India – Namaste! Study Abroad

India is an ancient country, known for its illustrious contrasts. Behind the Taj Mahal and the city slums lies a culture of extremes. This dichotomy is part of its charm; visitors have the opportunity to experience a very different way of life from their own, as well as engage in a unique culture.

Kirsten Ayers volunteering with Udayan in India.

Kirsten Ayers, a student at Vanderbilt University, recently spent three weeks in India. She volunteered at Udayan, a children’s home in Achrol, and also traveled to Jaipur, Agra, and Delhi. I recently interviewed her about her experiences there, to get a better sense of what it was like to volunteer abroad in India.

Author: How you would describe India in a sentence or two?

Kirsten Ayers: There’s nothing like it – it is the most unique place I’ve ever seen and the most unique culture I’ve had the opportunity to experience. So I guess the three words would be “unique, rich, and culture shock.”

A: What do you like best about the culture?

KA: The architecture there – architecture is not usually my cup of tea… But in India, especially in Jaipur, every other building is a pink palace or a lake palace or a fort. Also, the clothing grew on me. I first saw sarees as a way for women to cover up because of what I saw as male chauvinism there, but the colors and embroidery and sequins are so shocking and eye-catching that you can’t help but appreciate the Indian style… The red dots and bracelets signifying marriage and bright silver and jewel colored bangles to accessorize their beautiful chiffon sarees are just mesmerizing.

A: Do you have a favorite area, city, or region of India?

KA: I spent all of my time in Rajasthan, the northwestern region of India, basically – Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and a rural area called Achrol where I did my volunteer work. My absolute favorite place for cultural immersion and exploring is Jaipur – the cultural capital of India, aka “The Pink City” (all the buildings, walls, etc. are a shade of pink that is just gorgeous and sets it apart from anywhere else in India). But of course I would also recommend seeing the hardships many of the people face in India by going to a more rural area like the place I volunteered, in Achrol, near Jaipur. Look into at least visiting the NGO, Vatsalya, specifically the children’s home called Udayan. It’s a true eye-opening experience.

A: Was it difficult not knowing the Indian language? Did you learn any while you were there?

KA: If you at least try to use Hindi they will appreciate you more, and they may even smile at you in the market when you say Namaste (Hello) to them. It’s not a difficult language really and it’s useful to have someone who speaks Hindi (like I did at the NGO I worked with) to teach you the pronunciation. Otherwise, you can communicate with most people with gestures and some simple English.

A: What would you say about the Indian people you met?

India family having a meal.

KA: I’m not going to lie, I had to warm up to them – it didn’t come easily. Staring is a culturally acceptable practice and it will happen a lot if you have white skin. And if you’re a woman, be prepared to feel a little unappreciated, even at a place like Udayan… But it’s like any other place – some people want something from you, but others just really want to help. Some rickshaw drivers will rip you off. Some will truly try to help you and give you a deal and will say “God bless you” for the good tip you give. You just have to accept their culture and realize that it’s you who is the tourist.

A: Why should people come to India?

KA: People should come to India to experience a culture that is so different from any other. It’s an experience that creates such a dichotomy – hatred for the way the street children, animals, women, etc. are treated, hatred for the filth many people live in, but love for the culture and love for the people there and the beauty.

A: What was different about volunteering rather than studying or traveling?

KA: I think by volunteering I got a better sense of the culture. You may be in a classroom all day studying Indian architecture, but we got to see the architecture while winging it through Jaipur and walking through a zoo with the children of Udayan and really seeing the cultural differences and similarities play out. I was able to see India through a street child’s eyes and learn from them. They taught me Hindi, they taught me how to be strong in the face of unimaginable experiences they’ve had, and they were the best friends I could have. They accepted me as their didi (sister), and I saw India through my own eyes as well as theirs, which is an opportunity most people will not have as a tourist or a student.

A typical city street in the city.

A: What should students know if they’re considering a trip to India?

KA: The amazing parts of India can be clouded by things like the lack of toilet paper, filth and trash in the street, cows walking around everywhere, the lack of electricity and other discomforts. Learn how to appreciate the good above and beyond how much you may dislike the heat and dryness, or the people who beg you for money and try to take advantage of you based on the color of your skin.

Volunteering is one of many ways to experience another culture. There are a variety of other education abroad opportunities, and the best way to begin your search to decide which program is right for you is to browse the AbroadScout Program Directory. Browse all the programs in India and check out these seven reasons to choose India for an education abroad experience.

:: Experience a culture very different from your own
:: Learn to appreciate your own and other cultures
:: Discover the similarities and differences among people
:: Generally a much lower cost of living
:: Practice being flexible and adapting to new challenges
:: Opportunities to volunteer and improve the lives of others
:: Live a truly unique experience abroad that few choose to engage

Posted by Roslyn Ayers. Roslyn holds a B.A. in Writing & Communications from Maryville College. She studied abroad in Japan as an undergrad and interned at the Maryville College Center for International Education.