During my two and a half months here I have had the opportunity to learn about the gender disparity in education in India, to interview and photograph EG employees, rural families, students, and their surroundings. I have been welcomed into villages and homes like I was family, even though I was a stranger. I have been challenged to understand the feelings and struggles spoken in a village language, then translated into Hindi, then roughly into English, all while the original message was loaded with a culture and context very different from my own and perhaps impossible to express into words. I came to India with the plan of helping others, but I feel the people here have given and taught me more than I can repay. Kourtney Hannaway, Oregon state university, USA
Grassroots community Development

...of course the poverty is horrible, shocking, and crippling. But most of the lives that I have been invited to observe (and take part in), although embedded in poverty, have been filled with happiness, connectivity, relationships, and caring for each other. Can the Western lives which are dominated by self-centeredness, property, luxuries, and the fight for who OWNS the most really keep up with the profoundness of the lives I have experienced here? I have my doubts and maybe that is why probably people choose not to adopt all the modern suggestions that have advanced Western nations. Katharina Werner, University of Montana, USA
Grassroots community Development

Learning from ayurvedic doctors, in person, was a really special experience. They taught us a great mixture of components, from the history and theories to cooking and using herbs, all of which were fascinating. Dr. Jagdish, Krishna, Prachi and the other teachers were optimistic and made the experience fun and interesting. Although it was too short to have become an expert in ayurveda, I do feel that it reiterated for me the importance of combining both science and more traditional, intuitive healing techniques. Cindy Clinger, Georgia state university, USA
Traditional Medicine

The traditional medicine program was amazing. They tailored the program for us, designing a curriculum specifically for nutrition. They were comprehensive and thorough, teaching us everything from the theories of Ayurveda to common dishes prepared in India. During my time here learned how food and proper nutrition is used in Ayurveda medicinally. I learned about medicinal herbs, cooking methods, and the theories of Ayurveda. I plan to incorporate some of these methods into my own practice as a dietitian and will treasure this experience for the rest of my life. Jessica, Georgia state university, USA
Traditional Medicine

I really appreciated this program. I learnt a lot and I ended up with a huge knowledge in microfinance and social business in urban areas in India. Interning at a professional microfinance organization, I could learn about various products and how the availability of credit can make a difference to poverty.I will continue reading and learning about these projects because I think is a good way to alleviate poorness in rural and urban areas. Ana Garcia, Madrid, Spain
Microfinance and Social Business

Thank you to you both once again for providing such an amazing experience, this is truly one I will never forget. In particular, I feel like I have truly matured as a person, both intellectually and emotionally... ready for any challenge that life may throw at me. Alexandra Spicer, UTS, Australia
Microfinance and Social Business

Mark and I toured Dharavi last weekend and one thing that stood out was how self-sufficient this community is. In spite of the close living quarters, health issues, etc., this was one thing that impressed me so much. Also, the fact that nothing was being wasted. In some of my classes, we talk about environmental issues related to population growth. Seeing Dharavi reminds me just how backwards the consumption and use of material goods is in America. In fact, many of our recycled electronics come to places like India to be processed, recycled, etc. so they aren't piling up on our land. It's difficult to live a more simple, sustainable, and self-sufficient life in America and at many times, extremely frustrating when we lack to the infrastructure or resources to do that more easily, but the people and lifestyle in Dharavi reminded me of the value and importance of trying. Another thing I noticed was that even though many of the families don't have very much money, most women still stay close to home to tend to children and family, rather than working to earn more money. This is much less common in the States, but I think really expresses just how deeply family is valued in Indian culture – something I very much appreciate. Jayme Aargon, Oregon university, USA
General – India / Mumbai / ISAC

I think ISAC is a professional organization that had a good grasp for what we were looking for. The ashram and guesthouse were really comfortable, and were located in beautiful settings. They were willing to answer questions and put us in touch with people who had participated in the past. I felt like the staff was really looking out for us at all times, and that we could count on them! Cindy Klinger, Georgia state university, USA
General – India / Mumbai / ISAC