By Maree Callaway
Volunteer Position : English Teacher for “Intensive English Language Course for Geshes and Khenpos”, Personal Tutor and Conversation Class Assistant 

Having led two student trips to India in the past I knew the benefits involved in a volunteer experience in the Indian Himalayas. Therefore, when the opportunity arose to take up a 3-month contract in Mcleod Ganj I rose to the challenge. I knew leaving my husband and my family behind would be tough, but I also acknowledged this involvement would turn out to be life changing.

I flew in to Kangra, the nearest airport, on a beautiful sunny day and was blessed to witness clearly the amazing Himalayan mountains. Many times, during my stay I trekked up those very mountains and was always struck with amazement at their beauty and majesties.

Mcleod is a great little place with so much to see and do close by. Weekends were filled with adventurous hikes, trips to nearby monasteries and temples and fun filled social gatherings. There were nearby villages to explore, chai stalls to drink in, restaurants to dine at, and of course, so many lovely people to meet!

My classes at Lha filled in my weekdays as I was 1 of 3 teachers instructing the Intensive English Language Course for Geshes (monks) Course. The students were so conscientious, dedicated and industrious that it was an honour to teach them. Additionally, they had fabulous senses of humour and our classes were filled with laughter, light and love every day. Watching these adults progress so fast was very rewarding and a testament to their attitude towards their studies. We ended my time there with a dramatic presentation of a small play of moral fables and I was immensely proud of all they managed to achieve in such a short time.

I also volunteered my time by assisting as a private tutor to 2 of the monks and these sessions were totally immersive and joyous, again always filled with banter and smiles. Additionally, I regularly assisted at the conversation class weekdays at 4 pm and always loved the connections made and the depth of discussions we managed to reach.

Throughout my time in Mcleod Ganj, I forged some very long lasting and meaningful friendships with both students and staff at Lha. They were people I will never forget and memories of time spent with them are ones I will always treasure. I felt so welcomed into the entire Tibetan community and was even privileged enough to gain an audience with His Holiness, The Dalai Lama.

In conclusion, I can only say the people and place of McLeod Ganj have left an imprint on my heart that time will not erase. My last day there was a blur of teary farewells. I am not sure my beautiful Geshe Monks will ever recover from watching their teacher break down and sob uncontrollably.

But I will return and so I think of leaving as a time to say goodbye but not a final farewell. As Mahatma Ghandi once said……

“There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.”