Short-Term Community Development Internship in India

In the summer of 2016 I spent six weeks with GVI working in Kerala, India. We had three different service projects: teaching computer skills to women's self-help groups, working at a relief settlement, and teaching a gender equality class to middle school aged children. Each of these projects taught me something different, presented new challenges, and helped me to see the beauty of the place that I was in. This program helped me to escape my comfort zone, showed me that I love working with people and taught me a lot about responsible community engagement. GVI itself is an incredible program. They really emphasize sustainable community development by asking and providing what the community needs and wants. The program also provides plenty of opportunity for personal learning - through discussions of culture, history, and language - and personal and group reflection. The accommodations, food, and excursions were incredible and really make the trip an unforgettable experience. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to broaden their cultural and personal horizons.

This experience will be one that I will never forget. A highlight for me was definitely the people I've met along the way. Firstly, the women I've met on the project, hearing their stories, watching their confidence grow over the six weeks and being a part of their progress was a very special experience. The team of other volunteers, we really are like a family here. I've made amazing life long friendships and and it's been really cool to live with and get to know such a diverse group of people from 18 to 70 years old from all around the world with different life experiences. The culture that the staff team have created in the house is really special and they should be commended for that. The staff team in Kerala, Paul, Midhu, Jutten and Mac are all one of a kind. They put 110% into everything they do, are extremely passionate and have done an extraordinary job!

I did the community development internship. I think the short term one works better with a minimum of three months so this should be recommended. I really enjoyed my experience and loved that the internship let me run my own project. I think whatever you put into the experience you get out but I felt super supported by everyone on the GVI Kerala team.