Mathilde: My Volunteer Experience in India While Studying Abroad

Mathilde has a big heart, and she’s proven it! On her own initiative, Mathilde came to the School with a volunteer project in mind: to travel to India to work at a women’s support center with the organization Volunteer with India. Now that she’s returned from this wonderful experience, she’s sharing her story with us. This adventure was made possible thanks to the international study programs offered by theEcole de Savignac, which encourage every student to have a unique study abroad experience.

Check it out right here!

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Why did you decide to volunteer?

In high school, during school breaks, I had already done a little volunteer work at a food bank, and I liked the atmosphere there. I wanted to explore another form of volunteer work while also experiencing a different culture. When I mentioned this idea at school, everyone was excited about it, and I was able to make it happen quickly. TheEcole de Savignac actively supports every volunteer or study abroad project initiated by its students.

Why did you choose India?

All I knew about India was what it said in high school textbooks. I wanted to see for myself, and I was not disappointed.

How did you find your project?

I searched the internet for serious organizations and found the "volunteerworld" platform, which lists volunteering and solidarity vacations all over the world. From there, I started the process for the "women empowerment program": I was to spend a month volunteering in a women's aid center in Jaipur.

How did you organize the trip?

First, I set the dates, so that I would have enough credits to validate my year. Then I organized the key points, such as the plane, obtaining the visa and life on the spot. Fortunately, during all these steps, I was in contact with Sukret, the association's director, who helped me throughout my stay. In particular, he found me full-board accommodation. And I had to keep an eye on the Covid restrictions too.

How did your arrival go? Adapting to the culture?

It's been great! When I arrived in Jaipur, everyone was so welcoming. I knew before I left that I had to keep an open mind and that the culture could be very different, so I adapted as I went along. In the end, I was able to experience a real exchange with all the people I came into contact with.

What have been your missions within the association?

I mainly gave English lessons (vocabulary, verbs,...). There was also some tidying up to do. And lots of discussions about the Indian and French way of life.

What was your experience like? What do you remember about it?

It was an intense experience. It's so different from what I knew. I made some amazing friendships with the women there. Everyone was excited about being at the center and learning. As a child, I'd been told that those who had difficulty accessing education were unfailingly motivated in the short time they were able to learn, and it's true. Little by little, the women started coming with their children, and the children talked to their friends. Everyone came when they could. It was exhilarating to see and feel that everyone was happy to be there!
And then, of course, the differences in living standards and comforts (hot water for example) will remain engraved in my mind: nothing is obvious over there. Even when I tried to keep an open mind, I was surprised.

What advice do you have for those looking for a humanitarian experience?

I applied to this program without giving too much thought to all the details, and it worked out. If you’re interested and have the opportunity, there’s no reason not to go for it. That’s also what studying abroad is all about: daring to take the plunge and having an experience that transforms your academic journey.

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Would you like to go volunteer, too? TheEcole de Savignac offers the “Get Involved” program during your bachelor’s degree so you, too, can have an unforgettable international experience. Find out more about our study abroad programs today and take the plunge!

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