Alumni Interview with Alejandra Marín

What inspired you to travel abroad? 

I wanted to do a volunteer program somewhere I had never been before and completely different from where I live. 

Why did you choose Love Volunteers Golden Triangle Experience? 

I've been wanting to go to India for a very long time, but I wanted a program that would allow me to volunteer as well as do a little tourism. The Golden Triangle in India was the perfect match for me—it had everything I wanted, plus it involved elephants. Also, because there were problems with the local team in Jaipur (elephant camp) I had to adjust my program. So one week I had to work in Delhi with street children and the next week with the elephants in Jaipur. And I loved it. I personally don't like children that much, but it turned out great. I loved working with the kids in Delhi and then the elephants. 

What was your favorite part about India? 

I fell in love with everything about India: its culture, its food, the colorful lifestyle, and the people. The thing I liked the most was learning about its culture, their customs and traditions, because it’s so different from where I am. 

What made your experience abroad extraordinary? 

It exceeded all my expectations, which were really high to begin with. It was the perfect mix between vacationing and doing something for others; it really humbled me to see the reality of people and animals in India. This trip also got me doing things I never ever dreamed of, like riding crazy trains in India, seeing elephants in the middle of the city, so many colours, tastes and smells that I had never experienced. It really shocked me, how different it is from where I live. I think that was what I liked the most: it seemed surreal. 

How did the local staff support you throughout your program? 

They were very attentive and kind the whole time I was there. 

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad? 

I wish I would have had the discipline to wake up at dawn and do yoga at the park (there were free lessons everyday at 6:00 am). 

Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like. 

I would wake up, have breakfast either in the volunteer house or the hotel, and then would go to our volunteering site. I would have lunch there or nearby and be free by 4 pm. After that, we would go sightseeing, shopping, or to dinner. 

What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad? 

I loved going to every single temple we could find. Luckily I had great tour guides who told me about their gods and goddesses, their legends, traditions, and answered all my questions. I also loved going to the local markets, where there were beautiful things to look at and buy. 

What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it? 

Volunteer house and hotels. Both were good, clean and comfortable. The location of each of the places I stayed was ideal as well. I liked the service in both. 

What is one thing every future participant should know about Love Volunteers Golden Triangle Experience before their program begins? 

It's going to be hard! You need to prepare yourself mentally that you're probably going to feel uncomfortable most of the time—you'll be sweaty, hot, dirty, tired, and hungry. But once you pass that, the experience is completely worth it. 

Would you recommend Love Volunteers or Golden Triangle Experience to others? Why? 

I would recommend my program to anyone who loves animals and likes a challenge, because again, it’s hard! Love Volunteers and the local team in India were truly wonderful. They quickly answer your emails if you have any questions, they really try their best to provide you with the best program they can, and they really care if you are satisfied with it. Sometimes it can get a bit messy and disorganized, especially with the local team, but it’s not that bad—they always come through.

What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is? 

Definitely the experiences you get to live and the memories you make; you'll cherish them forever. 

Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life? 

I feel that this trip truely changed me, especially my way of seeing things, how broad and wide and beautiful the world and life is. It sounds cliché but it’s the truth. This trip is really close to my heart. It also showed me that I'm stronger and braver than I think I am. 

What does meaningful travel mean to you? 

I guess having a purpose to your trip. Personally, this trip was the culmination of a very long and painful healing process (emotionally), so that's why this trip meant so much to me.