Late last year, psychology student Olivia volunteered on our Psychology and Mental Health programme in India. Read about what she got up to below!
Arriving and Settling in in India
I didn’t have too many expectations of India before I left, which may have been from my own lack of research. However, it exceeded any expectation I had, and I felt very comfortable and safe in India. I also felt like I was in good hands as everyone was so welcoming when I first arrived.
I found it easy to settle into the accommodation as I had a lovely room and all of the facilities I needed. I also settled in smoothly because the girls were all so excited to welcome me and it helped having Ben, another volunteer, to give me some initial tips.
Volunteering Abroad on the Psychology Programme
The hospital was much more developed and modern than I had thought it might have been. It was difficult to learn where to go initially but I was looked after well.
Overall it was incredible.
I got to work under an extremely qualified clinical psychologist and I learnt so much from her as well as through the practical elements of working with the patients. In particular I worked on the de-addiction ward. The hospital experience was so educational and I was able to put so much of what I have learnt into practice.
The most educational experiences though were the classes with Reema; learning to complete patient statistic forms; and interviewing patients who had addictions in the hospital. I think this experience will definitely allow me to stand out when applying for jobs as it is something that not many other people will have done. I think it will be amazing to have had practical hospital experience as this is not an experience I would have been able to do back home in Australia. I took away so much knowledge that will help me in my future career.
I was also involved with the community outreach project on my programme. It was incredible to see. I got to visit the mothers who needed support for themselves and their families, who were living in the slums of Jaipur. I definitely feel like I made an impact with the volunteering work I got to do while in India. I would encourage anyone to do it.
Spare Time and Adventuring in India
On the weekends was when I was able to travel and see the cities. Smiriti and Manmohan were very helpful with organising the easiest ways to get to places. I got on well with the other volunteer, Ben, who I was with for 2 weeks. We travelled to Agra and Udaipur together. It was fun to have a travel buddy! As well as Agra and Udaipur, I went to Alwar and discovered the city of Jaipur. I got to see every sight I wanted to and so much more.
In the evenings I either hung out with the girls or did readings and studying for the hospital. Something that particularly stood out to me was being able to participate in Holi festival with the family! It was amazing to learn all about their culture and family traditions.
Any Tips or Advice for Future Volunteers?
- Try to soak it all up when you’re there.
- Say yes to everything.
- Be prepared to study!
- Bring a laptop – this would’ve been very beneficial in the hospital.
- I think it would have also been beneficial if I had pre-thought of some games or activities to teach the children. I would have then brought over the necessary equipment with me.
Looking Back on Volunteering Abroad
It was incredible. I hope to go back to visit the family one day. I loved building separate relationships with all of them and understanding who they were. However, I wish that I had spent longer with the boys. This may have happened if I had visited for longer. I would definitely say go for longer than you’d think.
The most life-changing experience was building strong relationships with everyone I met. I feel like I could come back in the future and be warmly welcomed into Jaipur. I made a home away from home!
I thought it was such an amazing way to experience another country. I felt as though I was fully emerged in India and was very lucky to feel at home in another country.
