In this article, you’ll hear from IEDP second-year student Coco about her internship experience with Pehlay Akshar Foundation in Mumbai. Coco shares what her role looked like, the skills she developed throughout the internship, and some of the memorable experiences she had while living in Mumbai, like enjoying masala dosa with fresh mint chutney!
Could you share a little about your internship?
I spent a unforgettable summer interning with Pehlay Akshar Foundation (PAF), where I had the opportunity to take on three projects that connected my interests with hands-on work as an IEDP.
My internship began remotely because the intern visa took about two months, so I spent only three weeks in person in Mumbai. But looking back, the remote start gave me valuable space to read PAF’s internal and external reports, conduct background research, and write literature reviews. Along the way, I learned about India’s education system and the local context of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) schools that PAF works closely with.
By the time I landed in Mumbai, I was buzzing with excitement and simply being there felt like a privilege. The in-person work was intensive and deeply meaningful. Drafting a PAF case study and helping strengthen monitoring and evaluation (M&E) assessments gave me opportunities to learn directly from field facilitators and join conversations with the operations teams. The reports I had spent weeks reading came to life through the people behind them, which became the most meaningful part of my summer internship.
What was it like adjusting to the culture and everyday life there?
In a lovely surprise, working remotely turned out to be a little “warm-up” for my arrival. I had already begun building genuine connections with PAF colleagues, so meeting them in person felt like stepping into friendships that were already taking shape. Preparing my IEDP pre-departure report also helped me understand the educational landscape I was entering.
PAF made me feel safe and welcome from day one, and I will always be grateful for that kindness. I stayed near Dadar train station, surrounded by clothing shops, flower markets, and little gift stores. A wonderful place to wander around, and a slightly dangerous place for my shopping budget! During my first few days, I bought a few kurta sets and sarees to wear to work and school visits, which I still wear in Philly sometimes because it’s so comfortable and pretty. One thing I would recommend is learning some practical Hindi beforehand. The BMC schools I encountered included both vernacular- and English-medium classrooms, so a little Hindi could help with everyday interactions. It might also help you keep up with the lunchtime chatter, which is an education of its own. 🙂
How was your experience trying new foods? Did you have any favorites?
I like to think I came back with ten times the spice tolerance I arrived with, which probably tells you how enthusiastically I ate my way through Mumbai. I loved masala dosa with its potato filling, and I still dream about dipping those crisp edges into warm sambar or fresh mint chutney. Then there were Mumbai sandwiches layered with chutney, spices, and sliced vegetables; bombil fry with its crispy crust and soft, buttery center; homemade vada pav; and crab lollipops that were crispy, sweet, and spicy all at once. And, of course, my comforting favorite: lasooni dal with sizzling garlic and chili oil on top. Mumbai is also a heaven for sweet tooth, but let me stop here before this becomes a food blog. You’ll have to try them for yourself one day!
Was there anything you packed that you ended up loving, or anything you wish you had brought?
A few small things can make a big difference:
1. A local SIM card belongs on your arrival checklist. Staying connected makes everyday logistics, from finding your way around to arranging transportation, much easier.
2. Bring your little comforts. I travel quite a bit, and my favorites include earplugs, travel-size tissues, and heating eye masks. They take up very little space but can make an unfamiliar place feel a little more comfortable.
3. Pack for your stomach as well as your appetite. If you’re a curious eater like me, bring any familiar stomach remedies you normally rely on.
4. Respect the monsoon. If you’re visiting during monsoon season, bring an umbrella or rain jacket. You’ll be very happy you packed!
5. I did bring my camera for photography but ended up using my phone mostly because it’s quick and light to carry.
