What inspired you to travel abroad?
I had been thinking about going on a long vacation for a while now, something more important than a normal holiday. Since my work as a software developer can be emotionally and physically stressful, I knew I wanted to do something different when I was finally granted the chance to take a three-month vacation.
India has always enthralled me, not just because of its landscape and culture but also because it is linked to inner peace and consciousness. I wanted to slow down and travel, but I also wanted to make some kind of contribution.
As a result, I researched volunteer opportunities and eventually found the Rishikesh program. It looked like the perfect way to do something positive and look after my mental health.
Why did you choose Volunteering in Rishikesh: Youth Education & Wellness program?
I chose the Rishikesh program because it felt right. While I was in India, I wanted to do something meaningful—not just take a holiday, but actually connect with people and give back.
When I found this program, I was really drawn to the combination of teaching during the day and doing yoga and meditation in the evenings. In addition to assisting, it gave me the opportunity to take my time and focus on my own mental health.
What appealed to me most about the organisation was that it didn't feel overly official or commercial. They were authentic and personal, and I got the sense that they truly cared about the communities they worked with. That made a big difference for me.
Selfie taken during one of our weekend trips
What was your favorite part about Rishikesh?
I was genuinely surprised by the serene vibe of Rishikesh. The fact that everything slowed down there so organically was perhaps my favourite aspect.
The sound of the river and distant mountains as you wake up kind of compels you to take a deeper breath and be more in the moment. The people, too. Everyone I encountered was friendly, inquisitive, and approachable, whether they were the schoolchildren, the market vendors, or even the chai vendor down the street.
In a place that was entirely unfamiliar to me, it helped me feel at home. I must also note the food, which is flavourful and fresh. I still yearn for the ginger tea and nightly samosas from the small stand behind our accommodation.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
It was the little things that made the whole experience stand out. Waking up early to walk through quiet streets, seeing the kids’ faces light up when they got something right in class, or just sitting by the river after yoga with nothing to do—it all felt very real.
What made it special wasn’t just the big idea of “volunteering abroad,” but how simple and personal everything was. I didn’t feel like just another tourist or outsider—I felt part of something.
The people I met, the slow pace of life, even the small challenges – it all added up to something I’ll probably carry with me for a long time.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The local employees were very good. They made sure I was at ease and told me exactly what to expect as soon as I got there.
They truly cared about making sure we had everything we needed for the volunteer work and for our leisure, in addition to providing us with instructions. They were always quick to answer my questions and provide assistance when I needed it, yet they did it in a way that seemed natural rather than coerced.
They were friendly and gave me a sense of belonging, whether by helping me get to school in the mornings or suggesting places to explore on the weekends.
Rishikesh river rafting!
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
In retrospect, I regret not interacting with the local community more outside of the program. Although the teaching and yoga sessions were excellent, I felt I could have spent a little more time simply conversing with the people, learning about their lives, and developing a deeper understanding of the culture.
In some cases, such as conversing with the chai wallah or dining with a local family, I did, but I believe I could have taken the initiative even more. I could have explored the place more thoroughly by stepping outside my comfort zone, but sometimes I was too preoccupied with my routine.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
In Rishikesh, a normal day usually began rather early. The sound of the birds and the river would wake me up, and it was like a gentle reminder to begin the day.
After having a quick breakfast, I would go to the nearby school, where I taught the children. It was satisfying to watch them learn new things, even though I wasn't a professional instructor. They were always eager to learn.
In the afternoons, I had some spare time, which I usually spent relaxing at the guesthouse or exploring the neighbourhood. In the evenings, I practiced yoga and meditation. The sessions helped me psychologically refuel and were a terrific way to relax after a long day.
Even though I was still learning how to do it, yoga was a great way for me to unwind. I would then go eat supper, generally something simple but delicious, and perhaps strike up a conversation with the locals or volunteers.
Despite the fairly structured days, there was always time to unwind and appreciate life's small pleasures. It never seemed rushed, which made it a welcome change of pace.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I made a concerted effort to keep things simple in my spare time. I had no specific plans and just enjoyed strolling around Rishikesh.
There was something very soothing about getting lost in the city's peaceful streets and discovering its hidden gems. Sometimes, I would locate a peaceful area near the Ganges and spend some time sitting there with no plans, just passing the time.
I’m not the kind of person who plans every second, so often I’d just go with the flow. If I found a small café with a good view, I’d sit down for tea.
I took a weekend trip to Bhimtal, which was a highlight—super peaceful and a nice contrast to Rishikesh. But really, most of my free time was just about soaking in the slower pace of life, something I don’t usually get at home.
Exploring the beautiful landscapes in India
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
The stay was comfortable and cozy. Along with other volunteers, I stayed in a guesthouse that had a little balcony where I could sit and take in the mountain view. It was also right next to a river.
The feeling of connection was my favourite part. It appeared more like a common area where people were collaborating than a motel. We would meet in the common room in the evenings to discuss our days over dinner.
We were made to feel quite welcome by the friendly staff at the guesthouse. The ambiance was also pleasant and tranquil.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Every future participant should know that this program isn’t just about volunteering—it’s about balance. You’re not just there to work with the kids during the day and then check off a list of things to do.
The program really encourages you to take time for yourself, whether through yoga, meditation, or simply reflecting by the river. Being open-minded and prepared for a slower pace of life than you may be accustomed to is crucial.
Although it's part of the experience, things may not always go as planned. You'll discover a lot about yourself in addition to teaching and community service. Be open to the journey and enjoy the quiet times along the route because it's a place where you can develop in many ways.
Would you recommend your program to others? Why?
Yeah, I would definitely recommend it. It wasn’t one of those programs where everything feels super commercial or fake.
It felt real—you’re actually involved with the kids, you meet great people, and you have enough space to focus on yourself too. The staff were super chill and supportive, and the whole setup made it easy to settle in, even if you were new to the country.
Plus, Rishikesh itself is such a peaceful place. If someone’s looking to do something meaningful without feeling like they're just another tourist, I’d say this is a great way to do it.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
For me, the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is that it really changes the way you see things. When you're limited to your daily routine at home, it's easy to imagine that's how life always is.
But when you go out and live somewhere completely different, even for a little time, you see how much more there is out there. Life in Rishikesh moved at a very different pace than I was used to in Cairo.
People weren't always in a rush, which made me rethink how I was living my own life. It also made me appreciate the small things in life, like long conversations, quiet times by the river, or just taking a big breath. It certainly follows you, even if you don't prepare for it.
Morning stroll during our Nature Walk.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
After Rishikesh, returning home wasn't as simple as I had anticipated. Everything seemed a bit too loud and a bit too quick at first.
During my time there, I became aware of how much I had adapted to the slower, more tranquil way of life. The biggest change is in how I look at my everyday life now. I’m trying not to let small stresses get to me the way they used to.
Obviously, I’m not perfect—life here pulls you back into the rush pretty quickly—but I think I’m a little more aware of when I need to slow down and breathe. Also, I find myself appreciating simple things a lot more.
Just sitting with my family, having a coffee without checking my phone every five minutes—that kind of stuff. It’s not like I came back a completely different person, but something definitely shifted. I think that’s what real change looks like—it’s small, but it sticks with you.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
When you leave a place with more than simply lovely photos or souvenirs, I think that's what meaningful travel is all about.
When you genuinely take the time to learn about the locals, their culture, and their way of life, you cease being a tourist. In Rishikesh, it wasn’t about checking off places on a list.
It was about being part of something, even if just for a little while—teaching the kids, learning from them, slowing down, and really living in the moment. I think meaningful travel changes you in small but important ways. It makes you see the world—and yourself—a little differently.
