Tyler Rose, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Class of 2010
Posted on Tuesday, April 26th, 2011
Tyler Rose (middle) is a student of the Three-Year Mechanical Engineering Technology program.
I came to study at Manav Rachna International University in India on the student exchange program. The opportunity was one I could not deny. To come to another country for education not only taught me the subject I would be learning back home, but it also taught me about how the world works. There are countless differences between India and Canada, some good some bad. Adapting to these new conditions proved to be a challenge.
Over the 6 weeks spent at MRIU three were spent adapting to the teaching methods and language. After that we seemed to make some good progress in our classes and it felt like a routine again. The material being covered in Canada was different from that in India; India seems to focus much more on the fundamentals, stressing memorization of formulas and definitions of theory. Canada stretches into the vague problem solving, and provides the formula and theory to be studied on your own time if needed. It was difficult to adapt quick enough to do well in the classes since we were immediately expected to be able to spit out things that we were normally able to read off a formula sheet. I feel that even though I may not have done as well as I hoped, that I still leave India as a much more well rounded student. I can combine things I learned here with those learned in Canada which gives me a edge over other students applying for the same job; this is something I think is priceless.
Outside of school, I feel that I learned more about life and different cultures in six weeks as anyone could possibly learn. The drastic difference in lifestyle between Canada and India really defines the phrase “culture shock”. Simple things like going to the local store for groceries are still a very exciting journey. Driving down the India roads, through the traffic, with new and interesting things just out the window of the car at all times keeps my mind turning, and my camera shooting photos as often as possible.
Our accommodations while living here were ideal. The staff hostel with the A/C conditioned rooms was very comfortable. Being 6’ 3″ the bed was a tad short, but I managed. I enjoyed being on the top level, as we made good use of the roof for tanning and socializing in the gorgeous weather in India. The roof also doubled as our make shift gym. This is something I wish was in place while we were here, but we were told a gym is being built shortly, so I’m sure the next exchange students will be in heaven. I did enjoy the Yoga classes that were arranged for us, as it added a new type of workout to my repertoire, Yoga proved to be a well rounded cardio and strength workout, something I probably never would have had the chance to discover had it not been offered to us while here in India. One thing I was not expecting was the power outages. We do get them in Canada, but they are rare, here in India the power going out is a completely normal everyday thing. They do reinforce the fact that it is HOT here during the day. Anytime the power goes out, and the fans stop spinning and we instantly feel the heat. After 6 weeks I feel that were somewhat adapting, but the walk to class in the morning still brings on a good sweat.
Travelling in India was also a very humbling experience. While we were here we managed to visit; Dalhousie, The Golden Temple, Whaga Border, The Taj, Red Fort, Kuta menar, Delhi Hat market, and many other neat little markets. After classes ended we went on a trip to south India, where we visited Kerala, and Goa. Everywhere we went, was exciting and interesting.
I feel as if this scholarship was an opportunity that no one should pass up. It’s affordable and only eight weeks long. There’s no other way to learn what I did during those eight weeks other than doing it yourself. Thank you Algonquin for making it happen.
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