PRE-DEPARTURE

DEC 15 2019

The heavy winter air of the City of Iowa City is filled with an incredible amount of pleasant excitement. The time has come! In a few days, that, which seemed almost impossible will happen. I am getting calls from my friends and family from both within and outside the United States. Most are hailing and applauding me while others are asking for postcards. However, what I am most concerned about is whether I will be able to turn this opportunity to my favour and reap the utmost benefits from what is to come. Kinga Nagy, my Hungarian sister is worried if I will stay at that eco-friendly palace with the King Cobra. All the while I am pondering what souvenirs should I get her. All of this is happening because a couple of months ago I applied for a course on a subject that I am utterly passionate about. Professor Jerry Anthony mentioned this study abroad course that he is going to teach in connection with the International Program’s office of the University of Iowa. He is offering a Sustainable Development course, which is taught in the southern state of Kerala, India! Even though I know that I will be super busy learning and compiling knowledge, but he has promised that we will have a good while and also ride elephants!! ”Sustainability and elephants!”, I said, ”now that is a package I simply cannot refuse.”