Now that I’m back in Auckland, reflecting on my time in Mumbai fills me with deep appreciation for the experience. I didn’t go in with many expectations, but my six weeks in Mumbai were more intense, eye-opening, and rewarding than I could have imagined.
The People
One of the biggest surprises was how much the people I met shaped my experience. Nothing bonds people like shared struggles, and navigating the challenges we faced in Mumbai led to friendships I never anticipated. These people enabled me to make the most of my time in the city. Outside of work, we crammed every spare moment with something new—99 Pancakes runs, traditional Indian massages, and somehow even a 2 AM maths competition in the Taj Hotel. We weren’t just exploring a city; we were throwing ourselves into every opportunity that came our way. As foreigners, we had the privilege of seeing both extremes—spending the day in places like Dharavi, then, by night, stepping into high-end venues that many Mumbai locals may never get the chance to experience. That contrast was both fascinating and unsettling, something I’m still unpacking.
The Work
My internship gave me access to environments and conversations I would never have otherwise encountered. I had the opportunity to learn from professionals who explained India’s social and political complexities in ways that actually made sense, and the other interns helped me understand what it means to be a young person in Mumbai.
Working with informal housing and hearing real stories first-hand made me realise how far removed media portrayals can be from reality. It’s one thing to read about these issues; it’s another to walk through them, talk to the people living them, and see the nuances that don’t fit into a headline. That kind of understanding can’t come from a distance, and I’m grateful for the chance to witness it up close.
The Growth
Six weeks outside New Zealand is the longest I have spent overseas and probably the most independence I have had in a foreign country. From figuring out transport to making quick decisions in unfamiliar situations, I learned to trust myself more. By the end, I felt at home weaving through traffic, bargaining at markets, and embracing the unknown. More than anything, this experience proved to me that I am capable of solo travel. The idea of taking on a new country alone no longer feels daunting—it feels exciting.
The Unexpected
One thing I didn’t expect was just how much India has to offer. Our trips outside Mumbai completely changed my perspective—deserts, mountains, beaches, waterfalls—India has it all. Each place had a different energy, and I left knowing I had only scratched the surface. There is so much more to see and do, and I’m already thinking about when I can return.
Final Thoughts: What I’m Taking Away
This trip wasn’t just about work or travel; it was about seeing things from a new perspective, learning through experience, and realising how much I still don’t know. It challenged me, made me more adaptable, and gave me a new appreciation for the city, the people, and the lessons that came with it.
Looking back, I know this experience will stay with me—not as some grand, life-changing moment, but as a series of small, impactful ones that have shifted how I see the world. And for that, I’m grateful.