As I loaded my bags into the car, took my last bites of American food, and headed to the airport, I was filled with excitement and anxiousness for my journey ahead. Teaching English to a group of underprivileged girls in India sounded like a thrilling opportunity, however daunting the task might have seemed. My first time as a language teacher, I was curious as to how things would turn out.
India hit me like a ton of bricks. The culture, so vastly different from western civilization, is like a river. Resist it, and you’ll be washed away. Embrace it, and you’ll manage to keep your head above water. I was well-traveled and loved learning about new cultures, but nothing had fully prepared me for the busy, colorful, interactive way of life that surrounds you in India.
Appreciation
Coming to a developing country, of course I knew that I would be used to more worldly goods than my students would be used to. What I didn’t realize is how big that gap really is. Most of the girls’ families live in one-room homes living on about two dollars a day. No furniture, no running water, no basic things that we would call “necessities.”
In America, we would be too embarrassed to invite others over or welcome people into our home because it wasn’t nice enough or wasn’t clean enough, but these families are excited and welcome me and others with smiles. They even offer drinks and snacks – whatever they have, to be hospitable hosts. It floored me to see the pride and love extruded by their generosity and openness.
Developing Skills
On top of learning (a little of) a new language and honing my teaching abilities, I gained leadership abilities and cross-cultural communication skills. Communicating with a group of kids where you don’t speak the same language seems, at first, impossible. But with some time and effort I realize words are actually secondary to many of the ideas and desires we want to convey. This began an enlightening journey of, not only teaching language, but learning how to communicate without words as well.
In an ever-moving society, I also learned to be flexible and adaptable. In western society, we can often be bogged down by routines and schedules, but India adopts a much more “go with the flow” approach to life. It’s a refreshing take on daily life.
International Friends
Of course, I met plenty of Indians during my stay, but I was also fortunate to meet other volunteers and interns that came to help for anywhere from a few days to a couple of months. I’ve interacted with people from five different continents and got to experience and discuss many of their customs and experiences. It is so interesting to see how people from different countries are different, as well as how they are the same, from your own familiarities.
Spurring a Change
Ask any kid in America what they want to be when they grow up and you’ll often hear, with excitement, “The President!”, “a doctor!”, or “a race car driver!”. When I asked the girls the same question, most answered with a neutral expression “a seamstress” or “a housewife” as if I should have already known, or that it was already decided.
In India, girls and women are not appreciated and praised like they are in western culture. Most girls don’t even play outside of the four walls of their home for fear of harassment. I knew that I couldn’t change a country alone, but knowing the influence of me and many other volunteers could provide some hope and inspiration for young girls was a good start.
Journey’s End
I can safely say that I am not an Indian, nor will I ever be, but certainly I have changed and grown in ways I wouldn’t have expected. The experience is one that I would never be able to replicate elsewhere. I’m more patient, humble, thankful, and a better person because of it.
If you are considering traveling, volunteering, or interning abroad, I would highly recommend it. And the encounter would not have been as personal or as enveloping if I hadn’t chosen to do it at PraveenLata Sansthan. From the director to the students to the other volunteers, I am so thankful.
Article by: Brady, TEFL Trainer from Texas, USA
