I cannot believe it has already been two weeks since our program ended. Since returning to the States, I have had a few visitors, which has given me the opportunity to reflect on the trip, including. I truly cannot believe that my study abroad adventure has ended. I spent the entire semester in preparation for this trip – attending an information session and ‘interview’ in January, being accepting and committing to the program in February, attending classes and reading books in March, to buying a plane ticket and packing in April. With so much energy put towards this program I feel lost and questioning what’s next.  

I was very excited to be a part of this program. However, going to a new country for over a month without knowing anyone else in the program was a lot to handle. I was very anxious to begin this journey. I will never forget how scared and nervous I was in Newark airport. Boarding our long flight to Delhi, I was honestly petrified until Sweet Caroline (Pitt’s song) began playing and I felt an instant wave of relief. I am very proud of myself for having made it through the month and loving it. Two weeks later and I still have dreamt every night about India and the people from this trip.  

The first thing I learned, on a personal level, was that I am much stronger than I thought, both physically and mentally. During this trip there were many times physical and mental strength were needed. I believe it is very common to underestimate yourself, this trip reinforced that I am strong and capable of hard things. Whether that be carrying a 50-pound backpack for miles or enduring 24+ hours of travel.  

I also learned that I liked to be challenged. Since returning home, I find myself craving being outdoors as well as a challenge or struggle to overcome. I am essentially searching for the experience trekking gave me. In the first few days, wearing a heavy backpack that gave me bruises while hiking for miles was exhausting but the satisfaction and reward of reaching our campsite made all the pain worth it. I have begun running because it gives me a similar sense of physical challenge and gratification. I have also already looked into potential backpacking programs for next year. I have definitely been ‘bit by the travel bug’.  

On an academic and professional level, I have learned how to work in a group setting. This happened during the entire trek. Whether it was deciding when to take a break, whose turn it was to cook, or getting water, we were working as a team and dividing up the workload. Along with working in a group setting, I learned how to give and receive feedback. I also had the opportunity to work on my patience and kindness while working with others. These factors are something that will greatly benefit me in my academic and professional life.  

Everything I learned and the memories from this trip are very close to my heart and always on my mind. With such sentimental value, they will be easy to keep in mind while working with others in the future and while making decisions.  

I did my best to not set any cultural or personal growth expectations. Instead, I did my best to have an open mind as I would not be disappointed with the experience. For personal growth, I learned a lot on leadership as well as how I react to situations. I learned a lot and grew from this experience. I am very happy with the growth I experienced on this trip. As for cultural expectations, I really enjoyed visiting villages in the Himalayas, and going to the market in Delhi, I felt this gave me a glimpse of India. I enjoyed talking to our guides about Hinduism, learning phrases in Hindi, and being taught cultural norms in India. I think there is room for growth to learn more about the culture of India. However, I was very happy and satisfied with my experience.  

This trip has taught me a lot about myself, working with others, and the importance of the environment while working with one another. I loved this program and visiting India, I am already incredibly nostalgic reflecting on this trip of a lifetime. I feel very privileged to have gone on this trip, got to know my peers and instructors, learn valuable lessons, and made the most out of this experience. A huge thank you to Bryan, Vipul, and G for everything they brought to this program. Their insight and experience were valuable inside and outside the classroom.  

Thanks for reading! – Allison