Three York Students Gain Transformative Perspectives on CUNY Study Abroad

A 26-member student-faculty delegation from the City University of New York (CUNY), including three students and a faculty member from York College, embarked on an unforgettable study abroad experience in India and Thailand this summer.

From August 4th through the 8th, the delegation participated in the India Trek program, visiting the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) and the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT). Organized under the Achyuta Samanta India Initiative of CUNY, the program included campus tours, classroom visits, and exchanges with students and faculty. The group gained valuable insights into the diverse academic programs and activities at both institutions.

The KISS & KIIT Foundation provides free education, accommodation, and healthcare to over 80,000 indigenous children across its campuses, including its flagship site in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The foundation aims to eradicate poverty and illiteracy while promoting holistic education and vocational training to empower underprivileged populations. KISS has earned international recognition for its impact, including special consultative status with the United Nations.

For the CUNY delegation, the visit offered a firsthand look at the transformative power of education in the lives of tribal children. York College was represented by Economics Professor Dr. Efstathia Korkou, and students Mansi Thakkar, Farushe Aliaj, and Stephania Monestime. Their reflections underscore the profound impact of study abroad opportunities.

One of the students, Mansi Thakkar, shared, "My study abroad experience reshaped the way I see the world, opening my heart to new art, colors, and traditions while strengthening our bond as a team. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to learn from such rich cultures, which have inspired me to channel my purpose into meaningful action. This journey reminded me that even the smallest contributions can create a lasting impact."

Another student, Farushe Aliaj, added, "This experience transformed the way I see the world and challenged my beliefs. It gave me the confidence to channel my purpose into doing good, no matter how small the change may be."

For student, Stephania Monestime, the program added special meaning to her summer: "This was truly a unique experience, one that opened my eyes to how vast the world really is, Monestime said. "It made me realize that there's so much more beyond what I've grown up knowing about different cultures and people. Being in a new environment and learning how others live their daily lives was both humbling and inspiring."

Dr. Korkou echoed her students' sentiments upon her return.

"Every time you travel, you never come back the same person," she reflected. "Traveling gets you out of your comfort zone, but very soon, magical things start to happen. Our CUNY study abroad sustainability journey introduced us to a whole new world, unveiling India's beautifully complicated vastness and Thailand's mesmerizing humility. Our students returned with a deep appreciation of hard work, team spirit, and the true art of giving."