I'm glad to know that I will get to see them once again when they visit Delhi. I will proudly show them around and help them familarize with our culture and lifestyle. I'll make sure they are comfortable and recieve the same hospitality with which they welcomed us to their country.

SCOT MONUMENT

SCOT MONUMENT (aka burnt castle)




Looking down at Princess Street and the Waverly Station, after climbing what seemed to be a million stairs through cramped up passages, was a sight. And the journey up, each and every step, seemed to be worth it.

THE EDINBURGH CASTLE

THE EDINBURGH CASTLE

Thanks to all the people concerned with this project.

my journey started in may only when i was selected for this project. i face many challenges across these months, weather its related to college , health , or related to this project. but going through this stage of experience was fun . it was fun being in Scotland rather than dreaming about it.

initially when i was stuck at London airport , no one was their around me to whom i can say "hi", i was all alone and was thinking i shall never come alone to a new place. but through this i have become a experience traveller. it was great to see different people of different cultures at same place .

Was very happy when i was on my way to scotland

Was exited when i was there.

And now i am missing scotland

Mesmerizing Moments In Scotland

Hey. Firstly i would thank all the people involved with this project.
It has honestly been one of the greatest and the most memorable 3 weeks of my 20 years. I shall cherish and remember each and every waking moment of this exchange.
Initially when I was on my way to Scotland, I thought rather assumed that things there would not be the same as they are at home and the people with their mindsets and thoughts would be too different and I might end up being home sick. But then upon reaching, I realized that even though not all things were different, the people around us were very nice, helpful and fun.
Meeting the students and the teachers at ASC was an experience in itself. I got to learn and see new things which inspired me and gave me new insights. I saw a different Student- Teacher equation which was rather fascinating. The working ambiance on the whole made me feel like at home.
I recall the Edinburgh day trip with Mike, Lorraine, the first year students and the second year students. It was truely amazing. Seeing the actual work of Dali hanging in front of me was like a dream come true. Apart from all that a few students took us around Edinburgh showing us "different" streets, The Scott Monument (burnt castle) and The Dungeon. The students also took us to Dundee where we visited the DCA and did ice-skating.
Spending 3 weeks in Scotland not only helped me academically but also gave me a chance to get to know a few ASC students rather well and I hope to stay in touch with them for years to come.
Look forward to meeting them in November in India.
Cheers :)

Up and running again

I realise all you 'new' keen Pearl and ASC students are keen to engage on this blog- and that there was a problem in accessing this blogspot. Blogspot have changed from Yahoo to Gmail sign ins- so it maybe that you'll all have to get a gmail account to engage.
For over an hour this morning I thought we'd lost the blog- it was there on the web- but simply not appearing as one of my blogs anywhere for me to alter details. Resolved the problem- but you'll need to let me know your new gmail addresses so I can make you administrators too.....