Expanding Comfort Zones and Building Relationships

Part of why my experience in India thus far has been so fulfilling is that being an outsider in such a unique part of the world has thrown me completely out of my comfort zone and allowed me to grow in ways that would not have been possible in the US.

I find my life here is never boring. Whether I’m sitting on the bus or picking up tomatoes at the local vegetable stand, people often approach me to strike up a conversation.  Most days I really enjoy the random conversations I have with people, but at times it can be draining.

In a professional environment, Westerners in the Sandbox Region are usually perceived differently from Indians; at times, this works to my advantage, but at others times it can be frustrating. I’m slowly learning how to navigate cultural barriers and perceptions, so I can be most effective in my work.

Working at DCSE, I feel very welcome as an outsider and have really enjoyed opportunities to engage with the staff here. We have hosted several theme dinner parties, including Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican and American food nights. The food itself isn’t always a hit with Indians, but it’s been a great way to bond with co-workers outside the office.  You can check out the photo of some of the Fellows with DCSE staff on Mediterranean night in Dharwad.  That night we learned that baba ghanoush was much more popular than hummus with the Indian guests.