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Kathryn Ellis
Kathryn Ellis is an Ambassador who studied abroad in India. 
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
It seemed that every day in India brought a new and different cultural experience. One of the most memorable cultural experiences I was lucky enough to experience was witnessing first hand the excitement of India winning the Cricket World Cup. Cricket is the most popular and loved sport in India. When a match would be going on during the World Cup, the whole country stopped and watched it anywhere they could find a T.V. I have never seen such pride and excitement over a sporting event. India's team kept winning and made it to the finals. A few other people in the group, some of our Indian friends, and myself went to a local mall and sat outside with thousands of other people and watched the final game. When India finally won (after hours of play) the who crowd erupted in celebration. People were yelling, singing, dancing, and crying. The pride they had for their country was contagious. I was lucky enough to celebrate in the streets, yelling and cheering with thousands of other Indian fans. The energy was amazing. I had never experienced anything like it in my life and I know it is a night I will never forget.
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
There were many reasons why I wanted to study abroad. I wanted to see cities I've never visited before. I wanted to eat foods that I've never eaten before. And I wanted to become familiar with a culture I knew very little about. But, the main reason I wanted to study abroad was to get the opportunity to completely immerse myself in the daily life of a country that I would never think of visiting on my own. I chose India because it fit all of the previous criteria. I entered the country knowing very superficial facts and left with knowledge, love, and appreciation for everything India has to offer.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
Studying abroad has been one of the greatest experiences so far in my life. I went into it thinking I would have a fun time and learn many new things. I had no idea that the experience would be so intense, amazing, and life-changing. I was scared before leaving because India was a completely foreign country to me. But, that scared feeling left so quickly and I had the best four and half months of my life. I feel so lucky that I had the opportunity to study abroad and I would not change the experience I had for anything.
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
My trip to India has affected my life in ways that no other experience would have been able to do. I find myself thinking about the four and half months I was able to spend in Kolkata and I cannot help but smile. One of the most powerful things India taught me was to be grateful for all that I have and to take advantage of every opportunity presented to me. It opened my eyes to the world in a way that I did not expect and showed me how small my world was here in the USA. There is so much to learn and experience in this huge world, and it has made me eager and excited to continue exploring the wonders it has to offer. India impacted my life so intensely that I know I will keep learning from my experience there for years to come.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
My advice to future Study Abroad students would be to dive into the culture of your program head first. Take advantage of every opportunity you have while you are there. It may be the only time in your life you get to the country you choose to study abroad in, so make the absolute most of it. Do things that are outside your comfort zone. Some of your most unforgettable and exciting experiences are going to be the ones that pushed you the most. And most importantly, enjoy every moment you have while there. The semester is going to fly by faster than any other, so make every day exciting and memorable.