Wow! What a time, what an experience. Words will never be able to fully describe the rollercoaster of feelings that I experienced throughout the 6 weeks in India. This blog will include what I have learnt about India, what India has taught me about New Zealand and what I have learnt about myself. I will then also include tips and tricks on what to pack and what to expect.
What have I learnt about India?
I have learnt many things during my time away but I will narrow this answer down to a couple of key learnings. The first thing that I learnt was how innovative India is. We visited many people and organisations from multi-billion dollar companies to Dharavi Slums where the workers did not have too many resources. However, all of the organisations were very innovative and used the resources that they had to the fullest extent. I also learnt and experienced first-hand how open India is with their culture. We learnt a Bollywood dance which we were fortunate enough to perform at different restaurants, events and schools throughout the trip and each time we performed (at others’ requests) we were always received very warmly and with a lot of positive energy.
What has India taught me about New Zealand?
India has taught me further gratitude for my whenua—for the beautiful land that I am from. It has also given me motivation to continue to practice habits that will help with the sustainability of this beautiful and clean environment. We spoke with a representative from TATA consultancy who works in the sustainability team and she said “Make choices so that there will be enough for all, forever”, when talking about the environment.
What has India taught me about myself?
India has helped me to grow as a person. It has motivated me to want to work hard in my studies and all areas that I apply myself to. Seeing others so enriched in their culture over in India, has motivated me to continue to learn and continually deepen my connection to the realm of Te Ao Māori. I have learnt that I want to continue to travel, to connect with other cultures because, through travel, I am able to gain firsthand experience when being immersed fully in the cultures of others.
Here are ideas on what to pack if you are accepted to go on this program. I will not include the basics but rather what I wish I would have packed.
- Light & comfortable linen pants (could find some at Cotton On, Kmart etc). I am a shorts wearer, however, I wish I packed more light pants because we did need them a lot at places that we visited.
- The CORRECT travel adapter. I brought 2 adapters in New Zealand that were labelled “India” but did not fit the plugs over there. It is okay because there are great people in the group who will share theirs with you (which is how I got by) but just make sure you buy the correct one.
- A Wise card or international travel card. Cash is also a good option to take as some spots that we went to did not accept international cards but most did.
- Airpods or earphones. I took headphones but when wanting to sleep on the bus, the big headphones made it a little harder.
- If you are a guy, then flowy short-sleeved button-up shirts. I wish I had more of these, instead, I took a bunch of comfortable training shirts that I would wear normally; this also worked out.
- Laptop. It just makes writing blogs and other things that may pop up. We were asked to do a PowerPoint presentation at a college so having a laptop was good. (It’s also better for movies).
- Little cheap and easy gifts to give to kids and other people. Someone in my group brought little Kiwi key chains and I wish I brought some from New Zealand.
- A deflated sports ball if you are into sports. Can pump it up when you get to India and then have a sports ball to play with.
- A pillow if you are quite picky about the height/comfortability of a pillow. You sleep at 12 different hotels which means the bedding is forever changing.
Lastly, these final 2 things are ESSENTIAL:
- An open mind! You may sometimes feel a little out of your comfort zone seeing a different cultural performance or eating a type of food. But just know that the IndoGenius have your safety at the forefront of their mind. They would not ever get you to do something if it was not safe or if you did not want to.
- A fun and happy attitude. At times it may be hot, the day might be dragging on, but try as best as possible to hold on to the thought that the experience will come to an end eventually. When that happens, you will miss the country, food and people so much.
I hope this helps!
Our Group outside the New Zealand High Commission in Delhi