Best Six Weeks of My Life

The Experiment in International Living Leadership India program will always remain as one of the best memories of my life. I can not think of a better way to spend my summer. The program is fully funded, so there was no economic burden placed on my family. The programs theme of Public Health and Community Development is seamlessly woven into everyday life of the program. The format of the program is incredible. The first of the six weeks is spent in DC learning about leadership skills and social justice. Each day was packed with activities, site visits to local organizations, and group bonding exercises. The next four weeks of the program is spent in India, where we traveled across the northern region while really focusing in on the theme. My favorite part of our time in India was the Homestay in the foothills of the Himalayas. During the homestay we learned about the work that a NGO is doing there and had the ability to see what daily life is like for people living in the village. I will never forget the time spent with our wonderful homestay mother learning how to cook , specifically Bread Pakora. I also loved playing UNO with our 12 year old host brother every evening before dinner. The program does a good job of weaving in many different cultural visits in India, without becoming too touristy. The final week was in Vermont working on our post program projects. I am looking forward to continuing my project work throughout the coming year. The staff does an amazing job of guiding you through the process. Overall the program was transformative; it has changed my life. I met the most incredible people and know that I have formed friendships that will last a lifetime. I would 100% do this program again if I could.