What inspired you to travel abroad?
I was interested to learn from a new place and get out of my comfort zone. I was interested in learning about how healthcare looks in different places around the world.
Visiting Jaipur in our spare time
Why did you choose Child Family Health International?
This program stood out to me because it highlighted public health and the opportunity to engage with nonprofits in the health sector in Delhi.
What was your favorite part about India?
I loved the organized chaos of Delhi and the feeling of community in interacting with people. Everyone I met was warm and inviting.
What surprised you the most about India?
I don't think I was surprised by anything in particular; I tried to come to the program with as few expectations as possible and with an open mind, so I didn't feel necessarily surprised by India. One thing that was very different than I was accustomed to was the community feel of the culture and the way that things coexist. I wasn't used to a culture that placed emphasis on community and family values over the culture of production, capitalism, and work that I have been accustomed to.
Did you experience culture shock? If so, how did you overcome it? If not, why do you think that is?
I experienced culture shock being in a space unlike anywhere that I had ever been and the best way I found to get over it was to understand that I was a visitor and I had the privilege of spending time in this space. I found myself observing as much as I could before acting, when possible. I also tried to connect with locals as much as possible to gain insight into the culture and customs.
Tell us about a particularly challenging moment during your time in India and how you overcame it.
I found it challenging how much I stuck out as a foreigner. It felt hard to be seen past my different appearance and that was something that I was able to reflect a lot on. This is something that I wasn't able to fully overcome but I felt I just had to embrace the difference rather than feeling bad about it.
Enjoying the company of other participants over dinner in rural Indian village of Patti.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
The local team, namely Ms. Hema Pandey, who is a superwoman and did a great job of organizing participants and making us feel excited about the opportunity to learn about health in India.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
They provided structure and support with any questions or concerns that arose.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I would have liked to have had more reflective discussions during the program, about what it means to be abroad and how Americans show up in spaces abroad. This is something that is very important to me now and I think that it would have been a great time to discuss these things while students are on their programs.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
In the morning, we would travel to clinics or to nonprofits to learn about the healthcare system, observe doctors, and better understand the approaches that local leaders are taking to tackle health challenges in their communities. In the afternoon, we would have language class and then have free time to explore the community.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I enjoyed traveling to nearby sites and exploring the community. I also enjoyed doing yoga during free time.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
The accommodation was a flat in Delhi with modern luxuries, two bedrooms, and a living space. The flat was directly below the flat of our Country Director, which made it very easy to get in touch with her as needed. The bedrooms had multiple beds and were shared among participants of the same sex. Other accommodation was available upon request if needed. It was a beautiful apartment in a great location in Delhi, where the metro was easily accessible and a mall was in close proximity. I enjoyed having others around to share the experience with!
Clinical rotations in Dehradun, India
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Participants should approach the program as a learner. Your viewpoint of the world will change, and if you are open to it, you will grow as a person by allowing yourself to learn from experts in their own communities.
Would you recommend Child Family Health International to others? Why?
Yes, it is a great way to engage in global health in an ethical way.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
It allows you to get out of your comfort zone and to expand your horizons.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
This program has allowed me to always be thinking about how I can live my life in a way that advocates for all voices. It has made me rethink my own values and culture, and become a more inclusive person.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means being thoughtful in approach and in the way that one shows up in spaces abroad. It means to look at things as opportunities to grow and to learn from the world around you.
