The four months I spent in India allowed me to experience a drastically different culture from my own, get extensive hands on experience in the clinic, make friends with dozens of unique volunteers from all over the world, see sites I’d have otherwise never even known about, appreciate the comforts of home more, and grow as an individual. While I’ve always been an independent person, I feel this experience helped to make me more confident in my abilities and gave me skills that I can continue to apply throughout my life. I picked up a bit of Hindi and had the chance to practice medical treatments in a very close contact way.
The team at the accommodation was very welcoming and nice. They care about making sure you are satisfied with your experience. While some western conveniences are a bit different at the home, that is something I feel should be expected given volunteers are working in a slum setting in India. Overall I was happy with the accommodation. The cook was the sweetest of all time. He provided us with plenty of food and yummy tea. I definitely got more than my fill thanks to his insistence that I eat more and more.
While India is a country of extremes and may not be for everyone, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and would recommend this trip to anyone who is up for a little adventure. I enjoyed making new connections, getting lots of experience working in the clinic, and immersing myself in the vibrant culture. It was an experience I will never forget and I’d love to go back.