GVI: Internships in India

In the summer of 2016 I spent six weeks with GVI working in Kerala, India. We had three different service projects: teaching computer skills to women's self-help groups, working at a relief settlement, and teaching a gender equality class to middle school aged children. Each of these projects taught me something different, presented new challenges, and helped me to see the beauty of the place that I was in. This program helped me to escape my comfort zone, showed me that I love working with people and taught me a lot about responsible community engagement. GVI itself is an incredible program. They really emphasize sustainable community development by asking and providing what the community needs and wants. The different projects change with each group that comes in, so if you participate in this program you probably won't do the exact same thing as I did!
The program also provides plenty of opportunity for personal learning - through discussions of culture, history, and language - and personal and group reflection. The accommodations, food, and excursions were incredible and really make the trip an unforgettable experience. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to broaden their cultural and personal horizons.

I was only a participant for 2 weeks but in those 2 weeks I was able to experience and accomplish so much. I instantly fell in love with the culture of India and felt so at home on the GVI base. Participating in the construction program really allowed me to feel fulfilled and ready to do more, even though it was hard work, seeing the finished project and knowing that it would be sustained by the local community, made all the pain, exhaustion and sweat worth it. The worst part of this experience is actually when it comes time to leave, I definitely did not want to and I miss all the volunteers I was able to meet and share life with for 2 weeks. The upside is now I have even more opportunities to continue volunteering with GVI and know that I will always be welcomed back to Kerala.

As someone who has not done this type of adventure before, I was quite hesitant to sign up. My concerns were quickly put to rest by the amazing staff team here. I have felt safe my entire trip and the local area is spectacular. The project cites are amazing and I feel as if as well as having a good time I have made a difference during my time here.Teaching each day is hard work, but seeing the students starting to grasp the concepts we were teaching was very rewarding. This opportunity has allowed me to grow and has changed some of my perspectives. This has been an adventure I will always remember.