India - Day 2
January 8, 2019 | 11:59 PM
Alexia Helmer, Communications & Web Content Coordinator
Day two in India began with a tour around the National Institute of Design where the students were shown the classrooms and learned how classes are structured at the school. Along with meeting students who are from India and talking to them about creating animation or working with bamboo to build furniture, they also had the opportunity to interact with international students from Italy, Canada, Australia and France who are taking part in a study abroad program at the internationally acclaimed institute, and discussed with them the differences between their classes in India verses their schooling at home.
Afterwards we walked to the Ahmedabad City Museum to get a taste of the city’s history and better understand the culture. The students were very interested in the Kite Festival exhibit and learning about how the tradition started, especially since it takes place on January 14 and we will be celebrating it while in India.
After lunch, we went to The Church of North India and spoke with those who run the counseling center there. The students had an enlightening roundtable discussion where they talked about the similarities and differences in both India and America with therapy used to help treat those suffering from addiction, mental illness, stress and marriage/relationship troubles. The discussion eventually led to the different struggles that many people face with suicide and depression, especially those dealing with the stress of school, and how we can learn to be more open about those topics in order to help those around us.
As a way to end the day, we ventured to Kankaria Lake, the second largest lake in Ahmedabad, to relax and enjoy the light show.