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Raive Mouchitali
Undergraduate Student | Sciences Po
Semester Abroad @ FLAME University

I come from Reunion Island, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, to learn more about my roots and this amazing country. I chose FLAME University for its liberal education ethos, its peaceful location in Pune, and its connection to India and Asia. I have the freedom to design my own course  at FLAME and have taken environmental science and climate change courses that challenge me and broaden my perspective. 

My favorite course is education policy with Prof. Shivakumar Jolad, who has taught me about the history and challenges of the Indian school system. I have also attended some interesting conferences with other faculty members, who were very supportive and friendly. The classes are less intensive but more engaging and interactive. I enjoy the small group discussions and the diverse viewpoints of the students and faculty. One of my main interests is policy making, international relations, and security issues. I would like to join the French army in the next few years. The courses at FLAME University are helping me to understand how different countries deal with these issues, especially India. 

India is a fascinating country with a lot of diversity and complexity. It is a great learning experience to try to solve this puzzle in some way through my courses. The campus is like a jungle full of love and peace. I feel at home thanks to the FLAME support staff, the faculty, and the students, who are all lovely and caring. I have met so many new people and have made some lifelong friends who have become essential to my daily life. FLAME University is the perfect place for me to grow personally and academically. Of course, there are some challenges as well. The language barrier and different accents make it slightly difficult to understand some of my peers, but they are extremely patient with me. Another challenge is missing home sometimes, although I feel at home here too. I love the food here, which is spicy and similar to the cuisine on Reunion Island. I also miss my family, but I am used to it now because I have a great support system at FLAME. Despite these challenges, I am having an amazing time at FLAME University, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to have a unique and enriching experience in India. 

One of the best parts of my experience was the cultural events that I attended or participated in. I had a lot of fun at Kurukshetra and FLAME Fest, where I got to see different performances and showcase my own talents. I enjoy going out with my friends from here, exploring different places, and trying different foods. I also participate in sports on campus, which is a great way to stay fit and relax. I have made some trips to Jaipur and Mumbai, which were very exciting and memorable. I love seeing the different aspects of India and its culture. One of the most memorable events for me was Holi, which I celebrated with my friends at FLAME University. It is such a colorful and joyful festival that makes me feel closer to the people and the culture here. It was probably my best experience here with my friends, who made me feel like family.