This story was originally posted on University of Waikato’s Global Experiences blog.by Emma Spence The plane descends, Chennai’s embrace,A vibrant canvas, diverse in grace.Bustling airport, a lively affair,Colours and music dance in the air. Pondicherry, a blend unique,French and Indian stories speak.Auroville’s dream, in harmony spun,Sustainable lessons under the sun. Temples, ashrams, schools, a diverse…Continue Reading Atithi Devo Bhava – The Guest is God
This story was originally posted on University of Waikato’s Global Experiences blog. by Sheldon Rogers I would call myself a fairly ‘seasoned’ traveller having spent a total of seven years of my life living away from New Zealand in various places of the world. However, the feelings of excitement and nervousness were still there when…Continue Reading The Start of a New Perspective
Today we toured a medical centre as part of our clinical observations. After class, we explored a local barrio and had dinner together!…Continue Reading Day in My Life | Summer Exchange Student in Chile
Tangaroa – God of the sea, and all creatures that live within it. The moana heals. My Dad hails from Whaingaroa, where Tangaroa surrounds and protects us and our beautiful rich history and whakapapa. My Mum grew up in Taranaki on the water, where her Father was a keen sailor in the Navy. Living with…Continue Reading Humanity and healthcare on the other side of Te Moananui-a-Kiwa
It’s been just over two weeks since we landed in Santiago, and I’m falling in love with the city each day. I finally feel like I have adjusted to the lifestyle change and climate. Every day, we wake up to sunny mornings and fall asleep to the incredible sunsets, which are very different to the…Continue Reading Diversión al sol
Hola from Santiago! This week has been jam-packed with lectures, field observations, a workshop, and a welcome ceremony at the New Zealand Embassy as we settle into our new home. Highlights Thursday: We attended a captivating lecture on clinical strategies for promoting breastfeeding. We discussed the benefits and the importance of an intersectional approach to promote…Continue Reading Culture, Healthcare, and Self-Reflection
While the humid air outside Chennai Airport filled my lungs last Sunday, I was mentally preparing myself for 6 weeks of unfamiliarity. Yet, this first week in India has brought me profound moments of connection and whanaungatanga. Unexpected bonds over food, gender, and linguistic identity grounded my mauri and uplifted my wairua, just as any…Continue Reading Finding Whanaungatanga – Unexpected connections during my first week in India
He aha te mea nui o tea o? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. What is the most important thing in the world? It is the people, it is the people, it is the people. How long does it take for strangers to become whānua (family)? Sometimes, as quick as a camera flash. I am…Continue Reading It is the people that make the place
The Reimagining India tour began with Auroville. This illuminating experience introduced us to an intentional community far outside of New Zealand norms. It’s through experiences we find the most uncomfortable that we encounter the deepest insights and this visit stands emblematic of this truism. One noble lie sealing the lips of truth as we pave…Continue Reading An ode to Auroville
It has been a little over a week that we have been here in Santiago, Chile, and I can’t believe how much has changed already. Upon first arriving here, this city overwhelmed me. The heat made my head spin, the language barrier left me reeling, and the lack of proximity to any sort of natural…Continue Reading As the unfamiliar becomes familiar