The Department of Journalism accommodated three The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) students — Umesha Binari Thalagahawatta, Kanyawee Chaidate and Shayal Devi. One of them, Shayal who hails from from Fiji compiles an account of her experience as a student of St. Xavier’s College.

Being in a place for a long time helps you acclimate to a new culture, different people and a sense of belonging.

No statement could be truer to reflect our life stories in India over the past three years. This year marks the final year of graduation in the BA in Journalism degree for three foreign students of the Department, myself included.

In 2019, Umesha Binari Thalagahawatta, Kanyawee Chaidate and I, each from different countries and backgrounds, found a common home in India.

For Ms Thalagahawatta, originally from Sri Lanka, the decision to study abroad was the best she made in her life.

“The past 2.5 years I spent in Goa were and always will be the best days of my life. I absolutely fell in love with Goa from the moment I got off the flight,” she said.

Living in India over the past 3 years has been a profound experience, one that has not just resulted in personal growth but mental maturity as well. We have been fortunate enough to be under the tutelage of knowledgeable teachers and well-equipped facilities at St Xavier’s College.

Shayal Devi, Fiji

“Living on my own for almost 3 years, dealing with situations without the help of my parents really made me grow into a more independent and a confident version of myself.

“Studying in Goa indeed taught me a lot of things and gave me lots of new experiences and opportunities. I made friendships that are so tight, I would call them family and I was able to make memories that I will treasure until the end of time.”

Originally from Thailand, Ms Chaidate also agreed, and said she had always dreamed of visiting India at least once.

A young Thai mind came to Goa during the monsoon season of 2019. It’s almost 3 years now. Life in India has given me more than what I thought. It’s different from what people have told me. Life would not be a bed of roses every time. It has both good and bad things but above all, whatever happened to me always gives me an experience and makes me grow up. I would say I have learned a lot while I’m in India. Thank you India, for making me grow!

Kanyawee Chaidate, Thailand

“A young Thai mind came to Goa during the monsoon season of 2019. It’s almost 3 years now. Life in India has given me more than what I thought. It’s different from what people have told me,” she said.

“Life would not be a bed of roses every time. It has both good and bad things but above all, whatever happened to me always gives me an experience and makes me grow up. I would say I have learned a lot while I’m in India. Thank you India, for making me grow!”

As for myself, coming from Fiji to India was daunting to say the least, but there was a sense of nostalgic yearning as my ancestors were from this land.

Living in India over the past 3 years has been a profound experience, one that has not just resulted in personal growth but mental maturity as well.

The past 2.5 years I spent in Goa were and always will be the best days of my life. I absolutely fell in love with Goa from the moment I got off the flight

Umesha Binari Thalagahawatta, Sri Lanka

We have been fortunate enough to be under the tutelage of knowledgeable teachers and well-equipped facilities at St Xavier’s College.

Personally, there were numerous challenges while living and studying in India, however, I have found that if you surround yourself with people willing to assist you, there is nothing you can’t conquer.

From the three of us, to the Department of Mass Communication & Journalism at St Xavier’s College, to all the faculty and our batchmates, dhanyavaad.

Thank you for the memories, Goa!