INDIA
A country of cultural dynamism and incredible extremes, India is full of surprises. Home to one-sixth of the world’s population, India contains a multitude of ethnic groups, languages, and religions.
THE REGION
Pune
Pune is a thriving city of 3 million in the west-central state of Maharashtra. Centuries old, Pune is a vibrant example of old and new India intertwining. You’ll find ancient temples and traditions coexisting alongside the robust IT industries and many universities. Pune’s international student presence gives a young energy to the city, with hip cafes and cultural spaces. Pune is also an incredible city to be in during festival season, which brings the streets to life with the thunderous sounds of the dhols (traditional drums) echoing throughout the entire city.
YOUR EXPERIENCE
THE HOMESTAY
No matter the religion or language, for almost all Indians the family remains the most important social unit. It’s common for extended families to stay close and share a common household or kitchen. Most Fellows will be living in apartment blocks and will have running water, electricity, and sometimes even wifi in the house. Within clusters of apartment blocks you’ll commonly find vibrant communities. Your Indian host family will warmly welcome you into their home and help you explore all that India has to offer.
THE APPRENTICESHIP
Work alongside members of your community on projects that make a responsible impact. For all India Fellows, the primary apprenticeship is working as an assistant teacher with Teach For India to address an essential need in India - educational inequity. India additionally offers optional secondary apprenticeships. These part time secondary apprenticeships (up to 6 hours per week) provide an opportunity to engage with a different sector and see your community through a different lens.
Jordan Brett, India '16, St. Andrews University
THE CULTURE
Cuisine
Indian cuisine varies by region, with staples like rice, chapati or bajra paired with vegetables, yogurt, and lots of chili and spices. Pune is famous for it’s mouth-watering street food like paani puri (crispy puffs filled with potatoes, chickpeas, and spices).
Experiences
As a country this diverse and dynamic, India will never leave you short of things to do. Use your free time to take yoga classes, learn traditional Indian dance, dive into discussions on religious history, or take in a Bollywood film.
Celebrations
India is a land of festivals. During holidays the whole community celebrates with fireworks, colorful idols, and plenty of vibrant flowers. Dance to the beat of drums as you parade down the street for Ganesh Chaturthi, light candles and perform puja during Diwali, and get ready to be covered in colorful powder during the excitement of Holi.
Photo by: Libby Goldman, '14, Dartmouth College
EXPERIENCE A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
A GLOBAL CITIZEN YEAR FELLOW
Fellow / Ecuador
— Anna del Savio
I work with a group of indigenous artisans that make fair trade jewelry.…
Fellow / Brazil
— Amari Leigh
After my community garden apprenticeship, I like to hang out at the local waterfall with my friends.…
Fellow / Brazil
— Basil Wiering
I often hail a rickshaw into various parts of the city to meet friends and practice street photography.…
Fellow / Brazil
— Fernanda Tornell
I've developed my public speaking skills and encouraged hundreds of people to take care of our planet.…
Fellow / India
— Luciana Ribeiro da Silva
I apprentice with Teach For India and also volunteer with a non-profit working to end child marriage.…
Fellow / Ecuador
— Noah Hapke
I co-teach English classes at the school in my community.…
Fellow / Brazil
— Sarah Murray
My apprenticeship is at a school for people with disabilities where I help to lead gardening, games, and capoeira.…
Fellow / India
— Alana Poole
In the afternoons, I often go on home visits to meet my students' families and understand where they come from.…