Describe a typical day at work.
Because I am a full time student, my work schedule can be less than normal at times. But usually, I will clock in, and work on any projects that may need to get done. This can include communicating with prospective travelers, their parents, and educators, as well as helping with social media and some graphic design. I usually will then clock out, head to class, and come back and do it all again!
My chosen family
What is your favorite part of your job?
Finally meeting the students traveling with us! Most of my job is communicating throughout the application process. So, it's always really amazing when I can finally put a face to the name, and I see their excitement!
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I am currently pursuing an education degree. So, I try to use some of that background when communicating with prospective travelers. I have had the opportunity to go abroad before, so I can help travelers know somewhat of what to expect. For many of our travelers, this is their first time abroad, or even on a plane, so I like to make sure they are comfortable, because that was me once.
My amazing Puranik Foundation Team!
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Don't be afraid. I practically lived in a bubble before I started traveling, and it used to intimidate me. Now I have a travel bug and I want to go everywhere. You can't be afraid to take a leap and go out there, otherwise you'll never know what you're missing!
What makes Rekha & Sudhir Puranik Foundation special?
Our organization has an interesting familial structure. The organization is run by three generations of women within the Puranik Family. It's really cool to see because, to me, it represents the past, present, and future of our organization.
What hopes do you have for the future for your organization?
I hope to get more outreach to more students. As of now, we are mainly getting students in the Houston area. However, we are on a rapid path of growth. I can't wait to see students from all over travel with us.
If you could participate on one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
Personally, I would do our Bridge India Program. It's a summer internship for college students. Because I am an education major, I would most likely be at our foundation working with children in the Vision International School. Not only would it be the opportunity of a lifetime, but I would gain experience for my future that I might not necessarily get here in the States.
When I got to travel to Victoria, BC, Canada in October 2019. I got stabbed with a thorn on the pumpkin I was holding, and my friend happened to catch it on camera.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
I often get asked about the cultural immersion aspect of our programs. This can include what the food will be like, if we will do any tourist destinations, will there be WiFii, etc. I tell them about the people they will meet, how they will experience authentic Indian cuisine, and no, we do not have WiFi at the foundation. But I reassure them that it is a great way to unplug from their normal lives, and experience something they never have before.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Exposure is key. In today's climate, you encounter many different people with many different backgrounds. When you travel, you encounter things first hand, and gain loads of knowledge when doing so. You can't get that knowledge anywhere else.
Our first time meeting our Spring Break 2020 batch and their families
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Do it. Just do it. If you don't, you'll spend time wondering what it could have been like. Sure, you can watch videos and look at pictures about it, or you can see and experience the real thing. Nothing compares to that.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel means that you connect with something abroad. It could be a person, a story, a culture. When you connect, it becomes a part of you, and is the best thing you can bring back from abroad. You never forget about it.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
I hope that one day, we can have more students get exposed to education abroad. Most places around the world do things so differently. It's amazing to see and compare.
