Exchange student enjoys experience

Aman Dullet stands in front of a map of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve./Courier photo by Helen Smith

DEL NORTE — Aman Dullet was given the opportunity to do something he has wanted to do for a long time — come to the United States.

This was made possible through the student exchange program that is part of Rotary International.

Aman is from Maharashtra, India where he lives with his father, sister, and grandmother. After he was chosen to be an exchange student, he was given a choice of what country he wanted to visit. The choice to come to the U.S. was a relatively easy one.

He has been in Colorado since August 19th and will be staying for one full year. He is currently staying with host Nancy Butler and her husband. Aman enjoys swimming, singing and soccer.

He is currently studying at Del Norte High School. He has found the academic environment to be much less competitive than in his home nation. In addition to his studies, he has taken up basketball since there is not a boys’ soccer team at Del Norte. He has found learning a new sport something that he likes as well as an opportunity to make friends.

Coming to Colorado was a very big change for Aman because he is used to a densely populated city with very heavy traffic. He pointed out that the San Luis Valley, particularly Del Norte, is the exact opposite and the climate is also much colder. He has also found that there is a much tighter community in a small town and a small school.

When it comes to the subject of celebrating Christmas, Aman noted that India and the United States have very similar traditions, most notably decorating and gift giving.

Aman has enjoyed the opportunity to learn about a new culture and travel to a country he has wanted to see.