Up until last week, I hadn't really grasped the fact that I am soon leaving for India. I started a facebook group a while ago for the ETA's in India, which has been really helpful for communicating and getting to know each other, at least to the extent that the virtual world allows. However, Fulbright still seemed somewhat like an illusion.
The Pre-Departure Orientation in Washington, D.C., was just the thing I needed to jump-start my enthusiasm about making last-minute purchases and packing. It was also great to meet my fellow ETA's--and a relief to know that they are good-hearted, down-to-earth people who are excited to learn from and share with a culture and people very different from our own.
I was also pleasantly surprised to find out that several of the ETA's are also in committed relationships. On that note, Prospective ETA's, if your significant other plans to visit you in India and stay for a significant period of time, I would highly recommend attending the Spouses and Dependents Panel at the D.C. Orientation--even if your significant other does not fall under this category.
One of this year's panel members, who studied in Nepal, semi-humorously told about how she and her then-boyfriend told everyone they met in Nepal that they were married because it is not socially acceptable for a woman and man to live together if they are unmarried. That was one point that I gleaned from the session: Honesty is not always the best policy in India.
The second important point was that, if your significant other (or sibling, or parent, or anyone really) is visiting you in India for an extended period of time, make sure they have something meaningful to do with their time. There are plenty of things to do in India, and especially in Delhi. You could study at a local public library, take yoga classes, visit museums or temples, or volunteer with an NGO. Regardless of what it is, make sure your significant other has something to do whenever you are not there to entertain.
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