Why did you choose this program?
I am a seasoned teacher who has a lot to offer. A good teachers is a life long learner. My daughter enthused me with her love for India. The shelter for street children in Jaipur presented it self as an obvious choice. The city attracted me in being rich in Mogul history and being central in Rajestan, a state that had so much on offer.
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
A first visit to India is rather daunting, even to a life long back packer. The company answer my questions promptly and was even prepared to assist with train bookings that I struggled with. I felt at ease that accommodation was provided and that I could rely on being met at arrival. I preferred to arrange my weekend trips by myself. It proved to be easy and less expensive.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Just do it!
Pack light, you would like to buy clothes in India.Try to visit some of the other programmes as well in your free time. Visiting the Elephant Programme early one morning was a high light.
Prepare well in advance. I once read a travel magazine slogan: you can only see what you know! Watch YouTube and read travel books and novels to gain insight.
I had no idea that traveling is taking such a lot of time in India. It took 6 hours to travel 260 km by car! Over night trains are convenient. I was happy with my choice of 3AC carriages. It is easy to do weekend trips on your own by train.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
Breakfast at 8, leaving for school at 9. The tuk-tuk drive was always an adventure. My actual teaching at the school was only for an hour, but I enjoyed spending two other classes with the class and their teacher assisting in class. I was very fortunate to be at the school during the Holi festival. It was loads of fun and a wonderful opportunity to bond with the boys.
We arrived back at the guesthouse for lunch. The afternoons were free. The central location of the guesthouse made it easy to explore the city.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
I am intrepid and do not pre-empt problems.Be open to new experiences and have a sense of humour. You are visiting a country unique in its variety, sensorial overload and wonderful craziness. Drink a lot of water and sleep enough. Wash your hands regularly. And do not miss out on street food!
I was fortunate not to get an upset tummy. It was good advise to take probiflora daily for gut health.
Can I still back pack and volunteer in my 60's?
But of course Darling! You have so much to offer as an older person. The contact with young volunteers and younger people in general is so enriching. My best moments were sitting in a tuk-tuk smiling and making eye contact with the people in the other tuk-tuk or on moter bikes. Smiling was always rewarded with the warmest of returned smiles. Spread the joy if being there and being alive! A regret? I did not ask our host to teach me to make chapati.