Asian Student Exchange-2025

Akio (Korea YCS student)

My trip to India, to Bangalore, was part of the YCS exchange program, but it quickly became much more than just an exchange. Before arriving, my vision of India was mostly shaped by what the media shows: overcrowded cities, poverty, and constant chaos. I thought I knew what to expect. I was wrong.

From the moment I arrived, India challenged my assumptions. Bangalore was vibrant, modern, and full of contrasts. Technology and tradition existed side by side. Glass buildings stood near temples, and ancient customs were part of everyday life in a way that felt natural, not forced. This balance was something I had never seen before.

What truly changed my point of view was the people. The warmth, generosity, and openness I encountered went far beyond anything I imagined. Strangers welcomed me with genuine curiosity and kindness. Conversations were deep, sincere, and often filled with laughter. I realized how little the media shows of this human richness.

India also taught me to see beauty differently. Beauty was not only in monuments or landscapes, but in daily life: shared meals, busy streets full of color, music, and movement, and small moments of connection. Life felt intense, alive, and meaningful.

This journey completely changed my perception of India. It is not the country often reduced to stereotypes. It is complex, dynamic, and deeply human. I did not just visit India; I connected with it. I returned with a new perspective, a deeper understanding, and a genuine love for this country that will stay with me forever.