4 Airports and 40+ Hours to the Journey of a Lifetime!
There are very rare times when life throws an experience very unknown, but very exciting our way. Global Social Sabbatical is one such unique opportunity to work with some exceptional social enterprises around the world along with a team of highly motivated and talented SAP colleagues.
I got selected for the cohort to Uruguay which is across the world from India. My only point of reference for the country was Suarez and Cavani (and of course Football). Going into this small South American country, with more cows than people, was definitely an adventure of a lifetime! I mean it only took last minute visa stamping, 40 hour journey across 4 airports and a lost baggage scare to get there. 😄
But now that I am here for more than a week, I could say for sure that all of it was worth it. The beautiful, laid back capital city of Montevideo with sprawling 23 KM of Rambla (although it’s a river front, the locals like to call it sea) and just the friendliest people just makes you feel at home even when you don’t speak the language. The food, especially if you are meat lover, is fantastic and there is abundance of Alfajores and Dulce De Leche for the sweet tooths like me 😊
While this program gives you an opportunity to experience a new country, more than that, it gives an opportunity to work closely with individuals coming from different geographies, workplaces, and life experiences but with one common goal of making a difference in our own small way! Starting from the pre-work meetings which introduce you to your colleagues and lovely members of SAP CSR team and Pyxera Global, to meeting them in person for the first time and working everyday with them in your destination country, there are massive learnings each day. The whole setup motivates to move away from our own set ways and explore the new avenues in front of each one of us.
Some personal learnings up until now in this adventure:
· Read about the country you are assigned. Learn about the culture, food, and few words of the local language to make the stay smoother. While the new country will come up with lots of (mostly pleasant) surprises, pre-prep is always helpful.
· Follow the pre-work meetings and documents diligently. It’s carefully curated to be of assistance at every step of the assignment. From logistics to design approach and security briefings, everything can be useful at some moment.
· Be in touch with the local coordinator. They are your guardian angels in the foreign land. Ask packing questions, take suggestions for local things to do and keep them updated with your progress. Their knowledge of the country is super helpful during work as well as leisure.
· Listen. And listen some more. To your host organizations, Pyxera team and project team members.
· Make the most out of your experience but also take care of yourself. Participate in team activities whenever you can for bonding but learn to say no if you need your “me time”.
· Most importantly, come with an open mind. There will be surprises in terms of your host organization, scope of work, teammates, and whatnot. There will be disagreements and conflicts for sure, but as long as you are willing to keep an open outlook, things will work out just fine. Also, be open to embracing new experiences.
I write this today with my bowl of Indian comfort food — Dal Chawal (lentils and rice), looking forward to the surprises awaiting in this incredible journey!
#SocialSabbatical #SAP #Uruguay #Montevideo
