Where did you go, and what program did you participate in?
Through the Arts Internship Office, I spent three amazing months last summer interning in Chennai, with an NGO called Aid India.
Why did you decide to go abroad, and why did you choose that experience?
When I first told friends and family that I was aiming to go on this very long and unpaid internship in India, many of them were confused as to why. You see, my family is actually from Chennai and I myself was born there. However, I left as a newborn and was raised my whole life in Canada. I had no idea there was an internship in Chennai, but got very lucky with this perfect fit.
When I first walked into the Arts Internship Office as a clueless first year student, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect - only that I wanted to pursue an internship for the summer. I figured four months of summer break was far too long to stay at home, and just wanted to try to get an internship, wherever. But when I read the description for the position with Aid India, I was immediately captivated with the goals and mission of the NGO. It was perfectly in line with my prior experience with educational centers and held great importance to me both personally and professionally. My objective was not only to aid underprivileged communities like my grandmother’s, but also to gain invaluable insight into the challenges and inner workings of an NGO operating in the education sector.
What was the most interesting or rewarding thing about the experience?
It’s hard to focus on a single thing that interested me the most, as each day was a surprise in terms of the things I learned living in a completely new environment. However, one of the most fulfilling and exciting projects I helped with was the launch of Aid India’s Women’s Empowerment Program. I was part of the central team of executives in Aid India’s biggest event of the year. I worked on producing the brochure material and organizational activities needed for an event of that size. The project’s aim was building the capacity of rural women educators by imparting spoken English, and sensitizing them about gender equality, health and hygiene.
I was able to listen to the panel discussions of several inspiring women discussing how to improve the quality of education and life for young women in the state, which moved me greatly. What affected me the most was seeing the culmination of over a month of hard work on stage as several young girls from the schools I had been visiting and 800 women tutors who I had become familiar with, were so happy for the opportunity to change their lives and learn. When they unexpectedly called me on stage to thank me, I was so deeply honored.
What was the most challenging aspect or moment of your time abroad?
During my internship, I was working a full-time job with Aid India. This meant that I was fully intertwined in daily life there, without even that little bubble that university or student life can provide. While this was daunting at first, you quickly realize how adaptable you can be. By the end of my second month, I was taking autorickshaws by myself and scouting some of my favourite restaurants. My biggest cheat code to that adaptability was talking to locals. For me, I found that through befriending the local interns in my office.
Another big thing, which almost all students who go abroad deal with, was homesickness. But dealing with homesickness is, of course, different for everyone. For a lot of people, including the other ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ students who came with me, finding a routine similar to home helped. Bringing one aspect of home with you and doing that daily, whether it’s putting on your face mask or getting a morning coffee, can help center you. For me, it was keeping myself busy with new experiences. If I wasn't at work, I was travelling or planning out my weekends, which flew by. It wasn’t too hard to be constantly in awe when living in India, as there was always so much to see and experience.
Any particular anecdotes that you’d like to share?
One particular incident that stood out to me was during the Women’s Empowerment Program Launch. When they called me on stage to thank me, it was a full-circle moment, as one of the esteemed panelists who got invited to speak at the event, Dr Vasanthi Devi, upon hearing on stage that I was from ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ, told me her son was actually Dr. Narendra Subramanian, a political science professor at ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ! Out of all places, I was so shocked to hear that. When I returned to ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ, I went to see Professor Subramanian to tell him of this uncanny chance meeting I had with his mother. To my further surprise, I came to find out that it was actually he who had helped set up ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ’s link with Aid India years ago. Which just goes to show how far ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ’s community extends and the connections you can make.
What did you take away from the experience?
Quite honestly, the entire internship experience was easily the most rewarding thing I’ve ever decided to do both professionally and for my personal growth. It has changed my entire academic trajectory at ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ and given me a focus on what I want to pursue with my life.
The months I spent with Aid India further ignited and strengthened my passion towards working alongside NGO’s, by providing that very much essential, grassroots approach that is crucial to a career in my field. If I ever had any doubts about where this educational path would take me, my internship has really made it clear not only why but how I can continue on through even what may seem the most difficult conditions. I am reassured, with this experience, that I am most passionate about women’s empowerment work and will work towards these goals no matter what.
What advice would you have for ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ students who are thinking about going abroad?
I think every student at ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ should go abroad at least once in their time here. Not only does it make you a more adaptable person, but a global citizen -- which is more important than ever in our heavily globalized world, regardless of career. I think there’s often a false notion that you need to already be an extraordinary student to pursue an international experience, which intimidates a lot of people. When I first came into the Arts Internship office and looked at the positions all around the world, I was really excited by these amazing global opportunities. However, I too fell into the trap of thinking that without exposure to professional office and diplomatic work, I was underqualified. However, as I actually work for the Arts Internship office now, I can tell you that is not the case at all. It’s more about taking the skills you already have (yes even that high school summer job you had lifeguarding), and marketing it to fit the description of the organization you’re interested in.
You will find the thing that captures and drives you, but you just have to take the leap. I strongly encourage all students to apply, even if you’re wary or fearful. I promise, just jump and the net will appear.