Enter Grameen Bank

So far Dhaka has been a surreal experience, one that I find difficult to describe. The rush of emotions, sensations and imagery is intoxicating. As I learn more about the city and its inhabitants I gain more confidence with my surroundings and with myself. I still can't believe I'm halfway around the world in one of the poorest places on Earth. I'm so grateful for this opportunity to learn about the Grameen system firsthand and the Bangladeshi culture. To say that "I'm not in Kansas anymore" is an understatement. So without further adieu, let me briefly recap what has transpired. I feel like I could write for days, but for the sake of your patience I'll keep things short and possibly sweet.

My room at the Grand Prince.

August 2nd (my first day): I arrived at the Grameen Bank's headquarters around 9:30am wild-eyed and somewhat apprehensive. I didn't know what to expect, who I would encounter, and frankly where I was. When I entered the International Program department I was received by my coordinator who had me fill out some paperwork and documentation. After the formality I was suddenly whisked away into Jannat's head office (one of the first females employed by the bank during its inception). Each intern must gain approval by the Ministry of State, and for some reason my approval was pending because my visa and position were in conflict. I sat with her and brainstormed alternative words for "internship," which was being dropped by the bank altogether in favor of the phrase. "Student Learning Program." Jannat then had me comb the entire website for that word, print out my findings and highlight. It was pretty cool working alongside a high ranking member of Grameen and something i didn't expect to do on my first day.

After my work with Jannat was completed she sent me back to the rest of the interns to watch several videos and case studies of the Grameen Generalized System. My internship group is amazingly diverse and cultured. Most are from Europe (France, Spain, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium) and a few from Asia (China, Japan). I'm the only American in my core group of 20 interns. It's something I'll overcome eventually as interest in America is quite low among my peers and sadly no Russians :/.

I spoke with my coordinator about some personal goals of mine and how to achieve the most out of my internship outside of the basic requirements and program structure. I told him the following:
1. I would like to better understand the bank's processes through a "worm's eye view" i.e. field visits and borrow interaction (interpreter required).
2. Spend some time understanding the Branch system.
3. Apply my knowledge of English to help with the Trust and certain clerical work.
After our meeting I was dismissed and went back to the hotel for some a late lunch and tea.

That's all I can afford for now. Later in the week when my schedule moderates, I'll write more. The phone situation will be fixed soon. Don't worry mom, I'm doing fine and my spirits are at an all time high.


- Louis