The Best Time of My Life

I signed up to do slum teaching in India with IVHQ for only one week, but now that it is the end of my volunteering experience I regret I can not stay here longer. One week was definitely not long enough and I do not want to go home yet. I will definitely come back here again and try to stay at least for one month. I have had the best time of my life volunteering in Delhi during the slum teaching program. My experience has been nothing like what I expected and more than I could have asked for.

First of all, India is a very safe country. Before coming here I was very skeptical about travelling on my own as a female in India and I was scared I will not feel comfortable to explore the city of Delhi on my own. Once I got here I realized that India is a very safe country. People here are very nice and are willing to help you at anytime in case you get lost or need help ordering a taxi. Also, most of the natives speak English so it is very easy to travel on your own and make friends. I have stayed with Chadni and Mohit who are IVHQ staff members and I was so lucky to have them as my host family. They made me feel like I am at home. After first few days they became my family and I will be forever grateful for everything they have done for me. Also, be aware that Indian food is absolutely amazing and you will gain weight here! I actually never liked Indian food because whenever I tried it while in Chicago it always burned my mouth but I totally chaged my mind once I got here. I even learned how to make some Indian dishes from my host family and I am excited to try them at home! And the best part of my stay in India was being able to interact and teach the kids from slums. The kids are so eager to learn and will pay so much attention to you that you will not want to leave at the end of each school day. They are also very grateful for what you are doing for them and never take your help for granted. I have learned that there is no financial resources for the kids to learn and get an education, yet they are making the best out of your time there and learn as much as possible. It has been the best feeling to know that during my short stay in India I have made a difference. Overall, this has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I recommend anyone to come here and do a slum teaching project in India!