What inspired you to go abroad?
I was inspired to go abroad by my deeply rooted passion to help others through empowering communities.
Why did you choose the Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD)?
FSD's mission, their comprehensive support system, the FSD site team, and the partner NGOs drove my decision to volunteer with FSD.
Traveled to Jatan Sansthan's field office in Bhilwara, Rajasthan
What was your favorite part about Udaipur?
My favorite part about my host city and country was the culture. Between festivals and exploring the streets of Udaipur, the culture that I experienced changed my perception of the world.
What made your experience abroad unique?
My experience was unique in that I was the sole volunteer/intern for six months, enabling me to work side by side with the FSD site team and Jatan Sansthan to execute a project focused on the growth of the organization.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff supported me throughout my program by providing training and education around culture and community, checking in regularly and periodically, and establishing friendships that will last a lifetime.
Visited with members of the Kshamtalaya Foundation who are living in the villages of Kotra, Rajasthan, and providing young school children with a quality education and additional programming.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
The one thing I would have done differently is following up with Jatan Sansthan’s (Partner NGO) non-English speakers on a more regular cadence. Language is both an enabler and a barrier, and the best way to overcome its challenges is to increase communication.
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
On most days I ate breakfast with my host family, traveled by shared auto to the Jatan Sansthan Office, worked from the office or traveled to one of many field sites, and either returned home for a yoga class and to eat dinner with my host family, or explored the various restaurants and street food that Udaipur has to offer.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoyed exploring Udaipur with new friends and wandering the streets with my camera. I also took the opportunity to travel throughout Rajasthan and the rest of the India on the weekends.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
My accommodation was great - I had an incredible host family who showed me around, brought me to festivals and weddings, and loved to talk about the culture. While living with my host family, I lived in a detached bedroom which provided me with my own space when I needed it but at the same time kept me close to the family.
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
Being socially or culturally uncomfortable isn't a bad thing. It's how we know that we are experiencing something new and learning in the process. Be open to new experiences and try everything you can.
Holi with Jatan Sansthan's Executive Director, Kailash Brijwasi
What do you think the biggest benefit of interning abroad is?
Interning abroad provides you with new perspectives and challenges that you'd never experience or have exposure to in the U.S. This exposure impacts everything from how you communicate to how you work with diverse groups of people. I'm fortunate enough to incorporate what I've learned into my everyday professional life, building stronger connections with co-workers and clients, while also navigating new work environments.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is the act of traveling with a purpose, whether to serve and help others or to have a life changing experience. This type of travel helps to shape an individual’s life and can translate directly to life at home, at work, and within your community.
Why is it important for individuals to travel and experience new cultures?
Travel allows individuals to experience new cultures in ways they would never consider. An immersive experience where you put aside pre-conceived notions and opinions in order to gain a better understanding of the people, their values, and their beliefs, will not only change your perspective on a culture, it'll change your perception of the world.
For instance, many of us hear about the poor living conditions of people in the villages of India, but are never exposed to the culture of hospitality, the strength of local communities, or the traditions that have been passed on for centuries.
This cultural exposure helps individuals plan sustainable projects that are focused on meeting the needs of the communities rather than what we perceive are the needs. It also translates to understanding local communities back home, enabling more informed conversations with a focus on listening to the audience rather than just hearing them.
The kids stole my camera for 30 minutes. Couldn't have been happier with that decision
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
My time abroad has helped me to be more understanding of all people. This directly translates into to how I interact with others, communicate my ideas, and being accepting of differences.
Would you recommend the Foundation for Sustainable Development to others? Why?
Absolutely. FSD provided me with an opportunity to use my skill set to explore a life passion—helping others through empowerment. FSD also partnered me with an incredible organization, Jatan Sansthan, where I was treated as both a guest and employee, working side by side with the team and being exposed to all aspects of work at the NGO. During my program, I made friends, was accepted as part of my host family, and felt like I was a part of the work and the community.
