What did you like the best about the WOTR Exposure and Dialogue Program in India?
The village was an incredible experience. The host families and everyone in the community were so generous and warm and we felt at home right away. The translators became a part of our group and did an excellent job helping us to become acclimated to the village. The size of the groups was perfect. The fact that we were able to meet with WOTR administrators was helpful in seeing the organization on a holistic level. Going to Darewadi first provided great insight into the organization.
(Diana H., 2009, DePaul University)
The experience in the village gave a unique perspection into a life unknown. In our short time there friendships were formed and I believe there were benefits on both side. Everyone in the village played a role in our unbelievably welcoming stay, from the farmers sharing their plows and gardening expertise, to the amazing mothers cooking our meals and to the children singing their school songs. The village stay showed what a difference WOTR had played in improving their life and made an everlasting impression on mine.
(Stacy P., 2009, DePaul University)
Amazing experience, very welcoming and generous, felt like part of the community. Very helpful in understanding and becoming a part of other cultures-Appreciation for simple and happy life.
(Jessica P. 2009, DePaul University)
India was a life-changing experience for me. This program not only provided an education on Watershed Management, it actually shows you how local villages benefit from its implementation. Interacting with the local women in Kohane Village was the highlight of the trip for me. It made such an impact, I am looking forward to returning to India to conduct future research on gender issues.
(Jennifer H. 2009, DePaul University)
Anonymous responses
- Being able to directly interact with villagers who took part in WOTR projects. I learned new perspectives in policy design and implementation.
- My favorite part of the WOTR program was the village stay. The small groups really helped foster an intimate experience with the villagers. I also enjoyed touring Darewadi, as a nice lead up to the village stay and what we could expect. Seeing how WOTR’s beneficiaries actually live was enlightening. I also enjoyed the lectures we had before the field visits, as they gave a good background for what we’d experience. The logistics – lodging, meals, transportation, etc – were all planned very well.
- The village experience was very well coordinated. We never felt uncomfortable there and it was by far my favorite experience in India.
- It was very eye opening experience.
- It gave better understanding of the challenges and development issues that India has to face. I had more in depth understanding about developing countries and the challenges they face.
- Overall, very enjoyable, and it reaffirmed my own desire to continue in the work of and for the people. Thank you.
- It was Outstanding! Hosts and the whole village were very generous, and willing to let us be a part of the daily lives & activity.
- The villagers were extremely accommodating, friendly and polite We got to see a lot of village life and ask many questions.
- Totally Amazing!!! Good experience and helped to focus on specific interests.
- I felt very welcomed in the village and the group I was staying with. It helped me understand the “people” element of policy design and Implementation. I believe it will also help with my professional goals if I choose to take on international route.
- Everyone was very welcoming and friendly. Perhaps we should have more pre-departure information such as, weather conditions, what kind of questions we should ask, and questions we can possibly expect. Having direct contact and experience with culture will help me top better understand the world around me. Also it is inspiring to see such a successful organization.
- We had great experiences in the meetings and learned a lot. Our host family & accommodations were fantastic. It opened my mind to global issues & will impact further research. I would like to seek out other ecotourism opportunities.
- Educational and inspiring .So much to feel good. Insight into their lives, the differences between, understandings of how slow the process of change can be? Much of my experience will not let me until I return home and process everything. I’m very inspired and want to contribute to work and be involved in the future.
- Warm families, eager children separation of benefits between villagers, cheerful women who although they felt powerless had made a lot of movement. The success of WOTR is inspiring and believes it can be transferred.
- From the moment we arrived till the moment we left, we were treated as if we were family. It was incredible to see how much watershed project has changed these individuals’ lives in such a way. They have been able to change in a grassroots movement which is key to success. This will be useful for my academic as well as professional life, to see how change occurs.
- It was an eye opener .I learnt something which I will never learn from the classroom. Some of the approaches can be used in my fields of work.
- Very Hospitable, welcoming. Nice accommodations. Smooth time organization. Future job offers, general knowledge /experience.
- Overall very welcoming. People, really open & envious about life in the U.S. Our host family in Bhojdari was very warm and inviting. Learning how organizing and creating Policies sat village level will help me understand grassroots movements in the US.
- It was the most special and touching experience, I have ever had. It has really opened my mind and heart even more. Opened my mind to the way that can be used to facilitate Trusts/NGOs.
- We had large meetings with WDC, SHGs, Youth groups, Women visits to few homes for tea, also spent time in schools. Became more conscious of the way humans + WOTR interact.
