Kayleigh Finlay - Explore India 2024

Explore India 2024

Memorable Moments

My week in Bangalore with Christ University was unforgettable, and while it's hard to pinpoint just one highlight, a moment that truly stood out was our visit to the Art of Living Centre. Walking through the serene grounds, learning about their mission, and understanding the central role of meditation in Indian culture was incredibly inspiring - and full of surreal unexpected surprises! Just as we were getting ready to leave, our incredible host, Air Commodore RN Merani, at the centre's vocational college told us we could meet Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of the organisation.

It wasn't part of the plan, and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is loved by so many around the world, so when it actually happened, it was really surreal. Meeting him and then participating in a guided meditation session with over 5,000 people was a deeply moving experience. Sitting there, surrounded by so many individuals focused on mindfulness and inner peace, was a moment of true connection and calm that I'll never forget.

Learning about a different culture

Experiencing the culture in Bangalore was an incredibly diverse and eye opening experience. The contrasts were striking, from the vibrant and diverse cuisine, like dosa and chai at breakfast instead of toast and coffee, to the way people navigate the manic streets filled with autos, bikes, and buses all moving in a weird sort of unspoken harmony. It was a completely different rhythm of life compared to Ireland, and was amazing to see how culture shapes our every day experiences.

One thing that stood out was the strong sense of community and resourcefulness and I found the shared emphasis on collaboration and problem solving inspiring. The whole experience really highlighted the value of stepping outside of my comfort zone; experiencing different ways of life not only broadens your perspective but also deepens your understanding of the common threads that connect us.

Challenges and how deal with them

The programme was packed with incredible activities, from exploring urban sustainability in Bangalore to visiting rural communities, and I was determined to soak up every moment. But with the long days, intense heat, and so much new to take in, it was easy to feel a bit overwhelmed at times but was also easily managed by taking time to reflect after a busy day, staying hydrated, and stepping back to simply appreciate my surroundings. By looking after my own wellbeing in the heat and chaos, I was able to be present and fully immerse myself in everything the trip had to offer.

Making friends while abroad

One of the most rewarding parts of the trip was the connections I made along the way. From starting as complete strangers and meeting for the first time in the airport, our group of Ulster students quickly came together, and it was a group full of support and fun. Whether it was sharing meals, exploring Bangalore, or reflecting on our experiences together, every moment was filled with laughter and a sense of camaraderie.

The team at Christ University were equally incredible. From the international staff to the student buddies, they went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and supported throughout the programme. Their warmth and care made the experience even more special, and I can't over emphasise how much value they added to the trip. The student buddies went above and beyond for us at every single opportunity, and seeing India through their eyes, the eyes of a local, made the experience even more diverse.

Travelling and sightseeing

Our week in Bangalore was packed with activities, and every day brought something new to experience and enjoy! One of the highlights of the week was a day spent looking around Bangalore. We visited iconic landmarks like the Bull Temple, the Bangalore Botanical Gardens, Bangalore Palace, and the Vidhana Soudha which each shared a glimpse into the city's rich history and culture.

Commercial Street Markets were a really lively addition to the day, where the hustle and bustle gave us a taste of local life and an opportunity to practice our bargaining skills! Another unforgettable experience was visiting local villages and an urban slum which Christ's Centre for Social Action work within.

Meeting the schoolchildren there was incredibly moving - they all have such an incredible zest for life and were so fun and inspiring to spend time with! I swapped hair clips with a schoolgirl in one of the schools we visited in the urban slum, and she really kindly gave me the flower she was wearing in her hair, which I brought home, dried, and have framed! We also had the chance to explore other Christ University campuses and learn about their sustainable practices, along with visiting NGOs like St. John's Hospital where we learned about the meaningful impact medical social care.

A cookery class led by the Hospitality School was another standout moment, where we learned how to prepare traditional South Indian dishes which something I have been able to recreate at home, though at a much much lower standard! Every day was a new adventure, and I loved how much we were able to see, learn, and experience in a short amount of time.

Advice to others

Feel the fear and do it anyway - it's an opportunity you'll never regret. Stepping out of your comfort zone and into a new culture is challenging, but it's also one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. You'll gain a new perspective on the world, build lifelong friendships, and learn so much about yourself along the way.

Throw yourself in to every experience; be open minded and embrace the differences you'll encounter. Whether it's trying new foods, navigating and unfamiliar city, or engaging with people whose lives are completely different from your own, every moment is a chance to grow.