EMU Intercultural Learning

Experiencing Israeli culture

Middle East 9Last week was packed with opportunities to learn more about Israeli culture with the Oranim program.  We stayed in Kibbutz Ramat HaShofem, one of the first kibbutzim set up in Israel.  The original kibbutz system was set … Continue Reading ››

Three reflections from India

By: Matt Swartzentruber, Ryan Eshleman and Stewart Nafziger
India is a land of vast diversity. So far during our time in India we have experienced a plethora of different religions, customs, rituals, ways of life, cultures, etc. A prime example of this has been the clear contrast of our recent village study in the Himalayan Mountains to the rest of our stays in … Continue Reading ››
Nicole Ropp

Stories from Matella and Amritsar – India

By: Evan McCarthy and Sarah Schoenhals
Seeing the cities of India it is easy to believe that India is the second most populous country in the world with well over 1 billion residents. Ironically estimates place the rural population of India well in the majority with around 70% of the population living in towns, and villages of less than 1,000 people. … Continue Reading ››
Nicole Ropp

Jerusalem

This has been such a powerful week for me. On Sunday Olivia, Steve, Andre, Ben and I returned from our week of free travel in Egypt. We found our way back to Old City, Jerusalem and to the Ecce Homo Convent. Thus began our week. We spent our free time on Sunday evening exploring the Old … Continue Reading ››

Poetry from Guatemala

Mexico/Guatemala 10

I am tired of not being allowed to study where I wish And yet studying anywhere is a privilege I am tired of not being able to decide what I eat And yet having food is a privilege I am tired … Continue Reading ››

Globalization, coffee, chai, and more

By: Ben Bailey, Josh Kanagy, John Reesor
I am not sure that the best cup of coffee in India could beat the worst gas station coffee from the U.S. in a taste test. Just as Indian food in the U.S. only tastes half as good as a generic curry in India, the quality of many U.S. staples gets lost in translation/transportation on … Continue Reading ››
Nicole Ropp

India – two reports

By: Tracy Moyers and Adriana Santiago
Kathakali, translated as “story-telling,” is a classical dance-drama that dates almost 400 years ago. Actor-dancers, dressed in voluminous colorful skirts with elaborate headdresses and jewelry, act out climatic stories of love and valor involving frenetic drumming, emotional singing, and rhythmic movements. There are singers who sing the storyline in addition to the actor-dancer applying facial … Continue Reading ››
Nicole Ropp