Shane Turner, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Class of 2010

Posted on Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

This experience taught a tremendous amount about the culture of India. The air conditioned staff hostel has made our climate adapting process much easier as well as help to study in comfort. The hardest adjustments were the lack of proper nutrition, and understanding the Hindi accents. However, once we’d found accommodating malls in Faridabad, we had food we could enjoy while slowly and occasionally trying Indian dishes. Usually the odd taste and spice would upset my stomach, but now, I am open to anything. I especially enjoy Parantha with different sauces. The accents got easier to understand too.

The teaching style in India is different as there is more dictation. The classroom environment is way noisier and non-formatted. I found the constant interruptions from students with questions hard to get used to but I adapted. Overall the teachers were easier to follow with a slower pace than in Canada. I also found the teachers to be more personable and easier to approach with any concerns.

When I start my job searching, I will be able to show how I have seen manufacturing facilities in India and I now have many contacts that work in my area of study overseas. I believe that I can do anything now and will take more pride in the work I do because of how I lived and worked in India.

In general, the people of India tend to be quick to make an introduction and are interested to learn about Canada. I found it very easy to make friends here. All the classmates get along with each other very well despite their unique personalities. The physical contact and closeness took some getting used to as well. It just means people are more comfortable with and accepting of one another. The tighter rules make people more respectful and “down-to-earth” in India. It really helps that everyone or almost everyone speaks a little English.

I am very glad I went to India. The slower lectures made it easier to grasp concepts. But most of all is the development of our social skills. India teaches us to be patient in stressful situations. Also, in dealing with communication barriers and interacting with a different culture with different values, we learn to be more respectful. I’ve learned from people of India on how to treat others. The initial culture shock was hard, but it is now a new lifestyle for me. I see those less fortunate and it makes me appreciate what I have in Canada much more.

I will no doubt return to India to visit someday in the future. There are many beautiful places to see and many people to learn from in a country booming with industry and over 1 billion people. This opportunity was an unexpected learning component from the Mechanical Engineering Technology program that surely can’t be valued by any global currency. Thank you Manev Rachna International University for the opportunity of a lifetime!

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