[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Debjani08.jpg” caption=”Fourth-year Arts & Science student Debjani Poddar spent five-weeks volunteering in Ghana last summer. Photo courtesy of Debjani Poddar.”]When Debjani Poddar received an Arts & Science Experiential Learning Travel Scholarship earlier this year, she knew exactly how she wanted to use it. The fourth-year Arts & Science student chose to spend five weeks at a refugee camp in Ghana where she volunteered with people living with HIV/AIDS.

“I was thrilled to find out that I had received the Arts & Science Experiential Learning Travel Scholarship in late March. Having the financial support of the University has really increased the ease with which I've organized my placement here in Ghana,” said Poddar, adding that the scholarship enabled her to focus on her volunteer work instead of the expenses she incurred while abroad.

Working with a local organization called Children Better Way, Poddar visited and provided informal counseling to people living with HIV/AIDS. She also taught English and math at a local school that provided free education to children living in the camp.

“The experience has been incredible, and has given me a much better understanding of many of the issues I have studied in political science courses during my academic career at McMaster,” she said. “Living and volunteering in a refugee camp is also giving me a unique perspective on my own experiential education project in which I am focusing on international human rights law and refugee issues.”

Established in 2002 by Arts & Science alumni, the Arts & Science Experiential Learning Travel Scholarship is awarded to a student who has completed at least Level II of the Honours Arts & Science Program, is currently registered in an Arts & Science Experiential Learning course and has achieved notable academic standing. Valued at $1,000, the scholarship is one of many opportunities to enrich the student learning experience as part of The Campaign for McMaster University.