It was with a mix of excitement and nerves that a Charles Sturt University (CSU) teacher education student embarked on a two week journey into classrooms in the south western state of Kerala in India.

At the start of the final year of her degree Ms Suska Denham was one of 11 students from the CSU's Faculty of Education to immerse themselves into life and particularly the classrooms of the port city of Kochi, or Cochin.

Members of the group were placed in small groups in five schools around Cochin by Naipunnya International. Students observed classes and taught subjects such as English and Australian culture.

The fortnight long trip was a new international study experience program offered to CSU students through CSU Global and the Faculty of Education.

Below are reflections from Ms Denham's time in India:

Anticipation

"Travelling to India has stirred up mixed emotions. On one hand I am very excited to travel and see new places and meet new people. I am also excited to experience the culture of the southern state of Kerala and teaching in a different cultural context. On the other hand, I am nervous, even a little scared, of what this trip may bring."

Slums of Mumbai

"Day one of our experience in India took us on a journey through the slums of Mumbai. There is no possible way I could have prepared myself for what I was about to see, smell, feel, hear.  It was total sensory overload. Those in the slums live and work in such extreme conditions, yet it is totally organised and functional. The conditions are difficult to comprehend without seeing them with your own eyes. This experience made me question what people value most in life. It made me question myself and the way I live back home."

Off to school

"Naipunnya School was amazing. It was cleaner, bigger and better resourced than I expected. The teachers were extremely welcoming and curious about Australia and studying at university.

I even felt a little bit like royalty as unlike in Australian schools, students would stand when you walked in the room and address you as Madam or Miss, ask the enter and leave the room, and you even receive sweets when it is a child's birthday!

Their learning is disciplined and strictly curriculum based. As the school was aiming to receive an international award, its students were exposed to different areas of learning and a wide breadth of content.

Speaking with a Grade 7 class was truly amazing and inspiring. These students have such a passion and motivation for education and study. To the students, an education means they could have a better life and more opportunities in the world. Nearly all of them already knew what they wanted to be when they finished school, and what they had to do to get that job and that lifestyle. Majority of these jobs require a large degree of study and commitment. These students have big dreams and ambition, and such a forward-thinking attitude towards a better future."

Thinking beyond words

"At school, teaching the younger students presented many challenges with language and communication. This was such a great learning experience and opportunity to use different non-verbal communication strategies, think about what I am trying to say, the main message, and how to say it using a clear voice and instructions.

On the other hand it was also challenging trying to teach the older students. The language barriers weren't there but their broad and extensive content knowledge made me second-guess the accuracy of my content knowledge.

The day of the Science and Technology exhibition really reinforced this concept. The level of scientific and mathematical thinking of these students was impressive. Many students built models and diagrams to explain different concepts that were I believe, way above their years. It proved that primary aged students are capable of learning these complex concepts, then using their creativity and imagination to create different diagrams and models."

Back home

"Back home. India was an amazing experience. I learnt so much more than teaching in a different cultural context. I learnt about friendship, acceptance, tolerance, patience, family and gratitude.

Spending a fortnight with 11 other CSU students became the greatest part of the trip. Apart from all aspiring to become teachers in Australia, we were all curious to travel, learn about a different culture, and challenge ourselves to open our eyes to the wider world.

Seeing how other people live and appreciating difference in food, language, dress, communication and way of life. It made me grateful for what I do have back in Australia, especially our freedom. It also made me reassess what is really important in life, not just having money and possessions.

The trip has reinforced the fact that I want to become a teacher who is passionate, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and caring. I want to become a teacher who will inspire my students to dream big."

Editor's note:

Ms Denham aims to graduate from CSU with a Bachelor of Education (Primary) in December 2014. She is based in the School of Teacher Education at CSU in Bathurst.

Read more CSU Global stories in CSU News here.