In short, the trip was lifechanging. I was able to experience many radically different things from backcountry hiking to urban life. I was learned a variety of new skills, including some professional skills like leadership and teamwork as well as practical skills such as wilderness camping and first aid. I loved meeting and working alongside…
Tag: India
Post India Blues
As my graduation from Pitt is quickly approaching, I find myself in a state of uncertainty about my future. With degrees in environmental studies and anthropology, I had a broad range of interests but I still lack clear direction. It was in this state of mind that I embarked on a transformative month-long trip to…
There and Back Again: Delhi and Agra
I had mixed feelings about leaving Mussoorie and spending time in Delhi and Agra. On one hand, I was excited to see new places and experience urban life again. On the other hand, I knew that these cities would be much more crowded, suffocatingly hot, and make me anxious. I was also sad to be…
Personal and Global Equality
During my travels in India, one of the most captivating cultural experiences was visiting a Sikh temple that served not only as a spiritual haven but also as a sanctuary for those in need. This remarkable place embodied the essence of Sikhism, with its stunning white buildings adorned with gold domes. However, it was the…
Trekking to Self Discovery
Trekking Lessons I didn’t really feel like I was too great at group contribution at the beginning of the trek as I was the slowest student on the team (hence my trail name, Dhili, meaning slow). I doubted my physical abilities at first and did not feel I made a big impact on the group…
Key Lessons and Insights from the Trek
What are the key lessons that you learned about yourself from the trekking experience? The trekking experience taught me a lot about myself, especially when it comes to relearning old outdoorsman abilities and my interpersonal skills. I faced many old and new challenges that any hiker or camper would be familiar with, such as starting…
Don’t Look Down
This trek really blew up the whole concept of a study abroad. In fact, it was more of a survival abroad. The trekking was rather incredible, and I am miles away from the person who struggled on the shakedown, but my goodness was it nuts. Initially, when I heard that we would be seeing snow,…
The Journey Through the Himalayas
The trek through the Himalayas was everything I had hoped for and more. It was intense, and physically and emotionally strenuous; at the same time, it was the most magical and transformative experience of my life. The long drive to the trailhead was even an adventure alone. The narrow, winding road and near misses of…
Discussion on Cultural Differences, Leadership, and the Long Trek
Have you confronted different cultural and ethical norms while abroad? How are you managing working with these differences? During my time in India, I have noticed some cultural and ethical norms that are different to my own. The biggest and most jarring difference would certainly be the traffic. I already mentioned this in an earlier…
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