Jason Klingaman
India, Summer 2001

Photo: Jason and friends

If there is anyone out there considering doing an AIESEC traineeship, stop considering and do it. Don't hesitate; don't worry about leaving everyone and everything you know because it will be an amazing experience that you will never forget. At least this much is true for me my traineeship to Delhi, India was not only an absolute and complete blast, but it was also a life-changing experience - and I'm not just saying this to sound all enlightened and stuff. Meeting people from all over the world and experiencing another culture will give you a new and fresh way to look at the world, if you're ready to start gazing.

          But, for some more specific information, as I said I was in Delhi, India and I worked for a software company there. My colleagues are truly great people and I got to know them very well. That's the best part of actually working in another country - you see things and get to know people on a level that tourists and travelers just plain don't. More than that, though, you also, on top of that, get to live with people from all over the world. I lived and hung out with people from Finland, Sweden, Germany, England, Ireland, Bangladesh, Panama, Canada, Switzerland, Wales, Malaysia, and also America. I learned as much about Europe as I did about India! I even had a chance to meet up with 17 of my friends after we returned to our home country, and keep in touch with them over email on a regular basis. I hope to see them again soon.

          The main thing you have to do is to want it - you have to want the completely new cultural experience and be open to whatever may come. More important than that, though, you have to sign up and go somewhere!!
A little advice - wherever you go, make an effort to learn the language before you go. As English speaking Americans, we all know that we can get by without learning another language but I strongly recommend that you take the effort to converse in the local language, it will add a whole new depth to your experience.
And finally before I go, I'd like to put in a plug for India. Go there, it's amazing. I'm going out for Indian food tonight for my birthday and I can't wait.

Best of luck on your traineeships,
Jason Klingaman