Michelle Peters

I studied abroad in India during the Summer of 2008. The program in Mumbai focused on numerous infectious diseases including leprosy, malaria, and tuberculosis. I was able to witness many medical procedures and shadow physicians during my time in India.  The stark difference between US American and Indian medical care was a shock to me. Through this program, I grew to understand the depth of financial disparities in India. During my study abroad experience, I lived with seven other students in a guesthouse at Mumbai University in very minimally comfortable conditions.  Our housing complex lacked air conditioning, hot water and facilities for washing clothes.  Yet, living in such simplistic conditions gave me only a taste of what many Indians face their entire lives. This experience furthered my leadership skills as well as my abilities in service leadership which will help in my future goals.