My Eye-Opening Time Spent on Exchange in India

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• AIESEC Sri Lanka, Lifestyle, Travel, Volunteer, Youth

My Eye-Opening Time Spent on Exchange in India

There is both anticipation and apprehension associated with taking part in an exchange programme. My trip to India was motivated by my interest in both making a positive contribution to the SDGs and seeing a new culture. In this blog, I will discuss the ways in which my expectations were challenged, the experiences that surprised me, and the difficulties and long-term effects of this formative journey.

Hopes vs. Accomplishments

In the beginning, I knew I wanted to do well in my project, make a positive impact on the Sustainable Development Goals, and learn about India’s fascinating history and culture. India was even better than I had imagined it would be. I was exposed to fascinating people and fascinating traditions, and our initiative held great promise for improving the economic and cultural climate of Jaipur.

Unanticipated Events

There were countless *surprises* along the way that made the trip unforgettable. The warm welcome we received was the highlight. The AIESEC members in Jaipur planned a wonderful surprise for one of their events, creating a lasting impression.

Confronting Adversity and Thriving Through It

The journey was not without its share of difficulties. During our project’s study, we encountered difficulties in communicating due to the language barrier. Our ingenuity helped us overcome obstacles. To get by, we used translation tools, enlisted the aid of English-speaking locals and students, and studied the Hindi language.

Recognizing the Value of International Cooperation and Diversity

This conversation introduced me to people from all over the world, each with their own set of experiences, values, and opinions. Working with people from so many different backgrounds was inspiring.

Suggestions for Future Exhibitors

Future exchange students should take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime chance. The lessons learned and the connections made are priceless. Don’t think twice about jumping at the chance to volunteer with AIESEC.

Future Perceptions Influenced

Future Effects: This opportunity helps build strong international connections. These friendships become more like families as time goes on, providing a safe space to talk about the ups and downs of life and learn from one another.

Inspiring Interactions Across Cultures

The influence of India’s rich cultural history was significant. While in Rishikesh, we participated in religious ceremonies, did yoga, and relaxed in ashrams.

Revisiting India from a New Angle

My first trip to India was to the northern part, so if I ever go again I’d like to see a city in the south to experience its distinct culture. India’s rich variety calls out to be discovered.

There are three things I will miss about India.

I will miss India and its wonderful people, as well as the delicious food and exciting culture, very much.

Differences in Culture: India and Sri Lanka

There are parallels between India and Sri Lanka’s cultures, yet there are also notable distinctions. India is unique due to its Hindu culture, vegetarianism, and regional diversity. India also has more noticeable wealth and poverty gaps.

The Most Remarkable Occasion

The highlight of my exchange experience was getting to play sports like cricket and football with locals and my host family and host community. It encapsulated the friendliness and welcome of my trip. In sum, my time spent on exchange in India was an eye-opening, life-altering adventure. It educated me on the value of accepting others, working together, and forming strong bonds. India will always be a part of me and I will always be grateful for the experiences, relationships, and knowledge I gained there.

Penned by

Yohan Wickramasinghe

Lead Journalist – SST 23.24

AIESEC in SLIIT

 

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• AIESEC Sri Lanka, Travel, Volunteer

Discovering the World through Global Volunteering: Chavindu’s Journey to India

Have you ever dreamt of exploring a new country, experiencing its diverse culture, and making lifelong friends from around the globe? Chavindu De Alwis, an Exchange Participant from Sri Lanka, embarked on a remarkable journey to India that not only fulfilled his expectations but also presented unexpected challenges and incredible moments of cultural exchange. Join us as we delve into Chavindu’s eye-opening adventure and discover the transformative power of global volunteering.

Setting Expectations and Embracing New Experiences

Before Chavindu’s trip to India, we asked him about his initial expectations. He shared that he simply aimed to travel, work on a project, and make new friends. Fortunately, his journey lived up to these expectations, leaving him fulfilled and content.

Embracing the Unexpected

As any seasoned traveler knows, unexpected moments can make a trip truly memorable. Chavindu recounted a challenging experience when he and his fellow travelers missed their flight in Mumbai. Stranded in a foreign country, they had to navigate a 17-hour train ride, cramped with people and little sleep. While the situation was unexpected and uncomfortable, it eventually became a valuable lesson in resilience and adaptability.

Overcoming Challenges

Chavindu also faced challenges such as a leaky air conditioner and the language barrier. Despite these obstacles, he and his companions managed to find solutions, sometimes relying on Google Translate or friendly locals who knew Hindi. These challenges only strengthened their determination to make the most of their exchange.

Understanding Global Diversity and Cooperation

One of the most enriching aspects of Chavindu’s exchange was the opportunity to connect with people from all over the world, including Brazil, Germany, Turkey, and Egypt. Through interactions, dances, and conversations about their respective cultures and religions, they gained a deeper understanding of global diversity and cooperation. This exchange fostered mutual respect and a sense of unity among participants.

Words of Wisdom for Future Exchange Participants

Chavindu had one piece of advice for future exchange participants: “Definitely do not miss your flight.” His experience taught him that even challenging situations can become valuable life lessons, adding depth to your journey.

Memorable Cultural Encounters

During his visit to Rishikesh, Chavindu had a memorable encounter with a yoga and dance event. The crowd came together to practice yoga and sing chants like “Hare Krishna,” providing him with a unique cultural experience that left a lasting impression.

Future Plans

Reflecting on his journey, Chavindu expressed a desire to explore more of India, particularly the south, including Mumbai and Goa. He also aimed to scale up his volunteering project, further contributing to the communities he encountered.

What He’ll Miss About India

Chavindu fondly mentioned three things he’ll miss about India: the beautiful landscapes, delicious food, and the incredible people he met. The friendships he forged with fellow Exchange Participants made the experience unforgettable.

Similarities and Differences Between India and Sri Lanka

Chavindu noticed similarities in the cuisines of India and Sri Lanka, both rich in spices and rice-based dishes. However, he also highlighted a notable difference—Indian traffic, characterized by frequent and seemingly frivolous horn usage, compared to the more reserved honking in Sri Lanka.

The Most Memorable Thing About His Visit

For Chavindu, the most unforgettable aspect of his trip was the independent journey he and his companions organized. This adventure allowed them to explore new places and create lasting memories, showcasing the power of teamwork and the thrill of self-discovery.

Chavindu’s journey to India is a testament to the transformative power of global volunteering. It’s not just about giving back; it’s about gaining invaluable life experiences, forging meaningful connections, and embracing the beauty of diversity. So, if you’re ever presented with the opportunity to embark on a similar adventure, don’t hesitate your life will be forever enriched by the journey.

Penned by

James Sembukuttiarachchi

Lead Journalist – SST 23.24 

AIESEC in SLIIIT

 

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• AIESEC Sri Lanka, Lifestyle, Programs, Travel, Volunteer

Unleashing the Power of Global Volunteering to Enhance Your Potential

In a world that is constantly evolving, personal growth and character development have become more critical than ever. AIESEC’s Outgoing Global Volunteer (oGV) program presents a remarkable opportunity for young individuals to make a positive impact on the world while simultaneously nurturing their own character. 

Let us explore the benefits of AIESEC’s Outgoing Global Volunteering program and how it can help you improve your character in profound ways.

Expanding Horizons:

You should not confine your potential within the walls. Through AIESEC’s oGV, you can connect with diverse cultures and communities. Engaging with people from different backgrounds opens your mind to new perspectives, broadening your horizons and enhancing your cultural intelligence. Embracing diversity fosters empathy and understanding, essential traits for building a strong character.

Developing Leadership Skills:

Leaders inspire, guide, and empower others towards a shared vision, fostering positive change and progress. oGV projects often require teamwork and leadership, giving you the opportunity to sharpen your leadership skills. Taking charge of initiatives, coordinating with virtual teams, and managing projects instills in you a sense of responsibility and the ability to lead with compassion and resilience.

Cultivating Resilience:

Resilience reminds us that adversity can be the catalyst for growth and strength. Global volunteering is a journey filled with challenges and obstacles. As you work on meaningful projects, you will inevitably face setbacks. However, these experiences build resilience, teaching you to bounce back from disappointments and to persevere in the face of adversity.

Empowering Others and Yourself:

There is an Art of nurturing individual potential and fostering collective growth through support, encouragement, and belief in the strength of each person’s abilities. oGV allows you to contribute to causes that matter to you, whether it’s supporting education, environmental conservation, or community development. By empowering others, you gain a sense of purpose and fulfillment, enriching your character with compassion and a greater understanding of your own values.

Enhancing Communication Skills:

Communication skill is one’s ability to convey ideas effectively, fostering meaningful connections and understanding with others.Working with a diverse team, often spanning across borders, sharpens your communication skills. You learn to articulate your ideas clearly, adapt to different communication styles, and practice active listening. Effective communication is a hallmark of strong character, fostering mutual respect and cooperation.

How can this global experience mold you into a better version of yourself?

  • Before embarking on your oGV journey, take time to reflect on your personal growth goals. Set clear intentions on what you want to achieve through your volunteering experience. Thus will illuminate the clear path of your journey ahead.
  • Engage wholeheartedly with the culture of the project location. Be curious, respectful, and open-minded, seeking to learn from the people you collaborate with. Thus you will get motivated.
  • Be open to constructive feedback from project coordinators and teammates. Embracing feedback with humility allows you to identify areas of improvement and nurture your character. By doing so, you can learn from your mistakes and move ahead with greater knowledge and understanding
  • Seize opportunities to take on additional responsibilities and challenges within your project. Stepping out of your comfort zone fosters personal development and self-confidence. Because, responsibilities can act as a catalyst for your personal development, helping you to unlock your potential and flourish in various aspects of life.
  • Regularly journal your experiences and personal growth throughout your oGV journey. Self-reflection helps you become more self-aware and mindful of your character development.

Our Outgoing Global Volunteer program presents a platform for young individuals to improve their character while contributing to global causes. By embracing diversity, developing leadership skills, and cultivating resilience, participants can foster personal growth and make a positive impact on the world. Through intentionality and self-reflection, oGV becomes a powerful catalyst for nurturing a well-rounded and compassionate character, equipping you to navigate life’s challenges with grace and purpose. So, embark on this extraordinary journey and unlock your true potential with AIESEC’s Outgoing Global Volunteer program. This World needs you.

Penned by 

James Sembukuttiarachchi

Content Writer – AIESEC in SLIIT

 

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• iGV, Partnerships, Programs, Volunteer

ECO-V: Where leadership meets environment

 Nature is a leading cause of serenity and tranquility; it has the ability to reduce any form of stress that we encounter, and it helps us see things from a different perspective. Without nature, the world would be totally dull and lifeless. 

Eco-Friendly Volunteers (ECO-V) is a non-profit voluntary organization established on February 7, 2001. They are engaged in environmental conservation in Sri Lanka, which includes conservation of Biodiversity, sustainability, and climate change, and they offer a wide variety of products that are nature-friendly. ECO-V has a network of over 1000 volunteers throughout Sri Lanka who contribute to research and community work to support conservation of the environment.

Their goal is to be the most recognized voluntary environmental organization dedicated to empowering people to take actions on sustainable living and biodiversity conservation to make Sri Lanka a better place for all living organisms.

Sharing the same goal, AIESEC in SLIIT has teamed up with ECO-V in 2023 as a partner of one of our programs, Incoming Global Volunteer, to aid with the mission of healing the nature that surrounds us.

As an organization, we are delighted to team up with ECO-V to help Mother Nature recover step by step in our beloved Sri Lanka. The Incoming Global Volunteer Program can create leaders and shape the lives of many people, so this partnership is an incredible means to developing the future of Sri Lanka while also preserving its precious nature for the future leaders.

This partnership also allows our volunteers to be one with nature and have an out-of-body experience that will open their eyes to a world unknown, which is just what we are looking for.

This venture into helping nature recover one step at a timefalls in line with the objectives of our organization. Together with ECO-V, AIESEC in SLIIT looks forward to a Sri Lanka that will allow our upcoming leaders to maximize their potential.

Our Global Volunteering Program allows you to experience a culture and lifestyle that will change your perspective on everything. Go on trips and volunteer to make the community a better place!

Visit them here:

FaceBook – https://www.facebook.com/ecovsrilanka

https://www.facebook.com/groups/119363511453200

Web –  www.eco-v.org

Penned by 

Yohan Wickremasinghe

Content Writer – DXP & IM

AIESEC in SLIIT 

 

 

 

 

 

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• AIESEC Sri Lanka, Leadership, Lifestyle, Programs, Travel, Volunteer

Journey of a lifetime!

Are you searching for an adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories while helping you grow both personally and professionally? Then the Global Volunteer program in Sri Lanka is exactly what you need! AIESEC, the world’s largest youth-run organization, offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in fields such as education, healthcare, and community development while immersing yourself in a new culture and developing cross-cultural communication and leadership skills. 

Experience the Cultural Exchange: The CXP Component

But what makes the GV (Global Volunteer) program in Sri Lanka truly special is the chance to participate in the Global Volunteer program’s Customer Experience Program (CXP). The CXP is a unique cultural exchange program that allows volunteers to experience different parts of the country while working on projects that have a positive impact on the community.

Immerse Yourself in the Local Culture

During the CXP, volunteers are placed with a host family in a different part of the country and work on a project with a local organization. This provides volunteers with a unique opportunity to experience the diversity of Sri Lanka’s culture, language, and geography while making a meaningful contribution to the community.

Hospitality and Immersive Cultural Experience

But the CXP is more than just a chance to gain professional experience. It’s an opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality of Sri Lankan culture. Host families provide volunteers with meals, a place to stay, and a chance to experience everyday life in Sri Lanka. They often take volunteers on cultural excursions and introduce them to local customs and traditions, providing a rich and immersive cultural experience.

Develop Essential Cross-Cultural Skills

Moreover, the CXP provides volunteers with the opportunity to develop cross-cultural communication and leadership skills. By working with local organizations and living with host families, volunteers learn how to navigate cultural differences, build relationships across borders, and work effectively in multicultural teams. These skills are essential in today’s globalized world and will benefit volunteers in all areas of their lives.

Make a Real Impact on the Community

In addition to the cultural exchange component, the CXP provides the chance to work on projects that have a real impact on the community. For example, volunteers may work with a local school to develop an English-language curriculum or with a healthcare organization to provide basic medical services to underserved communities. Through their work, volunteers develop practical skills and knowledge that can be applied to their future careers, all while making a positive impact on the community.

Benefiting the Community and Volunteers Alike

Local organizations in Sri Lanka have also seen the benefits of the Global Volunteer program and the CXP. The Jaffna Social Action Center (JSAC), for example, has hosted volunteers from the Global Volunteer program who have worked on projects related to education and community development. Through their work, volunteers like Emma and Ahmed have gained valuable experience in their field while contributing to a social cause and developing cross-cultural communication and leadership skills. JSAC has benefited from the skills and knowledge that the volunteers brought, as well as the opportunity to work on projects that had a positive impact on the community.

Embrace the Global Volunteer Program: Broaden Horizons and Make a Difference

The Global Volunteer program in Sri Lanka offers an experience like no other. It provides a unique opportunity to gain practical experience while immersing oneself in a new culture and developing cross-cultural communication and leadership skills. The CXP is the icing on the cake, offering a chance to experience different parts of Sri Lanka while working on meaningful projects that have a positive impact on the community. Living with host families and being immersed in the local culture will give volunteers a new perspective on global issues and leave them with unforgettable memories.

In conclusion, the Global Volunteer program in Sri Lanka with its CXP component is an excellent opportunity for young people who are looking to gain practical experience in fields such as education, healthcare, and community development while immersing themselves in a new culture and developing cross-cultural communication and leadership skills. It offers a chance to experience different parts of Sri Lanka while working on meaningful projects that have a positive impact on the community. Don’t miss this opportunity to broaden your horizons and make a difference. Embark on this journey with AIESEC and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Learn more!

aiesec.lk/global-volunteer

Penned by

Yohan Wickrmasinghe – DXP & IM 

AIESEC in SLIIT

 

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