We had a diverse group: different age, different schools and different backgrounds. It was my first time travelling and working with Americans and it was my first encounter with Philippine nationals. I was adjusting to both cultures in one setting. Being in a classroom or in an informal setting with my American colleagues back in Monterey is significantly different than working with them on a project in a foreign country where we spent almost every hour together. We were not only moving together from one point to another, we also were helping and supporting each other in processing and analyzing new information, experience and even acquiring new skills. My group members were nice and caring towards me especially when I got ill during the trip. Unfortunately during our trip, several people including me got sick and we had to rely on each other for support. Miranda, my friend and roommate, during the trip was kind and conscientious.
Our group leader, Professor Iyer, was supportive and understanding. We could address our concerns to her during our group debriefs or we could have individual sessions with her to discuss the issue in private.
When the trip ended, I began to miss my group because our bonding grew stronger during trip.