student exchange in Kolkata

Sandy00 · Oct 15th, 2007, 16:12

hey!
I hope someone can help me with my problem...I am from Europe. I study economics and next year we have our exchange for one year.
One possibility would be the IIM in Kolkata...I think it would be a very interesting but I am also very sceptic, if I can manage the year...I heard that the people in Kolkata are very friendly and helpfully, but I am not used to the different culture, religion,language...

I think it would be a great experiece for me, but I have no idea how life in this city is.
I hope you can give me some advices, to ease my decision...
thanxx

wonderwomanusa · Oct 16th, 2007, 03:55

Women generally feel very comfortable in Kolkata; for the mosst part, people do not annoy you or try to get money from you as they do in some other large cities of India. The exception to this is the area where foreign tourists stay -- but you will probably be staying in student housing in some other area, so you probably do not have to worry about this.

Most of your fellow students will speak English as well as you do.

There are plenty of churches (Catholic or Protestant) in Kolkata; that may make you feel more comfortable about it.

It is a terrific oppportunity to learn about other religions and cultures and food; it can be scarey but think of how great you will feel with your new knowledge.

India is a country that people either love or hate; which will you be?

singsub · Oct 16th, 2007, 08:04

sandy you will most probably be given accommodation in the IIM hostel. the campus they have is beautiful, though its outside the city limits.

What sort of info do you want?? places to hang out?? watch live bands??

Sandy00 · Oct 16th, 2007, 21:52

that sounds good, thank you...
one of the most important things I want to know is how women (especially from Europe) are accepted in Calcutta. But it doesn't sound too dangerous.
Is it easy for Europeans to be accepted?or are the people in Kolkata very doubtfully?

I heard that the IIM has got a very good reputation.Is this true?

do you know if there are good locals in Kolkata?

singsub · Oct 16th, 2007, 22:23

i know of female european expats in kolkata.

you should have no problems.

iim is very good yes.

what do u mean by "locals". did u mean locales??

Sandy00 · Oct 16th, 2007, 22:26

I'm sorry...yes, I mean places to go out...pubs etc.

atala · Oct 16th, 2007, 22:27

You'd be suprised to know how little "doubtful" Bengalis are. They'll adore you when they know your mother tongue is German. Get ready to even hear from older people that they adore Hitler. It's more ignorance, or let's say historical preference, than racism or anything. The British treated the Bengalis really bad. I have heard from a scholar who researched it that the famine in 1943-44, that took 4 million lives, was caused by the British to punish the Bengalis who are an extremely proud and intelligent people. That is why Churchill and the Brits are particularly hated by older Bengalis, and the Germans adored as their opponents. Also German Sanskrit scholars contributed to the revival of Hindu pride, to which Bengalis and Indians in general are "eternally" grateful.

The German Cultural Center which is called everywhere else in the world "Goethe Institute" to honor the greatest genius in German literature, is called Max Mueller Bhavan in India. Max Mueller was a scholar who worked a lot on Sanskrit texts and published them. (Ironically for the story told here, Max Mueller had gone to Oxford to teach, and became well known in GB.)

By the way, there is a Max Mueller Bhavan in Kolkata, so if you ever feel the need to read a German Newspaper or leave thru some German books, or meet some German speakers, or watch a German film that is the place to go. It is in South Kolkata. You'll probably meet some Bengalis who speak German. Some people just learn it out of need to do something with their brain power.

With good locals you mean good restaurants, or party places? Hmmm, you will find more info on that on other threads.

You are asking whether it is dangerous there. Just be aware that India at night can be dangerous, esp for a woman alone. If you are partying with friends at night, and you drink alcohol, and they too, things may happen that you'll regret later. You should know that Western women are seen as easy for sex. The reason is the many American films shown on TV, and the way European women are seen dressing. Now if you party around and take alcohol which seems to have a specially debilitating effect on Asian people you might be entering a danger zone. Most Bengalis grow up in traditional families, worshiping gods and all, then becoming students at a University may emancipate them from their old ways, but in a way that they do not see the limit at all. So make sure you are not crossing the limit yourself, and show clearly enough where the limit is: Klar Grenzen setzen.

Hope this helps.

Sandy00 · Oct 16th, 2007, 22:36

Thanks, that helped a lot...danke!

Can you tell me one last thing? Do I have to take a lot of medicine with me? I read that you can buy all things (medicine etc.)there

singsub · Oct 16th, 2007, 22:42

Quote:

They'll adore you when they know your mother tongue is German.

right.

Quote:

The British treated the Bengalis really bad. I have heard from a scholar who researched it that the famine in 1943-44, that took 4 million lives, was caused by the British to punish the Bengalis who are an extremely proud and intelligent people.

right.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar/s...a1934282.shtml
http://channel4.empireschildren.co.u...pter=928&cat=2

Quote:

By the way, there is a Max Mueller Bhavan in Kolkata, so if you ever feel the need to read a German Newspaper or leave thru some German books, or meet some German speakers, or watch a German film that is the place to go. It is in South Kolkata. You'll probably meet some Bengalis who speak German.

i have german speaking family members.

Quote:

You are asking whether it is dangerous there. Just be aware that India at night can be dangerous, esp for a woman alone. If you are partying with friends at night, and you drink alcohol, and they too, things may happen that you'll regret later. You should know that Western women are seen as easy for sex. The reason is the many American films shown on TV, and the way European women are seen dressing. Now if you party around and take alcohol which seems to have a specially debilitating effect on Asian people you might be entering a danger zone. Most Bengalis grow up in traditional families, worshiping gods and all, then becoming students at a University may emancipate them from their old ways, but in a way that they do not see the limit at all. So make sure you are not crossing the limit yourself, and show clearly enough where the limit is: Klar Grenzen setzen.

good advice that. how do you know so much ??

atala · Oct 16th, 2007, 23:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by singsub

good advice that. how do you know so much ??

Thanks, singsub. I guess it is just experience of living in India for a relatively long time (8 years), and knowing student exuberance myself. Besides I have lived in Kolkata half a year. A long time ago though, in the 80ies.

atala · Oct 17th, 2007, 00:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandy00

Thanks, that helped a lot...danke!

Can you tell me one last thing? Do I have to take a lot of medicine with me? I read that you can buy all things (medicine etc.)there

About medicines to bring: You can buy most there, indeed, but it is a good idea to bring certain remedies that are better here than there. For instance bring carbolevure for diarrhea

http://www.google.ch/search?hl=de&q=...le-Suche&meta=

It is better than what you get in India in terms of a carbon (German: Kohle)product.

Another thing to take is Carmol, which is a Swiss product but you get other places too. I have seen people in India totally down and listless, after a few drops of Carmol they were well and healthy. It is good for headaches and all kinds of pains and aches, and also for the stomach. I never travel without it.

I also recommend that you ask your doctor in Austria to write you a prescription for a good general antibiotic, because the ones you get in India are generally real bombs that knock you out.

When in India I recommed you to buy Lavana Bhaskar Churna, which is an Ayurvedic remedy, which is a really good appetizer. Take it often, especially when you are invited to an uncertain lunch or so. Your digestion works differently in a hot climate, so taking this powder (Churna just means powder), you give that initial input to your digestive organs to work well for you. Foods may be heavy and oily. You should only eat when you feel appetite, and this remedy helps you to that, in case you do not feel appetite. This is just a general preventive, because many problems are associated with poor digestion.

singsub · Oct 20th, 2007, 14:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by atala

Thanks, singsub. I guess it is just experience of living in India for a relatively long time (8 years), and knowing student exuberance myself. Besides I have lived in Kolkata half a year. A long time ago though, in the 80ies.

if you dont mind my asking, which other parts of India did you stay in? And what were you here as..a journalist??

atala · Oct 20th, 2007, 22:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by singsub

if you dont mind my asking, which other parts of India did you stay in? And what were you here as..a journalist??

Thanks for your interest. May I introduce myself?

About time to introduce myself

Oct 15th, 2007, 16:12	#1
Sandy00 Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Austria Posts: 4	student exchange in Kolkata hey! I hope someone can help me with my problem...I am from Europe. I study economics and next year we have our exchange for one year. One possibility would be the IIM in Kolkata...I think it would be a very interesting but I am also very sceptic, if I can manage the year...I heard that the people in Kolkata are very friendly and helpfully, but I am not used to the different culture, religion,language... I think it would be a great experiece for me, but I have no idea how life in this city is. I hope you can give me some advices, to ease my decision... thanxx

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Student Visa Extension	theborg	Indian Visa and Passport Questions	0	Sep 17th, 2007 20:02
Exchange rates and exchange bureau at Indian airport	BenV	Packing Tips for India travel	47	Jan 11th, 2007 22:57
Sponsership for student interaction.	rangers	Volunteering and Charitable Causes in India	12	Dec 22nd, 2006 16:49
Cheap flights - UK under 26/student	justmakebelieve	International India Flights	6	Jun 27th, 2006 21:32
american student in india	kait	Introduce Yourself	10	Dec 6th, 2005 19:08

Oct 16th, 2007, 03:55	#2
wonderwomanusa Maha Guru Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Northern California Posts: 3,131	Women generally feel very comfortable in Kolkata; for the mosst part, people do not annoy you or try to get money from you as they do in some other large cities of India. The exception to this is the area where foreign tourists stay -- but you will probably be staying in student housing in some other area, so you probably do not have to worry about this. Most of your fellow students will speak English as well as you do. There are plenty of churches (Catholic or Protestant) in Kolkata; that may make you feel more comfortable about it. It is a terrific oppportunity to learn about other religions and cultures and food; it can be scarey but think of how great you will feel with your new knowledge. India is a country that people either love or hate; which will you be?

Oct 16th, 2007, 08:04	#3
singsub Account Closed Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: right next door to hell Posts: 1,173	sandy you will most probably be given accommodation in the IIM hostel. the campus they have is beautiful, though its outside the city limits. What sort of info do you want?? places to hang out?? watch live bands??

Oct 16th, 2007, 21:52	#4
Sandy00 Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Austria Posts: 4	that sounds good, thank you... one of the most important things I want to know is how women (especially from Europe) are accepted in Calcutta. But it doesn't sound too dangerous. Is it easy for Europeans to be accepted?or are the people in Kolkata very doubtfully? I heard that the IIM has got a very good reputation.Is this true? do you know if there are good locals in Kolkata?

Oct 16th, 2007, 22:23	#5
singsub Account Closed Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: right next door to hell Posts: 1,173	i know of female european expats in kolkata. you should have no problems. iim is very good yes. what do u mean by "locals". did u mean locales??

Oct 16th, 2007, 22:26	#6
Sandy00 Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Austria Posts: 4	I'm sorry...yes, I mean places to go out...pubs etc.

Oct 16th, 2007, 22:27	#7
atala Senior Member, 8 yrs in India Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Switzerland, just back from India 2008 Posts: 691	You'd be suprised to know how little "doubtful" Bengalis are. They'll adore you when they know your mother tongue is German. Get ready to even hear from older people that they adore Hitler. It's more ignorance, or let's say historical preference, than racism or anything. The British treated the Bengalis really bad. I have heard from a scholar who researched it that the famine in 1943-44, that took 4 million lives, was caused by the British to punish the Bengalis who are an extremely proud and intelligent people. That is why Churchill and the Brits are particularly hated by older Bengalis, and the Germans adored as their opponents. Also German Sanskrit scholars contributed to the revival of Hindu pride, to which Bengalis and Indians in general are "eternally" grateful. The German Cultural Center which is called everywhere else in the world "Goethe Institute" to honor the greatest genius in German literature, is called Max Mueller Bhavan in India. Max Mueller was a scholar who worked a lot on Sanskrit texts and published them. (Ironically for the story told here, Max Mueller had gone to Oxford to teach, and became well known in GB.) By the way, there is a Max Mueller Bhavan in Kolkata, so if you ever feel the need to read a German Newspaper or leave thru some German books, or meet some German speakers, or watch a German film that is the place to go. It is in South Kolkata. You'll probably meet some Bengalis who speak German. Some people just learn it out of need to do something with their brain power. With good locals you mean good restaurants, or party places? Hmmm, you will find more info on that on other threads. You are asking whether it is dangerous there. Just be aware that India at night can be dangerous, esp for a woman alone. If you are partying with friends at night, and you drink alcohol, and they too, things may happen that you'll regret later. You should know that Western women are seen as easy for sex. The reason is the many American films shown on TV, and the way European women are seen dressing. Now if you party around and take alcohol which seems to have a specially debilitating effect on Asian people you might be entering a danger zone. Most Bengalis grow up in traditional families, worshiping gods and all, then becoming students at a University may emancipate them from their old ways, but in a way that they do not see the limit at all. So make sure you are not crossing the limit yourself, and show clearly enough where the limit is: Klar Grenzen setzen. Hope this helps.

Oct 16th, 2007, 22:36	#8
Sandy00 Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Austria Posts: 4	Thanks, that helped a lot...danke! Can you tell me one last thing? Do I have to take a lot of medicine with me? I read that you can buy all things (medicine etc.)there

User Name		Remember Me?
Password