As a young, female, first-time solo traveller, my dream of experiencing India seemed daunting. I was in a quandary as I wanted to ensure my own safety without opting for a holiday seen through a camera lens pointed out a tour bus window. In January this year a world of possibilities opened when I embarked on the Global Vision International program, Work with Tribal Communities in India.
It is impossible to describe my Volunteer Experience in a way that I could do it justice. In eight weeks I got as much if not more satisfaction from teaching local children in a classroom defined by the shade of a tree, than in a lifetime of personal goals. Global Vision International’s program Work with Tribal Communities in India provided an enriched understanding of the people, living conditions, history and beauty of India.
I could never have anticipated the wonderful friends I would make, as I connected with diverse travellers from around the world. The volunteers and program co-ordinators shared a common desire to contribute something as small as time in return for all we had received from the country and its people.
One of the most satisfying components was to see how local faces lit up in response to the word ‘volunteer’ instead of ‘tourist’. The feeling that I was departing my home and not just my holiday was something very special.
GVI is an ethical company with many conservation and community projects to cater to a variety of traveller’s interests. I selected the organisation for its informative website and impressive support: international phone calls, emails, field manuals and volunteer link-ups. And what an experience it was! Camel treks, forts, tiger safari’s, the festival of colour, art, fashion, food, generosity, poverty, history, dance and so much more. But working with the children was by far the most challenging and rewarding experience of all.
