In order to learn about southeastern Asian culture, sophomore Forrest Haley participates in a traditional Cambodian wedding ceremony. Being in the predominantly Buddhist region of southeastern Asia was often a culture shock for visiting students. Courtesy of Sarah Conley Immersed in the culture of the Karen village in the forests of Thailand, students on the Harding in Australia program (HUA) bonded with natives from the village. They also traveled to Cambodia, Vietnam, New Zealand and Australia over the course of the semester, allowing for similar encounters with the people there. Not only were these cultures on the other side of the world, but they were also completely opposite to anything these students had ever encountered before. "The biggest cultural differences were in Asia," sophomore Lindsey Sloan said. "The dominant religion in the countries we visited was Buddhism; so it was a huge culture shock to see nothing but temples with people worshipping false idols and bowing down to Buddha. I don't think anything or anyone could have prepared me for that." Traveling to the other side of the world not only opened students' eyes to other world religions but also helped them appreciate the things they had been given. "My favorite lesson learned is how much I take for granted and how blessed I am," sophomore Kristin Galloway said. "Seeing the conditions that some of the people live in in countries like Cambodia made me realize how much God has blessed me and my family and how much I have to be thankful for." Students also had some fun opportunities along the way. "One of my favorite memories would have to be bungee jumping," sophomore Sarah Conley said. "It was absolutely amazing. It [is] a toss up between bungeejumping, sky diving and elephant riding." Ultimately, the trip allowed students to grow as they broadened their horizons in countries so far from home and with such contrasting cultures to their own. "The trip offers a special blend of cultures that allows you to experience growth not only in a maturity sense but also spiritually," Galloway said. "There are many things I have experienced on this trip that have challenged my beliefs, thoughts and feelings on many things that I would not normally think about back in the States. Throughout this trip, I have been forced to conquer fears, face challenging situations and really learn who I am and what I believe. There are so many amazing places and opportunities offered on this trip; anyone who chose to go on it would not be disappointed." Ashley Rosenbaum International 5 f
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