Summer in South Asia

Several times I’ve picked up my pen, yet I find myself at a loss for words. Reflecting on my time in a South Asian island nation during the summer right after returning from an internship seems beyond my current expressive capacity. I know that to truly contemplate or succinctly summarize this experience, one needs to extend the timeline—perhaps it will only be a few years later, looking back at this summer in Sri Lanka, that I will discover its true…

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Research can be a formidable task, and my journey through my internship has been both enlightening and challenging. Despite previously working as a research assistant for several semesters, managing a project with a degree of independence has presented its own set of obstacles. My project delves into the nuances of the bilateral relationship between the European Union and Sri Lanka, focusing specifically on how Sri Lanka’s adherence to human rights influences the financial support it receives from the EU. Initially,…

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As I shouldered my backpack and bid farewell to my gracious host, I hailed a tuk-tuk in a rush of excitement and anticipation. I was on my way to Kandy, the mountainous heart of Sri Lanka, accompanied by my friend Mitshi. Our journey had been postponed due to transportation challenges and personal commitments. Mitshi had explained that Kandy and Colombo experience a weekly commuter surge as many travel for work. Tickets are especially scarce on Friday afternoons and Saturdays. Additionally,…

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Colombo has truly captured my heart as a city that’s not only wonderful to visit but also a charming place to study and live. The warmth and genuine spirit of the people here have allowed me to form meaningful connections, offering me an authentic understanding of their views on life in Sri Lanka. I’m fascinated by the intricate nuances of the local perspective, particularly when discussing the relationship between Sri Lanka and India and how people see the political landscape,…

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Before my flight to the enchanting island of Sri Lanka, I found myself wrestling with a mix of eager anticipation and an unexpected visitor: nostalgia. My heart ached a little, throbbing with the yearning to see my family back in China. It had been a full year—a year of growth, challenges, and countless memories, yet none experienced with those I hold dear. I am, by nature, reveling in the joys of travel. The open road has always been my teacher,…

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