Alastair Pavrey a student of St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, went on an internship to Moscow through AIESEC Mumbai. Here is his experience.
 

“Moscow is a very big city and the only way to get around was through public transport. I used the metro and the buses to a large extent. I enjoyed travelling this beautiful city with other AIESECers and ventured to different places. I was living with a family and was provided with a luxurious rooms and I had a great time with AIESEC Moscow, especially with my host, Olga and buddy, Aliona. They were the sole responsible in integrating me into the Moscow lifestyle and local committee.

I also attended a recruitment seminar for AIESECers at the AIESEC Head Office in Moscow. In this seminar, we had mock interviews and a whole briefing on how interns are selected online. I also got a chance to spend a day with kids from a special rehab centre in which these kids were taken alcoholic-abused homes and placed into foster homes after a certain period. In this 5 week internship I  was made to hold debates on Leadership and talk about India as a country and exchange cultural ideology.

My experience in Moscow was a breathtaking experience. As an experienced intern I would like to tell future interns that though I faced many problems, I had a great learning experience..Language is the main key power to integrate with any culture. If you are really interested in the local language, then you should go ahead and learn the basic sentences and phrases. People always like when you take an interest in their culture and language and it does give a good impression about yourself and helps you to communicate easily.

This AIESEC experience was a life transforming one and I would love to go for such programs through AIESEC.”

Balakalakaar is an annual initiative taken up by the local office of AIESEC in Mumbai. It is organized with the aim of creating an opportunity for the under privileged children of the city to discover and develop their potential in creative exercises such as Art, Dance, Drama, Music, and Craft.

We at AIESEC Mumbai believe that every person is born with some hidden talent. At Balakalakaar 2011, we hope to bring out that creative artist and the soulful dancer in every underprivileged child and provide a platform for them to showcase their talents through our workshops, events and competitions.

To volunteer, register on http://balakalakaar.aiesecmumbai.org/volunteer-for-balakalakaar.html