Global Internships

This summer, I spent six weeks in Gajnoi, Himachal Pradesh, India working with Arpana Services to develop and expand an eco-tourism program. Arpana Services is currently working to promote economic growth and development in the region by beginning an environmental tourism venture. They hope to inspire the people in the community to respect and appreciate their land and culture, while allowing the natural beauty to be used as a resource to bring in revenue. Our out of classroom work was to take place in the city of Chamba to learn about the history, culture, and handicrafts. We began to go on daily treks and village visits in order to have the guides show and teach us about the region, its unique natural environment, and their daily lives. My six weeks working with Arpana Services was an extremely challenging, frustrating, enlightening, educational, chaotic, hilarious, and amazing time.