Experience: Irene van Vught, India

In short: From the 20^th of june 2012 till the 20^th of August 2012 I have been living in India. In these 8 weeks I did a 6-week-GCDP at the Doon Global School in Dehradun, known as the schooling capital of India. Together with another EP, a girl from China, I have been living and teaching in a residential and day-school in the humid & hilly area 6 hours North West of New Delhi.

LC Dehradun: The LC Dehradun completely lived up to their promises which has definitely enriched my experience. AIESEC Dehradun used to be an entity of AIESEC Chandigarh, but since June 2012 they have become independent. I think because of the fact that it is still a relatively small LC with a small number of internships to manage, they have been able to maintain high quality (As opposed to some other LCs in India). Besides that, a big plus was that they managed to show empathy for the EP’s ‘standard of living’, which is significantly different of the average Indian standard, in order to make your stay comfortable. Despite the fact that there were only a few AEISEC interns in Dehradun, the active LC did its ultimate best to let the interns meet each other and to integrate them in the Indian culture by organizing events in which many local AIESECers participated.  And since the culture is very different it is very important to deal with these people as they fulfill the role of the bridge, gradually connecting you with the local culture.

GCDP Project worldview: As educational trainee I have been teaching to kids between the age of 6 and 17. I did several powerpoint presentations for the kids between 12-17; introduction of myself and AIESEC, presentations about the Netherlands, cultural differences India VS Holland, Core qualities HRM concept.
And we played fun but educational games with the younger kids; poster making, chair-dancing, sports. The internship setup was very flexible, I had a lot of freedom in determining what I wanted to do, so I could make the most out of it myself. (Of course within school & cultural boundaries!).

The Doon Global School was a very interesting environment because the school culture is –whether you want it or not- pulling you out of your comfort zone completely!! Getting used to a completely different organization with different structures, procedures, norms & values, climate, food, etc is not easy at all, but a great manner to stretch your comfort zone and develop yourself further both professionally and personally! JUST DO IT!! For more information visit my blog: www.ireneintoronto.waarbenjij.nu