Suhani Garg
<i>"Hello" in your host country's language:</i> Namaste
<i>Home Institution (your U.S. University/College):</i> Georgetown University
<i>Expected graduation year:</i> 2023
<i>Destination city & country:</i> Lucknow, India
<i>Program provider:</i> American Institute of Indian Studies
<i>Major/minor:</i> Regional and Comparative Studies (South Asia and Latin America) / Economics and International Development
<i>Demographics:</i> Asian/Asian American, South Asian, First-Generation American
<i>Future career aspirations:</i> I hope to pursue a Ph.D. in political economy to continue research on how development practices can evolve to be more sustainable and redistributive, rather than focused solely on growth in the Global South. Inspired by my experience working with NGOs and by my upbringing in India, I also hope to enter the social impact space. Alongside a career in academia, I hope to create an organization in South Asia to increase access to health and education services for women and children, and support community-based ventures that are more attune to the needs of the local ecosystem than external development actors may be.
<i>Top 3 goals for your time abroad:</i> To build meaningful relationships with my fellow students and the local communities around me.
To immerse myself in Lucknowi culture through its dance, music, food, architecture, art, and languages.
To reconnect with my roots and give back to the community in some way.
