Interview ( 1 )

1. Could you tell me about yourself? (Your name, home country)

Answer: This is Shiva Sastry from Andhra Pradesh, India. I have completed my 12^th with CBSE.

2. What are you planning to do after school?

Answer: I am interested in developing my skills. I am interested to have some practical experience on chemistry learnt in my books. So, I can improve knowledge and compete with international students without any depression and inferiority

3. Why did you choose to study at St.cloud University?

Answer: I always dreamt to study in historical colleges, and among those St. Cloud University which attracted me by its history and environment provided for students. And I decided to take my higher studies from this university, which helps me to have the same environment of my home place

4. What is the difference in educational systems between your country and North America?

Answer: In our country most of our education system concentrates on the theoritical information and no practical knowledge like labs, etc. They are included in the system but are not strictly implemented.

5. Would you like to tell me about your country?

Answer: I am from India; it is the seventh largest country in the world. It is a Democratic country, is identified for its culture and wealth.

6. Could you tell me about your country's traditional process regarding marriage?

Answer: India has got many religious people leaving together as a family. Most of the people belong to Hindu religion. So, I explain the traditional marriage of Hindu’s in here. It’s a memorable festive of a person being married. Bride and Groom are well dressed with their traditional ornament and apparel. And there is a Brahmin Pandit who spells slokas for three hours during the marriage process. During this process, Groom ties knot to Bride, accepting bride as his wife for all seven last lifes.

7. Can you tell me about activities that young people like to do in your country?

Answer: Most often families relations are bound, young people are often under the decision of their parents even they are settled down with jobs. Most of them show interest towards study. As India has got no good opportunities to study the illiterates helps their parents by self employment or as a daily wage labor. This is the worst thing that hurts me with India.

8. What are major holidays in your country?

Answer: Republic day, Independence day, vinayaka chaviti, Dassera, Diwali, Onam, Sankranti, Ugadi, E-id, Chirstmas and there are many more festival, Jayanti, and Vardanti holidays.

9. What is your traditional food?

Answer: India has got several traditional foods. Such as white rice & dal, Roti with chawal, Dosa, Idli with sambar, Hyderabad dum biryani, puligora, daddojanam and the list goes on

10. How is the political system of your country structured?

Answer: It is a democratic system, people select their leaders by voting process.

11. What are your country's major religions?

Answer: Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh.

12. What’s considered offensive in your country?

Answer: There are many such as theft, murder, women harassment, ragging, etc but not being strictly punished. So, there are many offensive news but most of them are not punished with their influences from politicians. No strict law.

13. What do you perceive as differences between your culture and the American culture?

Answer: India has got its Ancient Civilized culture mixed up with European culture, where North America has a well developed basic of European culture. There is no comparison for both, since both are entirely different, as the rules are strictly followed in North America, every individual dare to have their right. But in India, even few individuals donot know they have right for asking.

North America is a developed country for last few decades, But India still is said to be a developing country since decades, and even it has got great number of resources.

14. Is there anything you would like to add before we end our interview?

Answer: Yes, Even India has got its vast cultural traditions, being supported and encouraged by people of different countries, these traditions are not being respected by the country people, and some are vanished on time being because of encouragement.

15. Do you have any questions for me, now that I have had the pleasure of asking you about so many things?

Answer: No, I did really enjoyed your interview with great pleasure, I love speaking about my tradition, culture, law, school life, ambitions etc, had a great time during this process.