Live The Fijian Way When Studying Abroad, Students Advise

SUVA – Fijian students selected to study in India via Indian High Commission scholarships will need to be patient, keep it together and don’t lose hope when stepping out in a foreign land.

Kelepi Gauna, 22, who is into his third year of law studies at Burdwan University in India advised a new batch of students the first year would be the toughest.

Gauna said the students would need to preserve their culture as Pacific Islanders. “Pacific Islanders are well recognised and Fijian students on the other hand have been performing well,” Gauna said.

“We are always there for each other, therefore it is important that Fijian students live the Fijian way.

“It’s a totally different environment but once you adapt to the lifestyle, it will go well once you learn the system.”

Gauna said they also provided assistance to first-year students who found it difficult to cope with the new environment and those who got lost with the courses provided to them.

He said students should be grateful to the courses provided by the Indian government because it was suitable to the Fiji economy.

“They are well advanced and I am grateful for this great opportunity,” he said.

Fellow student Bhavana Hansji, 22, of Nausori, who is into her fourth year studying architecture said the opportunity was one in which students could learn other cultures.

She said unlike universities in Fiji, the students there were not restricted from trying other options whether it be dance, art or fashion design.

The pair visited the India Cultural Centre yesterday and spent time with new recipients Ritesh Singh, a Bachelor of Science degree candidate in agriculture, and Yogendra Kumar, who will pursue a law degree.