New school, new country for foreign freshman

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The DePauw asked freshman international students Subarna Adhikari and Pui Yee Yiu how Greencastle compares to their hometowns of Kathmandu, Nepal and Tema, Ghana.

TDP: What is Greencastle like compared to your hometown?

Pui Yee Yiu (PYY): Greencastle is very quiet and small, although I lived in [Tema,] Ghana, which isn't the fanciest city around.

TDP: What difference have you enjoyed the most?

PYY: The culture and I guess the American system in school. I went to a British school and there wasn't any flexibility.

TDP: What is the most difficult adjustment you have had to make at DePauw?

PYY: Probably the food and living with a roommate. I am used to having my own room and having my mum cook most of my meals, but over here it's all fast food and quite a bit of junk food too.

TDP: How does the Hub compare to food in your hometown?

PYY: Well, I absolutely love Ghanaian food, so nothing at the Hub can be compared to that. I wish could get some here.

TDP: Do you feel at home here?

PYY: Not yet. I need time to get used to it. Its still a little overwhelming since I have to change my living, studying and even eating habits, so it's a huge step for me.

TDP: What is Greencastle like compared to your hometown?

Surbarna Adhikari (SA): Greencastle is a lot smaller than my hometown. Since I lived in the capital city of my country, it was way too crowded and polluted.

TDP: What difference have you enjoyed the most?

SA: I like the environment in Greencastle. It has fresh air and a lot of trees. The people here are very friendly.

TDP: What is the most difficult adjustment you have had to make at DePauw?

SA: I am not used to talking to people while in groups. I get too nervous, I hope I get used to that as fast as I can.

TDP: Do you feel like you fit in at DePauw?

SA: Yes, I do. This place already feels like home thanks to the people that I have met here.

Yiu was born in Hong Kong, but has lived in Ghana her entire life. She is undecided on her major.

Adhikari is from Kathmandu, Nepal and plans to major in economics.

features@thedepauw.com