Joe & Dan in Goa
Daniel is an Economics major from the United States with an interest in the emerging Asian economies. Having already been to China on a business study tour, this is his first trip to India, where he’s working for a non-profit organization in South India focused on development and microfinance with Leave UR Mark.
Daniel wanted to explore unknown territory while gaining valuable professional experience, which led him to embarking on this 2-month internship experience. “I wanted a challenge and something really different from the US and to get a new perspective,” he explains. “After my experience in China, I felt that India would be a good complement. As an economics major, India is an interesting place with a lot of growth and growth potential, but poverty too. It seems to have its own enigma of problems and successes. I wanted to go abroad but I can only do this during the summer holidays because throughout the school year I play basketball. This experience is also good for resume building because I’m learning about a developing economic power I want to understand. I’m getting valuable work experience here and doing something with a good organization and making a difference.”
Dan is the tallest one!
Daniel helps conduct research on development issues and works to improve the livelihoods of the underprivileged sections of Indian society living in rural areas by promoting sustainable agriculture and natural resource management. “My main task here involves working on an impact study done by a professor on one of the organization’s projects. I worked with him to develop an impact assessment tool and identify successes and areas which need improvement in order to create a framework for the replication of best practices. I’m enjoying this work because I’m given a lot of responsibility. I have written some of the sections of the study myself at the request of the professor.”
During the course of his work Daniel has had the chance to get to know his co-workers and take part in field visits which gave him valuable insights into rural Indian life. “We took a group of bank managers to villages so they could see how they could make an impact. There was a question and answer session with the villagers and we toured some houses. We could see first hand how many had adopted good practices related to farming techniques, we met a guy who runs an organic outlet, and a group of women who produce handicrafts.”
Dan on our rooftop
Daniel feels that through his two-month experience doing hands-on work through Leave UR Mark, he has gained not only insights into a different culture, but also a few valuable personal insights and a new way of seeing the world. “I’m taking back with me insights into what I want to do. I’ve also had the chance to see how people live. You’d think that people with less than $3 a day would be miserable, but they’re not. This shows that happiness is not dependent on money – but it also challenges assumptions which I had and which we all have, assumptions which are probably put forward by society.”
To volunteers planning a trip with Leave UR Mark, Daniel recommends coming with an open mind and a readiness to be flexible in order to have the best experience possible. “Many people have rigid expectations – not everything will go perfectly. You should be able to open yourself up to different perspectives and be ready to challenge assumptions. The people who should do an experience like this are those who want to leave the bubble. If you’re studying international business or politics, for example, then it’s a necessity. You have to interact with people with different mindsets in order to have the ability to understand other cultures.”
To apply for this internship, please email info@leaveurmark.com
