Sometimes the best lessons do not come from textbooks or lectures. In India, I found myself learning in unexpected moments, chasing sunsets, walking along foggy trails, and having conversations I never anticipated. These small experiences revealed more about patience, connection, and presence than any classroom discussion could. By the end of my program, I realized…
Tag: Mussoorie
More Than Just Water
Something that really struck me during my time in India was how much life still revolves around rivers, which reminded me of Pittsburgh in an unexpected way. Back home, the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio shape the city’s identity. But beyond a kayak trip or a bike ride along the trail, most of us do not…
By the Ganga
My first real “wow” moment on this trip was in Rishikesh. I have been to temple towns before, but this one felt different from the moment we got there. The streets were full of people looking at different shops, temple bells ringing somewhere in the distance, and cows walking around like they completely belonged there….
A Different India, A Different Me
June 30, 2025 The sky looks different up here. I noticed it the moment I arrived. It is wider, deeper, and quieter than any sky I have ever seen. At home in the suburbs, the sky feels like something you only glance at every once in a pretty sunset. But here in the Himalayas, it…
Hiking the Himalayas
Now that I’ve been in India for a few weeks, I’ve spent lots of time adjusting and enjoying the beauty of the Himalayas around me. It’s been such an exciting opportunity to learn more about Indian culture and the people of the Himalayan foothills. During my time here so far, I’ve explored so many amazing…
Home from India!
I’ve been back home for a little over a week now, and I am still reeling over everything I have seen and learned in India. Though the trip home was rocky to say the least (our flight home was delayed and then canceled!), it did nothing to make me forget how incredible my time in…
Prethivika’s India Adventures — The End of a New Beginning
To say this was a trip of a lifetime is an understatement. It was truly a life changing experience that I will never forget and words can’t desribe how much it has meant to me. Going into this, I’m not sure what I was expecting, but the outcome went beyond any of my expectations. I…
Prethivika’s India Adventures — More than halfway through!
I can’t believe how far into the program we are!! It’s been such an amazing experience so far and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. Coming from Pittsburgh to India, it’s definitely been a huge change not only in scenery, but also in the community and culture. There is so much diverseness and richness in…
Two Weeks Left in India!
Hey all! I am a little over halfway through the Himalayan Health program, and I’ve learned so much already. Last week, we finished up our anthropology course, Mountain and Medicine. In class, we learned about the environment, culture, and history of India and specifically Mussoorie. A couple weeks ago, we ventured out to Devalsari on…
All set for India!
Hello everyone! My name is Prethivika and I’m a rising junior. I’m a biology major on the pre-med track, with minors in chemistry, sociology, and Hindi. I’m beyond excited to be traveling to India this summer for my Himalayan Health study abroad program! Fun fact about me — I have three birds at home (2…