Student Testimonial: Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn Bio: I am in my fourth year of studies, majoring in Urban Studies with minors in Human Geography and History.
Kaitlyn provided an incredible testimonial on her vibrant experience in India. Kaitlyn learned how to take risks, explored the rich history of India, and dove deep into social justice issues. Read her testimonial to see why she has no regrets participating in the India Summer Abroad program.
Suppose you’re looking for a summer experience unlike any other, visiting some of the world’s most overlooked, marginalized, yet inspiring communities, learning directly from local experts, and living in the vibrant, diverse, never-sleeping city of Mumbai, you’ve come to the right place.
If you have a restless, creative mind, you’ll feel right at home in this course. I feel incredibly lucky that our class was a walking-based one. The city itself became our classroom, with site visits to neighbourhoods that even many locals don’t get to see. We learned not just by listening, but by talking, observing, and reflecting, engaging all our senses as we walked.
Outside of class, my summer abroad in 2025 was filled with unforgettable moments. I fondly remember our group adventures, exploring historic heritage sites, cruising around in local rickshaws late at night, discovering delicious food at local bars and eateries, lazing on the beach, and enjoying live concerts. Our small class size made it easy to bond with peers who shared similar passions and creative energy. By day, we explored the city with local professionals. By night, we lived like young locals, on a budget with plenty of freedom.
The most impactful part of my time in India was interacting with people from diverse backgrounds. Our class gave us the chance to learn about lives so different from our own. As an Urban Studies student, I was used to reading about marginalized communities in case studies and articles. In Mumbai, we stepped into those communities, looked beyond the stereotypes, and got to know the individuals behind them. Talking with NGO leaders, meeting resilient and kind people in Dharavi, and speaking to those in the sex work industry gave me a more human and complex understanding of the world.
My favourite visit was our walk through Dharavi and its Koliwada. Guided by the amazing organizers at urbz, we toured their community initiatives and learned why Dharavi is often referred to as the heart of Mumbai. What stood out to me was how welcoming and down-to-earth everyone was, experts at what they do yet deeply committed to their community. We saw firsthand how their work directly impacts and improves lives. Walking through Dharavi, we met professionals who sustain the city through industries such as fabric dyeing, recycling, and leather tanning —crucial work that often goes unrecognized in cities like Toronto. It made me reflect on how much we overlook the people behind the processes that keep our cities running.
Some of my friends back home questioned why I chose Mumbai for my summer abroad. With all the stereotypes and negativity that circulate on social media, people often ask, “Why?” The truth is, Mumbai will surprise you. This city is full of intricate history, stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Walking around, you notice the striking contrasts of colonial facades, Indigenous cultures, and a mix of wealth and struggle, yet everywhere, people greet you with a smile and a willingness to help. The assignments provided us with space to be creative and delve into the social justice issues we cared about most. At the end of the course, we even got to design and lead our own walking tour.
If you’re unsure about travelling somewhere unfamiliar or different from the usual destinations, take the leap. If you’re worried about the academic requirements, don’t be afraid to ask questions. You might be surprised. This Urban Studies course is open to students from all programs and backgrounds. In our group of six, only three of us were Urban Studies majors, while the rest came from all sorts of disciplines and walks of life.
My advice is to take the risk and take the course. Whether you want to deepen your understanding of urban social injustices, connect with your heritage, or experience a transformative journey that changes how you see the world and yourself, this course is for you. Mumbai boasts a unique charm, characterized by world-class hospitality, intense traffic, UNESCO-recognized heritage sites, and the complex interplay of urban inequality and resilience. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed, providing access to communities that even many locals don’t encounter, all with the support of caring on-site staff, professors and classmates who ensure you never feel lost in the city’s fast-paced environment.
If you’re worried about the academics, Prof. Mehta is one of the best professors to have in any classes, especially in this case. She is deeply thoughtful, approachable, and always offers to help. During our class, she helped us troubleshoot numerous academic questions, provided us with valuable advice, and was compassionate when we faced difficulties with due dates and fulfilling class requirements. The course with her was thus creative, engaging, and never dull.
So go for it and fall in love with the city like we did. You won’t regret it.