Some Experiences inTravelling Abroad - 1 : To Hawai

1. First Trip to Hawaii

Traveling abroad is a dream for many, especially for those who have a passion for exploration. The chance to visit new places, experience different cultures, and meet people from diverse backgrounds is undeniably exciting. For college educators and researchers, international conferences provide an excellent opportunity to combine professional growth with travel. These conferences, hosted in various countries, cater to a wide range of subjects and disciplines.

The first step to embark on such a journey is to submit a research paper to a conference being held in a place of interest. Once the paper is accepted, the next challenge is to arrange the registration fee and travel expenses. While some educational institutions cover the registration fee, the cost of travel—particularly airfare—can be significant. A few government and private institutions offer financial assistance, but applying for these funds requires completing specific forms and submitting proof of paper acceptance. Even with all paperwork in order, approvals often take months, and decisions may not arrive before the conference date. Optimistically funding the trip yourself may lead to partial reimbursement afterward, but there’s no guarantee.

In 1998, I decided to take my first trip abroad by presenting a paper at a conference in Hawaii. The estimated cost was around ?1.5 lakh, while my college offered to cover ?20,000 as the registration fee. The remaining expenses had to be arranged through other means.

Several organizations, including the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and the Kerala Science and Technology Council (STEC), provide financial assistance for such endeavours. However, receiving these funds isn’t assured, and the process can be slow. Despite my financial concerns, my wife and children encouraged me wholeheartedly. With their support, I decided to take a loan from my provident fund to cover the costs.

Accommodation during these trips is another major expense. Conferences are often held in prominent tourist locations, where hotel rates range from $100 to $150 per day. To reduce costs, I researched the East-West University in Hawaii and checked for Indian faculty members on their website. Fortunately, I found a few names and email addresses. I contacted them, explaining my situation and asking if affordable accommodation was available on campus. To my delight, they responded positively and arranged a stay for me at the university’s faculty house for just $25 per day. I was asked to send the amount in advance, but they also reassured me that I could pay them directly upon arrival if necessary. This arrangement saved me a significant amount of money. The university was close to the conference venue, and I could commute easily by bus for just a dollar or two.

Although I left for Hawaii on credit, uncertain if I would be reimbursed, I received fantastic news upon arrival. A research colleague informed me via email that the UGC had approved financial assistance, covering the majority of my expenses. This news was a huge relief.

When I mentioned Honolulu to my colleague’s daughter, she exclaimed, "Oh, isn’t that where active volcanoes are still erupting?" She was right—Hawaii, the 50th state of the United States, is a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean, famous for its volcanic activity. The mention of active volcanoes brought back memories of National Geographic documentaries I’d watched. Hawaii even boasts a national park dedicated to its volcanoes. Although I felt a twinge of apprehension, the encouragement of my loved ones gave me the courage to go.

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