William Harrison – 2024 – "My experience through the SiSA program was life-changing as it gave me lifelong friendships, connections, and memories."
Emilio Uribe Botero - 2024
My time in India was truly a life-changing experience. You learn to overcome challenges you never thought possible, and yet they bring you insights you never could have imagined.
From showering with a bucket every day, to enjoying the best seafood I've ever had in Bangalore, to even waking up on a bus to find my sandals had been stolen, there is nothing that I would change about my time in India.
I want to give a huge thanks to Michigan, our donor, and everyone on the team who made this incredible journey possible.
Jorja Wegryn-Jones - 2024
I learned that I can do really hard things. I can do them alone, I can do them scared, and I can do them with severe colitis.
Most importantly, in such a cultural contrast, I was compelled to reflect on myself, my deepest-rooted values, and my farthest-reaching goals. I believe that what I have returned with will continue to guide the course of my life, and I want to extend my most heartfelt thank you to our donor, and the CSAS team, for affording us such a beautiful opportunity.
Aditya Patel - 2024
Even though I was fairly confident in my ability to navigate through India, I knew there would be challenges in navigating through the most populous country in the world. I didn't know how my body would handle all the pollution, street food, and water quality.
When I got there, though, I didn't think about the challenges; I just figured out my way to get through them. This made me realize that we often create problems in our minds, but we don't believe in our ability to handle them.
This trip made me realize that I am more confident and capable of being independent than I previously thought. I am grateful to SiSA for this life-changing experience.
Yixin Zhang - 2024
It's hard to imagine such a transformative trip to South Asia happening during my undergraduate years, but it became a reality. Thanks to the South Asian Studies Center, the generous help of the donor, Professor Matthew, and everyone involved in making this journey possible.
During my time in Sri Lanka, I researched Indian Ocean political dynamics, and IUU fishing and celebrated the Vesak holiday, a beautiful Buddhist festival.
One unforgettable moment was watching the full moon by the seaside in Galle with a friend, waiting for a storm to pass. This journey allowed me to embrace a new culture, build lifelong connections, and aim to make a positive impact.
Don't miss out on it!
Venkatesh Alagappan - 2024
My time in India has been an unforgettable adventure, filled with personal growth, cultural immersion, and eye-opening experiences.
From working on public health initiatives in rural areas to experiencing India's history in person, every moment deepened my appreciation for the vibrant culture of the country.
Despite a few challenges along the way, this journey has truly been one of discovery, both of India and myself!
