pathway ukieri project

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."