THANKS GIVING VISITS TO AMERICAN HOMES
International Students Office arranged annually for the foreign
students to stay with families in a small town Pine Grove.
This was fun and in many cases developed into long term friendships.
Swarn's hosts (Gensemers) were very affectionate and generous,
even traveling long distance to celebrate his birthday and
graduation with gifts. If one did not write for some time
they would telephone to check if all was well. They even sent
money for Swarn's Easter holiday to Florida and sent .A gesture
of over generosity but they even sent gifts to Swarn's relatives
in India. The latter created piquant situation as the recipient
had to pay heavy import duty. On hearing this, Swarn's hosts
mailed Dollar bills as compensation in an envelope to his
sister, who of course, returned the money the same way - all
illegal.
The University encouraged the faculty to attend professional
gatherings to develop networking with the industry. Foreign
students were warmly welcomed.
CURIOSITY FACTOR
Turbans attracted attention whether one was on a stop over
to get a car repaired or on business visit. At times it was
hilarious to see the small town peoples' reaction. A waitress
to whom one talked in good English but just to tease her we
started reading the menu upside down only to be told that
the Americans read English other way around. The waitress
serving would be questioned in detail by others as to who
we were. Our behaviour would be reported in minute detail.
Children would come to shake hand feeling very happy thereafter.
Every where one visited; people went out of their way to be
helpful and friendly...
