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Abbey Haugen
Abbey Haugen is an Ambassador who studied abroad in India.
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
My roommate and I volunteered at a local NGO which centered around child rights and education. Every week we taught English in an impoverished area of the city. We were the first foreigners they had spent much time with, but we connected easily with one another. The passion and enthusiasm they displayed for the learning and life itself were truly infectious. Specifically, I remember one instance when the children accompanied us on our walk to class one night. We didn't know the area very well and they were our chaperones so we wouldn't feel uneasy. One of the smaller girls slipped her hand into mine. I had this profound feeling that we both needed each other in that moment and that everyone is more connected than we realize.
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I chose to study abroad in India for the personal growth opportunity it offered me. I knew little about India before studying there, but was intrigued by what I did know. To me then, Kolkata seemed like a whirlwind of activity, colorful, exotic and a drastic contrast from my small hometown.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
Overwhelming, yes. Fulfilling, definitely. There were many days when I felt utterly exhausted because of the bombardment of new sights, smells and sounds. However, the connections that I made with students at the university, my host family, other CSB/SJU students, even street vendors, were the formative forces of my experience. For me, it was the people I met that made India a home that I feel I can always go back to.
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
The trip has, and will continue to affect me in ways that I can't begin to sort out now. I know that I have developed as a person to see my old world with fresh eyes and especially to see the goodness of humanity in all of us.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
Go in with few expectations and lots of good energy. Spend as much time possible with the local people, learning the language and eating the cuisine (street food!). Stretch yourself to try things that scare you. And ultimately, a good sense of humor will take you far.