Manipal (The Hindu): 14 students from The Netherlands, Germany and France are studying under the Semester Abroad Programme

For the 14 students from The Netherlands, Germany and France, who are studying in the School of Communication, a constituent of Manipal University, under the Semester Abroad Programme, it has been a lively experience — both staying and studying in Manipal.

Under this programme, students from universities in other countries, with which Manipal University has signed a memorandums of understanding, come here and study for a semester and vice-versa.

Barring one, 13 students have come to India for the first time. While some found the country chaotic, as time passed they came to like it. Floor Van Schelven from Hogeschool Utrecht, The Netherlands, said that she found the constant honking of horns and the traffic chaotic. “But people are interested in us. I have made a lot of friends in the hostel,” she said.

Natasha Devit from Erasmus University, Rotterdam, an NRI, said that though she had visited the country earlier, this was different as she would be staying here till the end of the semester. “After the college hours, I am taking two-hour training in Bharatanatyam. I don’t feel tired. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she said.

For Funn Moller from Hamburg, Germany, who studies in The Netherlands, the teaching here appeared to be slightly autocratic and the rules in the hostel strict. These sentiments were also echoed by Anna Tabeling from Hochshule Bremen University of Applied Sciences. She said that it was like being in school again. “I am not used to interruptions during the class. In our place, we wait till the other person stops talking,” she said.

What about the food? Ms. Floor Van Schelven said that though the food was spicy, she liked it. Mr. Fynn Moller said that he found the food spicy and sweet. Jean Baptisto from France said that food was good, while Benoit Houdemond from the same country, said that he liked spicy food.

But besides studying, these students have visited the nearby areas during their leisure. “We have been to the Malpe Beach and Kaup Lighthouse. Some have been to Mangaluru. We want to see as much as possible,” said Jennifer J., student from Hochshule Bremen University.

Katia Hoffmann from the same university said that she enjoyed the rides on autorickshaws. “It has been two weeks I have been here, but I feel like I have stayed here for a month,” she said.