Indophiles in the making?

Decked up in Indian attire, students from 43 countries, who were pursuing the International Training Programme (ITP), at the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) for the past three months, recently bid adieu to the city, carrying with them plenty of fond memories at the end of their sojourn.

“I had come here for the advanced English course, and these three months were a wonderful experience,” says Mehmoud Kamel, a researcher and tour guide from

Egypt

. “I get to know the rich heritage of the country and enjoy the diversity, which is rarely seen in other parts of the world. As far as EFLU is concerned, it is a great place to meet people from across the globe. The place introduces you to new things in life, and the badminton court is one place I would never forget, as our country is familiar with

tennis

, not badminton.”

Another ITP student Marya Rubiela, who is from Columbia and was in EFLU for a basic level English programme, says, “For me, the stay here was not just about learning the language, it was also about knowing people from various corners of the world and making new friends. It was much more than what I expected. Here I learnt about religion, and when I broke my leg, I can say that people were very kind and helpful. Whenever I will remember India, only good memories will flash in front of me.”

Mays Adnan, who hails from

Baghdad

, Iraq, recalled that the Indian ambassador in Iraq had told her that she did not really have to go to India because she was not going to get much out of the trip. She, however, says: “I would like to say that the visit was well worth it, because of the people, places and lots of other
reasons. I really liked the teachers and the bonding between the students on the campus. I have always listened to the stories of Mahatma Gandhi told by my father, which really inspired me, and after coming here, I fell more in love with him.”

After posing for group photographs and clicking selfies, it was a very emotional moment for everyone while they were picking up their bags. When asked what they were going to miss most about India, the answer was unanimous — friends. For them, the Indian experience has provided an opportunity to make friends with people from across the globe and an exposure to diverse cultures.

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