Why did you decide to intern with Volunteering India in New Dehli?
Sarah: I decided to volunteer in India because I have always had an interest in the culture and it was on the top of my list of places to travel to. I chose Delhi because of the Street Children Program. I am very interested in poverty in the eastern world and I wanted to experience it up close and personal.
Describe your day to day activities as an intern.
Sarah: As a volunteer I stayed in a dorm like setting with other volunteers. We would wake up in the morning and eat breakfast in our host family's kitchen (which they would provide). After we got ready for work and headed out. I rode the public bus 45 minutes to my center. At the center I taught the kids some basic English. I had an hour lunch break where other volunteers and I would go into the market and get lunch. After lunch I went back and played games with the kids. At 4:00 I would ride the bus back home for dinner with my host family. After dinner the volunteers were free to do what they wanted. We would often go to the local markets, go sightseeing, or just relax around the room.
What made this experience unique and special?
Sarah: This was my first volunteer abroad trip so all of it was new to me. It was special to me because I met amazing people. My host family and the program staff were all incredibly nice. I made friends with other volunteers that will last a lifetime. And I had close relationships with some of the kids at the center. Being immersed in a new culture was really neat as well. I feel like I wasn't only seeing Delhi but I lived there for close to a month.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Sarah: This experience was my first view of what true destitute poverty looks like in person. I will never forget what I saw and the people I met. Although I am no longer in Delhi I am keeping connections with the center I worked at by sending two of their students to school! I will pay yearly for this and I am so thrilled about it. I get to stay in touch with them for the years to come and watch the children progress everyday. It has affected me personally by defining my views on the world and different cultures. It allowed me to really break out of my secluded American bubble. It has affected me professionally by helping me decide what I want to do after I graduate.