The Dexter Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Education meets culture
Dexter's Reichhardt teaches and learns in trip to India
By Sandi Kasha, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: March 15, 2007
Even though David Reichhardt traveled to India before, his recent visit felt like a new experience.
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The Dexter Village resident traveled to New Delhi, India on a volunteer basis to teach English to underprivileged students, ages 17 to 22.
"It was very different from when I remembered it," he said about his four-week stay.
"When I traveled to India with the Peace Corps, the technology wasn't there and there wasn't so much of a middle-class family back then."
Reichhardt traveled to India through Cross Cultural Solutions, a non-profit organization devoted to international volunteering aimed at making a difference.
For Reichhardt he wanted to learn about culture while educating. "It was a very rewarding experience," he said. "The students were very receptive and eager to learn."
Reichhardt retired from East Jackson High School seven years ago where he taught science for about 28 years.
"I'm lucky that I have the time to do this," he said. "I've always been interested in traveling and seeing the world."
But Reichhardt would rather volunteer than just sight see.
"I would certainly rather travel to a country and volunteer as an educator than be a tourist," he explained. "I find I learn more from my students and learn more about their culture than if I were to wander around and snap photos."
Reichhardt didn't feel homesick nor did he feel isolated. He said that he lived with seven other volunteers in an apartment complex and had his food prepared for him by cooks.
"I didn't have to worry about any language barriers," he said. "Many people in the country speak English."
Reichhardt also teaches English at Washtenaw Literacy twice a week. But he loves to travel and offer his services as well.
Reichhardt added that he would again volunteer for the organization if he had the opportunity. "Doing this program keeps me active and makes me feel young," he said.
Staff Writer Sandi Kasha can be reached at 475-1371.
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