Why did you decide to volunteer with Volunteering India?
Sally: I decided to volunteer abroad with Volunteering India because when I was researching possible programs that would allow me to volunteer in India they had the most comprehensive program. I wanted an organization that would provide food and lodging at a reasonable price.
Another reason I decided to Volunteer with Volunteering India is because they offered a week orientation where they teach some useful Hindi phrases and you go sight-seeing with a staff member who shows you around to all the important places, including the Taj Mahal! For me Volunteering India had the best program, with the best reputation, and the lowest price.
Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.
Sally: A typical day during my stay started with an early breakfast, around 8:30. After breakfast I had about an hour to get ready before catching the bus to my placement. The bus was usually packed full of people on their way to work. I rode the bus for about half an hour, and the bus stop was just a two minute walk to my placement.
The first half of the day was dedicated more towards educational lessons and I would work with a small group of children on the alphabet, numbers, or building vocabulary. I had an hour break for lunch, I went to a local cafe. When I returned the afternoon had a little more time for lessons and then the activities switched to something fun for the kids. Sometimes we would sing, go to the park, dance, or color. When I left the center I would either return home or go sight seeing around New Delhi. Dinner was provided and I would often go out after dinner with other volunteers to different markets, or to walk around town.
What made this experience unique and special?
Sally: I can honestly say that volunteering in India has been the most rewarding experience in my life. I had traveled previously, but only as a tourist. This was the first time that I had been truly submerged in the culture of a different country, and one that is so unlike the culture of the USA. The children that I worked with in India didn’t have homes, and only had one or two pairs of clothes.
Despite this whenever someone would donate any type of food they would always try to give me some of what they had before eating it themselves. The children always had smiles on their faces, and it was this selflessness and joy that is prominent in my mind. To see children who appreciate everything they are given was wonderful.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Sally: This experience has definitely impacted me in a big way. I plan on returning to India as soon as I can so I can volunteer again. This experience opened my eyes to new cultures and has inspired me to volunteer abroad in other places as well. This spring I plan on traveling to South America to teach English to children there as well.
I don’t think I would have the courage to do this if it had not been for such a positive experience in India. This experience caused me to have a new outlook on life. If these children could be happy with nothing, I should be even happier with all the opportunities I have in life. This trip has given me a new appreciation of my life, and a new desire to learn about the lives of others