Why India?

Merry Christmas, everyone!  As I count down the final...wait for it...HOURS until my flight leaves, I should take a few minutes to fulfill a promise from the last post and finally explain why in the world I would ever consider study abroad in India.  Many people have asked my why I would choose India because, well, it's not the normal study abroad choice.  Generally, people would expect me to go to one of my intended destinations as of two years ago: Ireland (I'm half Irish) and France (I speak French).  But India is not a random throw towards a dartboard.  Let's see if these few reasons explain well enough.

Service:  This program has a service component at the Loreto Day School in Kolkata.  If you happen to know my reasons for planning to be a teacher, the school's website will probably explain everything.  This school serves about 1400 students, half of whom cannot afford to pay the tuition that most English language schools require.  It also houses homeless children and teaches teachers of rural communities.  I have been eager to see the school since its principal, Sr. Cyril Mooney, visited St. John's two years ago.  Now, I can't wait to provide service in such a phenomenal educational establishment.

Culture:  Yes, pretty much every study abroad experience would offer opportunities to learn about a culture very different from the culture present in Minnesota.  However, I feel that the India program offers something extra.  India is quite different from America, a fact that I have heard will be obvious from the moment I leave the airport.  In addition, direct enrollment in a class at the college, living in a local family, and participating in the service component will force me to experience these cultural differences in almost everything I do.

Different:  Okay, this one is a bit self-serving, but the fact that India is different was actually a draw.  After all, I will get to Ireland and France sometime.  They are relatively easy places to visit, and I have dreamt of travelling there for years.  India is not necessarily as simple to visit for a vacation.  In addition, think of what India can do for me as a teacher.  While many geography and world history teachers only know what the textbook says about India, I will be able to bring the subject to life for my students with personal stories, pictures, and a greater understanding of the subject.

I could probably explain this subject for another few thousand words, but I must end for two reasons.  First, I do not wish to extend blog posts too long and this one has already become quite lengthy.  Second, I should probably try to sleep before it becomes too long after midnight.  At this point, I am almost entirely packed.  I just need sleep, Sunday mass, and a few last-minute packing changes (I think I'll bring one less pair of jeans than my bag currently holds) before I head to the airport around one in the afternoon.  Ready or not, I'll be in India tomorrow!