What four things sum up my stay at ES Tibet?

1)   My china mug. I was given a china mug when I first arrived, and it quickly became a chipped and cherished mug. I use it all the time - for brushing my teeth, for Tibetan milk tea at breakfast, for water through the day, and for curd on Thursdays - a big treat. Along with my plastic bucket, for washing myself and my clothes at the spring up the hill, my mug represents the simple life. We manage perfectly well with only one of everything, and it is refreshing not to be surrounded by the unnecessary gadgetry and clutter which is so much part of the Western world.

2)   The sound of laughter. The Tibetan students have a terrific sense of humour, and explosions of laughter are always echoing round the school, along with uninhibited singing. For me, this sound represents the courage and strength of the people here. Many of them walked across the mountains, at great risk and under cover of darkness, to pursue an education here in India. All of them have been away from their country and their families for years, and they yearn deeply for home. But going home is fraught with uncertainty because of the political situation. And they are also determined to complete their studies before returning. This grit, combined with their humour, has left a deep impression on me.

3)   A picture of a yak on my bedroom wall. This represents all things Tibetan. Since coming here, I have had a new education. The students love to talk about Tibet, and I have learned a huge amount about that magical country. Some students are from nomadic families, and I am fascinated by their descriptions of their way of life, living in tents made of yak hair, on the open grasslands of Tibet. Others are farmers or townspeople. They talk of the uneasy relationship with China, the history, their customs and culture, and the frustrations and problems of being refugees. It has opened my eyes.

4)   The Tibetan prayer flags that flutter over the school. In the best sense of the word, many Tibetan people are deeply religious. Their loyalty to, and pride in, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, makes even the most macho of the men misty eyed. Their audience with him when they first arrive in India is often the most important day of their lives. The Buddhist philosophy of non-violence, positive thinking, respect and compassion to other people, permeates their lives. It makes living with them, "as part of the family," a real joy.

Thank you, ES Tibet, for all you have taught me.

By Arni.