Indian Customs Charm American Students

[sajiv]

VISAKHAPATNAM: For Erika, it was love at first sight. While the beautiful coastline and the green caped hills of Vizag charmed her, it was the warmth and affection she received from the people that instantly won her heart. She is one of the 24 students who have come here from the USA as part of the School Year Abroad (SYA) India project.

The four-month long project that will start off at Visakha Valley School on September 5 provides high school students from the USA an opportunity to study an extended curriculum overseas and learn the culture and traditions of the host country. It gives the real opportunity for foreign students to expand cross-cultural understandings.Like Erika, Callie too is all excited about her stint in India. "Everything is so different here, right from the food, dressing style, social traditions and culture. There is so much to learn. It's going to be a great journey together," they say.

While Callie's classes in the school will begin shortly, she has already developed a close bond with her host family, the Maroos . "Their first experience in the hotel was quite a shock with the dishes loaded with plenty of spices. But now they have adjusted to the food and changes very well," says Sunita Maroo. She gave Callie a taste of all the South Indian specialties. "Now Callie loves dosa and puris," she adds. The youngsters have also started learning Hindi from their host families. "The families have been so nice and cooperating ," the teenagers say.

While the festive carnival in the city gave them a glimpse of the vibrant traditions of India, the students are also keen on taking part in the various rituals of the festivities along with their host families. Erika and Callie were busy tidying up the puja room for Ganesh Chaturti while their team-mates will be joining in the Ramadan fasts with their host families.