EIL Intercultural Learning

Ber is a Public Helath and Health Promotion Student in UCC, she tells us about her 12 weeks internship work in India:

After first choosing India as the place I wanted to do my internship, I can honestly say I knew very little about the country and the culture. I knew I wanted to travel somewhere, but none of my family ever thought I would choose India. My parents of course had initial worries, thinking - What if I didn’t like it? Would I last 3 months, or maybe I should just do 2? But they knew there was no stopping me when I had finally made up my mind.

From having the Internship in India, I think I have gained better listening, observational and communication skills that I would not have gained had my work experience been based in Ireland. It was initially hard to get involved and start helping out our organisation when we were only in the country for a short amount of time. It certainly takes some time to get used of your new surroundings and get completely comfortable. Once you are, then you can get down to work. This is why 3 months is the minimum I would recommend anybody travelling abroad should spend.

My parents could hardly believe me when I told them I really didn’t want to leave India in the end. I genuinely could have continued living there for a much longer time. As the weeks went by, and right up until our last week, we were constantly learning and embracing new things. There is just so much to learn in India that in my personal opinion- 3 months was actually not enough.

Right up until our last week in Jaipur, we were still obtaining information. This really makes me want to return to India again as I’m sure there is so much more to be gained from going to this country. The numerous customs and traditions have taken a piece in my heart and left me longing to continue in finding out more.

If you are truly open to trying new things…things that perhaps end up being difficult or extremely frustrating at times…and if you are truthfully open-minded, flexible and patience, then you will enjoy every second. If you are impatient or easily irritated, then India is not for you! I think I learned to be more patient from my time in India, mainly as a result of constant power cuts during the day! However, if you can avoid complaining over little things, and not worry so much, then you will stay in a much more positive mind frame throughout your experience. Having a positive frame of mind, I think, will certainly lead to a more successful and momentous journey.

I felt completely at home in Rajasthan. Never once was I afraid of anything. Ok, sometimes a little confused or angry, that’s for sure, but never scared or frightened. I thought the Indian people were exceptionally friendly and welcoming. Maybe they are a little too friendly at times, but always eager to help you out if needed. You can certainly tire very quickly of saying “No, thank you” when you are in the city. Getting hassled from salesmen got to be quite frustrating at times. But beyond the initial surprise and confusion at the way things are run, we really had a lot of fun in all the activities we did.

Things didn't always come too easy to us in India either, but really you just need to get out there and get involved where you can. I learned to embrace the people and the country so much that there was never a dull moment. Now that I’m home, I miss so many simple things. I miss the Indian food, the colourful clothing, the crazy transport, the people, the music, the weekends away, and more than anything else – I haven't lost my craving for Indian tea!

In between the cows lying all over the streets, tuk-tuks and buses constantly beeping their horns, scooters and motorbikes driving in all directions, and the odd camel or elephant thrown in for good measure-- I can honestly say there's nowhere else I'd rather be hanging out.

I know I will return to India again, and next time for a much longer period. So thanks EIL, for putting me on a road I hope to continue travelling!

Ber Keating