By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Krishna has been working on uploading select, inspiring images from our travels together in the past few years across America and to India. Click into see some of the awesome and inspirational images.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Monday, February 01, 2010

Is there something that you would like others to know about your culture? Is there something that is little-known, or maybe it's a myth or stereotype? Have you experienced different cultures and want to share your experiences?

I have compiled a comprehensive list of questions that you can choose from to get your memories refreshed! I hope to learn about you and your culture to share with the world here on Alaivani- to increase understanding and break down barriers of misundertanding among us! Thank you for your consideration and participation!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Friday, January 29, 2010

Have you lived in a different city or country than where you were born and raised for a few months, a few years, a few decades? Do you know anyone else who has... and still feels homesick? I share some thoughts on why I think this occurs. I am happy to hear your thoughts, experiences and feedback!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Thursday, January 28, 2010

People in tropical or arid and sweltering hot climates may desire to experience and even live in climates where snow falls. Sometimes what we dream snow is, is not what we think it is!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Moving across the country or around the globe for work opportunities, educational enrichment or family commitments is common-place now-a-days. We not only encounter lifestyle and cultural transitions by moving- we can encounter them in our own homes through changing jobs, changing family relationships, retirement, marriage, divorce and many other types of transitions. Here, I recap in a slide show video three techniques you can use on-your-own to create success and ease in lifestyle changes.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Saturday, January 23, 2010

Your culture is mesmerising. What do you find most interesting about your culture? Is there something you would like the world to know about your culture that is misunderstood?

I am starting a series of interviews to help encourage cross-cultural sharing and understanding! I hope you would like to participate! Tune in for more info....

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Thursday, January 21, 2010

There are many resources to learn and understand why people do and behave how they do- the best sourse is the insider source! Find a mentor of someone in the group you want to relate to! If not, then bounce ideas off a mentor, life coach like me! Slideshow video inside.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Moving to a different city or country? Wondering how you will adjust to a new lifestyle and culture? Do you enjoy learning and integrating new ways of expressing life? I have created a five part video training series that explores tips and techniques you can use today to help with culture shock, lifestyle adjustment and fitting in as a newcomer!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Thursday, January 14, 2010

Sankranti is a holiday celebrated in many parts of India under different names with variations on ritual, reason and revelry. Click in to experience this festival as celebrated by some in Karnataka, a central south Indian state.

Submitted by an anonymous Kannidiga friend. Thank you.

 

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Thanksgiving harvest is a mid January tradition in Tamil Nadu, South India. Wonder what are the special traits of this holiday, how it is observed and what to do if you're invited to one's home for this auspicious occasion? Click in to read more.

Photo right: Woman making kolam, design on ground with rice flour, in Tamil village for Pongal 2000.

 

By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Sunday, January 10, 2010

Many people come to America from Japan every year- and know how to speak English quite well. But, many Japanese may loose confidence in their English skills because Americans may not understand their Japanese-English accents. I have found a series of videos that are helpful in adjusting one's accent and rhythm to American English speakers.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Saturday, January 09, 2010

Are you an Indian (desi) planning to come study in America for your graduate studies? Are you more enthusiastic to join your program if your advisor is desi? Consider the advantages and disadvantages of this choice as expressed by Brijesh in this article. Do share your insight, thoughts, and experiences here or on Brijesh's site.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Thursday, January 07, 2010

Can Indians and Americans be attracted to each other for life-long friendships or serious maritial relationships? What do we have in common? Where do we differ that may prevent attraction, relatability or understanding? I explore some of my thoughts on this topic in a video blog.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Monday, December 21, 2009

English skills help when coming to America, but knowing the cultural contexts of the language helps a newcomer relate to the 'locals' better.

In this series of posts, I hope to share with you some written and audio/visual tips and lessons on American Language, Culture and Etiquette that can help you prepare for your transition to the American social fabric.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, November 25, 2009

After living in India for two years as a typical graduate student at Madras Christian College, some of my close friends and family wanted to know what I learned about India. They had a lot of questions, some were good questions based on studying and knowning other Indian friends, but others were based on myths. This list of myths was created in 2001 from statements and questions people asked me when I returned to USA from India.

 

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Monday, November 09, 2009

Are you a Malayalee parent raising your child abroad? Finding it hard to encourage your child to learn Malayalam? Are you loosing touch with your mother tongue?

Are you a non-Malayalee or non-Indian married to a Malayalee and want to learn Malayalam for communicating with your spouse and in-laws?

I am making an attempt to collect some resources you can tap into to maintain a link with your native culture and language or to inspire you to learn about new cultures and languages.

Photo right: by acdme@ flickr used under creative commons. Click on the photo to see the entire photo- it's quite interesting!

Enjoy!!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Friday, October 23, 2009

Trying myself to recreate the culture I experienced in Tamil Nadu, India that holds a soft spot in my heart, I continue to look for Tamil bloggers based in America for inspiration on creating the mood, spirit and physical-look of India and Hindu culture here in America. In that search, I have found and been overwhelmingly influenced by NRI Maami.

With her permission, I have created a wonderful photo story of her expressions of Indian and Tamil culture here in America- including celebrations of Navarathri (including tutorial on how to create golu steps), Diwali, Avan Avittam, Ganesh Chathurthi, Krishna Jayanthi and others. Thank you for sharing your experiences with the world, NRI Maami.

We have a lot to learn about creating and recreating a life of passion and interest from you!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Saturday, October 17, 2009

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Friday, October 16, 2009

Diwali is a holiday celebrated by one and all in and throughout India. However, it is not so grand, and even absent in some places in the southwestern state of Kerala.

Joby George, of Ente Keralam, shares his thoughts on Diwali in Kerala- Diwali as a Harvest Festival.

Thank you for sharing, Joby.

 

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Thursday, October 15, 2009

This is a new dawn of cross cultural and interfaith understanding! What a wonderful message!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Diwali is one of the most widely celebrated festivals and holidays in India spanning in some places up to five days. Though Diwali has many connections to Hinduism, Diwali is a secular holiday. People of all faiths and backgrounds can celebrate Diwali- as it is the 'festival of lights' celebrating good overcoming evil; a universal theme. Diwali is also one of the most widely known Indian holidays outside India. In this post, you can browse some links on Diwali on my website, including 'The Story of Diwali,' how to celebrate Diwali like a local (Tamilian) and an interesting connection between Diwali and Onam, another South Indian secular holiday.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, September 23, 2009

View the social and spiritual calendars for India and America for October 2009. Holidays to look forward to include Gandhi Jayanthi, Sukkot, Maharishi Valmiki's birthday, Columbus Day, Diwali, Skanda Shashti and Halloween.

Happy Holidays!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, September 02, 2009

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Click in to see photo slide show of Onam celebrations over the past three years in Rochester, NY, at our home and among our friends in our local Malayalee association- where we enjoyed a public sadhya (meal) and cultural programs (film song dances, singing, thiruvathira folk dancing, skits, and more)!

 

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Friday, August 28, 2009

These series of videos, from YouTube are entertaining, engaging and give an overview to international students on the topics of culture shock, cultural adjustment, socializing and adjusitng to college life in America.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, August 19, 2009

September 2009 is overflowing with celebrations in America and India in various tradtions: Hindu (Onam, Navarathri), Muslim (Eid), and Jewish (Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah).

 

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, August 19, 2009

There are a multitude of folk dances in India. In Kerala, one such folk dance generally perfomed in by women is Thiruvathira. I like to call this dance a 'South Indian Square Dance.'

In this post, I share a few YouTube videos of dances I like, and links to videos of the dance as performed by our local Malayalee association (of which I also was part of).

Thank you, and enjoy!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Creative lifestyles in China, India, and America are highlighted through a wide range of photo submissions this month.

*An Indian living in China
* Indian in America and in India celebrating the Goddess
* An American living her dreams in Nepal

Enjoy!!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Monday, July 27, 2009

Guest Post By Brijesh Nair.

Are you an readying to come to study in America this year? This post by Brijesh, an Indian International student in America, is a quick A to Z tutorial on adjusting to life in America as a college student!

Do go through Brijesh's thoughts and share your ideas and thoughts on his blog.

Thank you!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Monday, July 20, 2009

Students from all corners of the globe are readying to arrive in America for the start of their academic and professional careers. Many bring with them material possessions to ease the transition. I help you by sharing with you ideas on how to better adjust to life here in America. Ideas are weightless, so you don't need to worry about your luggage overages or leaving them behind!

In this post, I introduce you to my series of videos on my YouTube channel on orientation to life on American college campuses. Feel free to leave your thoughts behind so I can improve the information I can provide to you!!!

I hope this will be useful to you! Thank you for spending time on my website.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Visit Rochester and experience a little of it's history and cultural diversity without moving from your seat! In this post, I will share a few creative travelogues and skits from YouTube made about Rochester, NY.

Enjoy!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Asians and Indians are only a few of the cultures and ethnicities that live in Rochester, New York.  I am collecting photos together from flickr into different groups to highlight the amazing diversity had in the city so we can learn from each other both our unique qualities and our common interests. Click into the post for more groupings and to add your own photos! Thank you!

Click inside to see the slideshows and participate in this exciting project!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Friday, June 26, 2009

Entering the kitchen to help a hostess was not part of my social ettiquette. Entering another's kitchen without being asked and doing 'work' would be intruding on her independance and ability to accomplish the task at hand. That is why I did not enter the kitchen in India, when I lived there, and even why it's taken me time to adjust into the Indian community lifestyle here and enter other's kitchens not only to talk, but to help!

How have I evolved this habit? What has encouraged me to question my culture and update it to something different? How has that enriched my life and helped me integrate with the Indian community? Read inside....

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Waking to Suprabatham in the distance awakens you to the fact, yes, you are in India! Even more so in South India! Here, we experienced the wonder of international television entertainment, a trip to a cliff side resort beach, traversing on film star's teritory in the film park, shopping for saris (while enjoying filter coffee and vadas....), and a heart pumping session of driving in India!

How in the world did we fit rest and relaxation into the principals residential resort into all this??

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Friday, May 29, 2009

The Sun Temple is an archetectural marvel in the eastern coastal state of Orissa, in India. Ajoy, a contributing author to Alaivani visited this holy and historical site last year. He has sent the photos comprising this photo diary.

Thank you for your continued support and submissions to enrich the quality of Alaivani, Ajoy.

 

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Monday, May 25, 2009

Elephants of all Ages in Kerala India

comments welcome

These series of videos of baby elephants and adult elephants showcasing their talents for humans were taken on our trip to Kerala, India in 2008. Enjoy!

Photo, right: I am standing with a cute baby elephant at Kodanad, Kerala.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Monday, April 06, 2009

It is hard to believe but in all the books I read to prepare myself for my life as a student in India, it was a book about life in Africa that helped me decide what I really wanted to get out of my experience in India! After reading this book, I began to ask myself questions about what I was really looking for in my own experience in going to India. What did I want to learn? What did I want to bring back with me to America? How did I want this move to influence me for my whole life....

 

Image right: Map of African continent, by Edu-Tourist@flickr. Click on photo to see more of Edu-Tourist's photos.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, April 01, 2009

My brother in law is the principal of the Sainik School (Army school) in Kazhakootam, near to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) in the state of Kerala in India. When we go home to visit family, we have spent many a day enjoying the sights and sounds of the grounds. Click in to see some photos and videos of the Sainik School taken in recent trips.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Monday, March 30, 2009

It was cold in the middle of summer, food was too bland, too many choices in the grocery store, the dress code was different, calling elders by their first names was preferred over ‘Sir’ and ‘Ma’am,’ and on top of all that I almost got myself killed by driving on the left hand side of the road!

These are just a few challenges I had in readujsting to life in U.S. after living in Chennai, India as a graduate student for two years.

 

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Guest blogger, Maddy, shares his thoughts on native wisdom from Indian, Chinese, and Native American cultures regarding the best directions to sleep to get the most peaceful, restful and uninterrupted sleep!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Monday, March 23, 2009

What does a foreigner expect when entering India, an Indian home and most importantly, an Indian bathroom? The topic may seem a bit uncomfortable, but it must be discussed. Hygiene and bathing are important parts of daily life in any culture. Navigating the bathroom and feeling comfortable in your hygiene practices is one large aspect of feeling comfortable in any culture, country and household. Within this article, I have tried to explore the various bathing areas I have encountered in India, what to expect in useage of these areas and things to keep in mind when integrating the American and Indian styles of hygiene.

I have tried my best to present this information in a tasteful and educational way.Do feel free to share your thoughts appropriately by leaving your comments or e-mailing me.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Friday, March 20, 2009

Adjusting to a new way of life around the block or around the world can be interesting, challenging, fun, exciting, scary and exhilirating! Share your thoughts with me! Your answers can be posted on up to two of my blogs with links back to your blog to encourage your insightful and enthusiastic participation in my student project! Thank you for taking the time to consider helping out!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Monday, March 09, 2009

Earlier this year, we went to an Iroquois Festival in eastern New York state. Here we experienced some Native American storytelling and dances. I have shot a short video that you can view once you click into this post. More interesting than the video is the comments by the viewers of the video. I am learning so much about the Native American culture from having had posted this video and interacting with the commenters. Thank you to everyone who wants to enlighten us on the cultures of the Native Americans.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, January 14, 2009

How does an American celebrate Pongal in America? Read this introspective article to find out more! Read More »

By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Monday, January 12, 2009

Pongal a four day South Indian Thanksgiving celebrated in mid January on the first day of Tamil calendar month Thai. Living in India, and in Tamil Nadu encourages celebration of Pongal, as it is on the calendar as a living, breathing holiday. But what about the Indian Tamil Hindus living in America? This holiday is definitely not on calendars in America, and celebrating Pongal in America as if in India would not be fully possible. Yet, Pongal is alive and vibrant among Tamils and other groups of Indians here in the U.S. So how do people celebrate Pongal in America?

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, January 07, 2009

You have been sending me questions about teaching your children about India. In this day and age where people are very curious and open minded to the beauty of India, but unable to travel to India for various reasons, I want to help!! Click inside to see what I am up to!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Happy Diwali

  The Story of Diwali

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Monday, October 20, 2008

Diwali in Tambaram, Chennai etched touching memories inside of me. In this article, I share six easy steps to a simple Diwali celebration.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Friday, October 17, 2008

To celebrate 2 million visitors to my site, I have created my first slideshow podcast on Arranged Marriages. What I think about arranged marriages may not be what you think!

Enjoy!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Been hesitating to post these here until I write my journals. But, I think I'll do that later. Anyhow, they say a picture says a thousand words!

See cute elephants, tea plantations, street scenes, including protests, school scenes, beautiful scenery, and resorts in Kerala, India.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Friday, September 12, 2008

What is Onam? Why do people in Kerala Celebrate Onam? How one American has come to know, love and celebrate Onam in a cross-cultural family.

Submitted by BN Kartha.

Happy Onam!!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Friday, August 15, 2008

May India celebrate the 61st birthday - born 1947!

Enjoy and all the best to India for all the years to come!!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, August 13, 2008

In America it could be considered blasphemy not to have the salt and pepper shaker on your dinner table. As a true-blue born and raised American girl, I haven't had the salt and pepper shakers on my table for the past ten years. It's only today I realized why they are there!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Monday, August 04, 2008

Imagine if your government woke up one fine day and published a manual on correct behavior and expected a cultural shift overnight? How would you respond?

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Friday, April 25, 2008

Everyone can do small things to make this world a greener place on Earth day and everyday! How did you make this world a little greener to celebrate Earth day?

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Today is Thrissur Pooram in Kerala, India. This festival is well known for decorated elephants. It is definately a tourist attraction by both Indians and non-Indians alike.

Submitted by BN Kartha     

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Sunday, April 13, 2008

Submitted by Sindhu

Featuring a snippet of the article, Tamil New Year - Chithirai Kani / Tamil Varusha Pirappu , written by Sindu of Flower Girl's Rural India shares a personalized of the holiday, Tamil New Year. New Year wishes to all!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Vishu, a special day celebrated by Keralites all over the world, falls on April 14th this year. It is on this day we wake up and the first thing we see, the Vishukani sets the tone for the rest of the day and the rest of the year.

Submitted by BN Kartha.

 

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Monday, February 25, 2008

One way I remember Kanyakumari, a small town on the southern most tip of South India is through the groupings of threes I saw there. Read on...

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Monday, January 28, 2008

The blustery, windy, frigid and icy weather of New York is no barrier to our full-house Pongal potluck celebrations! Enjoy.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, January 16, 2008

This month, I introduce you to Africa Expat Wives Club- a blog highlighting cross cultural issues, Kenya, it's culture, it's people, and current events as written by an expat living in Nairobi.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Monday, January 07, 2008

The 'South Indian Thansgiving' harvest festival usually falls on January 14 or 15 every year. Read my expereince when I celebrated in a remote Indian village.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Sunday, January 06, 2008

Blast from the past- my first trip to India in December 2008!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Thursday, January 03, 2008

Are you a Tamil parent raising your child abroad? Finding it hard to encourage your child to learn Tamil? Are you loosing touch with your mother tongue?

Are you a non-Tamil or non-Indian married to a Tamilian and want to learn Malayalam for communicating with your spouse and in-laws?

I am making an attempt to collect some resources you can tap into to maintain a link with your native culture and language or to inspire you to learn about new cultures and languages.

Enjoy!!

 

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Friday, December 14, 2007

What are the carbon footprints of that chair from China in comparison to that berry from Argentina? Why are U.K. residents debating over banning the import of roses and beans from Kenya? How do we weigh the carbon footprint of the choices we make daily?

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Working with international and exchange students has been a passion of mine since I worked for the SUNY Buffalo International Students and Scholar's Office ten years ago.

I had the extraordinary opportunity to do some publication work for Nazareth College in Rochester, New York, working on their newsletter, Global Beat. I was the lead graphic designer (with the best mentor, ever) and I even was able to write several articles, including one about our visit to Rajagiri College, Kochi, India. Read More »

By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Saturday, November 03, 2007

Though I am Hungarian by birth and grew up listening to some famous classical composers like Franz Liszt, Johannes Brahms, and Johann Strauss, who have all used the csárdás or czardas (pronounced char-dash) in their compositions, I lost touch with these cultural ties early in childhood.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Like Elizabeth, I also found comfort, sympathy and empathy in a most unlikely place, in a foreign land and among those who may not understand my spoken language.

But, unlike Elizabeth, I have a lot to learn from keeping my “…language as simple and direct as Roman food. Don’t make a big production out of it. Just lay it on the table.”

Part 4: Blogging Through a Book: Eat, Pray, Love Read More »

By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Some have asked me, "Are you sure India was really worth it even though you feel so caught between two cultures and can't fully adjust back to your 'native' culture?" I, always and without hesitation, say with pride - YES! India is a part of me which can't die off easily. It is not like living in another city in the US, 'my country', but in a place my heart and soul felt a peace that I can't feel in 'my country'. This is why I was so eager and determined to adjust to Indian culture and why I can not and will not give it up.

Part 3 of 3.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, September 26, 2007

In part 2 of this 3 part series, I will explore 10 aspects of Indian culture that affect me in my life in USA. Read More »

By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, September 19, 2007

This is a reprint and update of an article republished from my tripod website, discussing how my two year stay in India has affected my life in US. The article was first published in 2002, and was updated in 2003 and 2007.

Part 1 of 3.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Friday, September 14, 2007

Though Thiruvathira can be performed by any religion in Kerala, I think it is more associated with Hindus. The [Syrian] Christians also have their own version of this dance, Margam Kali, that is performed with music having different words and beats. The dress is also very different for the two dances. Though they may seem similar from a distance, a close look at them, you will notice many differences. It is these differences that fascinate me so much.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Friday, September 14, 2007

This story is about a person I fondly remember who I have lost touch with, Hiroko.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, September 12, 2007

My father in law has come to visit us for Onam this year, little would he know he would tally his Sadhya (feast) count to five! Read More »

By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Watching the balloons inflate, take off and go into the horizon is quite a sight. There is definitely something a bit exotic about the hot air balloon. We really enjoyed the balloon launch. But, I never knew there was more to this festival than just balloons!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Monday, August 20, 2007

August 15, 2007 marked the 60th year of India’s independence. Because this day fell on a Wednesday, and we don’t get that day off work here in US, many Indian communities in US most likely celebrated this festive day on either August 18 or August 19.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Sunday, July 29, 2007

Having spent time in Kerala, I came to realize quite quickly two things. One is that Hindu temples have strict dress codes for both males and females. The other is that only Hindus are allowed in the temples. This is decided firstly by skin color and race, and secondly by other factors (i.e. ethnic dress, jewelry, names and other identifiers of religion).

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Monday, July 09, 2007

See 13 albums of photos from our recent trip to Kerala, India! Read More »

By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Monday, June 25, 2007

In any case, because of the language challenges, I am like a one year old in an adult’s body. I can’t communicate with many people by talking. In this way, I can tell you that I empathize with baby’s cries. I sometimes want to cry and wail because neither can I understand, but I can’t make myself understood!

Part 5 in Series: Kerala 2007

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Monday, June 18, 2007

I don’t have a lot of experience attending Kerala weddings, except the one I attended for my own marriage. I do have experience attending Tamil Hindu weddings, and so I found the Kerala wedding reception very simple, straight forward, semi-formal and short as compared to the Tamil varieties I have attended.

Part 4 in Series: Kerala 2007

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, June 13, 2007

There is an acronym for Indians born in American trying to find their culture- ABCD- American Born Confused Desi. This has also been made into a movie! I often ask myself if I am an ‘American Born Confused American’. If you have any experience with being tricked by another’s culture/religion/nationality, etc, do share your thoughts and comments here!

Part 2 in Series: Kerala 2007

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, June 13, 2007

See photos of our recent trip to Kerala- focussing on Kochi, Kerala.

Part 1 in Series: Kerala 2007

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Friday, May 11, 2007

Watch a video slide show of photos from Kerala, India.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Monday, April 30, 2007

Also, in many of these homes, mom not only keeps the key to the door, but also the key to the safety deposit box. Mom is the financial planner for the family! Husbands hand their paychecks to their wife and she budgets all funds.

Continued from April 23, 2007 posting.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Saturday, April 28, 2007

Additional topics to spark your interest in contributing to this section of the blog. Read More »

By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, April 25, 2007

I think most minorities feel a sense of guilt, embarrassment, shame, remorse, empathy, or any other range of emotions when someone from their group does something that is unacceptable, not just in their group, but in society in general. That is pretty normal, I think. However, as a person who may be labeled as the majority, white American woman, I have another view.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Monday, April 23, 2007

I know there has to be a delicate balance of womanly qualities with assertiveness for women to remain feminine, while gaining more foothold in their environment. In some ways, I think American women can learn some of these traits from strong willed, feminine, powerful Indian women.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Friday, April 06, 2007

We had a great interlude at the Bellhurst castle, and recommend all to go there! A spacious room with great amenities and a view over Seneca Lake are some of the wonders of this place. We have to say though; the hospitality of the people is a great memory also. Read More »