AIESEC

I spent two months during the summer of 2008 in North West India, doing a development traineeship on environmental sustainability. The experience changed my perception of the world forever!!

The main aim of my placement was to understand how my placement organisation, could contribute to improving the environmental and social conditions in its surrounding areas and to raising environmental awareness, not only immediately on campus, but also in the wider community of Ahmedabad.

If I were to go through a similar experience again, I believe I would do things differently, and that is why, reflecting upon my experience I know it changed me as a person. Now that I understand the culture and customs of India, I know that there, when one wants to do work, one must take the initiative to do it themselves. It is not a “tell you what to do and how to” philosophy, but a “go do it yourself however you think is best”, so I would take initiative from the start.

I also understand that even though resources are limited and sometimes it may be a budding world, it is a world full of richness, where there is a huge desire to learn and develop, where any opportunity given is taken with enthusiasm and dignity. Young people are willing to learn and participate. 

In spite of the short time I spent there, the people I worked with opened up to me, and generated a participative process that they have continued with pride and effort. This was an extremely positive experience, that was difficult at times, but of which I am proud. I am proud of having taken the first step to go and make an impact through AIESEC, even if it was a small one.

The experience not only taught me more about India and its difference to anywhere I had been before, but it taught me the importance of recognizing, understanding and adapting to different cultures. I believe I am now able to interact effectively with people different to myself, be it in a lecture, the workplace or on the other side of the world. I also understand the impact even a small effort can have, and I encourage all that have the chance to step up and try. No matter how small the action may be, it will have an impact on those who need the motivations, tools and leadership to make efforts themselves.