During the Summer of 2017, I was fortunate
to participate in the ILR Global Service Learning (GSL) Program in India. For
six weeks, I learned of India’s culture, economy, and history from esteemed
Indian academics, and executed a project for the world-renowned non-profit
human development organization, the Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM).
I was tasked with analyzing the current
revenue-generation system of SVYM’s Palliative Care Program and providing
actionable, implementable recommendations to improve it. My final deliverable
included a report of my observations, research, analysis, and recommendations,
in addition to several marketing materials such as posters and social media
posts to be utilized to enhance Program branding. The GSL Program in India pushed me to
engage with the world beyond the classroom. My participation in classes and a
service project allowed me to practice intercultural competence, gain
experience that applied my studies in a real-world context, and execute a
project that was pivotal to the continued success of SVYM’s impactful
humanitarian efforts. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have
participated in this meaningful program.
