Emma Spence
Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia, Reimagining India with IndoGenius
Introduction
Hello! My name is Emma Spence and I currently live and study in the beautiful Waikato however I am originally from Auckland. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Business majoring in Finance and Economics, and next year I plan to start a Masters degree in Economics.
I applied for the Reimagining India Study Tour because I have always been fascinated by Indian culture. Growing up my mother practiced Ayurveda, a system of medicine originating in India, and this opened my eyes to an aspect of the Indian culture but I’ve always wanted to everything else the country has to offer. Additionally, the influence of cultural values has always been of much interest to me. I tutor a paper called “Intercultural Perspectives on Organisations” and I’m super excited to observe some of these learnings in action including looking into the differences between the Indian and NZ cultural values, and how these differences make us who we are.
Even more, I want to broaden my worldview and forge new relationships. I believe we are a combination of the people we have met across our lifetimes. I have no doubt this experience will introduce me to a wide plethora of individuals whom I can be inspired by.
-
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata
He aha te mea nui o te ao What is the most important thing in the world? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata It is the people, it is the people, it is the people –Maori Proverb I have now been back home for 3 days, and my most commonly asked question is – What…Continue…
-
Lessons from the Classroom of India
It was like any other first day. I settled into my seat surrounded by 23 other strangers, each with shy smiles, eager eyes and the awkward conversation starters of “Wait, what was your name again?”. The entrance of our teacher, India, brought with it a burst of life, love, and lots and lots and lots…Continue…
-
Dharavi: A Lesson in Economics
As an Economics major I’ve had the pleasure of studying many different economies. Never however did I expect that the most intriguing economy would be found in the heart of Mumbai, concealed beneath the tag of Asia’s largest slum. Welcome my friends, to Dharavi. Despite covering a mere 3 sq km, Dharavi is a bustling hub…Continue…