We are constantly given advice. Billboards. Grafitti. Influencers. Friends. Professors. The advice may be catchy; the advice may be dated.

I ask a number of individuals in India their advice. Since I will be organizing a “Year of India” upon my return to the States, I decide to ask all sorts of folks what they would say to American students if given the chance. Here are some responses.

In Dharamsala, I meet Mark who works in the Cultural Affairs Office at the US Embassy in Delhi.  Mark says: “Your American students won the global lottery. All sorts of bright and motivated students. Some have the opportunity to continue their education; many do not have such an opportunity. You are fortunate to be born in the USA.”

In Dharamsala, I also chat with David, a former anthropology professor turned professional photographer. His response is: “Be open. We think of ourselves as the best and the brightest. We need to realize that we are one of many types of people. Others have their owns ways of living, their own values, and their own hopes.”

In Varanasi, I ask my guide Jai, or “Jeremy” by his American name, who has lived in India for years and owns his business helping visitors understand Varanasi. He responds: “They need to know that I’m a fellow from Minnesota. I didn’t finish college; but I came to India to try to help people here. Not only did I finish college, but India helped me find a life. India did more for me than I have for India.”

Rikwick in Kolkata responds with a description of Kolkata in his advice: “Kolkata is like a marriage. Kolkata is the meeting of the Orient and the Occident. It has had its dangerous moments; it has had its wonderful moments. Your students need to be able to understand the types of places in this world.”

In Madurai, the Christian, theology professor Solomon responds: “Look beyond the surface. It is easy to focus on stereotypes. India is all poverty or all Hindu. These stereotypes are wrong. There is much, much more to India.”

In Tamil Nadu at the Christian Sacchidananda Ashram, Father George suggests. “To find God, no need for conversion. Your students must live as true humans, must love one another, and show respect and kindness. Be honest. Then you’ll make a difference.”

Suggestions. Advice. Wisdom. Like the Biblical proverbs, sometimes wisdom in offered in a few words. We would do well to listen from individuals who have lived part of their life or their entire life in India. Some worthwhile words!